Podcasts about characteristics

In this episode, Ryan and Isaías Rapan go through the history of the "final girl." Ryan and Isaías discuss Carol J. Clover's writing about the term, describe the different interpretations of the concept, and investigate the qualities that make a character a "final girl." They catalog specific examples that show the evolution of this character mold from the 1970s to 2026. Ryan and Isaías each name an underrated final girl, as well as thoroughly examining the final girl through the characters of SCREAM. Then, Ashely joins Ryan to discuss the Taylor Swift song of the week, "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me" from the Tortured Poets Department.  Who Counts as a Final Girl? Characteristics of a Final Girl The Evolution of Final Girls from 1970s through 2026 Underrated Final Girls & The Future "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" Follow us at @ScreamWithRCS at Instagram, Facebook, and X. Sign up at Patreon.com/screamwithrcs to get your own interview on the podcast in honor of the 30th anniversary of SCREAM (1996).

Eight Characteristics About Family admin Wed, 08/26/2026 - 12:00am You can't choose your family, but you can choose how you relate to them. It's never too late to start extending grace.

We just launched our new book! You can grab The Power of Your Personal Brand: A Playbook for Struggling Middle Managers Who Want to Do Big Things on Amazon or at ForthRight-People.com In the latest installment of The Power of Your Personal Brand Series, we're doing a deep dive into the 3rd component of the Personal Brand Framework: your Behaviors + Actions. Behaviors + Actions are how you show up and engage in the world around you. They're how people experience you. They're manifestations of your Characteristics. And, though we say it is very difficult to change your Characteristics, you can control your Behaviors +Actions. In fact, you must, in order to achieve your Big Things. For more about ForthRight Business by ForthRight People or for 1:1 consultation, check us out at ForthRight-Business.com And as always, if you need Strategic Counsel, don't hesitate to reach out to us at: ForthRight-People.com FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/forthrightpeople.marketingagency INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/forthrightpeople/ LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/forthright-people/ RESOURCES https://www.forthright-people.com/resources VIRTUAL CONSULTANCY https://www.forthright-people.com/shop

In this episode, we explore the upcoming lunar eclipse in Shatabhisha - the nakshatra associated with the hundred healers. With the Moon joining Rahu, this eclipse directs our attention toward the future. This can encourage progression, innovation, and deep change. Shatabhisha can illuminate themes of collective healing, social causes, and people coming together... This can be in our personal lives OR collectively. Similarly, friendships or group dynamics may be changing. Along the Aquarius/Leo axis, we may also witness a growing tension between the needs of the collective and the influence of leaders, dynasties, and established systems of power.The Sun's conjunction with Ketu may bring up karmic themes related to leadership, visibility, and authority. On a personal level, this can reveal karmas connected to the father, our relationship with recognition, and the way accept our own power.Although Venus remains debilitated, Chitra offers tremendous creative potential. This can be utilized as a time to refine our vision and bring greater beauty and intention into what we are building... Particularly in regard to relationship! We also discuss Mars in Ardra. This is one of the many factors contributing to intense weather and storms.Characteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast 

# Episode 157: Swedish Ghost Rockets – A Deep Dive into Declassified UAP History **Episode Summary** – In this compelling episode of the Rocky Mountain UFO Podcast, we examine recently declassified government files that illuminate decades of military and intelligence encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). From the 1946 Swedish Ghost Rocket wave to modern infrared footage of "cold orbs" over the Gulf of Oman, this presentation reveals a consistent pattern of advanced technology that defies conventional explanation. --- ## The 2021 Gulf of Oman Incident: UAPs React to Weapons Fire Among the most striking revelations in recent document releases is footage from September 2021, captured by a U.S. Special Operations Forces AC-130J gunship during a live-fire exercise over the Gulf of Oman . **Key details from the incident:** - Approximately **25 UAP instances** were observed on infrared sensors - Objects described as **"cold orbs"** approximately four feet in diameter - Speeds ranging from **250 to 1,300 miles per hour** - No detected means of propulsion - Objects appeared to **react to the aircraft firing its main cannon**, described as "similar to how dolphins playfully swim in a pod" The objects were first spotted hovering above a water-activated flare dropped as a mock target, suggesting deliberate observation of military activity . --- ## FBI Reconstructions: Massive Triangular Craft The fifth PURSUE tranche of declassified files, released August 7, 2026, includes FBI digital reconstructions of large triangular objects that have repeatedly appeared near military installations . **Notable triangular UAP sightings include:** ### Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan – 2002 At approximately 4:30 AM, a U.S. military pilot observed stars becoming obscured, revealing a massive equilateral triangular object estimated at **over 150 meters in size** – larger than any aircraft ever built . The object: - Flew from west to east at a stable speed of approximately 150 knots (277 km/h) - Emitted **no sound or light** - Maintained constant altitude - Was witnessed by a fellow pilot who asked, "Did you see that?" ### Additional Sightings - **2011 Afghanistan** – Two U.S. servicemen reported a similar triangular craft - **2023 Colorado Springs** – A former Pentagon employee described a "dark, triangular object that felt transparent" Harvard astrophysicist **Avi Loeb** noted that a 150-meter craft would exceed any known aircraft in size, lending credibility to military witnesses with decades of experience . --- ## Historical Context: The 1946 Swedish Ghost Rockets The episode traces the phenomenon back to the summer of 1946, when approximately **1,500–2,000 sightings** were recorded across Scandinavia . **Characteristics of the Ghost Rockets:** - Observed during both day and night - High-speed projectiles with ball or projectile shapes - Incandescent colors: blue, white, red, green, or yellow - Sometimes associated with noise - Observed too far away for detailed examination The Swedish Defense Staff conducted a comprehensive investigation but attributed sightings to astronomical phenomena – a conclusion that U.S. Project Blue Book and Project Grudge officers accepted without further investigation . ### The Soviet Missile Hypothesis At the time, many assumed the objects were Soviet V-2 rockets developed from captured German technology. The Soviets had active missile programs at Mittelwerk, Germany, in 1946, potentially conducting test launches toward the North Sea . However, declassified Swedish files show sightings continued even after press coverage ended, suggesting the phenomenon transcended any single explanation . --- ## Performance Characteristics Defying Known Physics Across multiple declassified documents, a consistent pattern emerges of UAPs exhibiting performance characteristics that **cannot be reconciled with known aerospace engineering** : | Characteristic | Documentation | |----------------|---------------| | 90-degree turns at high speed | Multiple military encounters | | Cold-IR objects emitting no heat | Gulf of Oman 2021 | | Hypersonic travel without sonic signatures | Various reports | | Sustained transmedium flight | Multiple sensor data | | Instantaneous acceleration | Historical and modern cases | These characteristics have been documented across **decades of multi-sensor military encounters**, sworn Congressional testimony, and the unclassified record of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence . --- ## The PURSUE Declassification Program The released documents are part of the **Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE)** , launched by the Department of War on May 8, 2026, following President Trump's February 2026 directive ordering agencies to declassify UAP and UFO records . **What's included:** - 41 files released in the fifth tranche (August 7, 2026) - 513 MB of video footage, 130 MB of documents - Materials from the Pentagon, FBI, CIA, State Department, and Office of the President - Unresolved cases spanning from the 1950s to 2026 **Official statement:** Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated, "These files, hidden behind classifications, have long fueled justified speculation – and it's time the American people see it for themselves" . --- ## Conclusion: A Persistent Reality The cumulative evidence presented in this episode suggests that UAPs represent a **persistent reality rather than explainable errors**. From the 1946 Ghost Rockets to modern military encounters, these declassified sources demonstrate: 1. **Consistent reporting** of advanced performance characteristics across decades 2. **Active documentation** by multiple government agencies 3. **Repeated interactions** with military assets 4. **Unresolved cases** that the government cannot explain As former defense analyst Marik von Rennenkampff observed, "These new records continue to show a great deal of strange and extremely inexplicable activity in the sky" . --- **Listen to the full episode of the Rocky Mountain UFO Podcast for an in-depth analysis of these documents and the implications for our understanding of non-human technology.** *The truth is out there… and it's waiting in the Rockies.*

Pastor Caleb Kinney Sunday Evening 8/9/26

On August 5, 2016, Jamarion Robinson—a 26-year-old college student-athlete—was killed after being shot 76 times during a raid by a federal fugitive task force in East Point, Georgia. Despite a lack of body camera footage, overwhelming tactical force, and unanswered questions surrounding his mental health crisis, his story remains a stark testament to systemic injustice and unchecked authority.In this episode of The Forefront Radio, we break down the historical timeline of Jamarion Robinson's case and examine how it directly aligns with the prophetic truths written in Psalm 10—a psalm that exposes the pride of the wicked, the ambushing of the vulnerable, and the inevitable judgment of God.

Today we discuss the main astrological events taking place in August 2026 with an emphasis on the upcoming eclipse in Cancer. We spend time assessing Cancer and the nakshatra of Ashlesha - the nakshatra governed by the Nagas and its connection to intuition, perception, and the weaving together of the intellectual and intuitive mind. Ashlesha is extremely mystical, setting some of us up for a very enlightening month.With this eclipse occurring in Cancer, themes of vulnerability, emotional security, and belonging come to the surface. Cancer reminds us that vulnerability can either strengthen or disrupt our sense of safety, depending on how we respond to what we discover about ourselves or others.We also discuss Venus moving through its sign of debilitation, Mars in Gemini, and the growing emphasis on health and wellness throughout the month. Eclipse season often brings fated events, karmic reckonings, and unexpected changes... And also, blessings, awakenings, and inspiration!Characteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast 

Just 29% of creator ads outperform the average brand ad. Research from System 1, WPP Media and Tiktok uncovers what drives attention, emotion and brand recognition across creator content. System 1's Andrew Tindall and brand strategist Eugene Healey join WARC's Anna Hamill to break down creator effectiveness hacks, how to brief creators properly, and why so many marketers are using the wrong metrics to measure success. Guests: Andrew Tindall, Chief Advertising Officer, System1 Eugene Healey, Brand Strategist and Content Creator (@eugbrandstrat) Anna Hamill, Senior Editor, The WARC Podcast Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Welcome to The WARC Podcast 00:10 - How do creators build brands? 02:17 - Methodology of the WPP Media/TikTok/System1 creator research 04:09 - What really drives brand memory: engagement, deep engagement or creativity? 05:37 - How should creators and brands think about brand fit and long-term impact? 07:54 - What metrics should marketers prioritise in creator marketing? 13:55 - Characteristics of the most effective creator campaigns 16:27 - What creator content actually performs on social? 20:03 - 3x brand memory lift from early brand cues 22:43 - Briefing creators for authenticity and effectiveness 27:54 - Why you can't outbrief a bad strategy in creator marketing 29:27 - What are social devices and what is the one thing marketers should do next? For 40 years, WARC has been providing the marketing industry with rigorous, unbiased evidence and expert effectiveness guidance. The WARC Podcast publishes a new episode every Tuesday and Thursday. Subscribe to The WARC Podcast here: https://www.warc.com/en/warc-podcastsSign up to daily WARC News for free: https://www.warc.com/en/latestBook a demo: https://www.warc.com/en/subscribe

In this session Keith talks about the signs of a true apostle. He breaks down what a healthy apostle is verses a false apostle. He shares some significant keys for those wanting understanding on what apostles and prophets should look like in kingdom of God and the church that Jesus is building.

Episode 1 - Characteristics of the ideal companion on the Way

Pastor Brian Henderson

SummaryIn this episode, we explore the profound impact of words on our lives, drawing insights from Proverbs and the life of Jesus to understand how our speech reflects our hearts and influences our world. Discover practical wisdom on speaking life, healing wounds, and aligning our words with God's purpose.Chapters00:00 Introduction: The significance of the tongue in Proverbs02:12 The influence of words on our lives and relationships03:55 God's view on the power of words in creation and reflection06:07 The dual nature of the tongue: blessing and tearing down07:53 The destructive power of careless words and the healing potential of wise speech09:48 Characteristics of wise words: truth, kindness, and precision12:00 The importance of timing and context in speech14:14 The role of the heart in our words: Proverbs and Luke16:02 The gospel's transformative power over our speech17:55 Jesus' perfect words and His sacrifice on the cross20:11 The Spirit's work in healing our tongues at Pentecost21:58 Our words' purpose: glorifying God and building others24:01 Practical steps: reflecting on our words and seeking forgiveness25:54 Encouragement to speak life and trust God's oversight28:07 Closing prayer: loosing our redeemed tongues for God's purposeResourcesThe Bible, Proverbs, Luke, John, Ephesians - https://www.biblegateway.com/Proverbs - The Book of Wisdom - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs&version=NIVJesus Christ - The Savior - https://www.christianity.com/wiki/jesus-christHoly Spirit - The Comforter - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14&version=NIV

 5 Characteristics of Revival

The Biblical Teacher: Why the Church Desperately Needs Sound Doctrine – Foundational Issues Part 7 | KIB 541 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description Welcome to Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Episode 541 with Dr. Michael Lake and Mary Lou Lake. What does Scripture teach about the biblical office of the teacher? Why is sound doctrine so critical in an age of deception, AI, and increasing spiritual confusion? In this episode, Dr. Michael Lake continues the Fivefold Ministry series by examining the biblical calling, character, and responsibilities of God's teachers. Drawing from the ministries of Jesus, Ezra, Apollos, Timothy, and the Apostle Paul, this teaching reveals that biblical teachers are called to do far more than transfer information—they are commissioned to bring believers into spiritual maturity through faithful exposition of God's Word. Mary Lou opens the program with a timely discussion on overcoming spiritual strongholds, breaking ungodly influences, and remaining firmly established in Christ rather than the counterfeit systems of the world. Together they examine the importance of discernment, the dangers of occult influence, the proper use of technology, and why believers must continually renew their minds with Scripture. If you desire to grow deeper in God's Word and develop biblical discernment for the days ahead, this teaching will provide a strong scriptural foundation. In this episode, you'll discover: ·       The biblical office of the teacher ·       Why Jesus was called "Teacher" more than any other title ·       The responsibilities of a biblical teacher ·       The difference between information and transformation ·       Why sound doctrine protects the Church ·       The importance of study, obedience, and faithful teaching ·       How false teaching spreads in the last days ·       Biblical principles for evaluating AI and modern technology ·       Why discernment is essential for every believer ·       How teachers help equip the Body of Christ for spiritual maturity

July 26, 2026 sermon from Providence Reformed Church Las Vegas by Providence Elder, Jason Letkiewicz

In this podcast, we talk about Guru Purnima and the relationship between the guru and the soul. Guru Purnima occurs every year... but THIS YEAR, Jupiter will be in the exact degree as the Sun. For some, there can be spiritual confusion. However, it can also be time of profound insight and awakening. This is a powerful time to honor our teachers, connect with the guru within, and reflect on the wisdom guiding our path.We also discuss Saturn retrograde and how this transit may take us on spiritual journeys, deepen our spiritual practice, and bring awareness to our commitments. Saturn may also bring karmic lessons to the surface... Not to punish us, but to help us gain the wisdom and maturity needed to move forward.Mars in Gemini creates intensity around travel, communication, media, and the United States. As we move toward eclipse season, things may feel increasingly unpredictable. Eclipse energy can rock the boat for world leaders while highlighting themes connected to the homeland, security, and national identity.Finally, we talk about Venus debilitated in Virgo while receiving the influence of both Saturn and Mars. This can create intensity around love, relationships, finances, creativity, and self-worth. Venus in Virgo may become perfectionistic, critical, or overly focused on what needs to be fixed. However, we can lean into the positive qualities of this transit by practicing discernment, tending carefully to what we love, and using our awareness to create meaningful healing.Characteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast 

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Substackhttps://substack.com/@theoccultrejects?r=7auau0&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageCash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsCore Sleep Paralysis ScienceSharpless, Brian A., and Jacques P. Barber. “Lifetime Prevalence Rates of Sleep Paralysis: A Systematic Review.” Sleep Medicine Reviews 15, no. 5 (2011): 311–315.Sharpless, Brian A. “A Clinician's Guide to Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 12 (2016): 1761–1767.Cheyne, J. Allan, Steve D. Rueffer, and Ian R. Newby-Clark. “Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Hallucinations during Sleep Paralysis: Neurological and Cultural Construction of the Night-Mare.” Consciousness and Cognition 8, no. 3 (1999): 319–337.Cheyne, J. Allan. “Sleep Paralysis and the Structure of Waking-Nightmare Hallucinations.” Dreaming 13, no. 3 (2003): 163–179.Cheyne, J. Allan. “Situational Factors Affecting Sleep Paralysis and Associated Hallucinations: Position and Timing Effects.” Journal of Sleep Research 11, no. 2 (2002): 169–177.Solomonova, Elizaveta. “Sleep Paralysis: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Treatment.” In The Oxford Handbook of Spontaneous Thought: Mind-Wandering, Creativity, and Dreaming, edited by Kieran C. R. Fox and Kalina Christoff. Oxford University Press, 2018.Baland Jalal / Panic-Hallucination / TreatmentJalal, Baland. “How to Make the Ghosts in My Bedroom Disappear? Focused-Attention Meditation Combined with Muscle Relaxation (MR Therapy): A Direct Treatment Intervention for Sleep Paralysis.” Frontiers in Psychology 7 (2016): 28. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00028.Jalal, Baland, and V. S. Ramachandran. “Sleep Paralysis and ‘The Bedroom Intruder': The Role of the Right Superior Parietal, Phantom Pain and Body Image Projection.” Medical Hypotheses 83, no. 6 (2014): 755–757.Jalal, Baland. “The Neuropharmacology of Sleep Paralysis Hallucinations: Serotonin 2A Activation and a Novel Therapeutic Drug.” Psychopharmacology 235, no. 11 (2018): 3083–3091.Jalal, Baland, Lucia Moruzzi, Andrea Zangrandi, Matteo Filardi, Claudio Franceschini, Fabio Pizza, et al. “Meditation-Relaxation (MR Therapy) for Sleep Paralysis: A Pilot Study in Patients with Narcolepsy.” Frontiers in Neurology 11 (2020): 922. doi:10.3389/fneur.2020.00922.Folklore, Myth, and the Old HagHufford, David J. The Terror That Comes in the Night: An Experience-Centered Study of Supernatural Assault Traditions. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1982.Hufford, David J. “Sleep Paralysis as Spiritual Experience.” Transcultural Psychiatry 42, no. 1 (2005): 11–45.Adler, Shelley R. Sleep Paralysis: Night-mares, Nocebos, and the Mind-Body Connection. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 2011.Davies, Owen. “The Nightmare Experience, Sleep Paralysis, and Witchcraft Accusations.” Folklore 114, no. 2 (2003): 181–203.Bond, John. An Essay on the Incubus, or Nightmare. London: Printed for D. Wilson and T. Durham, 1753.Golzari, Samad E. J., et al. “Sleep Paralysis in Medieval Persia — The Hidayat of Akhawayni (?–983 AD).” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 8 (2012): 229–234.Cross-Cultural Sleep ParalysisHinton, Devon E., Vuth Pich, Dara Chhean, and Mark H. Pollack. “‘The Ghost Pushes You Down': Sleep Paralysis-Type Panic Attacks in a Khmer Refugee Population.” Transcultural Psychiatry 42, no. 1 (2005): 46–77.Hinton, Devon E., Vuth Pich, Dara Chhean, Mark H. Pollack, and Richard J. McNally. “Sleep Paralysis among Cambodian Refugees: Association with PTSD Diagnosis and Severity.” Depression and Anxiety 22, no. 2 (2005): 47–51.Jalal, Baland, and Devon E. Hinton. “Rates and Characteristics of Sleep Paralysis in the General Population of Denmark and Egypt.” Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry 37, no. 3 (2013): 534–548.Jalal, Baland, Joseph Simons-Rudolph, Bamo Jalal, and Devon E. Hinton. “Explanations of Sleep Paralysis among Egyptian College Students and the General Population in Egypt and Denmark.” Transcultural Psychiatry 51, no. 2 (2014): 158–175.Jalal, Baland, Andrea Romanelli, and Devon E. Hinton. “Cultural Explanations of Sleep Paralysis in Italy: The Pandafeche Attack and Associated Supernatural Beliefs.” Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry 39, no. 4 (2015): 651–664.Olunu, Esther, Ruth Kimo, Esther Olufunmbi Onigbinde, Mary-Amadeus Uduak Akpanobong, and Inyene Ezekiel Enang. “Sleep Paralysis, a Medical Condition with a Diverse Cultural Interpretation.” International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research 8, no. 3 (2018): 137–142.Sensed Presence / Body Map / Shadow Person NeuroscienceArzy, Shahar, Margitta Seeck, Stephanie Ortigue, Laurent Spinelli, and Olaf Blanke. “Induction of an Illusory Shadow Person.” Nature 443 (2006): 287.Blanke, Olaf, Stephanie Ortigue, Theodor Landis, and Margitta Seeck. “Stimulating Illusory Own-Body Perceptions.” Nature 419 (2002): 269–270.Blanke, Olaf, Theodor Landis, Laurent Spinelli, and Margitta Seeck. “Out-of-Body Experience and Autoscopy of Neurological Origin.” Brain 127, no. 2 (2004): 243–258.Ionta, Silvio, Lukas Heydrich, Bigna Lenggenhager, Michael Mouthon, Eleonora Fornari, Dominique Chapuis, Roger Gassert, and Olaf Blanke. “Multisensory Mechanisms in Temporo-Parietal Cortex Support Self-Location and First-Person Perspective.” Neuron 70, no. 2 (2011): 363–374.Blanke, Olaf, Polona Pozeg, Masayuki Hara, Lukas Heydrich, Andrea Serino, Akio Yamamoto, Toshiro Higuchi, et al. “Neurological and Robot-Controlled Induction of an Apparition.” Current Biology 24, no. 22 (2014): 2681–2686.Alien Abduction / Modern Mythic MaskMcNally, Richard J., and Susan A. Clancy. “Sleep Paralysis, Sexual Abuse, and Space Alien Abduction.” Transcultural Psychiatry 42, no. 1 (2005): 113–122.Clancy, Susan A. Abducted: How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2005.Blackmore, Susan. “Abduction by Aliens or Sleep Paralysis?” Skeptical Inquirer 22, no. 3 (1998): 23–28.Clinical Sleep / Narcolepsy / REM BackgroundAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine. International Classification of Sleep Disorders. 3rd ed., text revision. Darien, IL: American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2023.Scammell, Thomas E. “Narcolepsy.” New England Journal of Medicine 373, no. 27 (2015): 2654–2662.Saper, Clifford B., Patrick M. Fuller, Nigel P. Pedersen, Jun Lu, and Thomas E. Scammell. “Sleep State Switching.” Neuron 68, no. 6 (2010): 1023–1042.Brooks, Patricia L., and John H. Peever. “Identification of the Transmitter and Receptor Mechanisms Responsible for REM Sleep Paralysis.” Journal of Neuroscience 32, no. 29 (2012): 9785–9795.Avidan, Alon Y., and Phyllis C. Zee, eds. Handbook of Sleep Medicine. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2011.Visual / Art HistoryFuseli, Henry. The Nightmare. 1781. Oil on canvas. Detroit Institute of Arts.Myrone, Martin. Gothic Nightmares: Fuseli, Blake and the Romantic Imagination. London: Tate Publishing, 2006.Powell, Nicolas. Fuseli: The Nightmare. London: Allen Lane, 1973.Also want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. 

Get Started With Muscle Activation Techniques® To Loosen Your Tight & Achy Muscles Without Stretching: https://www.matschaumburg.com Success leaves clues, and when you look at the clients who have the most success with us, they are no exception to this rule. In fact, there are two distinct characteristics of the clients who get the best results with Muscle Activation Techniques® and strength training that we have seen come up time and again. Fortunately, these characteristics are learnable and can be implemented by anybody really quickly. On this week's episode of the Exercise Is Health podcast, we are discussing what these two characteristics are, why they are so impactful on the results people get, and how you can start implementing them in your life right now. If you want a quick and easy way to start improving the results you get with your workouts and in many areas of your life, this is a discussion you need to hear. Check out all the details in this week's episode! Ready to schedule your first Muscle Activation Techniques® session with us? Click here to get started: http://vagaro.com/muscleactivationschaumburg/services Looking for custom workout programming that gets designed to your exact specifications to build your strength and athleticism? Sign up for PRO Strength & Performance Programming: https://www.charliecates.com/programming Would you like to have our guidance implementing the 4 Exercise For Life Principles while you workout? Join the Exercise For Life Membership for free for 30 days! Just head to www.exerciseforlifestudios.com to get started! Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving us a rating and review on the following platforms: – Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exercise-is-health/id1330420565 – Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6H1CneHjsPiPStrAeFTP25?si=X1IuXkp0T1KCv3gCtt3j5g  Want to grab a free copy of our best-selling book, "The Exercise For Life Method"? Click here to order yours while copies are still available! www.exerciseforlifemethod.com Just cover the cost of shipping and handling to have it delivered right to you. Follow us on Instagram for more exercise tips and content about MAT here: – Muscle Activation Schaumburg: @muscleactivationschaumburg  – Julie Cates: @julcates  – Charlie Cates: @charliecates

We listen to Victor Davis Hanson describe the rise in Socialism and the characteristics that are associated with that theme. Psychologists make up one group that has been captured by the far left. We discussed the psychological motivations that create the political incentives for socialists and some of the experiences that Julie has had with the Psychologist organization.Clip from The Daily SignalVictor Davis Hanson: The Ungrateful Urban Class Turning Into the New Democrat Socialist PartyFollow Us:YouTubeXFacebookBlueskyAll audio & videos edited by: Jay Prescott Videography

Why does something as small as brushing your hair or tying a ponytail suddenly feel painful?In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the hidden link between scalp sensitivity and migraine — and why this pain is not “in your head,” but often a sign of an overwhelmed nervous system.You'll discover:

In this 2 verses, we build upon Jude's message about false teachers. They have some characteristics that help us to understand who they are. But through all of the harm they may cause, we know that we worship a good, good God!

In Part 1 we started discussing the study Two Years After Stopping GLP-1s, Most Patients Sustain at Least Some Weight Loss by Bartelt et al. which I identified as possibly the worst, and definitely among the top 3 worst, studies I've ever analyzed.In part 1 we talked about the platform (Epic Research), the researchers, and the basic methodology for reporting. Today we're going to get into the analysis. Remember that there are two sources, the first is the actual article, the second is what I am calling the supplementary materials that is a pdf that is linked (though not at all clearly) in the article.We'll compare the claims made in the article to the data shown in the supplementary materials. I think as we get into this it may be helpful (and maybe just a bit comforting) to remember that this was not published in a peer reviewed journal - it's Epic publishing Epic's research on Epic's website.We'll begin with the most basic claim: “we studied 188,722 patients who stopped using a GLP-1 medication after being on it for at least 90 days and who lost at least 5 pounds while on it.”You might be thinking “wait - in Part 1 you said the study population was 323,782, what happened to the other 135,060 people? Let's go on this journey together. We'll start by looking at their data. In the supplementary materials, Table 1: Characteristics of the Study Population looks like this:So they say in the article that they studied 188,722 patients but the very first line of the supplementary materials chart about the study population says that the total number of patients was 323,782. But it gets a bit weirder, if you add up all the participants in the different age categories you get 323,750, 32 short. If you add up the totals across the drug groups you do get 188,722, if you add up the participants in the weight loss category you get 323,782. If you add up the diabetic status you get 323,782. What is going on here? Maybe they originally looked at 323,782 records of which only 188,722 were not excluded for some reason, and maybe 32 of the participants did not have an age on their electronic health record? At least the number of people across the drug groups in the supplementary materials chart matches the number of people they claim to have studied but this is, in the absolute more charitable description, an extremely confusing way to present this data.In part 1 we discussed the fact that the inclusion criteria were not particularly stringent but the biggest issue, to me, is that the researchers appear to have just done calculations with whatever data they happened to have, but reported it and drew conclusions as if they had consistent data on all participants.For each of the three drug groups (semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide), they present an interactive graph that shows “the proportion of patients by amount of weight regained or lost after stopping [liraglutide/semaglutide/tirzepatide].”Let's dig in.In the article we find Figure 1 - Proportion of Patients by Weight Change After Stopping Semaglutide we can see in the lower left “n=139,972 patients.”But if you look at the supplementary materials you find Table 2 Proportion of Patients by Weight Change After Stopping Semaglutide. This is the table from which they are drawing the data for Figure 1.The final column of the supplemental table is “patients” and the number in that column represents the number of the original 139,972 patients who had taken (and subsequently stopped taking) semaglutide for which the researchers had a weight at each month of their calculation. At month 1, the researchers had a weight for 68,754 of the patients and this number trends steadily downward until month 24 when they only had weights for 2,650 of the original 139,972 patients. At literally no point does Figure 1 in the original article give data for the n=139,972 patients the label claims.In the liraglutide group the graph in the article says n = 23,377. The supplementary tables show that in month 1 they had weights for 11,580. That steadily declined until month 24 they had weights for 1,268 of the population.In the tirzepatide group, the article says n= 25,373 patients. At month 1 they had weights for 12,909 patients which steadily declined until at at month 24 they only had a weight for 145 people (that is not a typo, they were doing the two year calculation upon which they drew their bold conclusions with only one hundred and forty five of the original 25k+ people represented!)This is such a bonkers way to do this that I actually emailed them, using the semaglutide table as an example, to make sure I was understanding this correctly. They assured me that I was:“Yes – there were 139,972 total patients on semaglutide who met the conditions in the study cohort. The patient count in Table 2 represents the number of patients that had a weight reading in a given month, so patients can be represented in multiple months.”So let's discuss the “key findings”At 24 months post-cessation, 56% of semaglutide, 52% of liraglutide, and 55% of tirzepatide patients kept the weight off or lost additional weight.Complete weight regain occurred in 23% of semaglutide, 21% of tirzepatide, and 27% of liraglutide users at 24 months.Weight trajectories stabilized after 12 months, with only small variations in the distribution of weight outcomes through year two.Remember that when they state these 24 month findings (or when in the title they say “Most Patients Sustain at Least Some Weight Loss,”) these statistics are drawn from information for only 1.9% of the semaglutide group, 5.4% of the liraglutide group, and 0.57% of the tirzepatide group. When they say kept the weight off or lost additional weight, subjects would qualify if they maintained 1% of the weight they lost. EDIT - I'm adding this paragraph for additional clarification based on a great comment below. If you look at their percentages, it can seem like a lot of people didn't regain weight. For example in the Semaglutide group, for example, at 1 month the “doubled their weight loss group” was 5.01% of 68,754 participants. That's that's about 892 people which is 0.64% of the original 139,972 people. At 24 months it was 25.89% of 2,650 people. That's about 686 people which is about 0.49% of the original 139,972 people. As I mentioned in part 1, we also don't know if this miniscule percentage of the total group even actually stopped taking the drugs, or if they started getting them from a different source that did not add them to their medical chart.What happened to the 98.1% of the semaglutide group, 94.6% of the liraglutide group, and the staggering 99.43% of the tirzepatide group for whom the researchers did NOT have a weight at 24 months? Is it more likely that people who were regaining weight did not come back to get weighed in? These researchers have absolutely no idea and they don't seem to care.(They said that weight trajectories stabilized at 12 months so even if we look at the data at 12 months they only had weights for 12.7% of the semaglutide group, 18.5% of the liraglutide group, and 8.1% of the tirzepatide group.)Under limitations they state “We allow a patient to be included in each month, using their highest weight in that month. Patients who have repeated weight measurements might be the extremes of weight change.”Gentle readers, I would say that this is the least of their limitations. The fact that they are stating these incredibly broad conclusions about weight regain (including in the title!) based on a tiny fraction of the data they've led us to believe is included, and that they AT NO POINT disclose any of that in the main paper is, to me, unforgivable. Horrifyingly, in researching this piece I found other studies that actually cited this one so I'll end this by saying that this study completely lacks the academic rigor or appropriate methodology necessary to be used to counter research showing high rates of weight regain after GLP-1 cessation. GLP-1s are being taken by a huge percentage of people and being prescribed (and in some cases pushed) by many prescribers, research like this has the potential to do incredible harm by generating blatant misinformation. We have to do a whole lot better than this.This month's online workshop is How to Be Your Own Medical Advocate. You'll learn strategies to advocate for yourself to help you get the evidence-based, compassionate, healthcare you deserve, and what your options are if you don't. There's a pay-what-you-can option to make sure money isn't a barrier and all registrants get a video in case you can't make it live. Details and registration are here! If you appreciate the work I do here, you can support my ability to do more becoming a free or paid subscriber!Liked the piece? Share the piece!More researchThe Research PostMore resourcesThe Resource Post*Note on language: I use “fat” as a neutral descriptor as used by the fat activist community, I use “ob*se” and “overw*ight” to acknowledge that these are terms that were created to medicalize and pathologize fat bodies, with roots in racism and specifically anti-Blackness. Please read Sabrina Strings' Fearing the Black Body – the Racial Origins of Fat Phobia and Da'Shaun Harrison's Belly of the Beast: The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness for more on this. Get full access to Weight and Healthcare at weightandhealthcare.substack.com/subscribe

With Constantine Hatzivassiliou—Partner, Certuity Golf taught Constantine Hatzivassiliou how to perform under pressure. Building a nearly $5B multi-family office taught him that the best advisors become the first call when life, not just the markets, gets complicated. In Summary Many advisors spend years mastering investments, but for affluent families, portfolio management is often just the starting point. Jason Diamond welcomes Constantine Hatzivassiliou, Partner at Certuity, to discuss how his journey from aspiring professional golfer to leader of a nearly $5B multi-family office shaped his approach to client service. Their conversation explores why trust is earned long before a crisis, how family office services evolve naturally from client needs, and why the advisor's role increasingly resembles that of a quarterback coordinating every aspect of a family's financial life. The discussion also examines organic growth, referrals, fiduciary advice, private equity's impact on the RIA landscape, and the qualities that allow advisors to become indispensable over decades—not just market cycles. The Storyline Many advisors spend years perfecting investment management. But as clients become more successful, the job changes. The questions become bigger than portfolio construction. A business is being sold. A family dynamic shifts. A tax issue emerges. An estate plan needs updating. Suddenly, the advisor isn't simply managing assets—they're coordinating decisions, relationships, and emotions. For Constantine, that broader role was shaped long before he entered wealth management. As an aspiring professional golfer, he learned lessons about discipline, preparation, and performing under pressure that continue to influence how he serves clients today. Jason and Constantine explore how Certuity grew from approximately $210 million in assets to nearly $5B, not through acquisitions but through referrals and a service model built on becoming indispensable to the families they advise. Constantine explains why he believes the best advisors function more like quarterbacks than portfolio managers, orchestrating the many moving pieces that come with significant wealth. The conversation also examines the evolution of the multi-family office model, the role of fiduciary advice, the impact of private equity on the advisory landscape, and why experience, judgment, and trust remain the qualities clients value most. Ultimately, this episode is about what it takes to become the first call when life – not just the markets – becomes complicated. Topics Covered Lessons from professional golf that translate to wealth management Building Certuity from $210mm to nearly $5B in assets What distinguishes a multi-family office from a traditional RIA Why referrals fuel long-term organic growth Becoming the “first call” for affluent families Fiduciary advice and the evolution of the advisory profession Family office services beyond investment management Private equity and M&A in the RIA space Developing the next generation of advisors Trust, relationships, and lifetime client service > Download a transcript of this episode… Listen and Learn Highlights for Advisors How did professional golf prepare Constantine for advising wealthy families? (3:45) Constantine explains why competing under pressure taught him discipline, emotional control, and process—qualities that now guide every client relationship. How did Certuity grow from $210 million to nearly $5 billion? (8:00) He shares why nearly all of the firm's growth has come organically through client referrals rather than acquisitions or aggressive recruiting. What separates a multi-family office from a traditional advisory firm? (11:45) The conversation explores how expanding into trust, estate, tax, and family office services became a response to client needs—not a business strategy. Why should advisors think of themselves as quarterbacks? (20:00) Constantine recounts a client business sale that fell apart at the closing table and explains why advisors often become the person holding everything together. How does Certuity view private equity and acquisitions? (36:20) Jason and Constantine discuss when outside capital can make sense—and why Certuity has chosen a different path centered on client alignment. Why do wisdom and experience still matter in an AI-driven world? (29:30) Despite advances in technology, Constantine argues that judgment, trust, and perspective remain the qualities affluent families value most. Key Takeaways High-net-worth clients increasingly value coordination, judgment, and perspective over investment selection alone. Family office services often evolve naturally as advisors respond to increasingly complex client needs. Sustainable organic growth is rooted in trust, which explains why referrals account for the overwhelming majority of Certuity's new business. Golf and wealth management share the same disciplines: preparation, emotional control, patience, and executing under pressure. The most valuable advisors become trusted partners during life's defining moments—not simply portfolio managers. Technology continues to reshape wealth management, but experience and wisdom remain difficult to replicate. Building a lasting advisory business requires investing in culture, succession, and the next generation of talent. https://youtu.be/m72Hq6bMTo4 Quotable Moments “The best advisors aren't simply managing portfolios. They're the first person clients call when life gets complicated.” “A bad shot in golf is the equivalent of a bad day in the market. You can't let one dictate everything that comes next.” “More often than not, we're not just financial advisors—we're financial therapists.” “Growth gets the headlines. Trust is what makes it possible.” FAQs What is a multi-family office? A multi-family office delivers integrated services beyond investment management, often coordinating tax, estate planning, philanthropy, business planning, and other complex financial matters for affluent families. Why has Certuity grown primarily through referrals? Constantine attributes the firm's growth to deep client relationships, a collaborative service model, and becoming the trusted advisor clients recommend to others. How does golf relate to wealth management? Golf reinforces discipline, emotional control, preparation, and performing under pressure—all qualities Constantine believes are essential for effective advisors. What is Constantine's perspective on private equity in wealth management? While he understands why many firms pursue private equity, he believes every strategic decision should ultimately be measured against what best serves clients. What qualities distinguish exceptional advisors today? According to Constantine, exceptional advisors become trusted coordinators of a client's financial life—bringing together specialists, solving problems, and providing perspective during life's most important moments. A multi-family office delivers integrated services beyond investment management, often coordinating tax, estate planning, philanthropy, business planning, and other complex financial matters for affluent families. Constantine attributes the firm's growth to deep client relationships, a collaborative service model, and becoming the trusted advisor clients recommend to others. Golf reinforces discipline, emotional control, preparation, and performing under pressure—all qualities Constantine believes are essential for effective advisors. While he understands why many firms pursue private equity, he believes every strategic decision should ultimately be measured against what best serves clients. According to Constantine, exceptional advisors become trusted coordinators of a client's financial life—bringing together specialists, solving problems, and providing perspective during life's most important moments. Related Resources Emotional Intelligence: The “Untouchable” Differentiator in an AI World Intentional Growth: How Top Advisors Build Businesses That Last The 10 Characteristics of the Most Successful Teams Constantine HatzivassiliouPartner  Constantine Hatzivassiliou is a Partner at Certuity, a nationally recognized multi-family office serving affluent families, entrepreneurs, executives, foundations, and endowments. He advises clients on the complex financial, tax, estate, and business planning decisions that accompany significant wealth, helping families coordinate all aspects of their financial lives through a comprehensive family office approach. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Constantine works closely with successful business owners, corporate executives, and multi-generational families to simplify financial complexity and align investment management, tax planning, estate planning, philanthropy, and family governance strategies. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), he frequently assists entrepreneurs in preparing for liquidity events, business transitions, and the long-term stewardship of family wealth. His clients often view him as a trusted advisor and strategic sounding board, helping them navigate important financial decisions with the perspective of both a family office professional and a coach. Prior to joining Certuity, Constantine held advisory and banking positions with The Bank of New York Mellon, Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and Pacific Mercantile Bank. Before entering the financial services industry, he was a Golf Professional and member of the PGA of America, experiences that continue to shape his disciplined, competitive, and relationship-focused approach to advising clients. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Constantine is passionate about mentoring young athletes and strengthening the communities in which he lives and works. He serves as a Board Member of Coerfontaine Football Club (CFC), a premier youth soccer organization focused on developing young athletes and helping them pursue collegiate and professional opportunities while fostering leadership, discipline, and character. He also serves as Chair of the Safety and Security Committee for Parkland, where he works alongside community leadership to enhance resident safety, security, and quality of life. In addition, Constantine is a Founding Board Member of The Boardroom, a private membership organization focused on fostering meaningful relationships among business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals through networking, education, and philanthropy. Born in Greece, Constantine spent his childhood in Montreal before relocating to South Florida. He attended the University of Florida before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Florida Atlantic University, where he graduated with honors. He holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designation. A lifelong student of the game, Constantine remains active in golf and is a member of Muirfield Village Golf Club, founded by his longtime  hero and mentor, Jack Nicklaus, as well as Parkland Golf & Country Club. Constantine resides in Parkland, Florida, with his wife, Stephanie, and their two children, Nicholas and Olivia. NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Episode Transcript Lessons from the Links: From Golf Pro to $5B Family Office Partner A conversation with Jason Diamond and Constantine Hatzivassiliou, Partner at Certuity. Jason Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Lessons from the Links: From Golf Pro to $5B Family Office Partner. It’s a conversation with Constantine Hatzivassiliou, partner at Certuity. I’m Jason Diamond and this is the Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned and, each year, one in four advisors managing $1 billion or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education-driven and based on building relationships starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at (908) 879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual advisor transition report, it’s the award-winning data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions, download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Jason Diamond: Golf is a way of exposing who you really are, there are no teammates to blame, no clock to run out and no hiding from a bad decision. Every shot demands discipline, patience and the ability to stay focused when the pressure is highest, my guest today knows that firsthand. Before becoming a partner at Certuity, a multifamily office approaching five billion in assets, Constantine Hatzivassiliou was pursuing a career as a professional golfer. An injury ultimately redirected his path towards wealth management but many of the lessons he learned on the course still shaped the way he serves clients today. Certuity has grown from roughly 210 million in assets to nearly five billion, that’s impressive on its own but the more interesting story is how they’ve done it. The firm has grown largely through referrals built around a multifamily office model and focused on becoming far more than an investment advisor to the families it serves. In Constantine’s view, the best advisors aren’t simply managing portfolios, they’re the first person clients call when a business is being sold, a family issue becomes complicated or a major decision carries consequences well beyond the balance sheet. Constantine and I discuss the lessons golf teaches about handling pressure then we dive into the evolution from the traditional wealth management world to the multifamily office model, why referrals drive nearly all of Certuity’s growth, how he thinks about private equity’s influence on the advisory business and what it takes to become the first call for the wealthy families they serve and perhaps, most importantly, why the same qualities that help someone succeed on a golf course may be surprisingly relevant to building trust over a lifetime. It’s a great conversation so let’s dive in. Constantine, thank you so much for joining, thrilled to have you here. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Thank you for having me, excited to be here. Jason Diamond: Yeah, absolutely. So, you had an unconventional path to wealth management, you started as a professional golfer, I think that’s a first for us on this show, before ultimately transitioning into this world. Can you tell us a little bit about the journey and what brought you here? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Yeah, I never thought I’d be here, my parents were certainly shocked that I got here path wise. Growing up, immigrants from Greece, you settle into Florida the traditional way where you either go down the diner route or the gas station route in mechanics which my father was the latter and school and education was never priority, it was always about supporting the family needs. So, next thing you know, sports are a critical part of any good household, that’s how I was raised and I played everything but golf. I grew up on a golf course because my parents believed that a location of a property was critical to long-term financial success. We lived on a golf course, it was in our backyard, we’d stare at it and we’d use it to play football or baseball or anything but actual golf. And my freshman year at the University of Florida, I started dating a girl on the golf team and she got me hooked to the point where, after four years of hitting balls with the women’s and men’s golf team at the University of Florida for six hours a day, we finished school and realized I’m actually pretty good at the game and, while I have a finance and economics background and degree, let’s try and pursue this for a living and I was blessed. I had a sponsor who helped me succeed at golf on a small scale, it was a humbling experience to say the least. I was competing and playing with Sean O’Hair, Ken Duke, guys who made it out on tour for a very long time, we had the same sponsor so we functioned as a team, it was a collegiate team effectively trying to make it out on tour. And, unfortunately, my second year of competing, I blew out my back doing heavy deadlifts which set me aside for 18 months. While I was recovering, my primary sponsor was in financial services and says, “Hey, you have a background in this, it’s killing you not being able to be on the golf course, why don’t you come work for me while you’re rehabbing so that, when you get back to playing golf, it’s easier for you to talk about our business as a sponsor to try and develop business to throw it to the financial services side?” And Jason, the reality is, after 18 months working there, I fell in love with it. I made way more money working in that environment than I ever would’ve made playing golf because, again, I came to the game late. I was decent but I was nowhere near the caliber of players that are succeeding now out on tour. So, I pivoted after having met my wife and decided to settle down into the wealth management space and, what is it now, 26 years later, going strong. So, it’s been a fun transition from golf into wealth management to say the least. Jason Diamond: Probably my favorite background … I watch a lot of golf, I should caveat that, probably my favorite origin story we’ve had, I’ll give you the Wanamaker trophy or whatever you get, first place. Let’s talk about the business now, so Certuity. For our audience who may not be familiar, tell us a little bit about the firm, what types of clients do you serve and any context you can provide on size as well. We’ll talk about how your firm got there but just give us where we are today to start with. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: So, goal by the end of the year is to have $5 billion in AUM, we’re just shy of that now. We currently service 428 families across the country. So, we’re boutiquey and nimble, we’re based in South Florida, we have offices in New York, San Fran and LA. I’m fortunate to be one of four partners at the firm supporting the growth and the direction of the company and it’s a fun endeavor in the sense that, when we first started, I was employee number four 16 years ago and, with 210 million in AUM at the time to grow it to where we are today, to learn all the things that we have over the years, the curve balls that were thrown at us because all of us came from massive institutional wealth management firms. So, we transitioned from the Bernsteins of the world, the BNY Mellons of the world into an RIA in the South Florida market, there was absolutely an entrepreneurial learning curve involved. Jason Diamond: I bet. And on follow-up question, 16 years ago, did you have a book of business, client business and do you still maintain a book of business today? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: I do. The four of us at the firm share in all of the clients, we work together. Being in the Southeast, I’m responsible for, let’s call it, the Southeast demographics of the US which is a large portion of Certuity’s book. I have a partner in Tennessee, I have a partner in LA and San Francisco and we divide and conquer across the country. But, yes, we came over with a small book, we’ve all grown it organically since then. So, we’ve been very effective in how we’ve grown. Jason Diamond: Just from adding new client money? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Strictly through new clients referred to us by existing clients. Jason Diamond: Wow. I want to talk more about the growth because that’s remarkable. But before I do, can we double click on the service model? So, I would say the most typical we hear, I think more of our guests typically come from the wirehouse world where it’s I have my book, you have your book. What does your service model look like? So, is it truly, if it’s working well from the end client perspective, you should be interchangeable with your partners and it’s a true team approach? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: How we engage our clients, the theory should be I can get hit by a bus tomorrow and outside of the client not being able to speak to me directly, they will not have a hiccup in any way, shape or form. And when we’re dealing with families across multiple generations, the way we’ve built our platform, that continuity is critical in the engagement process for the clients hiring us to help them through all of the challenges that they face. Jason Diamond: What’s your sweet spot in terms of client size? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Our average client size today has just shy of eight million AUM with us. We have some clients who have $1 million certainly but they’re strategic in that their friends, their family, they could be centers of influence who help send business our way because they value what it is that we do and there’s a strategic partnership because we might need them for their trust and estate services or their accounting work and they have clients who have a need and we’re on the short list of people they refer to. Jason Diamond: That they trust. Yeah, makes sense. So, I’ve seen this in the news and also even on your own internal materials, I’ve seen you described as both a modern multifamily office, you’ll also obviously hear the term RIA as well. Does that distinction matter at all? And maybe my second part of that question would be what is the distinction between that space, whatever you call it, and the more traditional firm world from a client service perspective? You mentioned that all of your partners from that world. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: I started in this industry truly at an institutional level at Bernstein in New York and, for anyone who knows Bernstein, they really do brainwash you on the fiduciary model and the values affiliated with that philosophy has translated through my career at BNY Mellon which has a very similar feel as Bernstein. And then, when we came here, we instilled that same core value principle of fiduciary responsibility for our clients so we are very different than a traditional wirehouse or brokerage house, it is why we’ve grown so successfully. I would never, one, work for an institution that did bide by those standards and, secondarily, I wished Congress and Senate would turn around and actually implement a mandatory fiduciary liability for all financial advisors because, far too often, we see prospective clients or families get taken advantage of because the individual sitting across from them giving them financial advice is not necessarily aligned with their goals and objectives. Jason Diamond: So, I take it you are fee only. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: We are fee only. Jason Diamond: Yeah. I don’t want to lose the thread on the first part of my question. Do you think there is a distinction between a multifamily office and an RIA? I don’t want to lead you here but to me it implies a different level or different caliber of service model that probably includes more of the ancillary trust and estate and CPA type stuff that higher network clients need but curious what your thoughts are. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Our first seven years at the firm, we were strictly an RIA, we functioned as an advisory service provider to our clients. What attracted me and my partners to Certuity was the nimbleness of the firm. So, for instance, at BNY Mellon, we often deemed a change necessary as moving an aircraft carrier across the world but it was an impossible task to accomplish. But when you’re small and nimble and clients come to you with a need and you’re in the service, ultimately, first and foremost, it made sense for us to start building out family office services for our clients because they had a need and we found it as a way to centralize everything because, far too often, when the communication standards break down between all the individual parts, one, it’s more expensive for the clients and, two, the process isn’t efficient, things get missed. So, we tried, largely due to our growth, to bring everything in house and our clients appreciate that for it. Jason Diamond: So, this is not a chicken and egg situation, this is very much we had large clients, we were attracting large clients and, in order to service them optimally, here’s what we felt we needed to build. Is that fair? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: 100%. Jason Diamond: Let’s shift gears, I need to go deeper on the professional golf thread a little bit. I promise I won’t make the whole interview about your golf background. I’m curious if you feel like that experience or that, I don’t know, upbringing or, I guess, background laid any foundation for the way you engage with clients today or the way you operate as a business leader today. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: So, there’s a couple parts to that. The golf side, certainly, just from an engaging client perspective, 90% of our clients are golfers. Jason Diamond: It’s very true. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Right. It just helps because of our background and certainly with some of the clients and partners that we have at the firm, golf is a critical thread in what we do. However, when it comes to golf, what I learned playing golf at a high level directly translates to how we manage money for clients and I’ll express it this way. There’s generally two types of golfers, there’s the artist, the Sergios of the world who don’t fundamentally function off of specific points in their swing or a very structured platform, they see something, their mind becomes creative and they execute on it. I was never that way, I am a numbers person, I think everything analytically, I break everything down to the minute, everything is strategized and organized, I was taught to practice that way by Coach Alexander at the University of Florida and that foundational element seemed easy, it worked. If you practice properly, you’ve succeeded. Under pressure, all those hours and hours of repetition translated to success more often than not. In our industry, it’s process-driven, it has to be unemotional. A bad shot in golf is the equivalent of a bad day in the market, you can’t let one bad day in the market influence everything you do for the next year. Same way on the golf course playing in a tournament, you can’t allow one golf shot to affect the rest of the round. We kid with our clients oftentimes that, while we are fundamentally their financial advisor, more often than not, we’re their financial therapist. We have to control their emotions and make sure they’re not making an irrational decision. For instance, a couple days ago we were out with a client the day that Iran shot down one of the US military helicopters and we’re sitting down at lunch and, all of a sudden, his phone starts blowing up because he’s getting all these Google alerts to the market heading in the wrong direction and he had to go do a life insurance test later on that afternoon. So, all week, he had prepped and he was calm and he was relaxed, he was really excited, he’s, “My wife is setting me up with a new insurance policy and I know it’s for her benefit but all my numbers look good, I’m going to ace this and my premiums will be really low because of it,” it was a $25 million policy. And as he’s looking at his phone and he sees the market collapsing in his mind, his blood pressure rose to no end, you could see that his anxiety level went through the roof and, had I not been there with him at the time to hold his hand through that process, his afternoon would’ve been shot. I would’ve got a phone call saying, “What are we doing to prevent 2% loss in my portfolio,” because that’s how he thinks and, in that moment, I was the therapist to talk him off a ledge. It’s so hard for individuals to manage the stress of the markets, that golfer mentality of, okay, just breathe, relax, let’s see what’s going on, let’s make an educated, confirmed decision, let’s circle back with our caddy if we’re on tour and competing and make a unified decision for the long-term success of the goal that we’re trying to achieve. And what we do every day is the same thing with our clients. Jason Diamond: It’s an incredibly thoughtful answer, I expected a version of the latter part of your answer. I appreciate that you added the part about just most clients like golf, enjoy talking about golf, enjoy playing golf and it’s an effective business development tool, there’s no question. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: So, I have two kids, a 12-year-old and an eight-year-old, my son who’s 12 who’s an exceptional soccer player and wants to, aspires to play professionally one day has now fallen in love with golf which I’m ecstatic about. I think golf and tennis, from a business development perspective- Jason Diamond: Yeah, lifelong sports. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: And I look at it now and my mentor when I started in the business was absolutely right. The fact that I could get a CEO of a Fortune 100 company to want to actively spend four hours with me where we could dive into the weeds about their personal life, their financial situation, their business, you could never get that time otherwise. I urge everyone who’s coming out of college or is going into college who wants to aspire to be in any type of sales related role, golf is a great venue to make long-term relationships. Jason Diamond: And importantly, tennis is not as good on the knees long-term or the back long-term. So, you stick to golf, you get a little more longevity out of it. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: It does help, yes. You’re right. Jason Diamond: My thought always goes to people call it the 15th club in golf, just this mental element of the game and to me it’s the clear moment in golf that always comes to mind for me is the 72nd hole. I don’t know if you just watched the US Women’s Open but Nelly Korda standing over a two-foot putt that I really thought she missed, is there an equivalent of that moment? Are you ever able to recreate that pressure in your current role or is that something that you miss? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Jason, we have those moments weekly, countless stories. Here’s where I love my job. I’ve transitioned from being the guy behind the screen who is just trading accounts, that’s where we all start and you have to have that foundational perspective of what’s involved in trading an account on a daily basis. Not that we ever picked stocks to an extensive level, we were generally managing ETFs, mutual funds and strategies but I’ll give you an example. So, just last week, we had a family and this is where the family office side comes in more so than the financial advisory services come in. We had spent four months in helping a family sell their business, it was a life altering moment, the dad started the business, the dad had been independently successful, net worth of well into eight figures, was happy and content, brought his son into the business, son was brilliant, saw an opportunity within the business and grew the business by 4,000%. Jason Diamond: Literally? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Yup. All because of this, the son saw a different direction and pivoted the business and grew it out and here he is, getting ready to have their first child and he gets approached by a firm to acquire his business. They’re ecstatic, the number was perfect, I thought it was overvalued, I was telling them that there’s no way they could turn it down because the number was too significant. Had they gone to the market, they would probably never achieve that level of return. And literally, the day of closing, as we’re expecting the wire to come through, the deal gets pulled. So, here you have the father who’s crushed because he was trying to provide something for his son, the son who’s just devastated because he now was preparing for the second stage of his life and you go through at that stage the classic stages of grief, it’s the cycle that goes through it. I was holding their hand through the three-month process up to there, every day, hourly calls, strategizing, building everything out, organizing the accounting team, organizing the attorneys, getting it all to work out. And here I am, father and son, unbelievably stressed, you have the wives in the background who can’t quite comprehend what’s going on, you have employees beneath them who are now confused as to there was a transition getting ready to take place and the only person who can step in under that critical moment to bring everybody back together was me. So, here I am thinking, 20 years ago, I’ll just pick stocks and bonds for individuals but now I’m in the middle of deal flow trying to help a family solve the issues that arise. So, those are hugely critical- Jason Diamond: Yeah, that’s right. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: …moments where, because our clients are our friends and family, we care for them like they’re our own, you become emotionally attached. And the same pressure that I felt when I won my first mini tour event after college, when I had to get up and down from the impossible bunker shot and I hit it to six feet and I made the crucial put to win my first $23,000 check which I thought was unbelievable, they gave you those big old-fashioned- Jason Diamond: The Happy Gilmore checks. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Exactly, right? It was the greatest day at that time. The stress of being in that bunker trying to hit that shot is the same stress I felt having two phones ringing, one the father, one the son where we have to keep that situation separate. So, you’re diving into unbelievably stressful situations and the best part is, when we get it all solved and literally yesterday we solved the entire dynamic of the business, I get a text from the son saying that this was the most incredible rollercoaster experience he’s ever experienced, that he’s incredibly grateful for all that I did and our team did for him and that, for the rest of his life, we will always be the first person he calls to solve any of his problems. So, for us, that’s the recreation of that stressful moment and then the victory on the back end. Twenty-five years ago, I got the big Happy Gilmore check. Yesterday, I got that text which I’ve printed out and framed and have it in my office as a constant memory of why it is we do what we do. Jason Diamond: And I would bet that’s more impactful than the $23,000. It’s an incredible story and I’ll tell you why, you said it but it’s as far away from stocks and bonds as you could possibly get. But I think, most advisors, a story like that resonates much more. It leads into my next question. You intentionally choose to service a high net worth segment of the market and I would assume that number’s probably creeping up, not down over time in terms of who you service. My thought is that’s a very competitive segment of the market as well. Is this how you differentiate is just you make it about those types of human examples or is there more to it? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: I’m envious of the advisor who could walk into a room of 200 people and they become the central focal point of the room where they can walk up to every single person and fearlessly ask them incredibly personal information, I’m not wired that way. For me, I’m very much the individual that I will find the one person that I have common ground with, I will deepen that relationship and I will add value and, because of the value that I create, I become a critical component of that individual’s success. And that’s how we’ve grown our business holistically at the firm largely buy that extra layer of service. We’re a commodity business. Being in South Florida, the clubs that I belong to, 10 to 15% of the members feel like they’re financial advisors. You could throw a rock anywhere and find a financial advisor so how do I differentiate myself? The only way I can truly differentiate myself and my firm is the level of service we provide, to go that extra step. To where, when we’re calling a client, they know I’m calling them to support their needs not because I’m seeking something for any ulterior motive. Jason Diamond: But you don’t mention financial planning or investment management or asset custody. Is that because I assume just that’s table stakes? Of course we do that but … Okay, yeah. Makes sense. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: That’s the easy part, right? That’s foundationally … And to your earlier point, you were asking the RIA model. One of the biggest challenges that we had down here in South Florida was the RIA model is new. If you were in the northeast, RIAs are very common, out west, incredibly common. Down here in South Florida, I just finished dealing with Bernie Madoff. Jason Diamond: You were fighting the good education fight a little bit. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: At Bernstein, 108 of our clients had assets with Bernie Madoff. Jason Diamond: Yeah. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: So, when you leave, one of our biggest growing curves as an RIA in South Florida was, when you leave the power of BNY Mellon or Bernstein and you’re some random little shop called Certuity, no one knows who you are. So, there was a big part of our education in the business was learning how to educate clients and prospective clients on the value of the RIA model and the fiduciary model in particular. Jason Diamond: Could you give me the 30-second answer to that if somebody says who are you, your prospect? I’ll tell you why I ask. Forget just Bernstein’s and BNYs of the world, a Morgan Stanley advisor or Merrill advisor has the exact same fear. I’m leaving Merrill to go launch Jason Diamond Wealth Management, my client’s going to say, “Well, who is that?” So, give me the quick pitch. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Your typical broker, let’s say, you’re not really hiring JP Morgan, you’re not really hiring Wells Fargo, you’re not hiring Goldman Sachs, you’re hiring the advisor who works for that institution. Now, yes, that advisor has the Rolodex of data and information available at the firm level but, ultimately, you’re entrusting that individual to make your decisions for you. The broker who leaves the brokerage model to open up their own brick and mortar operation has to then decide are they continuing down the wirehouse brokerage model where they’re transactional in nature, the economics behind that, far more profitable. The revenue streams affiliated with a brokerage house drastically blows us out of the water. But then you have to also look at yourself in the mirror so how are you running your book of business, how are you running your practice. So, to answer your 30-second question, the RIA model, in my opinion, is truly the only way any family of wealth should proceed with an advisory firm because you want an individual who is aligned in your goals and objectives. Our clients know that I’m their chief financial officer, I work for them. They task us with building out a financial strategy that is customized to their individual needs and they never have to worry do I have an ulterior motive as to why I’m presenting an option in that strategy. And, because of that, the fiduciary model, I think, is critical for our success as a firm and, again, as I mentioned earlier, I wish it’s something that was industry well and not the vast minority. Jason Diamond: Yeah. No, that’s a great answer. So, do you think then that, as time has gone on, this has gotten easier? I assume the answer is yes either because more clients are aware of your brand and/or more aware of the space as a whole. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: The first thing that helped the most was some gray hair. When I started at Bernstein, I attempted to solicit new clients very much the same way I do today. But when I was 26 years old and I’m sitting in front of a family worth and the dad was in the 70s and he lived his life and I’m younger than his kids, he would look at me and say, “What do you really know? What experience do you have?” So, doing this now for as long as I have, the number one thing that has helped me the most in growth is just wisdom and time. Without that, yes, you can be a rockstar stock picker. We have so many kids coming out of college today with the advent of AI and technology that have algorithms that could run unbelievable portfolios and there is a segment of the market who wants to hire and engage those individuals but, generally speaking, the families that we service, that is 10th or 12th on the list of importance. Jason Diamond: No, I think that’s spot on. I think most high net worth clients counterintuitively agree with that, that alpha, for lack of a better term, is really not the name of the game or not in the top five reasons why you would engage with a financial advisor. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Agreed. The biggest thing that we’ve been doing to educate clients especially in today’s environment, I had a call yesterday with an individual, a client who lives in New Jersey who works out of New York for a hedge fund, he knows our space incredibly well. He’s one of those kids, 28 years old, brilliant, as smart as you’ll ever be but his tax bracket is atrocious. He is paying so much of his W-2 income in taxes and building out a strategy that can reduce his tax liability by several hundred thousand dollars a year far exceeds any alpha I can generate by picking a top decile performer. Jason Diamond: What was the strategy? Move to Florida? I’m just kidding. Don’t answer that. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: We offered that but, unfortunately, he has to be physically in the office in New York City but yes. Jason Diamond: I think that will resonate, by the way, your gray hair comment. I appreciate the humility and the modesty in that because, the reality is, one of the questions I was going to ask you about was next-gen talent cultivation. In my opinion, this is a hard game for younger folks for that reason. People sit across from other people with a lot of money and they say, “Why am I going to entrust you with my life’s work when you just don’t have that degree of experience?” I was asking more even about your firm success and your firm story, have you felt like that’s caught on more? Do you have more brand awareness, if you will, now when you go to a prospect meeting or do you think you’re still constantly fighting that education fight? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: So, first part, brands, it’s improved in our immediate network. In our little bubble of the world, yes, it’s known. Let’s call it, in South Florida the influential attorneys, the accountants, the divorce attorneys know who we are because, having been down here long enough, we’ve had opportunities to work together. Our network of friends, certainly, the word spreads. But in the grand scheme of things, we are so small in the South Florida landscape or the LA landscape or the New York landscape so any incremental gain that we pick up is meaningful. And then, as it relates to young talent, our success is completely, long-term, derived by the young talent that we bring in to nurture them to help them grow. I look at our success, two of our critical mentors and board members of our firm are in their 80s, their children and grandchildren, nepotism aside, whether it was interning while in college or coming to work for us after school, they’re our best employees. And our goal as a firm, just like how I was offered the opportunity to become a partner and own a piece of the business, our goal long term will be to transition the business to this younger generation that we’re developing. I look at, again, those two board members who are in their 80s, the advice they’ve given me is don’t ever stop working, you have to be doing something. And I turn to them and say, “I don’t work every day.” I put in 20 hour days, well, not quite 20, 18 hour days but it’s never work because, what I do every day, I don’t deem it work, I love what I do, I don’t ever see myself stopping. Because they’ll tell me all of their friends that have stopped working or sold their business, invariably, the men die within six months because boredom and we always joke around that you’ll continue to work forever. So, I would hope that one day I transition into that advisory board member role where I step aside day-to-day activity where I’m now a mentor to our younger generation that we’re promoting into partners because we’ve made promises to our clients that we will forever be their family office. So, we have to, as part of our growth model, have those transitions in place because we’re servicing many families that have 85-year-old clients and two-year-old clients and we’re tasked with the two-year-olds as well as the 85-year-old. Jason Diamond: I also feel like there’s a little bit of younger generations I think have been reluctant to some degree to get it, you can disagree with this, to get into this space because there’s a more appeal to things like investment banking and sales and trading to some degree. The other problem obviously you alluded to is asset gathering. Your model speaks so clearly to success because you don’t say I own the client, that’s my relationship. To me, you plant the seeds of being able to handle succession much better than somebody who does the mine is mine and yours is yours approach. Is that fair? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: That’s completely accurate. And I think there’s two types of people that serve in the financial advisory space. You have the individual who is analytics driven, who likes being behind the bank of monitors trading account and there’s a critical part of our firm and our success is driven by the team in the office that aren’t necessarily client facing that do all the heavy lifting every day because they’re really doing the heavy work. Myself, my partners, the select few, while talented and able to do that, realize the value that we present is quarterbacking the relationship and helping understand all the components. We kid around that we’ve all stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, we’ve become experts in tax, we’ve become experts at trust and estate planning, we’ve become experts at divorce, we’ve become experts at the medical field. It’s shocking how it’s 2:00 in the morning and you get a phone call, panic attack by a client saying they need a doctor for X, Y and Z, can you connect me. So, the younger generation, yes, the sexy space is investment banking and that is really hard work. I could not do what my friends at Goldman do who are at these private mid-market funds, that’s just not me. I’ve been fortunate that I stumbled into an avenue in financial services that I think perfectly fits my personality and my want and desire to help others because that’s what we’re driven by and we try and hire people with that same mindset. The hardest thing as an RIA especially in South Florida is finding and retaining talent that is like-minded and that could function well within our family. Jason Diamond: If you build a firm predicated on culture and client service, I understand, certainly, the importance of that. I want to shift gears, I don’t want to lose this thought. You mentioned organic growth, it’s incredible. You have not mentioned inorganic growth at all and maybe because you haven’t had to but give me your thoughts on M&A, private equity in this space, do you have plans to sell the business, take on a capital partner, buy other RIAs? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Yeah. So, I understand why private equity in the last 10 years has come into the market. For years, they bought up insurance practices, that recurring revenue, sticky assets, it makes sense. Personally, I’m not a fan of them being in our markets, I think they’re motivated at the end of the day by AUM growth, revenue growth and the second transaction which, for most of our clients, would not make sense because, again, that then questions why it is that we’re motivated to do something. Am I taking extra risk in the portfolio because I want to grow the AUM because I’m looking to sell in a year? Am I bringing in a strategy that has a higher fee? For us, it doesn’t work. In the brokerage model, it makes perfect sense. Now, there are some RIAs who leave the wirehouses, open up an RIA shop, do really well for their clients but don’t have the long-term aspirations of making the institution a legacy to where they’re passing it off. I hope my kids one day want to come work for dad and follow in his steps, that’d be amazing. Just like our younger generation working at the firm, our goal is we’ve already targeted the three or four guys that will be partner one day and we’ll transition the business over to them. But it’s okay if there’s an RIA out there who doesn’t have that transition product or isn’t motivated by that and is looking at it as a vehicle that I’ve built a really good successful book of business and I want to now retire and spend time with my family and kids and travel, et cetera, and that’s where PE steps in and offers an attractive number and the person makes their move. So, I can’t fault the individual for wanting that and I’m not saying that they’re not doing well by their clients, it’s just, for us, I’m not a fan of it because, again, I’m first critically and always focused on what’s best for the client. Jason Diamond: Fair. And I largely agree with some of what you said around private equity in this space but private equity enables … Obviously, it’s capital so which enables acquisitions which is why a lot of firms take on private equity. So, what about the idea of potentially buying businesses to start up inorganic growth? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: We have gone down the road of acquiring other institutions potentially. The challenge is, because we manage money so uniquely and our approach is so different, I’m not going to bring on an institution or bring in a new partner to the firm or a new book of business that we’ve acquired if the methodology and the life of that book doesn’t mirror ours. So, yes, there is opportunities to grow through acquisition, it’s not something that we are leaning on heavily. However, for the right institution that’s available that is aligned with our thinking, whose clients would value and appreciate how we do things or, if that institution is doing something truly unique that we would want to bolt onto our platform, all day long because, again, for the benefit of the client, it makes sense. So, yes, there are opportunities for that. Too often we find that, when a book is available for acquisition, the highest bidder tends to win out and we don’t have the deep enough pockets to write a multiple that we don’t deem to be, let’s call it, market neutral. Jason Diamond: Yeah, market prudent. I understand the premise and I think that’s fair. I also think you have the luxury, because of your organic growth, you can be super, super picky about inorganic and I love how you bring it all back to the lens of the client. Can this improve the client experience in some way? And, if so, yes, we’ll take a look. I got time for one more question, I can’t believe time has flown. You’ve had a remarkable journey, professional golf now partner at a $4 billion plus on the way to $5 billion RIA multifamily office. What are you most proud of when you reflect on your career journey? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: What am I most proud of? To see what Rich, myself and Mark and Jayson built over these years from where we were sitting in a small conference room, struggling to figure out how do we find a way to hire a trust and estate attorney to help with that component, which CPAs do we bring on board in-house because clients have a need. So, the entrepreneurial spirit involved in growing the business, the late nights, the struggles, the banter back and forth, to put so much blood, sweat and tears into this and now to look at all that we’ve accomplished, being in four separate states with offices, having so many wonderful employees that have come to us from all over the world, Germany, from China, from Tokyo, bringing people in to the US and building out something that, when we leave at the end of the day, are incredibly proud of. My father’s no longer with us, for 50 years, I always strived to make him proud because he never told me that he was proud of me, he was the classic Greek old-fashioned dad. I think he looks down on his now for everything that we’ve built and would say that he’s proud of us so, for me, that’s the best. Jason Diamond: Yeah. That’s an incredible place to end. Thank you for sharing that, it’s a touching place to end and I appreciate you being open. Thank you. This has been one of my favorite episodes, your journey, your humility, your honesty, your transparency, it’s no wonder you’ve built a business you’ve built. So, thanks for joining us, Constantine. I look forward to having you back on to talk about the next chapter. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Thank you. Next time we’ll do it from the golf course. Jason Diamond: Oh, absolutely. Mindy Diamond: As a financial advisor, you hold yourself to the highest standards of integrity, honesty and credibility. You are successful because you take your professional responsibility seriously and are dedicated to your clients. But are you living your best business life? Are your goals aligned with your firms or could a better option exist? Should I Stay or Should I Go? Is a book written with you in mind? It’s a self-guided journey that walks you through the key steps that we take with our advisor clients. This strategic thought process and roadmap to professional self-discovery is designed to help you ask the right questions and think critically and objectively whether you’re considering change or not. Learn how to get your copy at diamond-consultants.com/thebook.   Lessons from the Links: From Golf Pro to $5B Family Office Partner A conversation with Jason Diamond and Constantine Hatzivassiliou, Partner at Certuity. Jason Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Lessons from the Links: From Golf Pro to $5B Family Office Partner. It’s a conversation with Constantine Hatzivassiliou, partner at Certuity. I’m Jason Diamond and this is the Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned and, each year, one in four advisors managing $1 billion or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education-driven and based on building relationships starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at (908) 879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual advisor transition report, it’s the award-winning data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions, download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Jason Diamond: Golf is a way of exposing who you really are, there are no teammates to blame, no clock to run out and no hiding from a bad decision. Every shot demands discipline, patience and the ability to stay focused when the pressure is highest, my guest today knows that firsthand. Before becoming a partner at Certuity, a multifamily office approaching five billion in assets, Constantine Hatzivassiliou was pursuing a career as a professional golfer. An injury ultimately redirected his path towards wealth management but many of the lessons he learned on the course still shaped the way he serves clients today. Certuity has grown from roughly 210 million in assets to nearly five billion, that’s impressive on its own but the more interesting story is how they’ve done it. The firm has grown largely through referrals built around a multifamily office model and focused on becoming far more than an investment advisor to the families it serves. In Constantine’s view, the best advisors aren’t simply managing portfolios, they’re the first person clients call when a business is being sold, a family issue becomes complicated or a major decision carries consequences well beyond the balance sheet. Constantine and I discuss the lessons golf teaches about handling pressure then we dive into the evolution from the traditional wealth management world to the multifamily office model, why referrals drive nearly all of Certuity’s growth, how he thinks about private equity’s influence on the advisory business and what it takes to become the first call for the wealthy families they serve and perhaps, most importantly, why the same qualities that help someone succeed on a golf course may be surprisingly relevant to building trust over a lifetime. It’s a great conversation so let’s dive in. Constantine, thank you so much for joining, thrilled to have you here. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Thank you for having me, excited to be here. Jason Diamond: Yeah, absolutely. So, you had an unconventional path to wealth management, you started as a professional golfer, I think that’s a first for us on this show, before ultimately transitioning into this world. Can you tell us a little bit about the journey and what brought you here? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Yeah, I never thought I’d be here, my parents were certainly shocked that I got here path wise. Growing up, immigrants from Greece, you settle into Florida the traditional way where you either go down the diner route or the gas station route in mechanics which my father was the latter and school and education was never priority, it was always about supporting the family needs. So, next thing you know, sports are a critical part of any good household, that’s how I was raised and I played everything but golf. I grew up on a golf course because my parents believed that a location of a property was critical to long-term financial success. We lived on a golf course, it was in our backyard, we’d stare at it and we’d use it to play football or baseball or anything but actual golf. And my freshman year at the University of Florida, I started dating a girl on the golf team and she got me hooked to the point where, after four years of hitting balls with the women’s and men’s golf team at the University of Florida for six hours a day, we finished school and realized I’m actually pretty good at the game and, while I have a finance and economics background and degree, let’s try and pursue this for a living and I was blessed. I had a sponsor who helped me succeed at golf on a small scale, it was a humbling experience to say the least. I was competing and playing with Sean O’Hair, Ken Duke, guys who made it out on tour for a very long time, we had the same sponsor so we functioned as a team, it was a collegiate team effectively trying to make it out on tour. And, unfortunately, my second year of competing, I blew out my back doing heavy deadlifts which set me aside for 18 months. While I was recovering, my primary sponsor was in financial services and says, “Hey, you have a background in this, it’s killing you not being able to be on the golf course, why don’t you come work for me while you’re rehabbing so that, when you get back to playing golf, it’s easier for you to talk about our business as a sponsor to try and develop business to throw it to the financial services side?” And Jason, the reality is, after 18 months working there, I fell in love with it. I made way more money working in that environment than I ever would’ve made playing golf because, again, I came to the game late. I was decent but I was nowhere near the caliber of players that are succeeding now out on tour. So, I pivoted after having met my wife and decided to settle down into the wealth management space and, what is it now, 26 years later, going strong. So, it’s been a fun transition from golf into wealth management to say the least. Jason Diamond: Probably my favorite background … I watch a lot of golf, I should caveat that, probably my favorite origin story we’ve had, I’ll give you the Wanamaker trophy or whatever you get, first place. Let’s talk about the business now, so Certuity. For our audience who may not be familiar, tell us a little bit about the firm, what types of clients do you serve and any context you can provide on size as well. We’ll talk about how your firm got there but just give us where we are today to start with. Constantine Hatzivassiliou: So, goal by the end of the year is to have $5 billion in AUM, we’re just shy of that now. We currently service 428 families across the country. So, we’re boutiquey and nimble, we’re based in South Florida, we have offices in New York, San Fran and LA. I’m fortunate to be one of four partners at the firm supporting the growth and the direction of the company and it’s a fun endeavor in the sense that, when we first started, I was employee number four 16 years ago and, with 210 million in AUM at the time to grow it to where we are today, to learn all the things that we have over the years, the curve balls that were thrown at us because all of us came from massive institutional wealth management firms. So, we transitioned from the Bernsteins of the world, the BNY Mellons of the world into an RIA in the South Florida market, there was absolutely an entrepreneurial learning curve involved. Jason Diamond: I bet. And on follow-up question, 16 years ago, did you have a book of business, client business and do you still maintain a book of business today? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: I do. The four of us at the firm share in all of the clients, we work together. Being in the Southeast, I’m responsible for, let’s call it, the Southeast demographics of the US which is a large portion of Certuity’s book. I have a partner in Tennessee, I have a partner in LA and San Francisco and we divide and conquer across the country. But, yes, we came over with a small book, we’ve all grown it organically since then. So, we’ve been very effective in how we’ve grown. Jason Diamond: Just from adding new client money? Constantine Hatzivassiliou: Strictly through new clients referred to us by existing clients. Jason Diamond: Wow. I

This week: two audio essays, on one big Iran cluster-frig. In the Collingwood corner: Donald Trump has become an unreadable politician. His credibility has burst through various levels of ‘madman theory' negotiating prowess, into a place where it may not even be clear to his most intimate subordinates where his true intent begins and ends. The result is that US policy is now a broken sail, flapping in the wind. Originally, America had four aims: dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, cap its missiles and drones, cut off its proxies, and change the regime. With nil-for-four, the window to credibly settle this beef is getting farther away – not closer. Meanwhile, chez Pilkington: The US now believes it can ‘print oil'. That the present attempt to jigger the markets by making use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and various ‘Whale of Hormuz' attempts to rig the options market are long-term sustainable. They are not, as Phil points out. What goes up must come down, and the slip-slide will not be pretty. Rather than a war of attrition, Pilko suggests, the oil price war has become the totality of conflict – a Baudrillardian quarrel over supremacy of a number – only secondarily underpinned by the drones and bombs of the Arabian Gulf. Yes, it's time to up the escitalopram – enter code HAPPYPILLS26 at checkout to redeem this offer.

The leadership skill that changes everything Special guest Amy Holloway explores how trust shapes thriving communities, effective leadership, and long-term economic growth. Drawing from interviews with leaders across the United States, Amy shares the simple but powerful behaviors that build trust, strengthen collaboration, and create meaningful change – whether in organizations, neighborhoods, or entire cities. Together, Amy and Ann discuss the leadership traits that foster connection, the behaviors that erode trust, and why building community starts with intentional relationships. “Trust-building is within everyone’s power.” – Amy Holloway Time Stamps for Trust Builders: Leadership That Creates Change with Amy Holloway (305) 00:15 Importance of establishing trust in communities 07:32 Trust breakers vs. trust builders 14:18 Characteristics of effective community leaders 19:52 Insights from interviews with local leaders 25:33 Crisis management and community recovery About our Guest – Amy Holloway, President of Aha! Amy Holloway is the president of Aha!, an economic development consultancy specializing in strategic planning, and a practitioner-in-residence with Harvard Kennedy School's Reimagining the Economy Project. Over a 30-year career, she has helped more than 200 places design strategies for long-term economic growth and community prosperity. A retired partner at Ernst & Young and leader of the firms national economic development practice, Amy previously founded and led Avalanche Consulting, one of the nation's leading strategic planning firms. With her upbeat, welcoming style, she brings local leaders together through conversations that spark “aha!” moments and shared action. Her new #1 bestselling book, Trust Builders: The Key To Thriving Communities, is the culmination of Amy’s career-long belief that trust among local leaders is the single most powerful force shaping thriving communities. Amy lives in Asheville, North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, painting, and teaching Pilates. Resources for Trust Builders: Leadership That Creates Change with Amy Holloway (305) Trust Builders: The Key to Thriving Communities – Get your copy of Amy’s book today!! Aha! Advisor – Aha! is where leaders unite to make a lasting impact, learn more Trust Strengths Assessment – Take your assessment here!! Reimagining the Economy Project, Harvard Kennedy School – Rohan Sandhu, Tony Ditta, Monserrat Magana Ocana The Social Capital Atlas – Raj Chetty, Matthew O. Jackson, Theresa Kuchler, Johannes Stroebel. Abigail Hiller, Sarah Oppenheimer * The Opportunity Insights Team Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!   Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others. Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s! Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout As a listener of this podcast, use code BAS15 for a limited-time discount.     Get your copy of Secure Relating here!!

The Biblical Office of the Evangelist: Restoring God's Harvesters for the Last Days | KIB 539 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description The Church desperately needs to rediscover the biblical office of the evangelist. In Episode 539 of the Kingdom Intelligence Briefing, Dr. Michael Lake continues his series on the biblical Fivefold Ministry by examining what Scripture actually teaches about the office of the evangelist. Far removed from modern celebrity culture and emotional revivalism, the true evangelist is a herald of God's Kingdom who faithfully proclaims the Gospel, calls sinners to repentance, equips believers for soul-winning, and establishes disciples for Christ. Mary Lou Lake begins this episode by sharing an encouraging word on God's promise to quicken His people (Romans 8:11), praying for healing, restoration, renewed strength, and spiritual refreshing for the remnant. She also discusses the importance of strategic prayer for our nation, including praying over spiritual strongholds influencing Washington, D.C. Dr. Lake then explores the biblical foundations of the evangelist through the ministries of Noah, Jonah, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Philip, Timothy, and ultimately Jesus Himself. This study challenges many modern assumptions while calling believers back to authentic New Testament ministry built upon repentance, discipleship, holiness, and covenant faithfulness. This message is an important continuation of our Fivefold Ministry series and serves as a call for God to raise up true evangelists who will prepare the harvest before the return of Christ. Scriptures Discussed Ephesians 4:11–16 2 Peter 2:5 Isaiah 52:7 Luke 19:10 Acts 8 2 Timothy 4:5 Mark 16:20 Romans 8:11 Psalm 85:6 Psalm 119:25 Psalm 119:88 Psalm 119:107 Psalm 119:149 2 Kings 22 Matthew 28:18–20 Topics Covered ✔ What is the biblical office of the evangelist? ✔ Why today's Church misunderstands evangelism ✔ Noah as a preacher of righteousness ✔ John the Baptist as the model evangelist ✔ Philip the Evangelist and Spirit-led ministry ✔ Why true evangelism produces disciples—not merely decisions ✔ The relationship between evangelists and the Fivefold Ministry ✔ Spiritual revival versus emotionalism ✔ God's promise to quicken His people ✔ Strategic intercession for America ✔ The importance of covenant faithfulness Join the Remnant If these teachings strengthen your walk with Christ: ✅ Subscribe to Biblical Life TV ✅ Like this video ✅ Share it with others who desire deeper biblical truth ✅ Leave a comment below telling us what stood out to you most from today's study. Your interaction helps YouTube recommend these teachings to believers around the world who are searching for solid biblical instruction. Support Biblical Life TV Biblical Life TV exists because of faithful partners who believe the remnant must be equipped for the challenging days ahead. If these teachings have encouraged your walk with Christ, please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner. Your support enables us to continue producing in-depth biblical teaching focused on discipleship, spiritual warfare, covenant living, and preparing God's people for the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Your prayers, financial partnership, and sharing these messages make an eternal difference. Website: https://www.KingdomIntelligenceBriefing.com Online Giving: https://store.biblicallifeassembly.org Thank you for standing with us as we prepare the remnant. Video Chapters 00:00 Opening Introduction 01:29 Welcome to Kingdom Intelligence Briefing #539 01:58 Victory in Prayer & Spiritual Strongholds Over Washington, D.C. 05:43 God's Promise to Quicken and Restore His People 10:15 Healing, Restoration & Spiritual Renewal 16:13 Prayer for Strength and Refreshing 18:04 Faithfulness Over Success 19:06 The Prophetic Call to Intercession 20:37 The Biblical Office of the Evangelist 24:58 Noah: Preacher of Righteousness 27:59 Jonah, Isaiah & Preparing the Way 34:17 Philip the Evangelist 44:01 Every Believer vs. The Office of Evangelist 49:09 Characteristics of True Evangelists 51:58 Counterfeit Evangelism vs. Biblical Evangelism 54:32 God Is Raising Up True Evangelists 55:42 Closing Prayer 56:22 Ministry Information SEO Hashtags #BiblicalLifeTV #KingdomIntelligenceBriefing #DrMichaelLake #Evangelist #FivefoldMinistry #BiblicalEvangelism #Discipleship #EndTimes #RemnantBelievers #KingdomOfGod #BibleStudy #SpiritualWarfare #HolySpirit #ChristianTeaching #BiblicalTruth

Bob and Josh go round robin, naming the leadership characteristics they admire in each other after 2 decades of working together: generosity, genuineness, the courage to evolve, openness to crazy ideas, and speaking truth to power while scared. The real takeaway is Bob's ultimate leadership metric: what does your team say about you years after you stop working together? Stay Connected and Informed with Our NewslettersJosh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse"Dive deeper into the world of Agile leadership and management with Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse." This bi-weekly newsletter offers insights, tips, and personal stories to help you navigate the complexities of leadership in today's fast-paced tech environment. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you'll find valuable guidance and practical advice to enhance your leadership skills. Subscribe to "Leadership Lighthouse" for the latest articles and exclusive content right to your inbox.Subscribe hereBob Galen's "Agile Moose"Bob Galen's "Agile Moose" is a must-read for anyone interested in Agile practices, team dynamics, and personal growth within the tech industry. The newsletter features in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable tips to help you excel in your Agile journey. Bob brings his extensive experience and thoughtful perspectives directly to you, covering everything from foundational Agile concepts to advanced techniques. Join a community of Agile enthusiasts and practitioners by subscribing to "Agile Moose."Subscribe hereDo More Than Listen:We publish video versions of every episode and post them on our YouTube page.Help Us Spread The Word: Love our content? Help us out by sharing on social media, rating our podcast/episodes on iTunes, or by giving to our Patreon campaign. Every time you give, in any way, you empower our mission of helping as many agilists as possible. Thanks for sharing!

What makes someone a great coworker? Chad jumps into that topic to celebrate Dave's birthday before Dean Phillips joins to speak about his relationship with Lindsey Graham, the latest with Iran and more.

How do we know if we are following Biblical wisdom? In chapter 3 of his epistle, James sets the standard with eight qualities of godly wisdom:   First, godly wisdom is pure. False wisdom is characterized by bitter envy and selfish ambition; godly wisdom is characterized by purity of motive.   Second, it is peace-loving. Selfish ambition can start a war, but God's wisdom can bring Truth and clarity where there is chaos.   Third, it is considerate. Though you have strength and power, you control yourself so that when you have the opportunity to hurt somebody, you won't do it.   Fourth, it is submissive. Being submissive means being willing to listen and willing to learn. To be submissive is to be humble and teachable, not a doormat to be walked over but meek, so that your strength is guided and submitted to God, making you gentle and kind.   Fifth, it is full of mercy. The word used here actually has a double meaning: forgiving those who wrong us and then being willing in our hearts to help them.   Sixth, it is full of good fruit. You cannot manufacture the fruit of the Spirit. True spiritual maturity happens from the inside out for those who are indwelt by the Spirit of God and are seeking His wisdom moment by moment.   Seventh, it is impartial. Those who live by worldly wisdom cannot be impartial because they are always trying to please someone, but those who live by God's wisdom are consistent, single-minded, and authentic.   Eighth, it's sincere. A sincere person is genuine, without hypocrisy, and wears no mask.   Godly wisdom is the kind of wisdom that comes from the very heart of God. As you read and pray through God's Word continually, you will find that your life is producing purity, peace, gentleness, willingness, mercy, good fruit, impartiality, and sincerity—and that's how you'll know the Word of God is taking root. Join me in prayer.  Precious Lord, thank You for answering my prayers for wisdom by giving it to me generously. As I spend time studying Your Word and listening to Your voice, I know these things will begin to take root in me. Help me to prioritize that time with You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Do not love the world! What do you think of when you hear this command? What does worldliness look like? To define worldliness, most of us would point to something “out there,” (and that is not incorrect), but John will define the world we must not love as desires and attitudes within our hearts. He will define the world with the phrases, “the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life.” Therefore, “Do not love the world or the things in the world” is not a call to a stricter list of rules or behaviors to avoid, but an invitation to examine what our hearts truly desire and pursue. Last week, in verses 12-14, John told the believers who they were. Children whose sins are forgiven, Fathers who know Him who is from the beginning, and young men who are strong and have overcome the evil one. Now, in 1 John 2:15-17, John warns us not to love the world because we are all becoming increasingly like whatever we love, and what we love will shape the direction of our lives. So, he calls us to guard what we love and do not love. Sunday, we will examine how we discipline and cultivate proper and improper love, and guard against the values, attitudes, and philosophies that center on self (which is how John defines “worldliness”). We will walk through John's command not to love the world, his explanation of what worldliness looks like at the heart level, and the promise for those whose hearts have been changed by the gospel to love and follow Christ. Ultimately, this passage points us back to the gospel itself, since only God's transforming love can reorder our affections and free us from chasing after what is passing away. I. The Command To Not Love The World (v. 15) II. The Characteristics of Love For The World (v. 16) III. The Consequence Of Love For The World (v. 17)

reference: Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, The Psychic Being — Soul: Its Nature, Mission and Evolution, Section 4 The Psychic Being and Sadhana, pg. 119This episode is also available as a blog post at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2026/07/10/the-characteristics-and-qualities-of-the-realisation-of-the-psychic-being/Video presentations, interviews and podcast episodes are allavailable on the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@santoshkrinsky871More information about Sri Aurobindo can be found at www.aurobindo.net  The US editions and links to e-book editions of SriAurobindo's writings can be found at Lotus Press www.lotuspress.com#Sri Aurobindo #yoga #The Mother #integral yoga #spirituality #soul #psychic being #aspiration #mystic fire

In this episode, we explore the major transits of JULY, which there are many!We spend time reviewing Venus conjunct Ketu in Leo. This is a transit that can bring old relationship patterns, memories, and karmic dynamics back into awareness. It can also generate creative expression, poetic insight, a deepening of spiritual practice, love of solitude, and self-reflection in regard to matters of the heart. We also discuss Mercury retrograde and the New Moon in Punarvasu, one of the most restorative and hopeful nakshatras. The upcoming new moon is truly a beautiful time to consider what needs revision, restoration, nourishment, or forgiveness. Saturn retrogrades this month as well - inviting us to take an honest look at our commitments, habits, responsibilities, and long-term goals. This is a time to strengthen our foundation through discipline, humility, accountability, and intentional effort rather than seeking quick results.We also explore the Full Moon in Capricorn and why it may highlight themes surrounding home, housing, homeland security, government, and emotional wellbeing. As new information comes to light, it is possible that an important turning point can shift the direction of both personal and global events.Finally, we discuss the conclusion of Kala Sarpa Yoga and the energetic shift that may accompany its completion.Characteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast 

Send us Fan MailIn the vast landscape of spiritual teachings, the figure of the guru often stands as a beacon of wisdom and enlightenment. However, as seekers, we must navigate the complexities of identifying genuine spiritual teachers among the myriad of voices in the spiritual community. In this post, we'll explore the nuances of what it means to follow a guru, the characteristics of authentic spiritual teachers, and how to discern between true guidance and misleading influences.Nature of True GuidanceThe relationship between a guru and their disciple is deeply personal and transformative. True gurus are not merely teachers; they serve as mirrors reflecting our true selves. Their role is to guide us towards self-realization, helping us shed the layers of ego and illusion. This process often requires confrontation with uncomfortable truths about ourselves. - **Why it Matters**: Understanding this dynamic allows us to approach our spiritual journey with clarity and intention.- **Key Insight**: A genuine guru helps us realize our innate nature, guiding us beyond superficial desires and fears.Red Flags to Watch ForAs we delve deeper into the spiritual realm, it becomes crucial to identify potential pitfalls. Many individuals present themselves as gurus, but not all have the authentic qualities that define a true teacher. Here are some red flags to consider:Characteristics of Authentic GurusSo, what should we look for in a true guru? Authentic spiritual teachers share certain characteristics that set them apart:- **Selflessness**: A true guru demonstrates love and compassion for all beings, regardless of their status or wealth.- **Balanced Perspective**: They often have a diverse following and connect with individuals from various backgrounds.- **Indifference to Materialism**: Their teachings transcend material concerns, focusing instead on inner peace and understanding.

We just launched our new book! You can grab The Power of Your Personal Brand: A Playbook for Struggling Middle Managers Who Want to Do Big Things on Amazon or at ForthRight-People.com In the latest installment of The Power of Your Personal Brand Series, we're doing a deep dive into another one of the 3 Personal Brand framework components: Characteristics. We define your Characteristics as your features or attributes. They make you YOU. They are neither good nor bad. And, they guide everything you do. In this Quick Hit, you'll learn how to embrace your Characteristics to get on the path to your Big Thing. Learn more in the full episode here

When we begin our businesses, we often get caught in the cycle of trading time for money, especially when it comes to service-based businesses. In this new series, we're chatting all about growing your business beyond services so that you can break this cycle and mindset. Today, we're discussing how you can build diverse revenue streams as an entrepreneur.This episode originally aired on July 31, 2023 as the kickoff to a diversify your revenue series. Check out the following episodes within that series:75: Affiliate Marketing for Content Creators76: 3 Ways to Know If Your New Offer Will Sell Before You Create It77: How a YouTube Channel Will Help Diversify Your Business Revenue78: Stepping Into the World of Digital Products79: Navigating Sponsorships & Brand DealsToday's episode is brought to you by my Affiliate Marketing Jumpstart Guide. I've developed an affiliate marketing strategy that has brought me freedom in my business and I'm sharing this strategy in my free guide!  

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.” Luke 2:52    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study  Dr. Montessori advised, “We must revise the learning environments and approaches for these new and different children. Our method should correspond to these different stages of the child's life, finding a different environment, in a different way of dealing with him (the child) in each stage.” Creative Development in the Child, Volume I  Cathy Johanni joins us on the podcast to discuss the psychological characteristics of the second plane child and how these characteristics inform our work in the atrium.   Cathy Johanni lives in Columbus, Ohio where she has enjoyed accompanying children on their spiritual journeys for more than two decades. She is recognized as a formation leader in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at levels I, II, and III.  She has been involved in Montessori education for a decade, working with children ages 5-14.   A member of the editorial committee for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Annual Journal. Cathy has authored articles and contributed to The Roman Missal Third Edition and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Changes to Materials . She holds a Bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from Princeton University, a Master's degree from The Ohio State University and Montessori Elementary certificates. Married for 31 years, she is the mother of five.      Podcasts Episodes with Cathy Johanni:    Tools for Freedom and Responsibility 139: What to try when things seem to be failing with Cathy Johanni  124: Work of the Second Plane Child  AnthropologicalCatechesis        Books you might be interested in:  The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds  History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa  History of the Kingdom of God Part 2: Liturgy and the Building of the Kingdom  Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues      BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER    CGS 7 Minute Video      CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email contact@cgsusa.org    Find out more about CGS:    Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com   Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com  **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102   See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire   See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/  

Characteristics of God | Pastor Jeremy Isaacs | Week Five by Generations Church

Is private credit the pin that pops the market bubble? The short answer is no—but that’s the wrong question entirely. Private credit is now a $1.8–$3.5 trillion market, rivaling the entire U.S. leveraged loan and high-yield bond markets combined. It’s direct lending, shadow banking, and middle-market finance all rolled into one, and firms like Ares, Apollo, Blackstone, Blue Owl, and Morgan Stanley are at the center of it. Business development companies (BDCs), are gating redemptions. Pension funds, insurance companies, and retail investors are all exposed. And the Financial Stability Board issued a formal warning in May 2026. So what is private credit, how did it get this big, and what does it actually mean for the broader economy if it seizes up? In this episode, Max breaks down the entire private credit ecosystem—from its origins in post-2008 regulation to the mechanics of SOFR-linked floating rate loans, PIK interest, covenant-lite structures, and the $410–$540 billion in bank lending that ties the whole system together. We look at the BDC redemption crisis of 2025 and 2026, the First Brands and TriColor fraud cases and Jamie Dimon’s cockroach comment that won’t go away. Resources J.P. Morgan: Understanding Private Credit Bloomberg Television: Why Private Credit Is Not a Financial Crisis Threat Blackstone: What’s Really Happening in Private Credit? Expert Answers CNBC Television: Inside Alts: Private credit fears resurface CNBC Television: This is the start of a big crisis for private credit, says Verdad’s Rasmussen The Federal Reserve: Bank Lending to Private Credit: Size, Characteristics, and Financial Stability Implications Federal Reserve Bank of Boston: Could the Growth of Private Credit Pose a Risk to Financial System Stability? IMF eLibrary: Chapter 2 The Rise and Risks of Private Credit in: Global Financial Stability Report, April 2024 Financial Stability Board: FSB warns on private credit vulnerabilities NAIC: How State Insurance Regulators are Responding to Growth in CLOs and Private Credit Bloomberg: Ares Private Credit Fund Caps Redemptions After 14% Seek to Exit Bloomberg: Apollo Caps Private Credit Fund After 17% Request to Exit Bloomberg: Private Credit Is Still a Hot Asset for Bond Investors Buying Debt Bloomberg: Morgan Stanley Caps Private Credit Fund After 11.6% Exit Request Bloomberg: Cliffwater Private Credit Fund Stung by 17% Redemption Requests Bloomberg: Blackstone Limits Withdrawals From $79 Billion Private Credit Fund BCRED Bloomberg: Private Credit BDC Redemptions Exceed Fundraising for First Time The Lead Left: Middle Market & Private Credit – 1/5/2026 - The Lead Left Financial Times: US debt investors raise alarm over lending standards UNFTR Resources Video: Will Private Credit’s Death Spiral Pop the Market Bubble? Essay: Is Private Credit the Pin That Pops the Bubble? UNFTR Newsletter UNFTR Progressive Trivia -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi everyone! Today we explore the complex full moon coming up on June 29th. This full moon will be in the sidereal sign of Sagittarius, in the powerful nakshatra of Purva Ashadha. This period brings about themes of purpose, courage, and deeper truths that guide our lives. How would we live our lives if we couldn't fail? We also discuss the major astrological themes shaping the weeks ahead, including the exact conjunction of Mars and Uranus in Taurus. Remember, this is the combination that was occurring when Dr. Trump was shot in the ear! This conjunction can bring unexpected shifts, breakthroughs, and bold action. We also cover Mercury retrograde in Cancer, which can bring up issues involving land, real estate, the mother, or matters of the heart. Characteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast 

Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks.In this episode, Dr. Christine Li shares her Simply Productive Method, a five-step process designed to help women—especially those in midlife—overcome clutter, limiting beliefs, and resistance to achieve their goals with greater ease and positivity. Drawing from her experience running the Re-energize Your Home challenge, Dr. Christine Li breaks down the common struggles her clients face and offers empowering strategies to simplify action, boost energy, and build lasting self-belief for a thriving, clutter-free life.Timestamps00:00:00: Introduction and recent "Re-energize Your Home" challenge overview00:02:18: Background of the challenge and its impact00:04:23: Characteristics and struggles of the women served00:11:29: Introduction to the Simply Productive Method00:12:24: Five essential pieces of the Simply Productive Method00:13:25: 1. Set your "rocket goal"00:14:47: 2. Face your resistance00:16:41: 3. Work with your energy00:18:29: 4. Dismantle your limiting beliefs00:20:38: 5. Build habits and self-belief for life00:22:16: Review of the five components00:23:54: Free worksheet offer and closing remarks00:24:39: Outro and contact informationTo get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/methodTo sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SPFor more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.comGain Access to Dr. Christine Li's Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibraryTo work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/labConnect with Dr. Christine LiWebsite: https://www.procrastinationcoach.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoachThe Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/labSimply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

We explore the biblical characteristics of speaking in tongues and what Scripture teaches about this spiritual gift. We discuss how tongues function as a heavenly language through which believers communicate with God, how the spirit prays even when the mind does not fully understand, and why this gift remains under the believer's control and how to receive it.  __________ 1 Corinthians 13:1 KJV, 1 Corinthians 14:14 KJV, 1 Corinthians 14:27–33 KJV, Luke 11:11–13 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

Joel Kotkin disputes the label of "fascist" for the MAGA movement, noting it lacks the youth-driven, paramilitary organization characteristic of movements led by Mussolini or Hitler. He describes MAGA as a chaotic coalition of various interest groups held together by Donald Trump's personality. Kotkin emphasizes that using the term as a political slur ruins the possibility of necessary civil discourse. (8)1936

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. Today, I'm taking a closer look at oral contraceptive use in perimenopause and menopause, exploring how oral contraceptives work, how they suppress or blunt perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, alter hormone signaling and testing, what women may experience when they stop taking them, and why the gut microbiome is an essential part of the conversation. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How oral contraceptives suppress certain key signaling hormones, making it difficult to assess women's menopausal status accurately What women may experience when transitioning off oral contraceptives How long-term oral contraceptive use can alter gut microbial function and inflammatory pathways The association between long-term oral contraceptive use and nutrient depletion Why the standard reproductive hormone markers used to assess menopause (especially FSH/LH) are unreliable while on the pill How the microbiome changes that occur as women age may compound the effects of previous oral contraceptive use Helpful dietary, microbiome, and lifestyle strategies to support women navigating the post-pill transition Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Resources:  Sitruk-Ware R, Nath A. Characteristics and metabolic effects of estrogen and progestins contained in oral contraceptive pills. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2013;27(1):13–24. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2012.09.004 Schaffir J, Worly BL, Gur TL. Combined hormonal contraception and its effects on mood: a critical review. European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2016;21(5):347–355. doi:10.1080/13625187.2016.1217327 Panzer C, Wise S, Fantini G, Kang D, Munarriz R, Guay A, Goldstein I. Impact of oral contraceptives on sex hormone-binding globulin and androgen levels: a retrospective study in women with sexual dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2006;3(1):104–113. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.00198.x Palmery M, Saraceno A, Vaiarelli A, Carlomagno G. Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 2013;17(13):1804–1813. PMID:23852908 Khalili H, Higuchi LM, Ananthakrishnan AN, Richter JM, Feskanich D, Fuchs CS, Chan AT. Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors and risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Gut. 2013;62(8):1153–1159. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302362 Flores R, Shi J, Fuhrman B, Xu X, Veenstra TD, Gail MH, Gajer P, Ravel J, Goedert JJ. Fecal microbial determinants of fecal and systemic estrogens and estrogen metabolites: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2012;10:253. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-10-253 Baker JM, Al-Nakkash L, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Estrogen-gut microbiome axis: physiological and clinical implications. Maturitas. 2017;103:45–53. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.06.025 Hua X, Cao Y, Morgan DM, Miller K, Chin SM, Bellavance D, Khalili H. Longitudinal analysis of the impact of oral contraceptive use on the gut microbiome. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2022;71(4):001512. doi:10.1099/jmm.0.001512 Mihajlovic J, Leutner M, Hausmann B, Kohl G, Schwarz J, et al. Combined hormonal contraceptives are associated with minor changes in composition and diversity in gut microbiota of healthy women. Environmental Microbiology. 2021;23(6):3037–3047. doi:10.1111/1462-2920.15461 Seelig MS. Increased magnesium need with use of combined oestrogen and calcium supplementation. Magnesium Research. 1990;3(3):197–215. PMID:2133742 Donders GGG, Bellen G, Mendling W. Management of recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidosis as a chronic illness. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 2010;70(4):306–321. doi:10.1159/000314022 Krog MC, Hugerth LW, Fransson E, et al. The healthy female microbiome across body sites: effect of hormonal contraceptives and the menstrual cycle. Human Reproduction. 2022;37(7):1525–1543. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac094