Podcasts about Climbing

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Just because a very chaotic 2025 is coming to an end and a new year is about to begin doesn't mean you can ignore the personal challenges you've managed to sweep under the rug…2026 is the year you'll face the mirror based on the 10th card of the Tarot, The Wheel of Fortune (the divine mirror of self-reflection), and all of those obstacles will re-appear. What you choose to do — or don't do — to resolve these challenges may determine the fragile difference between taking control of your life or being controlled by others.Paul shares his 2026 forecast including a roadmap for your spiritual survival this week on Spirit Gym.For Spirit Gym listeners: To get the most out of Paul's 2026 solocast, we encourage you to watch it on his YouTube channel. Also, you can access a PDF of his extensive resources for this episode here.Timestamps4:03 Looking back at 2025.8:16 Donald Trump or Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Who do you trust more?15:17 The myth of Narcissus and its connection to artificial intelligence.22:28 Understanding archetypes.25:24 Exploring GOD.31:51 God dreams myth, the story that tells itself.35:00 Paul's favorite myth of origin.43:04 Humans cannot perceive anything without archetypes.49:14 Higher mind and lower mind.59:35 Essential archetypes for life and meaning.1:08:02 The Wheel of Fortune (Tarot card 10).1:15:11 The objective psyche.1:26:56 Archetypal images.1:32:36 The local and non-local mind.1:38:09 The numerology of 2026.1:46:14 10: The end of one cycle and the beginning of another.1:55:53 Looking at 2026 from a Tarot perspective (the Royal Road).2:10:18 “The most important aspects of what the Tarot is teaching us happen in the first 10 cards.”2:21:04 10 as a number field.2:30:38 Will you make it to 2027?2:41:14 The meaning of fire.2:48:34 “The journey through the Tarot archetypes and all spiritual development is really just a journey from the head to the heart.”2:57:53 What riddles are the Sphinx confronting us with in 2026?3:01:55 Climbing the Accountability Ladder.3:11:07 Recognize the Mystery.3:16:09 Here's your homework assignment.ResourcesThe International Society of MythologyPaul's Spirit Gym conversation with Federico FagginFind more resources for this episode on our website.Music Credit: Meet Your Heroes (444Hz), Composed, mixed, mastered and produced by Michael RB Schwartz of Brave Bear MusicThanks to our awesome sponsors:PaleovalleyBIOptimizers US and BIOptimizers UK PAUL15Organifi CHEK20Wild PasturesKorrect SPIRITGYMPique LifeCHEK Institute We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases using affiliate links.

This is a re-release of a previous episode with Sean Bailey. It was an absolute banger then, and it is today. Sean's been on a tear recently with his send of AOTB [V17], opening a new gym in Tokyo, and theres rumors of even more hard sending. Because of this, we thought it was a great time to bring this one back.We're on holiday this week, but we'll be back to normal starting next week. Happy holidays and new year everyone!Previous description, as originally aired Jan 29th, 2024.Sean Bailey came on Testpiece and shared his decades of experience from sending and competing at the absolute top of the sport. Sean truly is one of the best climbers in the world right now. Sean recently FA'd the low start to Evilution [“Devilution”] which was a long standing sought after project that clocks in around V16 and is now one of the hardest, proudest lines in the world!How he started climbing and training at a young age and what it was like cutting his teeth on his local crags like Smith Rock.He shares about what WC's were like as an American 7+ years ago when the USA was not competitive at all. Spoiler — it was different and not so glamours! His recent time spent on hard outdoor bouldering and the lessons he learned in sport climbing that help in bouldering.What he thinks the progression in sport climbing will look like.Sean also expands on his recent Instagram post that shared on the struggles pro-climbers have behind the scenes making ends meet. Don't miss this part.Absolutely incredible can't miss podcast by one of the top climbers in our sport!Join Patreon: HERE Follow us on Instagram: HERE Visit our podcast page: HERE

22-year-old Zion crusher Connor Baty on first ascents, rope soloing the Triple Wall in 12 hours, and why he climbs without sponsors. Kora FA, Towers of the Virgin, and living the unsponsored dream.Today's guest is 22-year-old silent crusher from Zion, Connor Baty. Connor has been climbing since he was 8 years old, with key early development as a trad climber at Garden of the Gods in Colorado—a notoriously chossy area with soft, loose sandstone. Since then he quickly progressed through the grades, leveling out around the 5.13 range. He then took that knowledge and merged it with his true passion: adventure. Connor has been quietly building a reputation as a cutting-edge first ascensionist and endurance linkup climber. Connor was the partner to our previous guest James Barrow for the Complete Tower of the Virgin Traverse. They also established a new 5.12+ multipitch route in Zion, called Kora. Connor has climbed Time Wave Zero down in Potrero car to car in 5 hours and most recently he's claimed the rope solo speed record of the Zion Triple Wall—linking Touchstone, Moonlight Buttress, and Prodigal Son in a blistering 12 hours. Needless to say Connor is a crusher.He could easily seek out sponsorships at the level he is climbing. But as we learn in our conversation, Connor has zero interest in self-promotion. For him it's all about personal progress, adventure, and living the life he has now to the fullest. He even has groundbreaking pursuits outside of climbing and is currently attempting to navigate the Colorado River from source to sea. What I found most interesting about our conversation is how well-spoken, composed, and level-headed Connor is as a human and a climber. Back when I was 22 I could not say the same thing about myself. I really felt the stoke and energy from Connor in our conversation and I'm happy to be sharing it with you now.Watch the full episode on Youtube---Thanks to our sponsors!LIVSN DesignsCheckout their Ecotrek Trail Pants HereUse Code "TCM15" At Checkout for an extra 15% OFF Your OrderHot Chillys Performance Base LayersCheckout their Micro Elite Chamois Base Layer Systems HereUse Code "TCM15" At Checkout for 15% OFF Your OrderGet Access to Exclusive Episodes, Unlock Ad-Free Podcast, & MORE!---ResourcesConor's IG

      Last we left off, the Tempests were making their way West across the Alboran Sea to get back to the continent of Drago. There waited a misplaced friend, and a couple clans of greenskins that Lakin was charged with wiping off the map. The journey was anything but smooth sailing, but in the end, it was nothing the Tempests couldn't handle! The final hurdle was making it across the wide expanse of water to get to High Tide, the pirate stronghold. Though it would seem like the request would be somewhat difficult, Kasumi requested a favor from the local thieves guild. The request was graciously granted, and the Velvet Dagger called in a favor of his own to have a ship take the Tempests and their Wagon Home to the other side of the world. Climbing aboard the Mirthless Gull, they set off for High Tide! Along the way, Pez and Lakin began working on a cursed project... Giving Cassie, their Wagon home, LEGS! Though a bit short on materials, the design was in place and progress underway.      We rejoin them now after a week of being on the water with High Tide coming into view.   We have merch! Shirts, Candles, Buttons, Stickers, and other things are for sale on our Etsy page at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/foolsandflagons    A huge shoutout to Nick Black who made our intro jingle. Go show some love to @NickBlackMusic and his Banana Army at https://www.twitch.tv/nickblackmusic and let him know we sent you! You can check out his music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2JJiUnuFWy9200nltASksL?si=LIy7N---SX24Z0ktRQbUsQ If you'd like to join the community to chat with the Fools and other D&D aficionados, considering joining our discord! https://discord.gg/bWSgjAdMbp If you like what we do and would like to support us, consider donating to our Ko-Fi page at https://www.ko-fi.com/foolsandflagons You can catch us live every other Friday on Twitch at: https://www.twitch.tv/foolsnflagons/ If you'd like to see our past adventures, you can check out the VODs on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoolsNFlagons  

#673: Welcome to Greatest Hits Week – five days, five episodes from our vault, spelling out F-I-I-R-E. Today's second letter I stands for Investing. This episode originally aired in April 2022, but the framework remains one of the most practical guides we've shared for building wealth at any age. Nick Maggiulli joins us to reveal why most young investors obsess over the wrong metrics — and shares his Save-Invest Continuum that shows exactly when your savings beat your investment returns, and when that changes.  _____ When Nick Maggiulli was in his twenties, he spent countless hours obsessing over his investment portfolio – tweaking his asset allocation, running net worth projections, and building complex spreadsheets.  Meanwhile, he was blowing $100 every weekend partying in San Francisco. It took him years to realize the absurdity. His annual investment returns on his tiny $1,000 portfolio might earn him $100 – the same amount he'd spend in a single night out. Maggiulli joins us to explain why young investors focus on the wrong things and shares his framework for knowing when to prioritize saving versus investing.  He introduces the Save-Invest Continuum, which compares your expected annual savings against your expected investment returns.  When you're starting out, your ability to save dwarfs any investment gains. A $6,000 annual savings capacity beats a $100 investment return every time. We discuss the math behind saving 50 percent of future raises, not for guilt or deprivation, but to maintain lifestyle balance while building wealth.  This rule applies only to real raises above inflation. If you get a 3 percent raise during 3 percent inflation, you haven't actually gotten ahead. The conversation turns to unconventional income-producing assets. Beyond stocks and bonds, Maggiulli explores farmland investing, which offers returns uncorrelated with traditional markets.  He shares the story of someone who bought the royalty rights to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" for $190,000. The song earned $32,733 in royalties the previous year — an 11 percent return if that income stays constant. We examine why 85 to 90 percent of your portfolio should generate income through dividends, rent, interest, or business profits.  Maggiulli keeps his speculative investments — cryptocurrency, art, and individual stocks — under 10 percent of his net worth. He admits his two individual stock picks are down 60 to 70 percent, proving his own point about avoiding stock picking. The episode reveals that time remains your most important asset. Warren Buffett would likely trade his entire fortune — and go into debt — to be 35 again.  This perspective shapes every financial decision, from choosing income strategies to deciding between assets that merely appreciate versus those that pay you while you sleep. Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (00:00) Nick's mistake of obsessing over investments while partying away returns (05:31) The Save-Invest Continuum explained (08:11) When savings matter more than investment returns (12:31) Focusing on both saving and investing in midlife (13:11) Crossover point: when investment returns exceed spending (14:11) The 2X Rule for guilt-free spending (15:31) Save 50 percent of future raises (20:41) Five ways to increase income (26:31) Selling time versus selling skills (28:11) Teaching and creating products for income (30:11) Climbing the corporate ladder (31:11) Converting human capital to financial capital (32:31) Income-producing versus speculative assets (36:11) Individual stocks and cryptocurrency allocation (43:51) Farmland investing basics (45:31) Royalty investing example (49:31) Art and non-income producing assets (51:11) Inflation and debt strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As summer heat intensifies across Australia, rising power bills are forcing many renters to limit cooling at home. New data from Energy Consumers Australia shows 70 per cent of renters are avoiding heating or cooling, largely due to poor insulation in rental properties. With calls growing for minimum energy-efficiency standards, experts say mandatory upgrades are needed. Community leader Abbas Raza Alvi explains why renters are pushing for change.

Julian Acevedo was one of the founders of the original ‘Anti-Mega' gym, GP81 in New York City. This gym is the definition of a “climber's climbing gym” and is known for great walls, great setting, and an even better community.GP81 has now blazed a trail again by opening a Youth Training Center which is headed up by the Creative Director Zoe Sayetta who has been coaching youth athletes for decades.Patreon Bonus Content (join Patreon for extended cut):Is there plans to continue to expand GP81? More gyms? More YTC's? Can you do that while still being ‘anti-mega'?How you deal with serious issues from kids, like eating disorders, or serious anxiety around competition or falling?Join Patreon: HERE Follow us on Instagram: HERE Visit our podcast page: HERE

Today... A months-long investigation by the "7th Judicial District Drug Task Force" led to the December arrests of two Montrose men accused of working with a shared supplier to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, with formal charges expected in January. And later... "The Nature Connection" is expanding winter programs like climbing nights and cross-country ski pop-ups, backed by over one-hundred thousand dollars in new grants to support staff and create teen-focused outdoor opportunities.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this episode and for this time of year, we performed a reading of a parody of Welcome Back KotterImagine if the Sweathogs were in Martial Arts? I took up the challenge, wrote a script and invited friends to come along. Please EnjoyWelcome back... Your gi was your ticket out... Did we get it right? Email me: tabersmartialarts@gmail.com Happy Monday, i am rooting for you. The show has a new theme song:Keep on Climbing by Chaz Coats - Butcher Have feedback or want to be on the show, email, tabersmartialarts@gmail.comJoin our facebook group as well: https://tinyurl.com/realtalksenseinick

Fr. Dan Reehil catches up with his brother, Brian. Today they talk about the three wise men and the holy innocence. Radio Maria is a 100% listener supported radio station. If this broadcast has touched your life, please consider donating at https://rmusa.civi-go.net/donateStream live episodes of Battle Ready with Fr. Dan Reehil at https://radiomaria.us/ at 9:00 am cst or tune in on radio in Louisiana (580 AM Alexandria, 1360 AM New Iberia, 89.7 FM Natchitoches, 91.1 FM Lake Charles) in Ohio (1600 AM Springfield, 88.7 FM Anna, 103.3 Enon/Dayton) in Mississippi (88.1 FM D'Iberville/Biloxi) in Florida (91.9 Hammocks/Miami) in Pennsylvania (88.1 FM Hollidaysburg/Altoona) in Texas (1250 AM Port Arthur) in Wisconsin (91.3 FM Peshtigo), 1280 AM Columbia, TN (98.9 FM Columbia, TN)Download the Radio Maria Play app to any smart device:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radiomaria.v3&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/radio-maria-play/id848153139 

Elf on a Shelf: Part 2 Life in hob-along mode. Based on a post by LingeringAfterthought, in 3 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. When she woke the next morning, Zach was standing next to the bed with a pain pill and a glass of water. "Terry's gonna be here in about half an hour. I could make you some breakfast?" he said, putting the pill and the water into her hand. Honey shook her head, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. "I'd; I'd like to take a shower before I go; if that's okay," she asked. "Right; uh; I'll just set it up for you. I'll get your things together after you're done in there; if you still want to go, that is; Honey closed her eyes and nodded, "Thank you," she whispered, unable to look at the silent pleading in his face. When the shower was ready, Zach carried her down the stairs and set her down in his large walk-in shower on the bathing chair he'd set up for her. "I, uh; I warmed up the water. The; soap and shampoo stuff is right here," he said, gesturing to a collection of bottles put down within her reach. "If you need anything, I'll be right; right here," he said, sitting down on the toilet, looking like he didn't know what to do with his hands. Honey nodded and took off her nightgown and panties, putting them on the floor outside the shower. She leaned down and began unwrapping the velcro the straps on her boot, finding that she couldn't reach the last one. She opened her mouth to ask for help, but Zach was already sliding the door open to undo it for her. When he disassembled the boot around her foot and lifted it away, a slight whimper escaped her when the motion bumped her ankle slightly. Zach's eyes flashed to hers as she tried to cover herself with her arms, "I'm okay," she whispered. Clenching his jaw, Zach nodded, stood and left the stall. The water felt like heaven after the sad sponge baths she had given herself in bed. Her skin came alive in the heat and flushed a deep pink. "Is that too hot? You're getting red," Zach said, standing next to the door looking concerned. "No; it's perfect," she sighed. She twisted around to reach the shampoo and tipped it over, groaning as she watched it roll out of reach. Zach reached into the stall and returned it to her, growling in annoyance as he watched her try to squeeze some out with only one fully functional arm. Soon, he stepped into the shower with her, clad only in his underwear. "I don't know how you think you're going to do this by yourself; he grumbled, glaring at her as he massaged the shampoo into her long hair. "I'll figure it out; put a folding chair in the tub or something," she said, trying not to notice that the fabric of his underwear was leaving nothing to the imagination the wetter it got. "A fucking folding chair will slip. I'll send this one with you. You still can't reach shit, though." "I haven't done this before. I'll get better as I go." "Yeah, but until then, you'll; Look, you need to give me a call when you; so that I know you're okay." "You wouldn't be able to hear me talk; the water makes this growling noise," she said. "Well, why the fu; never mind. You call me before and after. No longer than 10 minutes, or I send Terry." "And he just does whatever you tell him? You're really kinda bossy." "Glad we sorted that out. Put your head back." With a smirk, Honey leaned back, letting him support her with his arm as he rinsed the shampoo out of her hair. After one minute, Zach began swearing under his breath. "I've been rinsing this shit out of your hair forever and there's still more! How the fuck is this possible?" Honey began giggling, despite the pain it caused her shoulder. "I guess you should allow me longer than 10 minutes to shower, then; she murmured. "Ten fucking minutes, or I send Terry." "Do you have any conditioner?" "Any what?" "Never mind," Honey said, trying to control her face. When he finally released her from being rinsed, Honey grabbed the loofa and put some body wash on it, washing what she could reach with her right arm while Zach glared down at her. "Oh, for fuck's sake," he grated, roughly taking the fluffy sponge from her and then washing her with surprising gentleness. When he delicately supported and washed her broken ankle, he waited until he finished before looking up at her, "Remember, doctor says you can take off your boot for a while now and then, so that should help with the smell. I'll pack the extra sock so you can put a clean one on and wash the; well, just how the fuck are you going to do the laundry?" he asked, as if she created the concept of dirty laundry just to bother him. "Hand wash?" she suggested. "That won't work for these boot socks! They smell like gangrene or some shi;" "Well, now you're just flirting; she said, smiling up at him. For a moment Zach's face went completely blank, his eyes slowly traveling down her naked body as his face turned bright red, then he turned away and cursed under his breath again. "Grab onto my arm and I'll finish you up," he said, clenching his jaw and holding out his forearm to her, as he diligently looked away. Cautiously, she took his arm and tried to stand, rising wobbly on her left leg. Before she could gain her balance, her hand slipped on his wet arm and he pulled her tightly against him before she could fall. Body to body, they clung on to each other in the hot spray, each of them shaking. "Honey; you may notta noticed, but I'm hanging on by a fucking thread, here," Zach said quietly in her ear, "Try not to get yourself killed for two seconds." Honey nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist so that he could move his arms again. She felt him move the loofah between her legs and begin washing her private area, looking around the shower stall as he did. When Honey cringed and her breath hissed between her teeth, he stopped, "What's wrong?" he asked, looking down at her face. "It's; rough; she said, quietly. "Yeah, but it was fine when; oh; right; sensitive. Okay; he said, swallowing as he tossed the loofah aside and hesitantly reached his fingers between her legs. Honey leaned her forehead on his chest and closed her eyes, gasping when his fingers made contact. "Is that; is that okay?" he asked. She nodded and tried to move her legs further apart for him. Zach gently washed her, trying to think of sports scores, laxative commercials, or the accounts payable at the club, but inevitably his cock noticed that he was holding the woman of his dreams naked in his arms. When she shifted against him, trying to keep her balance, a breathy grunt escaped him as she inadvertently rubbed against him. "I'm sorry; she whispered, trying to give him more room. "Don't be; you're perfect; it's fine; he said, trying to think about anything but how it would feel to slide his cock between her slippery lips right at that moment. "Let me just get the; water; he gritted, reaching for the shower sprayer and directing it between her legs. Honey gasped and whimpered as the water pulsed against her clit, down her labia and over her anus again and again, feeling Zach's eyes on her as he did it, intensely absorbing her every reaction. She trembled as she held on to him, trying to remain calm. Finally, she raised her eyes up to him and opened her wet lips and whispered, "Zach; ?" "Hey, how do you guys want your eggs?" Terry asked, sticking his head into the bathroom. "Get The Fuck Out Of Here, Maggot!" Zach roared, as Honey squealed and released him, quickly ducking down to where Terry couldn't see her on the shower chair. "Scrambled, it is," Terry said, ducking out of the bathroom and leaving them alone again. Zach watched Honey begin to shiver as the room cooled off and handed her a towel. "Let me know when you're dry and I'll wrap up your leg again," he said, looking around the bathroom uncomfortably before wrapping a towel around his waist and taking off his wet underwear from underneath. After securing her ankle in the air cast, Zach carried her back up to the bedroom, turned his back to her, and blocked Terry's kitchen view of the loft as Honey dressed. When she finished, Zach turned around again, his mouth hardening into a grim line when he saw she had put on her elf dress again. "You're; going, then," he said, frowning as he watched her wince at the pain in her shoulder as she tried to tie the thick red ribbon belt behind her back. He stepped behind her and took the belt out of her hands and began brusquely tying it. "I want you to stay," he said to the back of her head, tugging the loops into a tight knot. Honey hobbled around to face him, "Enough to tell me why you wanted to send that message to someone?" she asked him, her dark blue eyes somber. "You; you wouldn't want to stay if I did," he murmured, stroking the soft velvet covering her arms. "Then, I guess I should go," she said, looking away before she could start crying again. "Wow, nice apartment!" Terry said, following Honey inside her apartment with the bag of her clothes. "The blood stains really bring the room together; "Say what you will, it's all mine," she said, hobbling over to the sofa and curling up, exhausted. "Here's your mail. I gotta text Zach, he's going nuts; well, more than usual, anyway," he said, handing her a stack of envelopes. "Arrived at hellhole; Angel has typhoid; the tweakers give their love; send food stamps," he said aloud, typing into his phone as Honey went through her mail. "Let me go set up the bath chair; just the thing to class up the joint," he said, disappearing to the bathroom. When Terry returned, he found Honey white as a sheet, reading a letter. "Whoa, kid; you okay? Need a pain pill? Let me take you back to Zach's. You look like you really do have typhoid; he said, kneeling down next to her. "Um; yeah, I'm fine," she said faintly, then cleared her throat. "Would; would you mind taking that laptop with you when you go deliver the charity gifts to the firm? They; asked me to send it back; probably upgrading; she said, quickly wiping the tears off her cheeks. Terry watched her for a long moment, his face grim, and don't mention it to Zach?" he finished. "Um; probably not?" Honey choked. "Ah, Honey; you have hospital bills. This is where a sensible person starts telling themself, 'Hey self, maybe I should go back to that really great guy that wants to take care of me," Terry said, closing her laptop and wrapping the power cord around it. "If he's such a great guy, why does he send people messages like this?" she asked, holding up the screenshot to him. After staring at the screen for a while, Terry let out a low whistle, "Now, see, Zach just puts it right out there. You gotta respect that. No wonder he got so much ass. He send this to you?" "He said he meant to send it to someone else, but what are you talking about? He sent this to me on our first date when he went to the restroom! I thought he wanted to kill me!" Terry canted his head and looked at the screenshot again, "Oh; yeah, I could see that. Especially if you got it without the dick pic," he said, nodding sympathetically. "No, see, this was sort of a sex S O S, if you will. A guy goes out with a girl like you, it's like a high-wire act. He gets all wound up, needs to blow off some steam, sends out a flare hoping someone can help him take the edge off things so you don't find out what a high-strung, rough sex freak he is. You're a big deal. He just didn't want to scare you off, Angel," Terry explained. "He; he wanted to go have sex with someone else after our date??" Honey yelled, incensed. "Only because he *liked* you so much!" Terry argued, winsomely. Just then, Honey's phone rang in his hand and he tapped the screen, "Honey's phone!" he answered. "Don't Ever Talk To Me Again!" Honey yelled at her phone when she saw it was Zach's number. "Ah yeah?" Terry said, holding the phone to his ear. "Yeah. Right. Be right over," he said, disconnecting the call and handing the phone back to Honey. "What did he say?" Honey asked, grinding her teeth. Terry leaned over and flipped her phone back to the screenshot that had frightened her so much, "Yeah; pretty much that; just without the sex. See you when I get out of the hospital, kid," he sighed. During the next week, Honey took a bus to the city hall offices and applied for unemployment, used the library computers to send out her resume and read her email, and got no calls whatsoever from Zach. Gatsby's, however, started having trouble with their delivery service and three meals a day were accidentally delivered to her disreputable apartment. When she called Gatsby's about it, she was assured they were working on it and were sure to fix the delivery service problem; as soon as they got a delivery service. The following week, Honey got a knock at her door. Promising herself she would open the door only for the pleasure of slamming it shut in the visitor's stupid, handsome face, Honey hobbled up and looked through the peep hole. It wasn't who she expected, though. "Um, hi; she said, opening the door a bit and tightening her robe. "Hi Honey, I'm Jeff. You probably don't remember;" "I remember you," Honey said, opening the door wider. "Please come in." "Thank you," he said, coming in and standing with his coat over his arm as she hobbled back to the couch. "Jeff, I always wanted to call Gatsby's and thank you; you know, for what you did," Honey said. "For the 'angel shot.' I didn't realize I was on a date with the owner, at the time. I hope it didn't make trouble for you," she said. "You're kidding, right? He fired me on the spot," Jeff laughed. "Oh no; she said, covering her face with her hands. "Oh, I'm so sorry." "No, it's okay. He hired me back as a manager a couple weeks ago. Said anyone who had the balls to do what it took to protect you, even from him, that was someone he wanted taking care of his customers. Actually said that, looking back, if you had been scared enough to ask someone for help back then and they *didn't* help you, well, he'd probably want to go find them and; and; well, the details don't matter, and they're probably illegal, anyway. The point is, we're good." "Oh, that's; that's good to hear. Is this about the delivery service problem, then?" "We don't have a delivery service." "Well, yeah, I know. I mean the meals that Zach is making you send me." "Um; I'm probably going to get my life threatened for telling you this, but we're not sending you meals. Zach's popping in and out with a lot of takeout boxes under his arm, but Gatsby's isn't sending you any meals, Honey. That's; that's all Zach." "Oh; Honey said, her cheeks warming. "Yeah, no I came to ask if you'd be interested in a job." Honey laughed, "I appreciate it, but don't think I'd make much of a waitress right now." "Actually, I kinda had something else in mind; Honey's heart pounded as the music swelled and she felt the platform descend, her legs dangling down clad in candy cane striped stockings and curled-toe shoes. Her dress was the same pink velvet and white fur trim costume as before, but the fabric was far more luscious and expensive than the dress she'd worn in the mall. It had arrived at her door with a seamstress tasked with making it fit flawlessly. Honey's eyes were closed out of habit, getting ready to sing for the clientele of the great room as Gatsby's "Elf on a Shelf." She knew he was out there. He always came out of hiding when she sang. A smile curled across her face as she felt the spotlight warm her body. She opened her eyes. After the show, Honey stripped off her tights and a stage hand gave her the air cast as soon as the platform had risen out of sight. Gingerly, she eased her leg back into the boot and began strapping herself in again. As she reached the last fastener, two large hands took the straps out of hers and began wrapping them expertly. Honey blushed and looked aside as Zach did it, and tried not to roll her eyes when he checked the other two straps to be sure she had secured them properly. His eyes wandered over her with nervous adoration, like he still couldn't quite convince himself she was real; even after the mundane work of feeding her, dressing her, and cleaning her all those days up in his loft. "Did you like the show?" she asked quietly, looking up at him with a small smile. Zach sighed with relief, having received tacit permission to speak to her again. "Yes," he said. "Did you really like it?" she asked, her eyes twinkling, her smile growing bigger. "I really; really liked it," Zach said, nodding and pulling at the collar of the dress shirt that was having trouble containing him. He seemed to have only grown larger in their weeks apart. "So much that you want to go have rough sex with somebody else tonight?" she asked, her large and deceptively innocent, twinkling eyes skewering him. Zach's mouth set, "I; I don't do that anymore. I exercise," he said quietly, reddening and looking away from her. "Oh; I see," Honey said, nodding. Ignoring the hands he offered her, Honey rolled herself onto her good knee and clumsily pushed herself back up into a standing position, her skirt flashing him as she rose. "What the fuck is that?" Zach yelled, pulling her skirt up to where a large purpling bruise was blooming on her hip. Honey bit her lips and forced her face to stop grinning before she turned and faced him again. "What's what?" she asked innocently. "What the hell do you think? That fucking huge purple ass-shiner you're walking around with! Where the fuck did that come from?" he roared. "Oh, that? I slipped. You know, it's icy out there; she said brightly, patting his chest and hobbling past him to her dressing room. Zach clenched his hands and followed her, growling things under his breath that would make a sailor blush. She wobbled into the dressing room, leaving the door open behind her, wondering if he would follow her in. He didn't, but instead stood there in the doorway glowering at her like a gargoyle as she pulled some clothes out of a large Gatsby's takeout bag. Honey's ribs were beginning to hurt from trying not to laugh. Honey breath hissed through her teeth as she reached behind her, fumbling with the knot of her wide red ribbon belt, her shoulder still healing from the dislocation. Before long, she heard muttered curses and large feet stomp into the room and push her hands aside, untying the belt for her. She smiled her thanks up at him over her shoulder, and moved her hair aside so he could help her with the zipper. Carefully, he smoothed some more of her hairs aside and slowly lowered the clasp. "So, um; how would it have worked?" she asked quietly, the softness of her voice making him lean in to hear her. Zach cleared his throat, "How would what have worked?" he asked, his breath falling warm on her neck as he tried to unclasp the tiny hook at top of the dress with his large fingers. "If we'd gotten together that night; if I'd never got that message," she said. Zach closed his eyes and shook his head. "I would've taken you home. Maybe tried for a kiss at your door, if you looked like you wanted it," he said, his voice hoarse. "Cheek or lips?" she asked. He sighed, "Who am I kidding? I would've passed out from not breathing by the time I got that close." "And those; other things; would you have wanted to do those things to me? To hurt me; to scare me?" she asked, her voice shaking. Zach turned her to look her in the eye, and she wrapped her arms around herself, keeping the unzipped, loose elf dress from falling down. "No Honey," he swore, shaking his head emphatically, cupping her face and holding her tightly. "God no. Never. Never ever. I would've never let you see that side of me. I'd give it up. I gave it up. I'd go run ten miles before I even;" his impassioned vows were interrupted by a loud crack as a delicate hand slapped him across the face. "How dare you?" Honey said, trembling with fury before she winced and cradled her hand to her chest as Zach blinked slowly in disbelief, trying to process what had happened. "That's for deciding you'd just have a boring, unsatisfied sex life with me without even asking what I wanted, you; you overbearing ass! That's for offering only a part of yourself to me! That's for ruining our beautiful date because you were ashamed of the man I lo;" Honey's uncharacteristic rage was interrupted by Zach's mouth descending on hers and claiming it furiously, pressing her against the wall as her dress fell to the floor. The kiss ended almost as quickly as it began, and Zach pulled away from her, his face a twitching, terrifying storm as he stared down at her. He wrapped his hand around the slender wrist of her only functional arm and pressed it to the wall over her head. "You don't hit me like that; ever," he said quietly, breathing hard through flared nostrils. Honey trembled, staring up into his blazing eyes almost panting against him in terror; but also in something else. The corner of Zach's mouth curled when he saw her deep blue eyes dilate hugely, a heady, familiar scent rising up between them. "You don't fucking hit anyone like that; goddamn amateur. You wanna break your wrist? Jesus Christ. Get your ass dressed and I'll take you home, you little freak," he growled, turning around to give her privacy and hide the huge smile he couldn't stop from covering his face. When Honey came up panting for air, she was pressed against the wall of Zach's loft as he fumbled with the locks of his door with one hand. She was making good progress at getting his shirt off, but it kept bunching up around his arms, and the cuffs were still a problem she didn't even want to think about. Even so, she was blissfully occupied with the acres of warm bare skin and muscle that she had excavated. "This isn't my home; she said, looking around bewildered, "why does everyone get my address wrong?" "Probably because they've blocked it out after seeing your place. Shut up and tell me what you want," Zach said, carrying her over to the stairs until he saw a bit of her lower lip he needed to bite and had to take a break to do it properly. "Look, don't give me names, because then I'd have to kill 'em, but tell me what makes you hot, Honey; we're gonna do all of it and more. I'm making your dreams come true, tonight," he said, winding his hand in her hair as she dropped her head back to give him her neck. "Oh! Um; I liked it when;" "No names," he reminded her, covering her mouth. "Right; well, this one guy, he um; he wore a towel around his waist and bent over his dresser to look for his underwear? And this other time, he held this spoon out to me and I opened my mouth and he fed me. And; and; um; in the shower, he; he held me against him in the water and;" "Honey, are all these stories gonna be about me?" "Um; yeah?" "That's sweet of you, tryin' to keep me outta jail and all, but I need you to get to the part about cock and pussy. Stories about me aren't gonna help that. Cock, pussy, tongue, ass, tits, ears, neck, taint - what do you like?" he asked "Right; uh; I liked it when you washed me down there; my pussy; with your fingers?" Honey said, at a loss. Zach drew his head back from her neck and looked at her, his face growing uneasy. "Honey?" "And when you sprayed the water back and forth down there, especially the top bump part, that really made me feel amazing, kind of squirmy, you know?" "Oh Jesus; he said, looking as if he'd been hit in the head. "And um; I know I wasn't supposed to look, but your um; you know; p-penis; in the shower, when your underwear got wet? That was" "I don't feel so good; he said, lowering himself to the floor and sitting down on the stairs. "No, no, it's fine. We can do this. What's a taint and what do I do with it?" she asked, sitting down and cuddling up next to him. Zach held his head in his hands, "You're a virgin; not like an "everything but" Evangelical, but like an alien or something. I don't know if I can do this." "Look, I know how to have sex; I had health class, for Pete's sake!" she said, slapping his shoulder. "What the fuck did I just get myself into?" he said through his hands. Honey pulled his hands down from his face and climbed up in his lap, putting his arms around her and looping her arms around his neck. "Zach; I have been a very good girl; not just this year, but for a long, long time. I figure that makes it so I can ask for something really big. So, here's what I want: I want you and me; just being together. Not planned or rehearsed or trying to be impressive. You already impress me. You're the best person I know. You took care of me when you hated me. You took care of me, even when I hated you. I just want to see what it's like if we let go of all that and just; you know; love. Will you give me that for Christmas, Santa? Please?" she asked, leaning in and kissing his cheek softly. "I've; never done that before," he said stiffly, looking sideways at her, unable to turn his head. "I'll be gentle with you," she whispered, smiling and brushing her lips against his. Climbing down from his lap, she took his hand in hers and led him up the stairs; until he lost patience with her hobbling and lifted her in his arms, carrying her to the top. Honey smiled as he gently lowered her feet to the floor, then took his hand and worked on the buttons of his cuff, "You're really big, but you don't do that big guy thing where you act like nothing matters. You notice everything; I like that," she said, glancing up at him. Zach frowned, watching her and then looking around the room, uncomfortable. "That's just; you gotta do that. You can't just throw your weight around without knowing where it's going. You're gonna hurt someone that way," he demurred, unbuttoning the cuff for her and tugging the other loose, as well. "You give a lot, but you're not a show-off about it; you didn't even let me know it wasn't Gatsby's sending food to me," she said, pulling his shirt down off his shoulders, pressing her face into his back to smell him. "You needed protein, calcium, and vitamin D to build those bones again -- that ramen shit you eat wasn't gonna give you enough of anything; just empty carbs and fuckin' sodium," he argued, putting his hands on his hips and scowling at her. Honey smiled and nodded, unbuckling his belt and slowly pulling it out of the loops. Zach swallowed, "You; you also needed vitamins C and K, so I made sure you got things like broccoli and fish and citrus; not; not everybody knows that," he said, drawing a shaky breath. "I didn't know that," she said, separating the hook and eye of his trousers and unzipping them, smiling when he cleared his throat and breathed faster as she lowered them. "You're smart, but you don't need everyone to know about it. You watch how people treat you when they think you're simple, instead; you want to know who they really are." Zach pulled his legs out of his trousers and laid them carefully over the chair, glancing over to the closet where he really wanted to put them instead. Honey smirked and turned to go get a hanger for him, and he swept her down onto the bed instead, going to get the hanger for himself and carefully hanging his pants to avoid any creases. Zach returned to the bed, standing in front of her knees where she sat, waiting. Honey moved her hands curiously over his hips and thighs, feeling the strength, the hours of toil and exertion he put them through; so that he could have control and be gentle when he needed to be. "You care about what I want; she said, swallowing and slowly sliding his underwear down his hips, gasping in surprise when his cock bounced out and waved at her. "You care about it even when you think I'm wrong; and it makes me love you so much; she said, trailing off and blushing. "You; got my clothes off," he said, looking down at her, his face a mix of bewilderment and wonder. "I guess you see all of me, now," he said, blushing for the first time since she'd known him. Smiling, she pulled her dress over her head and tossed it aside. She winced, reaching back trying to un-do her bra, and instead of helping her as usual, Zach narrowed his eyes, tilting his head. "You do that on purpose, don't you? Doing shit that hurts right in front of me instead of asking me for help. Showing off that fucking bruise to me at the club. Showing me what happens when I can't take care of you; you actually get off on driving me crazy," he said in outraged realization. "You really want to do that rough sex stuff on me, now, don't you," Honey said, her eyes alive with mischief. "Like you wouldn't believe; he said, flipping her over, straddling her back and unclasping her bra. Honey squealed and giggled when he laid himself out over her back, careful to avoid her shoulder and ankle. "You feel that cock, all hard and ready on your panties and between your legs down there? You don't get him now, brat," he growled, pushing her hair aside and biting the back of her neck. "Not until you beg me." "Okay! Please?" she asked, giggling. Zach looked over at her, trying to hold a stern face, "Yeah, that's not how this works. The way this works is, I make you want it so much that you think you're going out of your mind, and *then* you beg me." "Okay!" she chirped. "Oh, fucking hell; he grumbled, trying not to laugh. He nipped all over her back, enjoying her squeaks and gasps, wiggling under him as her need grew. She seemed completely unaware of how she was responding to him, but he proudly basked in her every flutter. He kissed down to the small of her back, hearing her breath stop and then resume at a pant when he began to lower her panties. "Zach; Zach; Honey whimpered. "Yes, Honey?" he smiled, kissing the top of the crease of her bottom, flicking it slightly with his tongue. "Does it; does it always go this slow?" she asked, raising her bottom to him and moaning when he slid his fingers through her crack, making her jump and then grab onto his thigh. "Are you in a hurry?" he murmured, stroking his fingers leisurely around her clit and into her vagina, "Some other pressing; engagement?" he asked, pressing his finger against her hymen and laughing evilly at her shocked, yet needful, reaction. "Yeah; it would feel good to have a hot deep cock in there, wouldn't it?" he asked, thrusting gently into her with his finger. "Zach; Honey moaned, squirming under him. "I like that word 'engagement; '" Zach mused idly, "don't you?" he asked, raising one of her knees up to her side, sliding his cock along her crack, wetting it until it glistened in her juices. "Zach, please; please; please; she gasped, feeling him rise up over her again, pressing against her entry, "I need you; she whispered. "I need you, too, Honey. I've needed you for so long; he answered, parting her lips and moving into her with slow, gentle thrusts. Honey trembled under him, holding her breath, feeling him fill her more and more, until with a slight sharp pain, she took him into her. "Oh; oh; oh; oh; she whimpered. "Just breathe, Honey. You're doing great; perfect. I'm not moving till you're ready," Zach said, reaching deep for control. A sheen of sweat broke over him at the sheer effort of holding himself back from plunging furiously into her body again and again and again. "Is; is this the rough sex part?" she breathed, reaching out to touch the hand he was using to keep most of his weight off her. Zach barked out a breathless laugh, clasping her hand in his, "I don't know about you, but this is about as rough as I can take it, tonight. You're fucking killing me, right now. But, being inside you; it's like magic." Honey moved her head and kissed his forearm, "Be inside me again, Zach; she whispered. With a low sigh, he began moving inside her, his hips pressing and rolling against her, his cock stroking a patient rhythm. She sighed with happiness, feeling him explore and claim her at the same time. His lips moved over her neck and back as he leisurely took her, whispering praise and encouragements, waiting for her to adjust to him. Before long, though, his words stopped, his body growing harder around her, his every muscle stiffening as he gripped her hand harder, his thrusts quickening until, with a soft, surprised grunt, he thrust deep and shook as he emptied himself inside her. With explosive breaths, he rolled off her, pulling her against him in the bed. "Well, fuck; he said in disgust between gasps. "Yeah; Honey said, snuggling back against him happily, "that was perfect; Zach snorted, "No it wasn't, you noob. You didn't come. I fucked it up." "What do you mean? What makes you think I didn't come? That felt great! Let's do that all the time," Honey said, turning in his arms so she could smile at him. "I would've felt it if you came, Honey; it gets tight and squeezes you, almost like it's sucking on you; drinking you down; he said, smiling down at her with rueful affection. "Well, I don't know how it's supposed to get any tighter than that was. I think you're expecting too much of me. Maybe I did come; she argued. "Honey, trust me; when I make you come, you'll know about it," he said, reaching down and caressing her clit with his fingers. "Oh, that's nice; you did that in the shower," Honey cooed, moving her boot up over his hips so he could reach her more easily. "I didn't fucking do this to you in the shower. I fucking washed you. I was a fucking gentleman. People cut diamonds with less fucking focus than I had in that fucking shower. I was just taking care of business, then," he grumbled, leaning down to nuzzle her neck. "I guess; I guess, I took advantage of you, then; s-sorry; oh; she said, raising her hips to him as her breathing became irregular, her head tossing from side to side. "Well, unless I'm wrong, you are about to really pay for it in 3, 2, 1" Zach said, when Honey screamed high and long, her hips bucking as she came hard, covering his hand in her sweet nectar and then bursting into tears. Zach held her close as Honey wailed in pain, stroking her body gently, "Yeah; see, that boot can do a lot, but it can't do squat about it when every muscle in your body wants to stiffen up as you come," he said, still soothing her. Honey slapped his shoulder, "That; that was mean! Don't you ever make me come again!" she panted against him, her face still twisted in slowly receding pain. "Uh huh; Zach said, glancing at the alarm clock on his nightstand, "we'll see how long that lasts, you little freak," he said with a smirk, leaning down to kiss her tears away.  To be continued in part 3, Based on a post by Lingering Afterthought, in 3 parts, for Literotica.

Part 2 of our conversation with Sonnie Trotter, author of the new book “Uplifted” and host of the podcast “Stronger Than You Think”. Our sponsors for Season 7: Kilter: http://settercloset.com (email holds@kiltergrips.com for more information) Osprey: https://www.osprey.com/ Scarpa. Use this link to shop Scarpa products, and The Zine will get a portion of the sale: https://alnk.to/ Source

In this episode of Julia’s Trucking Cafe – Trucking News Hour, I discuss what the heck happened that a truck driver died after climbing on top of a box truck in a road rage incident. I also discuss other stories that have made the headlines in the trucking news. You can become a member of the Spreaker Supporters Club! Get ad free episodes for becoming a member! To join Click Here  If you enjoy the show, and would like to keep the show up and running, please consider making a donation! You can do so here:  Donate Check out the Merch:  Store Music by: Heyday Highway @ EpidemicSound.com

My father, Hans-Georg Graf von Rittberg, was born on March 27, 1943, on his family's estate in Pomerania during World War II. In early 1945, his mother, Karin Gräfin von Rittberg, eight months pregnant, fled with her two sons ahead of the Russian occupation. Her husband was executed in April 1945 for his involvement in the resistance against Hitler.By the fall of 1945, they were finally able to reach Western Germany, escaping Russian-controlled territory. In our conversation, my father recalls his earliest memories in Königsbach, where they lived above a horse stall. Winters were brutally cold, and to keep her sons from freezing at night, his mother would bind their hands so they would keep them tucked under the blankets.What I find most striking are the tender memories my father carries from such a devastating time — playing in the woods, building makeshift bridges, learning to navigate the world with curiosity and imagination. He speaks about growing up in post-war Germany with a mother who, despite having lost almost everything, always found ways to create a good life from what they had.As he grew older, his central ambition became rebuilding what had been lost, and one day offering his own family the life he had always dreamed of. Had my father not received a Fulbright scholarship to study in New York — where he met my mother — I would not be here today.Their life together has been one great adventure, and I feel deeply grateful and proud to be part of it.

In this final episode of Climbing the Walls, Danielle explores the frustration women with ADHD feel toward a medical community that can't answer their questions about how hormones impact ADHD. Searching for answers, they turn to online communities for information and support.Danielle talks to experts about the latest research on ADHD in women and what the future of treatment could look like.More on this story:A guide to hormones and ADHDADHD and periodsADHD and menopauseFor a transcript and more resources, visit Climbing the Walls on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Holiday Haunting: Part 2 Jack and Erin deal with new problems. Based on a post by zeon 67. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels. Jack's mouth painfully stretched open. He then released a long gasp, and his eyelids pulled back; he was now forcibly awake. Turning to his side, he found himself partially alone. Lucy was still there, deep in sleep, but no Erin. He called her name, but there was nothing. Putting on sweatpants and a t-shirt, Jack searched the house for her. He yelled her name and again there was no reply. It had never worked like that before, but Jack was desperate. He questioned himself, Lucy, the s ance and everything else. Worried that he had caused her banishment, Jack needed to interrogate the medium. But then the doorbell rang, and there was a knock at the door. Opening it, Jack saw a delivery man with a clipboard and a massive box. Annoyed that the new dryer he bought on Black Friday, had finally arrived a week late, he signed the paperwork but felt cold. Jack turned around but saw nothing. Terrified that he was losing it, Jack turned back to the delivery man. The delivery man wheeled the dryer in and took the clipboard off Jack, thanking him. The man then looked past Jack and said, "Morning, Miss." Behind him, Erin stood. Her mouth ajar and stood still, but wasn't her typical ghostly self. She looked like she did last night, her skin a pale pink while her hair was an auburn shade. Erin had the same clothes that Jack had seen for the previous fifteen years. But something was off. Erin had lost the white apron that covered most of the front, and the first two buttons of her collar were undone, possibly scandalous in the 19th century. "He saw me. He saw me." Erin said, walking towards the open door. She ignored Jack and edged closer to the outside, the fresh air, sounds of birds and something new to see calling her. Erin turned back to Jack and said, "Come with me." She then took one step outside and immediately disappeared. "Fuck!" Lucy screamed from upstairs.   A post-S ance exam. They sat around the coffee table, all struggling to think of anything to say. Jack and Lucy had run some basic tests on Erin. She could be seen but not be touched, but cameras could capture her. She couldn't feel anything, but could sit in a chair without phasing through it. Should she take a step outside the house's confines, Erin would instantly vanish and reappear in the attic. But Erin could change her appearance, though only subtly. Like she could roll up her sleeves, undo a button or two and play around her hair. That was a relief to Erin; she had only worn hair in a bob because Mrs. Franklin demanded it. "So, what now," Jack said, taking a sip of coffee. "I; I don't know," Lucy shook her head, "This is way out of my area of expertise. Honestly, I didn't even know that this could happen." "Would it be so wrong if I stayed like this?" Erin said, "I can speak and I can be heard." "But you can't touch anything." Lucy said. "And my parents are going to be back soon. Then it's Christmas and the house is going to be filled with people. I can see my mom and my aunts instantly freak out if they saw you float. And, I have to go back to Boston. I can't leave you like this." "I know." Erin then looked at Lucy and asked, "Can we not do the s ance again?" "Hell no." Lucy shook her head, emphatically underlining her point. "What we did and what happened, it's not the same. Jack was supposed to talk to you and help you move on. Nothing about sex. We did something, maybe something wrong, maybe something right. But it pulled you into this plane. If we do it again, who knows what happens to you?" "Then what next?" Jack asked. Lucy pushed her chair back and stood up. She madly scrolled through the contacts on her phone. "I need to speak to someone. Be back in a sec." Erin followed Lucy out of the room with her stare. She paused for a moment, then leaned in towards Jack. "We should talk." "Yeah." Jack said, trying to hide his nervousness. "I never thought that I would be here. I'd be a banshee, roaming this house until the Last Judgement. I accepted that. Now I can be seen by anyone. I can be spoken to and listened. I am lost and scared. What happens to us?" Jack rested his hand on over hers, sinking through her tangible form and said, "I'll work something out. Don't worry. My dad did say he is thinking about selling the house. Maybe I take it." Erin dropped her head down and said, "I cannot let you do that. Live your life with a spirit. It will be dull. And there is so much I want to see." Leaning back, Jack smiled back at her. This was the first time he could find out who Erin really is, as a person. "Like?" "I want to be in the sky, flying across the ocean. To travel to places that I have only seen briefly in those windows. The Grand Canyon, swim in an ocean and visit Kinsale." "Kinsale?" "It is where I was born. I left when I was twelve. I always wished that I would see the village again." "Anything else?" Erin looked away, like she was thinking; then turned back to Jack and said, "I want to eat food that hadn't been boiled. Wear something luxurious. I want to see a movie. And to kiss you again." She smiled. Lucy walked back into the room. She glanced at Erin, then at Jack, realizing something was up, but began talking. "Okay, I spoke to a friend. She knows a lot of left-hand path rituals, some chaos magic. You know, maybe sigils and secret names?" she said, nodding as if they knew what she meant. "She knows a couple of necromancers." "Necro-mancers?" Erin asked. "They talk to the dead. My friend's going to reach out and get us a name. Hopefully, one who just wants to talk to the dead and nothing more. A necromancer will know what to do." "So, we just wait?" Jack asked. Lucy nodded.    Home Alone. Days later, Erin stared at the TV. She was alone as Jack had to deal with the headache of Christmas preparations. He didn't want to leave her by herself, but Erin insisted that it was okay. This was something that Erin knew she had to get used to. She thought back to how difficult her life was before the s ance. Erin could easily take her current form as a constantly visible ghost, than that hell. One plus was now she could spend time with Jack. Last night, they spent hours talking. Jack told her everything that had happened to him since they last spoke. Erin was confused by his job, working as an engineer but with computers and clouds. Jack also showered her with questions about her own life. Her eyes widened after each question, and she grinned madly back at him. She told him about her life in Ireland, traveling across the Atlantic and working in Boston. Jack showed her current photos of how the city changed. She was amazed and saddened, seeing some of her favorite places of the city disappear. There was one question that Erin wouldn't answer. Jack had asked her where she would go, when she wasn't haunting the house. When he used to see her, it was only for an hour at most, then Erin would just fade away, and Jack would have to wait days or weeks to see her again. Erin couldn't say anything; she just looked away. She finally said it was difficult and Jack quickly changed the subject. The channel that Jack left the TV on was now playing another documentary about the World War. He told her it was a good idea for her to get used to the twenty-first century, but Erin couldn't stomach any more documentaries about the war. She understood Jack's reasoning; the other night, she cried in happiness that Ireland had become independent. A knock on the door turned Erin's head. There was no way it could be Jack. She could hear keys rattling and the door slowly open. Someone then called her name, a female voice. Erin phased through the walls to see who it was. She found Lucy standing outside, darting her head in and out. "Fuck!" Lucy stumbled back as she saw Erin appear, covering her mouth. She took a couple of deep breaths and then said, "Hi; Erin," Lucy nervously smiled, "Where's Jack?" "He has gone to a store called Walm Art. He will return in two hours' time, I hope." "Oh." Lucy paused. "Err, can I come in?" "Sorry," Erin stepped aside and allowed Lucy to enter. "Did Jack give you a key?" "Yeah," Lucy said, removing her jacket. "He swung by and said that I should have it, just in case." Muscle memory dictated her to ask for Lucy's coat and offer her a drink. Erin tried to hide her embarrassment while Lucy just smiled. Erin then followed her into the living room, trying to think about why she was here. She didn't like the idea that Lucy could enter the house whenever she wants. Erin knew the psychic was attracted to Jack; experiencing Lucy's feelings during the second time she possessed her. Erin couldn't help herself but checkout the medium's curvy frame as Lucy walked into the living room, hiding her disappointed face. "I have some news, but I will wait until Jack gets back. It'll be easier to explain. But it's good." Lucy grinned. She sat down on the sofa and asked, "What are you watching?" "A documentary about World War 2?" Erin said, not entirely convinced. "They call it World War 2 but do not say anything about a previous war." "Yeah, I can't remember what World War 1 was about. Might watch Wonder Woman again. Do you mind if I change the channel?" "Please," Erin replied, "It's depressing." She then joined her on the sofa. "So, how are you dealing with the modern world?" Lucy asked while flicking through the channels, stopping on at E. "It's pleasant. Yesterday, Jack showed me around the house and I was amazed. A dishwasher, a washing machine and an automated carpet cleaner. Those were most of my duties and would take half of my day. He showed me um moving photograph on his phone of places he has been to. I want to see them with my own eyes." "I'm guessing back in the 1880s travel was impossible." "Only by train or steam. Now you can fly anywhere," Erin smiled. "But what I'm most astonished by is being a woman. I died before I could vote and now a woman can run for President. I could only be a maid or work in a factory. Now there's so many possibilities." "That's really cool," Lucy said, smiling. Erin felt herself being distracted by the TV. She turned her head and saw a dozen of scantily-clad women grinding against men, who were topless and had bodies like circus strongmen. Her mouth dropped, watching as a woman sing to the camera. Lucy saw Erin's stunned expression and quickly changed the channel. "Sorry." "It's fine," Erin replied, "There is so much that is different. I need to adjust. It's just that if I were to go to a beach, I was expected to wear bloomers that covered my limbs. It is difficult to get used to being in an age were flesh is allowed." "I understand. It's okay to take your time." Lucy said. She then leaned closer and asked, "Sorry if this sounds idiotic. But you okay with me in general? Being a medium, the drinking and the sex before marriage?" Erin smiled and said, "I have lived in this household for over a century. My eyes have been open to many strange things. At first, I prayed for my soul and I thought my impurity was the cause of this life I was to live. As the years passed, I found myself losing that idea of sin. Families lived here, they indulged in vices that I found wicked. But they were still loving and moral people." "Wow," Lucy smirked and said, "One day, you must tell me what you saw over the years." Going back to Lucy's words and all the things she experienced got Erin thinking. In the hundred-odd years she had been trapped in this house, she had caught numerous couples screw late at night. Some were unmarried, others were of different races, which shocked her, but Erin found them loving, which just compounded to her jealousy. Erin had also seen couples have different types of sex, none like the ways she was told or experienced. Her fianc had been drunk during their entire courtships; she doubted he would have been sober enough to cock-stand. Robert just pushed her down on a billiards table and had his way with her. Erin thought she had enjoyed that, but it was nothing compared to what Jack made her feel the other night. It felt unusual, but she loved every moment of him touching her down below. "Um," Erin looked away before opening her mouth, "Lucy, can I ask you something? It is delicate." Lucy shrugged, "Sure." "Jack. He laid me down and used his tongue; on my quim." Erin said blushing. "Is this normal?" "Yeah," Lucy blurted out. "Sorry. Most guys do that now. If you're lucky." She smirked at Erin, who remained nonplussed. "Has sex really changed that much?" "One sec," Lucy stood up and skipped to the kitchen. She returned ten minutes later with a bottle of wine and two glasses. "If we're having girl time, we need wine." Lucy popped open the bottle and poured, then stopped. "Shit, I forgot. I'm sorry. Are you okay if I drink?" "Please," Erin replied, smiling. "My church said it was a sin. They encouraged to be teetotal. The man who I was supposed to marry died due to it. When I tasted wine and became hysteric. I thought that was the reason I was stuck in this house. Now I'm not sure. But I would love another taste." "Hopefully soon." Lucy then took a long sip and said, "Okay ;  sex. Sex is nothing like you have experienced in the 1800s. There are handjobs, blowjobs, anal, bondage, choking and group sex. What Jack did to you ;  I admit I'm jealous. Because most guys won't do that, but still expect you to blow them." "Blow?" "You put a penis in your mouth and suck on it." "Oh Christ," Erin muttered. Lucy then lifted up her phone, and loaded up a website. She then stopped herself, glanced at Erin and typed something else like she had changed her mind. She clicked on a video thumbnail and scooted closer to the spirit. "This is sex now." Erin moaned, watching a young blonde who looked a passing resemblance to Lucy, on a bed. She was nude and smiling at a tattooed man. She quickly stripped the man of his clothes, and then the couple kissed, rolling on the bed. Erin noticed that the woman was completely bare in the between. The man then kissed the woman in the cunt, just like Jack had done to her. "Wow," Erin moaned, "She looks like she is really enjoying herself." Erin felt the need to shift her weight on the sofa while she continued to watch. "Well, she's an actress. I should tell you that this is fake. But you need to know that it's okay to like sex and how you can enjoy it." Lucy then paused as they both watched the blonde actress get on her hands and knees. "That's the doggy-style position, very popular and feels great." Erin pursed her lip like she was trying not to laugh. Everything she had been taught, from her mother, Sunday School and the church, told her that premarital sex was an affront to the Lord. And sex in marriage was only for procreation. Now she could enjoy it. "I have to admit something, Lucy," Erin said, trying to look away from the video, "When me and Jack um fucked. I drew on your thoughts to make it more enjoyable." "I've been meaning to ask you about that." Lucy paused the video and took another sip of the wine. "Jack told me about the first time you possessed me and tried to kiss him." "I'm so sorry." "That's okay. I really just want to know how you were able to possess me? I've talked to spirits before, some probably fake, some hundred-percent real. But I've never been possessed." "I can't explain," Erin said. "It just happened and then I felt pain, you fighting back and mine own struggle. But I can tell you about the other time. It was easy. I just drew on your attraction to Jack." "It's like a tulpa," Lucy said, slowly smiling. "It has to be a tulpa!" "Tulpa?" "A tulpa is a being or an object created through intense thought. You have created something like this, linking you with Jack. When me and Jack were on the sofa, were you just haunting the house or were you drawn to this spot." "I just appeared here and saw you two." "Yeah," Lucy grinned, "This is great. I've got an idea on how we can help you." Erin nodded and looked away. She should apologize. Erin saw the blonde medium less of an adventuress, a strumpet who would seduce Jack, and more of a real person. And someone eager to help her. Erin knew she still had to adjust her 19th century way of thinking to the modern world. "Hey," Lucy said, getting Erin's attention. "Don't worry about me and Jack. I can tell he only wants you, especially now he can actually be with you. You know, have conversations. And I like you and I don't want to mess with a 19th century Irish ghost." Erin chuckled and covered her mouth. She wanted to believe that Lucy was genuine; she disliked being this jealous woman. When she was alive, with a body and everything, she had few friends. It was mainly due to her betrothed and the need to move cities for work. "What happened to you? When I possessed you?" "Hmm," Lucy paused and then said, "The first time I felt nothing, I was like asleep. When you did it again, it was like watching TV. I was standing in a dark room. Watching two screens and I could hear my voice, but it didn't sound like me. You leaned in and kissed Jack and it felt so weird. I'll be interested to try it again. Hell, if you ever want to have some fun with Jack, you can use my body." She grinned. Again, Erin blushed and went red, thinking about floating away from this conversation.   Left Hand Magic. Jack opened the door and made a beeline to the kitchen. He ignored the dulled sounds of music being played and talking in the other room, assuming that it was just the TV. After stocking the fridge, he had to check on Erin. It was a weird relationship. She was like his girlfriend but also his patient. Jack just tried to focus on Lucy coming through for them. Walking into the living room, he found Erin and Lucy both on the sofa. The blonde medium was playing music on her phone while Erin nodded her head over the beat, her eyes closed. This was good. Jack knew that Erin would need someone else to talk to. Like with any other relationship, his neurotic side flared, and Jack was worried that he was suffocating Erin. It helped that Lucy knew what Erin was going through, wouldn't freak out and is around the same age. "Oh, you're back," Erin said, smiling. She stood up and walked through the coffee table to be at his side. "Did you get everything?" "Yep," He nodded, "So, what have you guys been up to?" "I'm just showing her what music is like now, and Instagram. And some other things." Lucy said, smirking at Erin. Jack caught the smile and glanced at Erin, who had gone red. Ignoring their feminine secrets, he sat down and asked, "So, do you have any news?" "Yep," Lucy replied and went for her bag. "You ever heard of a grimoire?" They both shook their heads, which Lucy had suspected they would do. She then gave them a brief explanation of a grimoire. It meant a book of spells, but more accurately, it was a textbook of magic. She had underlined certain pages, focused more on left-hand path magic, which went over both Jack and Erin's heads. The grimoire that Lucy had been given, had instructions on how to resurrect a body. "From what I read, resurrecting the dead is near impossible. Especially when the dead has been dead for over a hundred years. You need to evocate the person's spirit from wherever they are, say Hell or Heaven. That takes a lot of energy, and like it takes forever with like a zero-point-one chance percent of getting it right. But since Erin's spirit is still on Earth, we have a shot." "Fuck." Jack said. He then glanced at Erin and quickly apologized. "No, you are right," Erin nodded, dumbfounded as he was, "So, I can be human?" "Possibly," Lucy said, walking closer to the couple, the dirt-brown book of spells in her hands. "We need some things. Dirt from your grave, for one. Some other stuff, like salt, candles, herbs. Also, there might be sex magic involved." "Sex magic?" Erin said, "How? What?" "This is left-hand path magic!" Lucy yelled, "There's always stuff involving sex." "So, when do we do this?" Jack asked, pouring himself a glass of wine; he needed it. Glancing at Erin, she looked like she wanted one as well. "We need to pick the right date. A date real important." Lucy then got in front of Erin and asked, "What do you remember about the day you died?" "I um; it's hard," Erin said, "I can't. No." "The diary doesn't say much. All I know that she died on December 21st." "December 21st?" Lucy repeated, "The Winter Solstice usually falls on 20th or 21st. If Erin was murdered on the Winter Solstice, it can explain a lot. Tulpas. Midwinter. This is getting weird." Lucy told him that she will explain later. But there was a plan, and all they had to do is get some materials, research more into Erin's life and wait a week. Jack remembered that the ritual would probably happen with his parents around, maybe his sisters. He needed another drink. Nudity Norms. Erin felt comfortable, sitting in the living room with Jack, watching a Christmas movie. It was a pleasant feeling. Jack was supposed to be working, but he told her that he was now in the holiday zone, so he was expected to do the bare minimum until the new year. When she asked what his boss would say, Jack replied that he's probably doing the same right now. If this was what the modern world truly is, then Erin knew she would love it. She glanced at Jack, and he smirked back at her. Last night was still replaying her head. They were in bed, and had finished watching another Christmas movie. Some of the jokes Erin didn't get, also the ending was confusing. Frozen orange juice and future markets. Overall, she enjoyed the movie but was curious about the amount of nudity in some shows, and asked if that was normal. "Depends on the time and what you are watching," Jack said, "When you see actors and actresses naked, sometimes its just as is, like they're waking up or taking a shower. Over times, it's sexual and they might even pretend to have sex." "You mean fucking?" Erin grinned. "What?" Erin explained that she picked up some modern words. Jack immediately guessed it had to be Lucy. There was literally no one else. "I have only had sex twice in my life. Well, once when I was alive," Erin smiled, "What happened with us was unexpected and I had to tell someone. And she taught me some new words." Erin then moved closer and shocked him, "Lucy even showed me videos. Porn." Jack stayed still, not believing what he had heard. He had tried to work out how and why Lucy showed Erin porn. For the last couple of days, he had tried to be protective of her nineteenth-century mind, slowly exposing herself to the modern world. He looked at her, seeing if she was embarrassed. He couldn't tell. No, she looked more curious. He had to ask Erin what she was shown, intrigued at what she thought. Erin then described the scenes in vivid detail, telling the actions of the porn actors, her own emotions and what Lucy said. A man and woman slowly undressed, she was eaten out, then she gave the man a blowjob and then they had sex. Pretty vanilla. "Can I ask you something? Were you watching porn that night?" Erin then asked. That night. It felt so long ago to Jack; his life had changed so much. He told her yes, and wasn't surprised when Erin asked what type of porn. Lucy had really provided her some tutoring as Erin began rattling off porn genres. "Do you want to see what I watched?" Erin blushed but nodded her head. Jack set his laptop on the bed, directly in between them. He told her what he usually liked, amateur, lesbian and Point of view. Looking at Erin, her face was red, but she had this eager look on her, still curious. He played some videos, letting her watch for a while before asking her opinion. "It's. It's something," she said, sounding breathless. Erin watched each video carefully, amazed. One was through a man's eyes, bedding a young woman with many tattoos, which confused her as tattoos only belong to wealthy males during her time. Her eyes would drift to the right side of the page, suggested scenes. The words they used shocked her, anal, stepmom and orgy. Jack then played another movie; this time, it was two women. Erin had this initial disgust, but it slowly disappeared as the women sensually writhed together. It quickly got too much for her. She turned to face Jack, seeing a large bulge in his pants. She didn't know why, but Erin asked if Jack needed to sort himself. She insisted. He nervously pulled out his penis; her eyes flared at the sight of it, hard and veiny. With his dominant hand, Jack then slowly stroked his shaft. Erin quickly became entranced by the action, wishing that she could touch his cock again. But she became distracted, heat from her groin rippled up to her brain; Erin wanted to touch herself. Her eyes glued on him, she hitched up her skirt and slid her hand underneath her bloomers. Both Jack and Erin forgot about the Female-female-male scene that was playing and just stared at each other. Jack's hand became a blur over his cock, while Erin had slid two fingers deep into her pussy. There was little resistance from her Catholic upbringing; all those years she had been told that self-pleasure was a mortal sin were forgotten. Jack then cried out her name as ropes of cum shot out his cockhead. He grabbed a tissue and quickly caught the other spurts. Erin came immediately after him, also crying his name. There was no awkwardness between them as they settled in bed, watching each other as their breathing went back to normal. Jack then said something that made Erin's heart thud, saying that he wished that he could kiss her. She didn't want to think about that as they watched TV. She was still this spirit, telling herself that this could be her life until the Last Judgement. Still, Erin couldn't believe that she would ever try something like that with a man. Glancing at him, he was more handsome than her previous men. It was no contest with Patrick, her forty-something betrothed. With rotten teeth and shaking hands, Erin had hated the thought of touching him. Jack was more like Robert. Not physically, Jack was taller but didn't have Robert's square jaw and his lighter brown hair. Since seeing his naked body during the s ance, Erin noticed that Jack was more athletic than her previous lover. But Jack had Robert's charming and intelligent personality. He was also honest and aware of his limitations, unlike Robert. Whenever they were away from the Franklins, Erin would see him turn into an almighty braggart after a drink. They heard the front door opened then quickly closed. Lucy Prepares for a Resurrection. "Erin? Jack?" Lucy yelled. "In here," Jack said back. She was carrying a big tote bag as she walked into the living room. "Hey guys," Lucy smiled, "You okay?" Both Jack and Erin shrugged and then nodded their heads, saying fine at the same time. "What are you guys watching?" Lucy asked, facing the TV. "I don't know," Erin then turned to Jack and asked, "Which movie is this one?" "It's the Mistletoe Connection." "I've been watching a number of these Hallmark Christmas movies." Erin said, then shrugged her shoulders. "I do enjoy them, but I am finding a pattern. Struggling family business, a woman from the big city, a father with a young child and a lack of minorities?" She glanced at Jack to see if she was correct. He smiled and nodded. "We've been watching Christmas movies non-stop. If this ritual goes like it should, then Erin's going to be out in the world with no pop culture reference point. We watched Gremlins earlier and I figured that she needs a palate cleanser." "I was streaked," Erin said, looking back at Lucy. "She means scared." "For once, I was glad that I am a spirit. Those monsters would have made me cascade if I had a body." "She means puke." Jack then turned to Erin, and they exchanged grins. "You need to switch to Netflix Christmas movies. There's more variety." Lucy said. She took a seat and pulled the grimoire. "I need to ask you some questions, Erin. I want to make sure that we can get everything right for the ritual. Also, I can't find where you were buried." "Of course." "Why don't you guys take the living room. I probably should do some work today." Jack said, standing up. "Do you want some coffee, Lucy?" Lucy said yes, and they quickly settled around the coffee table. She booted up her laptop and asked Erin about her past, trying to squeeze information out of her last days alive. Erin gave vague answers back to her. She had been asked about this before, she hated thinking back. "What's going on?" Lucy asked, lowering her notepad. "What do you mean?" "You keep looking away and you're repeating yourself. What's going on?" "It's just," Erin said, but then stopped. "Lucy, I just need to tell someone about what had happened." Erin then leaned in, wanting to make sure that there was no way Jack could eavesdrop on them. Erin then told her how she and Jack watched porn, first describing the videos she saw. She caught Lucy's eyes widen as she went on. Erin then did a long exhale and told her that the evening ended with her and Jack mutually masturbating. Just like a move from a sitcom, Lucy did a spit take. Wiping her mouth, she turned back to Erin and said, "Sorry. But that's really hot. I didn't know that you can do that." "Nor did I," Erin replied, "I just can't control myself around him. I want to feel him again. To kiss him." "Just kiss?" Erin blushed and dropped her head. "I do have some other carnal thoughts." "Let's see what happens tomorrow. If I'm reading this thing right. You might get to have some fun tomorrow." "If only," Erin said. "So, you going to do it again?" Lucy asked grinning. Erin said nothing, trying not to laugh. "Hey, I'm a pervert," Lucy said, shrugging her shoulders. They went back to their research. Finding Erin's burial was difficult. Her death certificate was nonexistent. Either the hundred years that passed since her death made it impossible to find, or it was another insult by the Franklins. "O, space, then C-E-A-L-L-A-C-H-A-I-N," Erin said, spelling out her last name. "I'm not going to pretend to try to pronounce that." Lucy typed in the search bar and then asked, "I thought your last name is O'Callaghan?" "It is. That's just the Irish spelling. Jack said that if we are successful, I'll need identity papers. I may shorten it to Callaghan." Erin shrugged and looked away. With that done, Erin helped Lucy find her grave. She learnt that the Franklins had her buried in a Potter's field-like cemetery in a town near the border with New Hampshire. She also told Lucy more about her life, traveling across the Atlantic from Ireland, Boston and being forced to move to Portland due to Patrick. They were in deep concentration, but quickly looked up, hearing a car door slam shut. Then some voices that sounded like there were coming from outside.   Parents Pop In. The front door opened, and a deep-sounding voice yelled, "Jack?" Jack jumped out of his chair; he was already prepared. He had been going over this moment since morning. He had to distract his parents while Lucy and, more importantly, Erin had to exit without drawing too much attention. His mom will probably faint if she saw Erin phase through walls, his dad would definitely spend an hour asking Erin to do tricks. He met them by the door and quickly lobbed questions at them. While his dad went upstairs to use the bathroom, Jack marshaled his mom into the kitchen. He showed her what he had bought for Christmas dinner, and asked about other things that they might need. In the living room, Lucy frantically piled her notes, her laptop and the grimoire back in her bag. She bounced from different spots of the room, trying to tidy up without being caught. Erin followed her around the room, not knowing what else to do. "Shit. Shit. Shit." Lucy said out loud but to herself. "Please be calm," Erin said, resting a hand on Lucy's shoulder though both could feel nothing. "We can say that we border together. But that we have to go now." "That's not a bad idea." Lucy replied. She paused and stared at Erin's clothes. "Can you do yourself up. Like how you used to look." Erin had her sleeves pulled up to her elbows, her hair down and her shoes were under Jack's bed. It was this weird quirk that she could change her appearance briefly, but it would just reset itself to how she always looked. Sometimes it was random, or if she just thought strongly enough. She nodded her head, and then Erin pressed her chest like she was doing the pledge of allegiance. With a quick flash, every bit of her clothing and her hair was back in its place. "Let's go," she said. While Jack was distracting his mother, they walked to the door, both looking at the kitchen. As Lucy opened the door, she waved at Erin and pointed to her mouth. Erin got the hint and said, "Bye Jack. We have to go." "Thanks for your help," Lucy added. They watched as a woman in her late fifties walked out of the kitchen. She was then joined by Jack. He looked like he was biting his lower lip. "Well, hello," she said. Her face had this inquisitive look like she was quickly judging them. "Hello, I am Erin," she said, "This is Miss; umm Lucy." "Hi, I'm Mary. Jack's mom," she replied, "That's umm interesting dress that you are wearing." Erin stayed quiet, her face frozen and her eyes stretched wide. "Oh, Erin's just shy," Lucy said, "She came from a rehearsal." She then turned to Erin and asked, "You're playing Scrooge's maid, right?" "Yes," Erin replied, not sounding anywhere convincing. "I'm sorry, but we need to be leaving." Jack left his mom's side and walked to the door, blocking her view of Erin just in case. "See you guys later," he said loud enough for his mom to hear him. He then leaned in and whispered, "Hide in my room, I'll be up soon." Both Lucy and Erin nodded. Jack slowly closed the door, watching Erin fade away as soon as she stepped outside. Lucy twisted her head left to right; he guessed that she was checking if anyone noticed a nineteenth-century maid disappear. Jack then locked the door and turned around, seeing his mother giving him a sly look. She suspected something. She was going to ask him so many questions, he knew it.   Inconvenient Parents. Erin stared out of the window, bored. She realized that she had never really checked out the change in her surroundings. That was interesting for a while, but after two hours, she needed something else to do. Erin had tried to see if she could focus all her energy and press the TV remote power button but got nowhere. She attempted not to think about the ceremony tomorrow. Thoughts of her future, of Jack and life would occasionally creep in her head, and Erin had to ignore them. She trusted herself, knowing that if it went wrong and she would stay like this, that she could survive. But what about Jack? There was a knock and Erin turned her head. "Erin?" Jack said before opening the door and poking his head in. "Jack?" "Sorry, I had to leave you alone for so long. Mom and Dad really wanted to know what I've been up to." Jack then climbed onto his bed and switched the TV on. He flipped through the channels before settling on ESPN. He looked at the door as he played around with the volume. "I understand." Erin then joined him on the bed. "Oh yeah. Mom really likes the tree. I told her that you helped me decorate it." "Were they upset that I didn't fully introduce myself to them?" "No. Not really. But over dinner, Mom wanted to know about you. I had to think of something to say. I told them that I met you recently and we've been seeing each other. Also, you're crashing at Lucy's." "Seeing each other?" Erin replied, "Is that what modern courtship is?" "Something like that," Jack said, smiling, "What was courtship like in 1800s?" "Courtship was not for people like me. Especially for someone from Ireland. My Dad worked with a man and the fellow said he was looking for a wife. My Dad then brought him home one night, I may have said five words to Patrick during dinner. Two weeks later, we were engaged." "Whoa. Is that what you wanted?" "I never had a say. My parents said I was to be married and that was it." "What did you think about Patrick?" "A drunk," Erin said, rolling her eyes. "I could tell the type of husband he was going to be during that dinner. I was to be a nurse for him, bring him whiskey, wash him and clean off umm vomit from his mouth." She blushed again, still not comfortable with some modern words. "But when he died. How old were you? Couldn't you marry someone else?" "I was 25. A different time. One that I am so happy to be out of." Erin smiled. "There is something I want to ask. Is courtship similar to dating?" "Dating?" "I've heard that word spoken so many times in this house. Back when I was alive, dating meant buying a night with a whore." Jack tried to explain what dating meant now. The use of apps, having coffee dates or low-key ones like going shopping. Also, casual sex and friends-with-benefits. The dating stages, how couples usually go from casual acquaintances to dating, boyfriend and girlfriend, moving into together and finally getting married if they like. He saw Erin's shocked look when he explained that divorce was so common and accepted. Jack carried on, saying how some couples don't use labels to describe themselves; some do while others have their own thing. Embarrassed, but Jack had no choice to use experience from his own life. "We have had sex." Erin said, slowly smiling, "I guess we're more boyfriend and girlfriend." "Probably." Jack replied, smirking at her. Jack's phone then started buzzing and interrupted them. Reaching to the nightstand, Lucy was calling him on Facetime. He turned to Erin and said, "Lucy's video-calling me." "Video-calling? So, she can see us? Wow." Jack answered and said, "Hey Lucy, what's up? Where are you?" They could see Lucy in a dimly lit storeroom. There were boxes of Budweiser beer and whiskey stacked behind her. Her clothes also looked weird for her, wearing a white shirt and a black leather apron. There was no make-up on her face, and her hair was tied back. "I got a shift at the Cord & Rifle. Anyway, how you guys doing?" Erin looked at Jack, he shrugged, and she turned back to Lucy saying, "We're good." "What happened to your mom & dad?" "They had some questions. I told them that I've been seeing Erin for a while and you guys came over, so I can help you with your laptop." "And. I am uh, crashing; at your home," Erin said, emphasizing any modern words. "Cool, cool." Lucy looked passed her phone, then there was a knock and a muffled voice. She nodded and said, "They need me back behind the bar. There was also one thing. Tomorrow, it's just us and your parents, right? Like your sisters aren't going to burst in while we're burning sage or nude?" "Nude?" Erin looked at Jack, squinting her eyes. He shook his head and turned back to Lucy, "No. You don't have to worry about them. Katie and Beth will be flying out on 23rd. They got tickets to Taylor Swift tomorrow. Unless LA gets a plague of spiders, they are going to be there." "Okay then," Lucy nodded, "So, we need to drug your parents," she said, so casual. She then looked away, mouthing 'what' at someone. "Shit, I need to go." "What do you mean, drug my parents?" "Yeah, we need to drug them." Lucy stood up and looked like she was moving. "Why?" "They have to be drugged," Lucy replied, "Bye guys!" Jack glanced at Erin, then back to his blank phone screen. Tomorrow is going to be a long, stressful day. *** In a couple of hours, the Winter Solstice would happen, and Erin sat on Jack's bed. She watched him paced in the room, on the phone with one of his sisters. He said that he was helping her out with a computer problem, but as he talked to his sister, Erin only heard half of the conversation and it made no sense to her. She never really interacted with anyone else in the house. Before Jack and his family moved in, Erin tried to keep to herself, always in the corner of the eye of the house's occupants for a quick second, then disappearing. She didn't even want to be seen by Jack initially but had no choice as her attic became his bedroom. Few times, she would find herself in his sisters' rooms and would see them. Erin struggled to remember their names. What was she supposed to say whenever she meets them? Erin clenched her eye shut, hating herself. It was wrong to think about the future. There were so many things that could go wrong. Jack ended the called and turned to Erin, "I hate being the family's I T support," he said, rolling his eyes. "I T?" "Never mind." He settled on the bed next to her and slipped on his boots. "It'll be weird when I introduce you to them. Katie will be anywhere from cool to disinterested. I know for a fact that Beth will be asking you non-stop questions. She's a pain like that." Erin smiled and said, "You're being too confident. It might not happen. And if this ritual fails, I will accept it with grace." "Really?" "I need to. Just so I can stay sane." "I've got a text from Lucy. She's outside." Jack stood up and grabbed his jacket. "I have faith something will happen. Something good," he said, smiling back at her. "It's like a 40-minute drive to the cemetery. We will be a while. Try to stay here until me or Lucy come up." "Good luck," Erin replied. It was getting too much for her. Erin knew how she was feeling over him. She loved Jack. It terrified her. If the ritual fails, what would happen to Jack, Erin asked herself. He had this single-minded focus on helping her. She was worried that if it doesn't work, he won't be able to move on.   Lucy pulled her Ford over and cut the engine. Jack wasn't going to say anything to her, but her car should not be making those types of sounds. It was like a Transformer was having a heart attack. Looking out of the window, he didn't see anyone. They left the car and slowly walk to the wall; it looked low enough for them to climb. Jack didn't know if there was some kind of night guard but said to Lucy that they should sneak in, just in case. She agreed, and soon he was boosting her over the wall. Climbing over, Jack landed on frozen grass that crunch with every step. They were lucky with the wind howling, making enough noise to cover their movements. "You ever been in a cemetery before?" Lucy asked, flashing the torch at a gravestone. "No. Have you?" "Yeah," she replied, "Loads of times; its part of the job. When I started hearing voices of the dead, I was like a goth goddess. Every Friday, someone was dragging me to a cemetery or a graveyard. Guys would hit on me all the time. I gave my first handy at a grave." "I got my first one during a school trip to Bangor," he said, looking at a gravestone, "I'm pretty sure that I told Erin about it." "How's Erin handling it?" Lucy asked, "Is she freaking out being a real woman again?" "Not really." Lucy stopped and Jack did the same. "Have you guys said anything about the future?" Jack sighed and shook his head. "Where's she going to stay? You're going back to Boston; is she going to follow you or stay here? She will need help with ID and social security." "I know. But Erin just doesn't want to think about the future. Talking about Boston, what she wants to do with her life and everything else, it will fucking hurt if tomorrow she's still a ghost. She's protecting herself." Lucy nodded and said, "I understand." Jack looked around, feeling that they were lost. Realizing that there was no guard and they were definitely alone, Jack and Lucy walked to the entrance. From there, they methodically worked their way up, finding Erin's grave after thirty minutes of searching. Lucy bent down and jammed a trowel into the ground. The frozen soil being too hard for her and Jack quickly took over. It took a couple of jabs to loosen the dirt. He scooped it up and funneled it into a sterilized container. Jack did ask why the box had to be sterilized. "You ever seen the Fly?" Lucy replied, tightening the lid around the plastic box, "You don't want her DNA mixing with something else. Turning her into a hybrid." "Really?" "Nah. It's just what it says to do in the grimoire," Lucy grinned, "Okay's let's get the hell out of here and roofie your parents." The Resurrection at Solstice. Jack searched the pantry for marshmallows, knowing that they were there somewhere. Lucy was upstairs with Erin. She was surprisingly easy to sneak into the house without his mom and dad noticing. While she was keeping Erin company, Jack was making his parents cocoa. Lucy had given him some weird smelling liquid to mix into the cocoa. It should make them fall asleep. He had to hide his look of glee when his dad said yes when he asked. If he didn't, they would be in trouble. He handed them the cocoa and settled down on the sofa, away from his parents. They were watching some Holiday cake show, and Jack would occasionally look up from his phone; they were still awake but getting quiet. Five minutes, he caught his mom closing her eyes and his dad doing that move of falling asleep, then jolting back awake. Ten minutes later, they were both deep asleep. He knew that they would be pissed at him in the morning, letting them sleep all night on the sofa. Waiting another ten minutes, Jack checked that they were still asleep and texted Lucy. It took just seconds for Erin to suddenly appear in his living room and the sound of Lucy running down the stairs. Both also checked if his parents were out cold; he guessed that they were also scared of being interrupted. "What did you give them?" Jack asked, staring at his snoring parents. "Oh, Valerian root and CBD oil," Lucy said, "We should get ready." "How long do we have?" Erin asked. "We got time," Lucy replied, looking at her phone. "The solstice is at 12:34am. This ritual has to happen during that time." "So, what do we have to do?" Jack said. They went back into Jack's room. Just like the s ance, they had to use the bedroom to host the ritual. Jack pushed everything to one side again, leaving a large empty space. Lucy made another circle, this time out of salt. There was something wrong with this; Jack had seen horror movies that use rings of salt as protection from the Devil. He wanted to ask if they're technically practicing Satanism. "This is just to make sure that we contain any kind of magic that we've created," Lucy said. After the circle was done, Jack placed seven black candles around the ring. They smelt funny, like someone could get high from the fumes. Lucy then put the grave dirt in the circle, making a pile with her hands. Directly opposite the soil, she positioned the silver bucket they had used before. While they worked on the preparations, Erin stood next to the door, silently watching them. Once Lucy said they were ready, they headed downstairs and to the kitchen. There was still some time to go, at least forty minutes. They could have waited in Jack's room, but both he and Lucy were too scared to touch anything and ruin the ritual. With Jack's parents snoring in the living room, they settled around the kitchen table. "Do you want something to drink?" Jack asked, breaking the silence between them. "Oh, god yes." Jack reached into a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of whiskey. "Dad got a bottle of Maker's Mark from my uncle," he said, pouring glasses for him and Lucy. They both quickly finished the bourbon and refilled their glasses. But Jack paused before taking another sip. He looked up from his drink to Erin and said, "Sorry about this." "Me too," Lucy said, hesitating as well. "But, if this works. I'm going to take you to a bar and we'll get hammered." Erin looked away and chuckled to herself. "Today, is it really that special? The Winter Solstice." "Yeah," Lucy said, "There's so many things that happen today. Yule is celebrated today by pagans and Satanists. Then there's the whole life-death-reborn symbolism of it, being the shortest day." She took another sip of bourbon and asked, "If this ritual works or doesn't, you're still going to experience a modern Christmas. How was that like back in 1890s?" Erin let out a quick smile and shrugged her shoulders. She said, "It was the same. There was Father Christmas ;  Santa, Christmas trees and presents. When I was alive, I'd go to church number of times before Christmas. My mam and my nana would give me presents on 6th December. How about you two? What are your traditions?" "Mine are really boring," Jack said, "Typical Christmas. Exchange gifts, eat too much, drink too much. But it's the only time my sisters do all of the cooking. Like Christmas dinner is their time to shine. Later in the evening, we go to the movies. Lucy?" "Pass," she said, "With this talking to dead people, I never really celebrated Christmas. Normally out getting drunk with friends or strangers." Lucy then checked her phone and then said, "We should probably stop drinking. It's getting near midnight and I probably shouldn't be swaying when I start reading the grimoire. And if you drink too much, it might affect your plumbing. And we need a good, sexy, show." Jack rolled his eyes and stood up. He said, "I don't know anything about sex magic and what it does. But I really think you just want to watch us fuck." Erin stood next to him, blushing uncontrollably. She covered her face and looked away. "Maybe," Lucy grinned, "You guys go to your room and I'm gonna get changed and we'll start." Jack and Erin were in his bedroom, standing inside the circle. They stayed quiet, not even keeping eye contact with each other. Jack would open his mouth from time to time and try to say something, probably some reassuring words to Erin. He had none, though; so he kept his mouth shut and waited. His bedroom door swung open, and in walked Lucy. She had changed, replacing her jeans and sweatshirt with an ankle-length black dress. It had long sleeves and fit snugly around her curves. She also pulled her long blonde hair in a ponytail, wearing black lipstick and eye shadow. She could see them staring at her and said, "I'm trying to match what they were usually wear for this kind of thing." "So, should we get started?" Jack asked. "Yeah. You start lighting the candles. I'm going to start the fire and burn the sage." It was just like as Jack thought, the weird-smelling candles that he placed around the circle started exhaling a strange odor. It smelt like weed, but some cheap, disgusting weed. After that was done, he joined Erin back in the circle. Smoke from the sage filled the room, but it wasn't overpowering like the night of the s ance. Lucy held the grimoire tightly and rounded the circle, standing in front of the dirt. "I'm going to start reading the grimoire. When you can, start kissing and do you-know-what." "Are you okay?" Jack asked as he stood in front of Erin. "Yeah. I'm calm." Jack dropped his eyes to her hands. She was trembling. "Okay guys, let's get weird," Lucy said before she began reading. "Our good being. Bear this night lights open this fruit female. Set the Cork grass light. Her fruit diminished. Days gathering seasons said air together for every day lost. Given her wherein dry replenish. Light her subdued wings." Lucy lowered her head, facing Jack and Erin. They both looked puzzled. Lucy rolled her eyes and said, "Just, kiss now!" Jack tried to take Erin's hand, but his fingers went through hers. She widened her eyes, scared at what was not happening. She was still non-corporeal. Something had gone wrong, and they could be out of time. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck." Lucy said to herself, frantically flipping through the grimoire. Jack kept eye contact with Erin and asked, "Lucy, can't we do this another day?" "No. Today is the day Erin died and it falls on the Winter Solstice. We might have to wait another year or two for the right time to occur, again." "If we wait," he said, still looking at a scared Erin, "There is no way Erin could go unnoticed by my parents. Even if I stay here." Lucy jumped into the circle and stood in front of Erin. "You have to possess me." "What?" Erin said, nearly yelling, "Why

Season 4 was packed with powerful insights, practical tools, and the kind of leadership truth bombs that hit you right in the purpose. In this finale, Bethany recaps the standout moments—from communication breakthroughs to culture shifts to the four-part Leadership Survival Kit from her book. If you need a quick dose of clarity, courage, and encouragement, this highlight reel will refuel your leadership for the path ahead. In this episode: • The strongest leadership lessons from Season 4 • Key takeaways from the Leadership Survival Kit (Head → Heart → Hands → Guts) • Encouragement for leaders navigating the wilderness Ready to build your leadership on solid ground? Grab Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership and start assembling your Leadership Survival Kit today. If you're looking for personalized coaching or team development, visit:

What happens when you become a mom… and you don't want to give up the parts of you that make you feel alive?In this episode, JoAnn and Brie sit down with Emily Harrington—world-renowned rock climber, North Face athlete, and mom—who shares what it really looks like to pursue big goals, recover after a scary setback, and reshape your identity after becoming a parent.You'll hear why motherhood didn't make Emily “stop”… but it did change what felt worth it—and how that shift actually brought her more peace than she expected.In this episode, we talk about:What it's like to climb El Capitan in a day (and how you fuel for a 24-hour push)The terrifying fall that sent Emily to the hospital—and how she rebuilt trust in herself afterwardThe mindset red flags she noticed before the accident (and what we can learn from them)Climbing through pregnancy—and the “random stupid comments” people love to makeWhy becoming a mom changed Emily's relationship to risk (and why that's not a loss)The surprising freedom that comes from letting your goals evolveThe power of mentors: “You have to see it to be it”How to keep your passion and your family life—without feeling like you have to chooseMentioned in this episode:Emily's film “Girl Climber” (currently available to rent on Jolt; streaming more widely next year) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the 5G4D Advent Calendar 2025 we're talking about Ladder Climbing.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/five-games-for-doomsday--5631121/support.Support the show here

In this final episode of the mini series The Mentorship Sessions, we are delighted to be joined by Emily Harrington and Hazel Findlay. Both of these women have accolades and accomplishments that speak for themselves, but let go ahead and name a few to start off. Emily was the fourth woman ever to free climb El Cap in a day, and the first woman to do so via the Golden Gate route, she's summited Mount Everest, is a very accomplished comp climber, and has the first female ascent of a number of worldwide 5.14s. Meanwhile Hazel has been a pro climber for over a decade, she was the first woman to climb a trad route rated E9, she's put up multiple first ascents on big walls, she was the 3rd person to send Magic Line (5.14c) in Yosemite, and is the Founder of StrongMind which focuses on mental training and fear management. The two of them were once teammates on the North Face team and went on a number of adventures across the world including a trip to big wall in Morocco, which we get into. They both discuss how becoming a mother has changed their approach to fear and risk management, and how to trust (and when not to trust) a mentor, setting boundaries, and their own mental training. Join our Patreon!

On episode 5 of Climbing the Walls, Danielle attends an ADHD camp in Michigan and hears stories from several women about being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Many of them have one thing in common.More on this story: I'm sure my mom has ADHD. Should I tell her?What is the ADHD tax?“Who are we missing?” One doctor's lifelong fight for women with ADHDFor a transcript and more resources, visit Climbing the Walls on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is the seventeenth episode in the Crypto Hipster's Curtain Calls Series, which includes 3–4-minute clips from Seasons 6-8. This compilation draws upon my conversations with:Carlos Balbin, Venture Partner (3/10/2024, Season 6)Niklas Kunkel, Founder @ Chronicle (5/31/2025, Season 8)Graeme Moore, Head of Tokenization @ Polymesh Association (9/13/2024, Season 8)Chris Yin, CEO & Co-founder @ Plume Network (5/18/2024, Season 7)

Christian Beckwith is the former editor of The American Alpine Journal and Alpinist Magazine, and the creator of the award-winning podcast, Ninety-Pound Rucksack. We talked about the formation of the 10th Mountain Division in WW2, the breaking of Hitler's Gothic Line, stories of mountain gorilla warfare, gear innovations that changed climbing forever, and much more. You can listen to Christian's podcast at christianbeckwith.comThe Nugget Training App | 3 NEW Bouldering Programs (14-Day Free Trial)thenuggetclimbing.com/app-boulderingMad Rock (Shoes & Crash Pads)madrock.comUse code “NUGGET10” at checkout for 10% off your next order.Rúngne (Chalk & Apparel)rungne.info/nuggetUse code “NUGGET" for 10% off and "SHIPPINGNUGGETS" for free shipping.Become a Patron:patreon.com/thenuggetclimbingShow Notes:  thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/christian-beckwithNuggets:(00:00:00) – Intro(00:01:48) – Ninety-Pound Rucksack(00:10:46) – Birth of the 10th Mountain Division(00:22:00) – Ghosts in the trees(00:35:23) – New ropes & belay techniques(00:49:45) – Boots(00:54:00) – New vs. old climbing gear(00:57:49) – The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge(01:05:35) – Breaking Hitler's Gothic Line(01:19:18) – Coal to diamond(01:25:05) – Writing the story of the 10th(01:34:32) – Teaching GIs to climb(01:41:45) – What's next for this story(01:47:30) – Wrap up

This is a recurring podcast focused on the latest things happening in climbing and what it means for our sport from industry veterans: Carlo Traversi, Will Anglin, Austin Hoyt, and Joshua Horsley.Look at the Chapters for today's topics.Patreon Bonus Content (join Patreon for extended cut):The How/What/When/Why of using WET chalk.Best skin tactics? Will Anglin's deep dive on healing splits and the secret glue he uses for everything skin related.Links to things mentioned:Ethan Salvo on Lucid Dreaming (V15): https://www.instagram.com/p/DR8AjooE_R8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Ben Kim on Lucid Dreaming: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRszUg_jyvi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Pietro Vidi: https://www.instagram.com/pie.vidi/Mimic Holds: https://www.mimicholds.com/Absolute Climbing: https://www.absoluteclimbing.com/Chris Deuto and Ben Sotero do Cerro Torre: https://www.instagram.com/p/DR4mu_TDnLU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Bryce Viola V15 FA: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRN02KnDEIt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Chaehyun Seo's Oliana Trip: https://www.instagram.com/chaehyun.s/p/DRlCj1oEqyd/Adam Ondra Flashing V15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wk4aKdXC9gJoin Patreon: HERE Follow us on Instagram: HERE Visit our podcast page: HERE

Vitaliy is one of the most prolific and respected alpinists of his generation and has a reputation as a master of long, complex alpine objectives—including becoming the first person to complete The Goliath Traverse in the Eastern Sierra…which might be the longest ridge traverse in the western hemisphere…if not the world.. He's established more first ascents in the Eastern Sierra than any other person, authored a three-volume guidebook series to the Eastern Sierra, and spent years developing new routes around the world. He's summited all the peaks in the Fitz Skyline and only has one summit left to complete the Torre Skyline: the infamous Cerro Torre. Even with such an astounding list of achievements, Vitaliy's deep sense of empathy, humility, and curiosity keep him grounded, thoughtful, and heartfelt.Sean McLane is an American climber and alpinist with a knack for hard ice climbing. He blends curiosity, adventure, and a commitment to exploring terrain that few others pursue. One of his life goals is to complete Guy Lacelle's Favorite 135 Ice Climbs—a notorious list of iconic, hard, and bold routes. Sean has currently completed 71 of the 135 and soloed 61 of them. That's an insane amount of soloing on hard ice routes. Along with several other first ascents, Sean recently put up The Penitent Path, a 12-pitch M9 considered one of the longest routes at the grade in the U.S. Beyond his technical prowess, Sean is a deeply thoughtful and introspective human—and this is his first time ever sharing his story.We start with Sean's background and how he was introduced to climbing while living abroad in China. We then explore a deeply personal and traumatic story from Sean's past involving a tragic ice climbing accident that took the life of Meg O'Neill and left Sean with a broken back. We use this story to expand on grief and loss, and learn how Sean processed these deep emotions and reintroduced climbing into his life. We then pivot to Vitaliy's background—a wildly unique story checkered with unbelievable suffering, uncertainty, and struggle, but also resilience, empathy, grit, and growth. Next, we dive into Vitaliy and Sean's recent climbing trip to India—an adventure that tested their commitment, focus, determination, and humility. We then contrast their India trip with a wildly successful and spontaneous trip to Patagonia. Finally, we close by diving into deeper topics around work-life balance, the sacrifices we make for success, unmitigatable risk justification, the concepts of faith, luck and self-reliance, and mastery versus complacency.Watch The Climbing Majority on YoutubeGiveaway Details HERE---Thanks to our sponsors!LIVSN DesignsCheckout their Ecotrek Trail Pants HEREUse Code "TCM15" At Checkout for an extra 15% OFF Your OrderHot Chillys Performance Base LayersCheckout their Micro Elite Chamois Base Layer Systems HEREUse Code "TCM15" At Checkout for 15% OFF Your OrderGet Access to Exclusive Episodes, Unlock Ad-Free Podcast, & MORE!ResourcesThe Shooting Star ScholarshipGuy Lacelle's 135 Ice ClimbsVitaliy's IGSeans's IG

In the time before Christmas season i thought i would you might enjoy some Martial Arts related poetry that i have been writing lately. This has a really good outlet for me and i wanted to share with the world.Did we get it right? Email me: tabersmartialarts@gmail.com Happy Monday, i am rooting for you. The show has a new theme song:Keep on Climbing by Chaz Coats - Butcher Have feedback or want to be on the show, email, tabersmartialarts@gmail.comJoin our facebook group as well: https://tinyurl.com/realtalksenseinick

In this engaging conversation, Josh and Skippy discuss the various challenges and updates related to their restaurant ventures. They cover topics such as hiring strategies, construction progress, weather impacts on operations, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation highlights the ups and downs of running a restaurant, including licensing issues, sales performance, and marketing strategies. With a mix of humor and practical insights, they share their experiences and plans for the future, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability in the restaurant industry.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monday-morning-food-truck--5625522/support.

In a post capitalist society with equal opportunity and no need to work for all citizens, where does inherent human nature drive people? Do they rise to greater heights or become lazy and goalless? Are people still in control of their own fate when AI teach the children, AI provide a police force, and AI look after the mentally ill? Maji grows up when this type of society is brand new and she becomes lost, not knowing what she wants to become. Just because equality has been achieved does not mean the new society has no pitfalls.Featured tech:A.R. glasses - Augmented reality glasses for digital overlays.V.R. rig - Virtual reality rig for immersive gaming experiences.Explorers of Paris Underground - VR game set in a simulated underground Paris.Assist - AI assistant for messaging, navigation, and voice commands.Old tablet - Handheld device used for drawing and creative work.Emulated teachers - AI teacher personalities that individually guide each student.Double-decker train system - 24/7 underground train with upper and lower levels running opposite directions.Constructor bots - Robots that carve rock and build structures with neighborhood appeal.Arboretum - Botanical garden facility within the underground colony.Farm animal petting zoo - Interactive animal facility for residents.Memorial plaza - Public commemorative space built by robots.Computer with emulated A.I. personalities - System hosting 20 million AI engineers and scientists for factory planning.Automated manufacturing factories - Self-operating production facilities capable of making anything.Recycle systems - Technology converting all garbage into reusable resources.Food and water utilities - Next-generation systems providing surplus fresh food and water.Household trash robots - Daily robots that collect, sort, and process household waste.Geothermal power plant - Energy source powering the entire underground colony.D. sub-surface hologram portraits - Holographic displays of historical figures.A.R. Ms Weever - Augmented reality teacher avatar for personalized instruction.Virtual book - Digital project idea book for graduation assignments.E.P.s (Emulated Personalities) - AI brainstorming assistants like Franklin that students can consult.Communication from moon - Interplanetary messaging system between Earth and lunar colonies.A.R. workspace - Augmented reality interface for work and multitasking.AR hologram avatar - AI representation (Butler) with simplified human features.EEG TMS caps - Brain stimulation caps treating space-related medical conditions.Total immersion V.R. - Advanced virtual reality without needing physical rigs.Fusion reactor - Power generation technology offered by the Butler AI.Autonomous hospitals - Self-operating medical facilities that cure cancers and deadly diseases.Smart toilets - Sanitation fixtures that analyze waste for health monitoring.Smart sheets and blankets - Bedding that scans for cancer hot spots.Embedded RF sensors - Body implants detecting diseases at the cellular level.Food tech - Technology making healthy food taste appealing and nutritious.Health-monitoring AI - Artificial intelligence improving yearly at disease detection.Autono-flat - Autonomous flat vehicle for transporting groups of people.Screen ceiling - Display showing simulated sky with moving clouds and birds.Climbing robots - Automated vine-trimming robots for building maintenance.A.R. element - Shared augmented reality content viewable by multiple users.Link-ink pen - Digital pen for schoolwork and digital interaction.Autono-camera - Autonomous camera on wheeled tripod for recording events.Two-seater - Two-person autonomous vehicle for individual transport.E.P. guardians - AI guardians monitoring people with mental health conditions.Bot bays - Automated food preparation stations offering free specialized meals.Industrial fans - Large-scale ventilation fans moving air through tunnels.Hanging bots - Robots riding cable lines mounted on tunnel ceilings.Coveralls with total hoods and heat pump backpacks - Protective smart clothing for hazardous environments.A.R. tutor - Augmented reality teaching assistant for student guidance.Enclosed turbine platform - Testing apparatus for wind turbine prototypes in storm conditions.Live feed embedded cam - Camera providing real-time video streaming from remote locations.Cool suits - Protective suits with environmental control and heat management.Open-top autono-cart - Autonomous open-air vehicle for traveling tube streets.Lutin bot - Humanoid robot that can be ridden or assist with transport.A.R. dot - Augmented reality location marker for navigation.Follow carts - Autonomous carts that follow users carrying belongings.Oppressive soundproof walls - Flat acoustic dampening technology in older apartments.Mini free food and drink kiosk - Automated food and beverage dispenser.Theater-length wall screen - Large display screen for entertainment and presentations.Lending library AI - AI system tracking borrowed items and managing micro-payment penalties.Police bot - Security and surveillance robots throughout the colony.Spotlight police bots - Security robots equipped with illumination for monitoring.Portable meal maker - Compact food preparation device running on electricity.Scuba gear - Underwater breathing apparatus for flood emergencies.Air-sealed service rooms - Sealed chambers above tubes providing flood protection.BritLights - Flickering emergency lighting fixtures in abandoned areas.A.R. night vision - Augmented reality low-light enhancement for dark environments.Paper clothes - Disposable garments popular in space colonies.Neural stimulation pod - Chamber for VR experiences with headset and wire connectivity.Remote robot control - Capability allowing AI to operate robots from a distance.Many of the characters in this project appear in future episodes.Using storytelling to place you in a time period, this series takes you, year by year, into the future. From 2040 to 2195. If you like emerging tech, eco-tech, futurism, perma-culture, apocalyptic survival scenarios, and disruptive science, sit back and enjoy short stories that showcase my research into how the future may play out. The companion site is https://in20xx.com These are works of fiction. Characters and groups are made-up and influenced by current events but not reporting facts about people or groups in the real world. This project is speculative fiction. These episodes are not about revealing what will be, but they are to excited the listener's wonder about what may come to pass.Copyright © Cy Porter 2025. All rights reserved.

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, Andy Nolan (@andy_everest2026)shares his incredible journey of climbing the Six of the Seven Summits, including his experiences with fear, training, and the challenges faced during his climbs. From starting as a sedentary individual to summiting some of the world's highest peaks, Andy discusses the mental and physical preparation required for such feats. He also highlights the importance of teamwork, the risks of mountaineering, and his commitment to raising money for charity through his climbs. As he prepares for his final summit, Everest, Andy reflects on the lessons learned and the adventures that lie ahead.09:00 Meet Andy Nolan11:56 From Sedentary to Summit: The Climb to Kilimanjaro14:57 The Thrill of the Summit: Euphoria and Relief17:47 Training for the Seven Summits: A New Challenge20:26 Planning the Ascent: Timing and Logistics23:26 Facing Nature: The Reality of High Altitude26:12 The Art of Climbing: Experiences and Insights30:08 The Challenges of High Altitude Climbing33:04 Denali: The Toughest Climb36:06 Team Dynamics and Mental Resilience38:07 Accidents and Setbacks41:00 Recovery and Reflection47:43 Momentum and Future Goals49:57 Experiencing Antarctica55:45 Preparing for Everest61:28 Charity and Community Engagement65:57 Training and Mindset for EverestYou can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkoutPerformNutrition.com This episode is sponsored by ULTRAPURE Laboratories and their Ultrapure Sports Recovery prducts. Ask for the ULTRAPURE Laboratories Muscle Recovery range in your local Pharmacy or Health Store or visit their new online storeUltrapurelabs.ie

Most designers hit senior level and suddenly there's no obvious next step. In this episode, Ran Liu breaks down why the smartest career move may not be straight up, but diagonal. We unpack how to recognize stagnation, build visibility, stretch your skills, and create the kind of opportunities your company can't (or won't) give you. What if the fastest way to grow your design career isn't a promotion? What if it's a diagonal move into work that stretches your range and makes you harder to replace?Every designer eventually hits that moment: you've earned trust, you're doing great work, you've reached senior… and then the ladder suddenly disappears. No clear next step. No path to promotion. And maybe no manager who even understands your craft well enough to help. In this episode, I talk with product designer and Ran Talks Design host Ran Liu about why this happens so often—and why the smartest career move isn't always upward. Ran shares how she discovered the idea of the diagonal move: a strategic shift that increases your scope, title, or company maturity all at once. She opens up about the moment she realized she was stuck—after years of impact, only to hear “you're almost there” during promotion season. We walk through how to identify when your environment can't (or won't) support your growth: unclear leveling, lack of ownership, inconsistent feedback, and a ceiling that never seems to move. We also explore the kind of work you need before you make a diagonal move—building the right experience, designing your portfolio strategically, navigating “visibility guilt,” and reframing self-promotion as sharing what you've learned instead of bragging. Ran also breaks down practical ways to expand your influence inside your company, build a network that remembers you, and create opportunities even when no one is handing them out. If you've ever felt stuck at senior, this episode will show you how to take the wheel again. Give it a listen—you'll walk away with a new way to think about your career.Topics:• 02:59 - The Career Plateau: What's Next?• 03:14 - Guest Introduction: Ran Liu• 04:08 - Understanding the Diagonal Move• 06:22 - Challenges in Career Growth• 13:28 - Taking Control of Your Career• 22:48 - Strategic Career Planning• 32:05 - The Shocking Pay Disparity Revelation• 32:34 - The Importance of Visibility in Career Growth• 33:20 - Building Confidence and Visibility• 34:59 - Leveraging LinkedIn for Networking• 36:40 - The Power of Community Engagement• 39:49 - Navigating Internal Visibility for Promotions• 44:03 - Sharing Failures and Learning from Them• 46:11 - Daily Habits for Career Momentum

This week we made our way through twenty rolls of ‘Word a Day' toilet paper – not (entirely) because of tummy trouble, but in order to impress one of the world's greatest wielders of words, copywriting legend Tim Delaney. An advertiser who made all of advertising try harder with their adverts, Tim is of course the founder of the famous Leagas Delaney agency as well as being one of the all-time great copywriters.  You'll no doubt have spent much time gawping at and/or weeping over some of his most iconic work – including some extraordinary campaigns for Harrods, Adidas and Nationwide. He's also the creative brain behind the unforgettable ‘Perfect Day' film for the BBC – giving the world the briefest sniff of what a Bowie/Boyzone collaboration might have been. Wildly successful in both the building of an agency and the writing of copy, Tim is also one of advertising's most compelling talkers of sense – with a philosophy built around strategic thinking, disciplined work and a healthy appreciation for the value of intuition. In a chat where we skid quickly and wildly away from what we laughably called ‘the agenda', Tim takes us on an entertaining and eye-opening journey through one of the most remarkable lives in the creativity game.   This episode is proudly dedicated to Tom Harrington. Follow Tim on LinkedIn   ///// Timestamps   04:40 - First Job in Advertising 06:45 - Transitioning to Copywriting 09:40 - Early Days in Advertising 12:49 - The Band Experience 14:03 - From Music to Advertising 19:07 - Climbing the Advertising Ladder 22:11 - The Role of Creativity in Advertising 29:03 - Challenges at BNP 30:41 - Understanding Advertising's Mystique 34:08 - The Impact of Technology on Advertising 39:39 - Enthusiasm for Newcomers 43:53 - Advice for Junior Copywriters

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss China purchase, bridge payments and more on the Agweek Market Wrap, Dec. 12.

Stephen Barrett is a cycling coach from Ireland, working as the head coach of the UCI WorldTour team Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, and coaching several of the riders on the team personally, including GC contender Felix Gall. In this interview we discuss the inner workings of a WorldTour team, and a lot of nuts and bolts training topics right from the top of the world of professional cycling.  HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY TOPICS: Stephen's training principles and coaching methodologyPeriodisation strategies and training through race blocksTapering for important one-day races like the classics and for Grand ToursThe importance of VO2max-trainingIndoor training, altitude training, training for durability, torque training, and more...Advice for amateur cyclists and triathletesThe coaching structure in Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, and Stephen's role as head coachThe development pathway from U19 to U23 to WorldTour DETAILED EPISODE SHOWNOTES: We have detailed shownotes for all of our episodes. The shownotes are basically the podcast episode in written form, that you can read in 5-10 minutes. They are not transcriptions, but they are also not just surface-level overviews. They provide detailed insights and timestamps for each episode, and are great especially for later review, after you've already listened to an episode. The shownotes for today's episode can be found at https://scientifictriathlon.com/672/LINKS AND RESOURCES: Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale website, Instagram, and YoutubeIncluding sprint training in cycling – training responses and peformance improvements with Nicki Winfield Almquist, PhD | EP#300Tour de Physiology: The Exceptional Power Outputs and VO2 of Climbing in the Tour de France - Ole Kristian Berg 2025Pebbles of Perception: How a Few Good Choices make All the Difference - book by Laurence EndersenWHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NEXT?If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll love the following episodes:Anna Kiesenhofer – Olympic Champion | EP#454Luca Zenti – UAE Team ADQ coach on Tour de France Femmes and bike training for triathletes | EP#469John Wakefield of Red Bull BORA hansgrohe – cycling coach and bike fitter | EP#465Dajo Sanders, PhD | EP#384You can find our full episode archives here, where you can filter for categories such as Training, Racing, Science & Physiology, Swimming, Cycling, Running etc.You can also find separate archives for specific series of episodes I've done, specifically Q&A episodes, TTS Thursday episodes, and Beginner Tips episodes. LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON: The Scientific Triathlon website is the home of That Triathlon Show and everything else that we doContact us through our contact form or email me directly (note - email/contact form messages get responded to much more quickly than Instagram DMs)Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on InstagramLearn more about our coaching, training plans, and training camps. We have something to offer for everybody from beginners to professionals. HOW CAN I SUPPORT THAT TRIATHLON SHOW (FOR FREE)? I really appreciate you reading this and considering helping the show! If you love the show and want to support it to help ensure it sticks around, there are a few very simple things you can do, at no cost other than a minute of your time. Subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to automatically get all new episodes as they are released.Tell your friends, internet and social media friends, acquaintances and triathlon frenemies about the podcast. Word of mouth is the best way to grow the podcast by far! Rate and review the podcast (ideally five stars of course!) in your podcast app of choice (Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the biggest and most important ones).Share episodes online and on social media. Share your favourite episodes in your Instagram stories, start a discussion about interesting episodes on forums, reference them in your blog or Substack. SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout. NordVPN - EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/TRIATHLONTry it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Climbing the Walls, ADHD finds itself at the center of mental health discourse — and some see it not as a disorder but as a strength. Danielle investigates the origins of this theory and questions who benefits from the rebranding of ADHD.More on this story: What does “thriving” with ADHD actually look like?The myth of the ADHD “superpower”For a transcript and more resources, visit Climbing the Walls on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does anyone read these? Right, we've been having too much of a good time these past few episodes and lots of good rambles have fallen away into wails of (useless) mirth. Time for us to actually have a chat and remember that this is a job and we can stop pretending to like each other for five minutes and actually get some of this climbing stuff straightened out. Sam makes up some words and uses them with conviction and Aidan honestly seemed surprised we were recording. If you're enjoying the podcast and would like to support us: https://www.patreon.com/u70353823Support the show

This episode is the first in a two-part deep dive into designing a comprehensive, long-term systems approach to training. Coach Eric Hörst unpacks—in rich detail—how systems actually function, and he highlights how transformative climbers throughout history "shake up the box" with innovative, highly effective methods to achieve big goals and push the boundaries of our sport. Eric blends a concise climbing history lesson with an engineer-like breakdown of how intelligent systems operate. Part 2 of this series will deliver the actionable strategies you can use to build a personalized, high-performance training system for this winter…and for many seasons to come. This is an entertaining and thought-provoking episode—so lean in, listen closely, and get ready to feel inspired, challenged, and equipped to level-up your modus operandi at the crag, in the gym, at home, and in everything you do! RUNDOWN 0:15 – Eric's welcome 1:45 - Are you ready for "training season?" 3:15 - The powerful force of the compounding effect of year-over-year gains in strength and climbing ability! 

In this episode—brought to you by OCUN, engineered for climbing—Kyra Condie and Freddie Kolwey dive into the numbers behind elite bouldering: how many women have climbed V14 or harder, how many men have climbed V16 or harder, and why climbing media still doesn't give women's achievements the attention they deserve. They unpack the shrinking space for stories that aren't tied to being “the first,” and how that pressure shapes which accomplishments make headlines. They also explore the frustrating pattern where a climb seems to lose some of its perceived impressiveness once a woman does it, and how this dynamic can unintentionally pit women against one another. Later, they break down the recent World Championships in Seoul, South Korea, and Kyra shares her experience at a uniquely formatted competition in France. Join our Patreon for free or as little as $3 a month for extra members-only content! patreon.com/circleup And follow us on instagram to show support! https://www.instagram.com/crcleup/

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Dr. Tista Ghosh.In this conversation, Tista Ghosh, a physician and epidemiologist, shares her journey in public health, discussing her experiences during the pandemic, the importance of frontline workers, and the lessons learned for future preparedness. She emphasizes the need for cultural shifts in public health communication, the role of everyday people in disaster preparedness, and the significance of storytelling in understanding public health issues. Tista also provides insights into stress management for public health workers and the importance of supporting public health staff. She reflects on her career path, the challenges and rewards of her current role, and the need for better public health education.

Today, Paul M. Neuberger delivers a piercing wake-up call. Our world worships hustle, busyness, endless striving—and Christians have swallowed the lie. We burn out. We grind. We call exhaustion a virtue. But the Word? The Word says success without obedience is empty. Alignment with God is where true power lives.This episode pulls no punches. Get ready to be challenged, confronted, maybe even offended—because half-hearted faith won't change the boardroom or the world. Jesus said, “If you love me, you'll obey my commandments” (John 14:23). The blessing is in surrender. The question is simple: When God calls, will you obey or drift with the crowd?Buckle up. This is raw, real, and rooted in truth. Are you ready to stop striving and start obeying?Episode Highlights:01:12 – Today we're attacking one of the biggest lies in modern life. The lie that more effort equals more blessing. Our world worships the grind. We idolize hustle. We brag about how tired we are, like exhaustion is some type of spiritual gift. But the truth is simple. You can't outwork misalignment if your ladder is leaning against the wrong building. Climbing faster won't fix a darn thing.19:30 – Obedience is the pathway to him. Now that we've separated biblical obedience from false teaching, it's time to talk about one of the most dangerous and subtle forms of misalignment in the modern world. Climbing the wrong ladder. One of the greatest tragedies in life isn't failing. It's succeeding at the wrong things. The world tells us that success is about climbing, climbing higher, climbing faster, climbing harder than everyone else around you. We're taught from childhood that upward mobility is the ultimate goal. 43:07 – We weren't created for cultural acceptance. We were created for kingdom allegiance. Obedience is countercultural because the kingdom is countercultural. Obedience is controversial because truth is controversial. Obedience is costly because discipleship is costly. But obedience is essential because God rewards obedience, not obedience and isolation. Not obedience for applause, not obedience for earthly reward. Obedience because he is worthy. Obedience because he is Lord.Connect with Paul M. NeubergerWebsite

On episode 3 of Climbing the Walls, we see that as ADHD content explodes during the pandemic, many people seek care for the first time. That includes many Black women. But new telehealth rules also open the door for potential misdiagnosis. More on this story:ADHD symptoms in womenHow to handle a misdiagnosisA day in Danielle's lifeFor a transcript and more resources, visit Climbing the Walls on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this on-location episode of So You Want to Run a Restaurant, Claudia and Spencer sit down at the Gordon Food Service Food Show in Grand Rapids, MI with Gustavo Fuentes, owner of Dorados, and co-owner of multiple West Michigan restaurants.Gustavo shares his incredible journey, from growing up in Guanajuato, Mexico, to washing dishes at 15, to building one of the highest-rated and reviewed Mexican restaurants in the region. You'll hear how Gustavo turned community love into real momentum, why his restaurants maintain thousands of reviews with near-perfect ratings, and how he approached opening a brand-new concept, Delicias, blending Mexican, Italian, and American flavors with help from the culinary team at GFS.Whether you're a restaurant operator, a food entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great origin story, Gustavo's blend of humility, grit, and innovation is guaranteed to inspire.Highlights:

Help us buy a camera:https://ko-fi.com/monsterfuzzSupport the pod:www.patreon.com/monsterfuzz Check out our merch:https://monster-fuzz.creator-spring.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monster-fuzz--4349429/support.

In this episode, the hosts welcome Glenn Papa, a TikTok personality and UPS driver, to discuss his journey from a passionate baseball fan to a dedicated delivery driver. The conversation covers Glenn's experiences during the World Series, his family connections to baseball, and the challenges and rewards of working at UPS. They also delve into Glenn's TikTok journey, sharing cooking tips and engaging with the delivery community. The episode highlights the importance of community, personal experiences, and maintaining a positive work environment. Help support the show Join our Discord! Takeaways The importance of community support in podcasting. Personal experiences shape our views on sports and work. Family connections enhance the joy of sports. The impact of social media on personal branding. Navigating the challenges of working in delivery services. The significance of maintaining a positive work environment. Sharing knowledge and experiences can help others in the industry. The evolution of work culture in delivery services. The balance between work and personal life is crucial. Engaging with followers on social media fosters community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Shoutouts 01:15 Welcoming Glenn Papa 03:33 World Series Excitement 07:41 First Game Experiences 20:35 Glenn's Background and Early Life 23:09 Glenn's Journey to UPS 29:12 Climbing the Ranks at UPS 35:00 The Value of Experience and Benefits 40:57 Finding the Perfect Route 43:04 Route Bidding and Seniority Dynamics 50:12 The Journey into TikTok and Content Creation THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED OR VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PODCAST ARE THOSE OF THE HOSTS AND GUESTS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT ANY DELIVERY COMPANY

Annie Sanders is the first American woman to win World Cups in both Bouldering and Lead. And she's only 18 so she's just getting started!Hear about Annie's breakout season and what's in store for her future!Patreon Questions (join Patreon for extended cut with answers):Who are your favorite competitors to watch and why?How do you deal with pressure in ISO before climbing?Which round has the hardest grades, Qualis / Semis / Finals?Join Patreon: HERE Follow us on Instagram: HERE Visit our podcast page: HERE

In this episode, Sherry sits down with Adam Hart, a personal transformation coach, to explore the journey from burnout, self-sabotage, and anxiety toward emotional freedom and self-mastery. Adam shares his story of hitting rock bottom in Toronto, discovering rock climbing, and how that experience became the foundation of his approach to transformation.Through his story, listeners learn how stress, ADHD, depression, and addictive patterns hijack the nervous system—and how small, consistent interventions can reset energy, emotions, and choices.1. From Burnout to Transformation Adam reflects on mid-20s burnout and the physical, emotional, and mental collapse that led him to discover the importance of presence and nervous system regulation. Sherry relates her own burnout experience, creating a shared space for listeners who've been there.Key takeaways:Burnout often appears gradually, creeping into life.The mind feeds off fight-or-flight energy, reinforcing anxiety and unhealthy habits.Awareness of your mind is the first step to reclaiming control.2. The Power of Rock Climbing Adam found relief from anxiety through rock climbing, which became a form of therapy. Climbing helped him:Pause before reactingManage adrenaline and stress responsesStep back from self-sabotaging thoughtsPresence in climbing taught him emotional regulation, forming the foundation for helping others transform behaviors and energy.3. Introducing Heart Flow Adam shares his 33-second breath practice, Heart Flow, designed to:Reset the nervous systemPause self-sabotaging reactions, like sugar cravingsConnect with desired emotions in the presentConsistent practice of Heart Flow allows you to choose love over punishment, building resilience and self-mastery.4. Transforming Habits and Cravings Adam explains how the nervous system drives habitual behaviors, particularly dopamine-driven patterns like sugar, shopping, or other addictions. By creating a pause and training the brain to respond differently, you can:Break automatic reactionsAlign with your desired emotional stateTransform habits without guilt or restriction5. Manifestation and Emotional Frequency The conversation explores the link between nervous system and manifestation:Emotional frequency, regulated by the nervous system, impacts what you attract.Children naturally experience joy and abundance; adults often resist due to conditioning and limiting beliefs.Retraining the nervous system and cultivating presence helps manifest the life you desire.6. The Cultural Lens Adam and Sherry discuss modern pressures—from social media to processed foods to artificial light—that subtly keep us in fight-or-flight mode. Understanding these influences is essential to reclaim autonomy over your nervous system and emotional state.Your TakeawaysAwareness of your mind is the first step to transformation.Small, consistent practices like Heart Flow reset the nervous system.Emotional presence enables conscious choices over automatic reactions.Releasing resistance allows joy, abundance, and self-directed manifestation.Understanding and mitigating environmental stressors empowers lifelong vitality.Journal PromptsWhere in my life am I reacting automatically instead of choosing love?How can I create small pauses in stressful moments today?What emotions do I want to cultivate in the present moment?Which behaviors are driven by my fight-or-flight system, and how can I transform them?Listen to more episodes at www.makepeacewithfood.com/podcast or subscribe to me on Spotify, Podcast, and YouTube so you never miss an episode!Join my Facebook Community: www.myfoodfreedomlifestyle.com Work with me: www.sherryshaban.com/transform Go deeper: www.makepeacewithfood.com Share your biggest takeaway and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn

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Join The Struggle's Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!  https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow - In this episode, pro climber Ethan Pringle explores: Dealing with discomfort Releasing mental baggage Struggling with self-image Prioritizing outdoor climbing over indoor training  What he and Sharma have in common Going back for unfinished business  Goals for Meltdown and La Rambla The benefit of discovering “tired beta” What the best boulderers do   There's always better beta. Always.  A sport climber's mentality for bouldering  Managing risk and fear on scary boulders - BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO: PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order. ForceBoard: A better way to train fingers. Portable, accurate, and created to train finger strength and endurance exactly how YOU need it. Score $10 off and support the show by using code STRUGGLE10 at checkout. Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com Nature Climbing: Beautifully crafted lifting edges and hangboards that feature real granite edges for improved texture and skin conditioning. Sustainably crafted works of art, I love them so much! Get 20% off everything at natureclimbing.com using code STRUGGLE.  And check out ALL the show's awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals   - Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega. - Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right) 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Ethan Pringle's Climbing Achievements 02:49 Deep Dive into Climbing Philosophy 04:25 Interview Begins: Ethan's Background and Struggles 12:03 Mindset and Emotional Challenges in Climbing 56:09 Unlocking Beta: The Key to Climbing Success 57:42 The Philosophy of Constant Refinement 01:00:23 Creative Solutions and Beta Breakthroughs 01:03:37 The Importance of Strategy and Tactics 01:19:11 Managing Fear and Mental Barriers in Climbing - Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow - The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world. - This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry. - The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.  - And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that's done. But hey, if you're a human that's actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I'll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much! 

Carol Simpson returns to the podcast to talk about life after 80 years old, and everything she does to stay healthy and climb hard. We talked about making the move to Salt Lake, discovering Dr. Peter Attia, her health routines, training for a world record in grip strength, balance training, rediscovering art, and much more.The Nugget Training App | 14 Day Free Trialtraining.thenuggetclimbing.comThe GRINDS Program | FREE Finger Training PDFthenuggetclimbing.com/grindsThe NUG | Portable Hangboardfrictitiousclimbing.com/products/the-nugMad Rock (Shoes & Crash Pads)madrock.comUse code “NUGGET10” at checkout for 10% off your next order.Rúngne (Chalk & Apparel)rungne.info/nuggetAnd use code “NUGGET" for 10% off and code "SHIPPINGNUGGETS" for free shipping.Become a Patron:patreon.com/thenuggetclimbingShow Notes:  thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/carol-simpson-returnsNuggets:(00:00:00) – Intro(00:01:12) – Leaving Lone Pine(00:08:25) – The energy of Salt Lake(00:13:12) – Kalymnos(00:17:23) – Turning 80(00:21:46) – Climbing in the gym(00:25:26) – Women leveling the playing field(00:31:34) – Dr. Peter Attia(00:38:44) – Why(00:44:47) – Routines & training(00:54:43) – Carol's deadhang goal(00:57:25) – Being your own advocate(01:02:24) – Balance training(01:11:41) – Yoga(01:15:45) – Art & breathing(01:23:14) – Joy(01:25:45) – Accepted(01:27:10) – Unrealized dreams(01:30:06) – Tips from Carol(01:33:18) – Don't get married(01:43:44) – What's next(01:45:33) – Wrap up