Podcasts about Community building

In this episode of the Successful Stylist Academy Podcast, Ambrosia Carey shares key insights from a recent conversation with the Meta and the Instagram team about what is actually working on Instagram right now. This episode breaks down practical social media strategies specifically for hairstylists and salon owners who want to grow their audience, attract better clients, and create content that performs consistently without burnout. Ambrosia discusses the shift from hashtags to keywords, how consistency trains the algorithm, and why Reels and Stories serve very different purposes in your content strategy. She also explains how engagement velocity impacts reach, why trial reels are an underrated feature, and how using Instagram's native tools can improve performance. This episode is designed for hairstylists and salon owners who want clear, realistic guidance on building a sustainable Instagram presence while staying authentic to their voice and brand. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by social media or unsure what actually matters anymore, this conversation will help simplify your approach and give you a strategic path forward. Join the SSA LAB Membership now! https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/gnfbcgfrjq Get 2 months of GlossGenius Gold or Platnium for FREE use code SUCCESSFUL Key Takeaways   1. Instagram is shifting toward prioritizing keywords over hashtags, which means hairstylists and salon owners should clearly describe their services and specialties in captions so the algorithm understands who to show their content to. 2. Consistency in posting helps train the Instagram algorithm to recognize your niche and audience, and a predictable posting rhythm often performs better than sporadic bursts of content.    3. Reels are essential for discoverability and attracting new clients, while Stories are better suited for nurturing relationships with the audience you already have. 4. Engagement velocity plays an important role in reach, and responding quickly to comments signals to the algorithm that your content is creating meaningful conversations.  5. Trial reels provide a valuable opportunity to test new content ideas and formats before sharing them with your full audience. 6. Using Instagram's native tools such as text overlays, captions, audio, and in-app editing features can improve both content quality and overall reach. 7. Carousel posts remain a powerful format because they retain viewer attention longer and allow stylists to communicate educational and high-value content more clearly. 8. Content performs best when it answers real questions and solves real problems for your audience rather than simply following trends. 9. Authenticity and clarity in messaging are more effective long-term strategies than chasing viral trends that do not align with your brand. 10. Regularly reviewing your content performance allows hairstylists and salon owners to refine their social media strategy and make better decisions about what to create next. Show Notes In this episode Ambrosia shares insights from a direct conversation with the Meta and Instagram team about how the platform is evolving and what hairstylists need to understand in order to stay relevant and visible.  Listeners will learn why Instagram is becoming more keyword-driven, how posting consistency influences reach, and how stylists can simplify their content strategy without feeling overwhelmed. This conversation also covers the difference between Reels and Stories, the role of engagement and response time, and how using Instagram's built-in tools can improve results. This episode is especially helpful for hairstylists and salon owners who want to build a stronger online presence, attract ideal clients, and grow their business through intentional content creation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Successful Stylist Academy Podcast 00:22 Insights from Meta and Instagram Team 04:14 Understanding Instagram's Algorithm and Content Strategy 08:14 The Importance of Consistency in Posting 12:51 Stories vs. Reels: Understanding Their Roles 17:40 Utilizing Instagram's Tools and Features 22:14 The Shift in Reels Length and Content Engagement 26:29 The Power of Keywords Over Hashtags  30:54 Engagement Strategies and Community Building 31:50 Find more on Instagram  Enjoy 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagelm using code SSA15: https://pharmagel.net/?ref=SSA15 If you prefer video, we are on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@successfulstylist      

"The journey to understanding starts with asking better questions." — Dan Roth "If I can enlighten others and show how we can actually create a better system, a better world, in spite of how hard it may be, then I can go to sleep at night knowing I've done everything I can for my daughters." "I made a promise to God and my daughters that I would spend every hour of every day fighting to create a better world for them to grow up in." "This is about legacy. This is about them and looking at the world that we live in and saying, hey, we need to be better because our maga, he sure as hell ain't helping." In this reflective episode of Better Call Daddy, host Rena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, sit down with the dynamic Dan Roth, a thought leader and TEDx speaker who challenges the status quo. Dan shares his transformative journey from social anxiety to delivering a powerful TED Talk, revealing how he reshapes the narrative around parenting and mental health. From the Streets to the Stage Dan opens up about his experience preparing for his TEDx talk, detailing the emotional rollercoaster of public speaking and the self-doubt that often accompanies it. He discusses how his personal struggles with body dysmorphia and eating disorders shaped his message, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in creating meaningful connections with others. Empowering Change Through Parenting Throughout the episode, Dan explores the impact of parenting on mental health, advocating for a shift in how we approach discussions around emotional safety within families. He shares heartfelt anecdotes about his daughters, highlighting his commitment to creating a better world for them and all children. Building Bridges and Community Dan reflects on the importance of mentorship and community support, discussing how his experiences have led him to create initiatives that empower others. His passion for advocacy and social change shines through as he emphasizes the need for open conversations about difficult topics, from mental health to diversity and inclusion. Key Themes - The power of storytelling and vulnerability - Navigating the challenges of public speaking - The role of parenting in shaping mental health dynamics - Empowering communities through advocacy - The importance of asking better questions to foster understanding Episode Highlights (00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show (01:20) Dan Roth: A Journey to TEDx (10:30) Overcoming Social Anxiety and Embracing Vulnerability (20:00) Parenting and Mental Health: Creating Safe Spaces (30:15) Building Community and Empowering Others (40:45) Wisdom from Wayne: The Balance of Personal and Professional Values Episode Keywords Better Call Daddy, Podcast, TEDx, Public Speaking, Mental Health, Parenting, Vulnerability, Advocacy, Community Building, Storytelling, Emotional Safety, Diversity and Inclusion, Personal Growth Connect with Dan Roth Speaker Bureau Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where stories of resilience, growth, and understanding come together! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share!

Author Kayla Delcoure joins Read the Damn Book to discuss her new poetry collection Nine Lives, a heartfelt exploration of grief, love, and the unexpected ways loss can spark creativity and connection. In this moving episode, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Kayla to talk about the profound impact of losing her beloved cats and how that experience shaped both her writing and her online presence.Kayla shares how she transformed personal grief into a creative outlet through storytelling and social media, building a space where vulnerability, remembrance, and advocacy intersect. The conversation explores how writing can serve as both catharsis and catalyst, helping individuals process loss while also inspiring broader conversations around empathy and social justice. Together, Michelle and Kayla examine the power of community in times of heartbreak and the ways authentic connection can fuel meaningful change.What We're Talking About...Author and online content creator Kayla Delcoure discusses her new poetry collection Nine Lives, a heartfelt exploration of pet loss, grief, healing, and the powerful bond between humans and their cats.Kayla's journey began with her beloved cat Gizmo, who passed away from FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), an experience that profoundly shaped her writing and advocacy.Writing poetry became a crucial tool for Kayla in processing grief, demonstrating how creative expression can support emotional healing after the loss of a pet.In Nine Lives, Kayla Delcoure reflects on her personal experiences with grief and resilience, offering readers an honest look at mourning, memory, and moving forward.Kayla emphasizes that community support is essential when navigating grief, highlighting how shared stories and connection can reduce isolation.Through her online presence, Kayla reminds others that they are not alone in their grief, especially when coping with the loss of a beloved animal companion.She is expanding her platform by launching a podcast designed to foster deeper conversations around healing, storytelling, and social justice.Kayla is also part of “The Organized Gang of Wine Moms,” a grassroots-style community focused on social action and collective engagement.Throughout the episode, she discusses how building meaningful communities requires authenticity, vulnerability, and sustained support.Ultimately, Kayla believes that pets—especially cats—can profoundly shape our emotional lives, teaching us about love, loss, and the enduring impact of connection.Chapters00:00 Kayla Delcoure Introduction and Background06:00 The Journey of Grief and Healing11:59 Community Building and Activism20:04 The Power of Connection and SupportLinks MentionedOrder your copy of Nine Lives:

On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Dexter Sullivan, founder of the Black Legacy Advancement Coalition (BLAC) to discuss how they're building Black power and continuing Detroit's legacy as a Black city. The roots of BLAC began to take form in the heart of its founder, Dexter Sullivan, in the early 2000s. Then, in 2020, the world stopped as black residents were impacted at a disproportionate rate. Under the conditions of lockdown, we could no longer numb ourselves with the routine obligations of life and career. Instead, we were forced to reckon with the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual ramifications of actively witnessing black lives destroyed without the responsible parties being held accountable. As a coalition, they are driven by passion, healing and legacy-creation. While they strive toward a bold and powerful vision, they are clear that their efforts will require a commitment that spans decades and, perhaps, generations. Still, they are committed to creating a world that builds on the legacy of our ancestors who fought and died for centuries in an effort to secure our civil liberties and equity.To learn more about Black Legacy Advancement Coalition (BLAC) and their work, click here. FOR HOT TAKES:TERMINATION THREAT OVER DETROIT IMMIGRATION ARREST ANGERS MICHIGAN CONSERVATIVESINTERNAL POLLING SHOWS BENSON LEADS JAMES AND DUGGAN IN RACE FOR MICHIGAN GOVERNORSupport the showFollow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

At SocialEast 2025 in Halifax, Brooke Hahn, General Manager of Flockler, joins guest host Odum Idika for a candid conversation about why most brands misunderstand community.Brooke draws on her experience across agency, startups, software, and private equity to explain what actually drives growth inside modern organizations and why one-way content no longer cuts it. She unpacks the difference between having followers and building connection, and shares practical ways marketers can turn everyday customer moments into long-term brand loyalty.From user-generated content and social proof to celebrating customers publicly and listening beyond the feed, this episode challenges marketers to stop chasing volume and start creating shared identity.Because a social feed is not a community. It is simply the starting point.

Send a textDoes your school's detention program do little to teach students how to make better choices in the future? Many do because detention is not used as a learning opportunity. In this episode Leslie Trundy shares how talking students on a hike as an alternative to after school detention actually works as a teaching opportunity and changes detention from punishment to community building. LinksOutdoor Skills Leadership class mentioned in episodeMaine Public Media story about detention hikes

Michael Fanning sits down with Scott Steadman, broker of the Draper, Utah office, to discuss sustainable growth through hyper-local farming, community engagement, and consistent direct mail strategies that build lasting client relationships.Scott Steadman has been in real estate since 2011 (15 years) and serves as broker for Windermere's Draper office in Salt Lake City. He farms approximately 1,700 homes in his community and sent nearly 20,000 pieces of direct mail last year.Creating deeper connections by focusing on a specific communityBuilding relationships beyond transactions being a neighbor first, agent secondThe importance of living in or deeply connecting with your farm areaLack of consistency: Giving up too quickly; wanting instant gratificationNo strategic plan: Missing a clear budget, timeframe, and business planIrrelevant content: Sending generic materials instead of market-specific messagingScott sent 20,000+ pieces last year because it works:Builds consistency and familiarity over timeCreates trust through repeated visibilityGenerates expectations from clients about your marketing systemActual Examples from Scott:Virtual pizza party during COVID (100+ pizzas delivered)"Poo Party" dog park cleanupNeighborhood trail cleanupCreating a Little Free Library (current project)Working directly with HOA on community initiativesDirect Mail: Systematic, relevant content on a consistent scheduleDigital/Social: Facebook groups, Nextdoor, email campaigns with community newsFace-to-Face: HOA involvement, neighborhood events, being visible in the communityBuy back your time: Hire for tasks you shouldn't be doingDelegate effectively: Lean on company resources and administrative supportFocus on fundamentals: Consistency over intensity wins every timeScott credits Ninja Selling and the Windermere Way for providing a framework that works in any market. Key principle: Hold people capable, not accountable while building their skillset through repetition and improvement.Stack your wins: Start small attend a coaching call, implement one action item, then build from there. Small wins compound into massive results."Consistency over intensity wins every time"Be a neighbor first, real estate agent secondPeople remember how you made them feelYou can't do everything delegate what you're not good atThe more you show up for your community, the more they'll show up for youSocial Media: @ScottSteadmanUtahBook: Ninja SellingBook: Buy Back Your Time by Dan MartellWindermere Path Calls: Every Thursday at 10am PTListing Leads "Five Mile Famous" campaign (upcoming)Windermere Coaching: Visit windermecoaching.com to learn more about coaching opportunities."Be awesome and help somebody."

We lean into a timely business truth: nonprofit sustainability is built as much through belonging as through budgets. Cohosts Julia C. Patrick and Tim Sarrantonio welcome Rachel D'Souza, Founder and President of Gladiator Consulting, for a conversation that reframes community-building as a practical growth strategy for donors, volunteers, staff cohesion, and long-term resilience.Rachel describes nonprofits as one of society's last best “third spaces”—those informal gathering places that used to create trust across differences. With remote work, the pandemic's aftershocks, and algorithm-driven polarization, many people have fewer natural pathways into civic life. That shift creates risk for organizations relying on legacy participation habits. It also creates opportunity: nonprofits can intentionally become the place where people reconnect around shared purpose and shared outcomes.The discussion moves from theory into operating reality: boards at impasses, teams facing funding gaps, and leaders stuck in fight-flight-freeze. Rachel offers a pragmatic path forward—start with shared facts, clarify who holds which decisions, and practice disagreement before the stakes spike. “If you want to be better at conflict, that means you have to practice it, just like anything else,” she said, recommending simple meeting exercises that build the muscle of respectful debate.Tim grounds this in organizational dynamics leaders recognize instantly: misalignment between finance and fundraising can derail systems decisions, contracts, and staff trust—without anyone “hating” anyone. The fix is not heroics; it's earlier conversations, shared language, and a commitment to being in the room together.Rachel draws a bright line leaders need: discomfort is part of growth, but it is not the same as harm. When emotions run hot, the first move is often a pause—reset the temperature so people can listen to process, not just respond. This convo offers a hopeful business case: build community on purpose, and capacity follows. 00:00:00 Welcome and why community building matters right now 00:02:10 What Gladiator Consulting does and why “belonging” drives results 00:04:30 Nonprofits as “third spaces” and the business opportunity 00:06:10 Tim's real-life example of nonprofit spaces creating connection 00:08:00 Invitation culture making people feel welcome 00:10:10 People give through nonprofits and identity-based connection 00:11:30 Practicing conflict in meetings before stakes rise 00:14:05 Finance and fundraising misalignment as an operational risk 00:16:20 Shared clarity who decides what and why it matters 00:22:20 Pause tactics discomfort vs harm and moving forward #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityBuildingFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

The conversation with Eric Ford delves into the world of integrated marketing, influencer marketing, and the evolving landscape of the creator economy. Eric shares his journey from journalism to social media and provides valuable insights into the art of storytelling, brand advocacy, and community building. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and aligning with brand values. The conversation also explores the impact of culture on marketing, the evolving role of influencers, and the significance of community-driven marketing strategies.TakeawaysIntegrated marketing involves bridging the gap between customer, creator, influencer, and brand through a communications lens.Authenticity, vulnerability, and storytelling are key elements in creating impactful content and building brand advocacy.Influencer marketing is not dead but evolving, with a focus on community-driven strategies and the role of influencers as brand spokespeople.Chapters00:00 The Art of Integrated Marketing11:23 Community Building and Brand Advocacy23:18 Approaching Brands as a Creator29:29 Misconceptions About Influencer Marketing35:18 Legacy and Black Excellence in Marketing

The market has changed. Outbound is noisy. Distribution is fragile. AI is accelerating everything. So how do you know who's actually ready to buy? How do you position in a market that feels unstable? How do you pivot without panicking? This episode dives into the new reality of business in the AI era: the death of lazy volume, the rise of ownership, and the permanent advantage of human connection. Spray-and-pray outreach is fading. Hiring signals are bloated. Metrics are inflated. The old indicators don't mean what they used to mean. And executives are walking away from companies they built because the ground beneath them has shifted. But here's the truth: AI doesn't remove the human game. It amplifies it. You'll hear why: Ownership now beats pure distribution Media companies must become community companies Positioning matters more than ever in a noisy environment Pivoting early beats reacting late AI without humanity fails Intentional outreach outperforms mass automation Signal clarity is the new competitive advantage This isn't about fear. It's about awareness. You can drown in the wave. You can float. Or you can learn to surf. The ones who win won't be the loudest. They'll be the most intentional. Across this episode, you will learn: Why “signal vs noise” is the defining business problem right now How AI is shifting power from distribution to ownership Why outbound at scale is losing effectiveness How to pivot strategically instead of reacting emotionally Why human connection remains the ultimate differentiator How to think chess, not checkers, in a volatile market The importance of intentional positioning in chaotic times Beyond The Episode Gems: Buy My Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.com Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network Get Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy:  Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews Follow Troy's Socials @FindTroy: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, TikTok Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel For Strategy Videos & See Masterclass Episodes Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

Episode #193: Jen Rouse engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kimberly Lovi and Chantelle Phillips about the theme of worthiness. They explore personal journeys of self-discovery, the importance of community, and the challenges of setting boundaries. Chantel shares her transformative experience from struggling with self-worth to creating a supportive community for women. The discussion emphasizes the significance of authenticity, self-care, and the power of silence in navigating life's challenges. In this conversation, the speakers explore themes of self-worth, personal growth, and the importance of authenticity in relationships. They discuss the significance of inner work and self-discovery, emphasizing that true happiness comes from within rather than from external sources. The dialogue highlights the necessity of setting personal boundaries and teaching others how to treat us, as well as the power of vulnerability in attracting genuine connections. The speakers also advocate for collaboration over competition, encouraging women to support one another in their journeys of empowerment and growth. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Worthiness and Self-Discovery 02:40 Chantel's Journey to Self-Worth 06:55 The Impact of Life Experiences on Worthiness 10:48 Building a Supportive Community for Women 12:43 Authenticity in Leadership and Community Building 16:45 Setting Boundaries for Self-Care 20:55 The Power of Silence and Reflection 27:36 Understanding Personal Boundaries and Self-Acceptance 30:45 The Importance of Inner Work and Self-Discovery 34:45 Self-Worth and Its Impact on Relationships 39:49 Attracting Authentic Connections 43:54 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity 48:03 Collaboration Over Competition  

We're excited to kick off the 2026 Season 2 of the New to Z: Road to SME podcast with IBM Champions  Steven Perva and Emma Skovgård, exploring how community, curiosity, and modern tooling are shaping the next generation of mainframers.In this episode, we talk about their unconventional paths into the mainframe world and their work building vibrant communities like the Systems Z Enthusiast Discord and Dinoframe. They share lessons on learning curves, modern tools like Python on Z, and the communication skills that help new and experienced mainframers thrive. A quick, inspiring look at two leaders shaping the future of the platform.

JW Wiseman built Curious Elixirs before a non-alcoholic cocktail category even existed—and grew it without outside investors. By spotting overlooked demand and building real community around the brand, he turned a personal pain point into an eight-figure business.For more on Curious Elixirs and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

If you're building a business while trying to be a present leader, spouse, or parent, this episode is going to resonate with you. In this conversation, I sit down with Jaden Barr to talk about what really builds authority over time. We go beyond tactics and dive into identity, discipline, leadership, leverage, and community.Jaden is a St. Louis-based real estate business owner, former college quarterback at Truman State, and father of two. He left corporate during the pandemic to build his business from scratch in a new market, and his story is rooted in discipline, faith, family, and long-term thinking.We break down how athlete-level habits translate into business, why honoring your calendar matters more than motivation, and how systems create freedom instead of burnout.Here's what we cover:Why personal branding starts with identity, not strategyHow discipline compounds over timeThe role community plays in long-term authorityLeveraging systems to buy back timeBalancing entrepreneurship with marriage and fatherhoodIf you're trying to build something sustainable, not just successful, this conversation will give you perspective.Connect with Jaden BarrInstagram: Instagraminstagram.com/jbarr_realtorFacebook: Facebookfacebook.com/jaden.barr.96Website: Kwjadenbarr.kw.comLinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jaden-barr-12462610bYouTube: YoutubeJaden BarrConnect with Builders of AuthorityWebsite: BuildauthorityDigital Marketing Agency St Louis | Builders of AuthorityFree Facebook Group: FacebookLog in or sign up to viewGoHighLevel Extended 30-day Free Trial w/TONS of Personal Branding Bonuses: Gohighlevelgohighlevel.com/adammcchesney

On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Co-Executive Directors of the Black Bottom Archives, Marcia Black and Lex Draper Garcia Bey, to discuss how they're working to uncover and restore our stories as Black Detroiters.At the heart of Black Bottom Archive's work are the people (and their descendants) who lived, worked, and built lives in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. Their stories, resilience, and cultural contributions served as an inspiration for their organization. From entrepreneurs and artists to families and community leaders, these individuals embody the rich Black heritage they strive to preserve and celebrate.To learn more about Black Bottom Archives and their work, click here. FOR HOT TAKES:BLACK MAYORS BACK BENSON FOR MICHIGAN GOVERNORMIKE DUGGAN SAYS 'THE PAIN WHEN ICE IS IN YOUR COMMUNITY IS VERY REALSupport the showFollow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

This week, Anya Combs joins us to break down what real community building looks like in the games industry. Drawing from her time at AddictingGames, Nickelodeon, and as Director of Games at Kickstarter, Anya shares practical insights on crowdfunding, developer relations, and turning an audience into a lasting community. If you are about sustainable growth—not just launch-day hype—this one's for you.Learn more about AnyaLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Guildhall LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Today, we will explore the concept of building community, but not from a pure numbers standpoint. Many people measure community in numbers, not quality. We will discuss a better way to create community around you that makes the whole network mightier. Featured Event: Spence MAG Meetup: This Sunday. Contact Brad for information. sequatchieschool@protonmail.com Sponsor One: RarePlantStore.com Sponsor Two: https://abovephone.com/?above=104 (This is an affiliate link) Tales From The Prepper Pantry >11 years ago, crepe night for Fat Tuesday and we were snowed in >Rebuilding the pantry system after working through the "stuff" this winter (Why I did this) >Scaling from 2 to 5 - growing pains >Audit your canning supplies >German Food Day Frugality Tip From Margo I have a friend up North whose library has passes you can check out for discounted admission to museums.  So check out your local library and see what they have to offer. Operation Independence Barrels for sale, grocery club update Main Topic We talk about community all the time with some of you saying there is no one around you, and others seeking to start your own community. Often, communities fail because they have the wrong goal. How do you know your community is successful? >number of people >length of community >etc I like to think about the goals differently: How many surface relationships do we house versus inner circle trust. >>explain this

On this episode, Donna and Sam spoke with Stephanie Wright Griggs and Brian Taylor Sullivan about preserving Black history, the legacy of Dr. Charles H. Wright, and The Mountaintop, written by Katori Hall and currently directed by Brian Marable at the Detroit Public Theatre.Healthcare Administration and African American history are the paths by which Stephanie has given a lifetime of public service. Her passion for both runs deep. She organically entered the path of preserving African American history in childhood as her father founded Detroit's Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Brian Sullivan Taylor is a SAG-AFTRA actor, director, and acting coach from Southfield, Michigan. He has experience across film, television, theatre, commercial, print, and voiceover. brian is the founder of the award-winning Detroit Drama Studio, where he trains actors using the Ivana Chubbuck Technique. Brian is honored to portray Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on The Mountaintop. To learn more about Detroit Public Theatre and purchase tickets to The Mountaintop, click here. FOR HOT TAKES:HOLLIER DROPS SECRETARY OF STATE BID TO LAUNCH EASTSIDE STATE SENATE CAMPAIGNSupport the showFollow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Jason Green was serving in the Obama White House when a phone call from his mother sent him home to sit with his grandmother in the hospital — and into a story he never knew was his. In this conversation, we talk about the hidden history of Quince Orchard, a Black community founded after emancipation, and three segregated churches that chose to merge in 1968 after Dr. King's assassination. We explore remembrance before reconciliation, the communal strength of the Black church, breaking cycles of harm, and what it actually costs to build resilient, integrated community in a divided time. If you're asking where we go from here — chaos or community — this episode is for you.Jason G. Green is a Maryland-born community organizer, attorney, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose work sits at the intersection of economic opportunity, community trust-building, and democratic renewal. He is the author of the forthcoming book Too Precious to Lose (One World | Penguin Random House, 2026), an intimate narrative that blends a personal, community history with a broader call to repair the connections that bind us together.Green served as Special Assistant to the President and Associate White House Counsel to President Obama, advising on domestic and economic policy during the recovery from the Great Recession. He later co-founded SkillSmart, a pioneering workforce and economic-impact software company that has helped quantify more than $100 billion in economic development activity and supported a talent pipeline of more than 50,000 skilled workers across the United States.He is the President and CEO of EverGreen Labs, a strategy studio that helps organizations deepen stakeholder alignment, improve market positioning, and drive measurable business outcomes. Green previously served as Executive-in-Residence at Zeal Capital Partners, supporting early-stage companies focused on the future of work, financial technology, and health equity.A civic leader deeply committed to history, memory, and reconciliation, Green is a trustee of the Pleasant View Historic Association and a founding commissioner and former chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation. His award-winning PBS documentary, Finding Fellowship, explores the intertwined Black and white history of Quince Orchard and the community-led fight to preserve its legacyGreen has served several corporate and nonprofit boards, including Daivergent, Flare, Clear Impact, Per Scholas, the Arena, the Washington University Alumni Board of Governors and Regional Cabinet, and the Yale Law School Executive Committee and is a non-resident fellow at the Urban Institute. He holds a J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis.His work—spanning technology, public service, storytelling, and community leadership—is rooted in a belief that our shared future depends on our capacity to connect and build together. Green currently lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife Ritu and their son Aidan.Jason's Book:Too Precious to LoseJason's Recommendation:Great ExpectationsConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, ThreaGet Your Sidekick Support the show

We are Melanie and Anthony, the two community builders at EA Barcelona. In this post, we share where the group stands today and reflect on key learnings from nearly three years of grant-funded community building. We hope these reflections are useful to other community builders, funders, and CEA, particularly around what it realistically takes to build and sustain EA communities over multiple years, from funding stability and feedback loops to the personal sustainability of professional community builders. TL;DR EA Barcelona was funded by the EA Infrastructure Fund between May 2023 and December 2025 (

In this engaging conversation, Vincent A. Lanci and Ben Albert explore the multifaceted journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing that success is not a single key but a unique combination of skills, experiences, and connections. The guest shares his unexpected path to entrepreneurship, the importance of niche marketing, and effective strategies for leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for social selling. The discussion also highlights the evolution of the guest's podcast, 'Real Business Connections,' and concludes with a thought-provoking reflection on the ultimate entrepreneur, Jesus Christ.As you listen:00:00 The Key to Success: A Unique Combination01:51 The Journey to Entrepreneurship04:50 From Zero to Hero: Building a Business Podcast08:44 Marketing Strategies for the Clueless11:53 Leveraging LinkedIn for Social Selling13:45 Finding Your Unique Key to Success15:32 The Evolution of a Podcast: Real Business Connections17:38 A Conversation with Jesus: The Ultimate Entrepreneur"There is no key to success.""I'd love to ask him about it.""This kicked butt."Takeaways:-Success is a unique combination, not a single key.-Entrepreneurship can emerge from unexpected circumstances.-Niche down to create a smaller, more manageable market.-Networking through podcasting can lead to mentorship and clients.-Promoting others can be an effective marketing strategy.-LinkedIn is a powerful tool for social selling.-Building trust is essential before pitching products or services.-Your podcast can serve as a diary of your learning journey.-Engaging with your audience can lead to valuable connections.-The journey of entrepreneurship is ongoing and ever-evolving.

In this episode of Community we are highlighting Acre75 Gathered, an incredible small town Canadian goods subscription box, shipping hundreds of beautiful, curated boxes across North America.With Founder Virginia, Kristina dives into what it took to build the Acre75 Gathered brand and navigate business and motherhood, hiring, slow growth, mastering systems and more!Key takeaways to listen for: Why your first version of a business doesn't need to be your last.How Virginia used mentorship to learn how to run a subscription business.Navigating the grief, uncertainty, and growth all while building a thriving business community.The magic of documenting your process instead of faking success.Why slower, intentional scaling can be so much more sustainable.The behind-the-scenes of hiring a first team member and how it can transform your business.Grow your business like a tree, not a seasonal flower. Virginia's message is to plant the seed and focus on growing deep roots in community while trusting the process in order to see the full bloom.Whether you're a product-based business owner or a busy founder figuring out your next step, this episode is going to fill your cup.Shop Acre75 and meet Virginia at High Vibe Women on March 7th!Get your ticket here!Connect with Virginia:Acre75 Gathered. Get Your Spring Box Now!Try Corporate Gifting with Acre75!Acre75 InstagramMentioned in this Episode:Work with AM Creative for your next big business move!Join the High Vibe Women Online CommunityTake Our Social Media Quiz!Work with The Social Snippet!Send me a text!Support the showFor Your Information: • Host your podcast on Buzzsprout! •Join The High Vibe Women Online Community! • Join our favourite scheduling platform Later • FLODESK Affiliate Code | 25% off your first year! Don't forget to come say hi to us on Instagram @thesocialsnippet, join the Weekly Snippet or follow us on any social media platform! Website . Instagram . Facebook . Linkedin

Order “Offensive Christianity” here - https://press.founders.org/shop/offensive-christianity/jchasedavis.comSupport the show!! - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavisSummaryIn this episode, I discuss my new book, 'Offensive Christianity,' which addresses the crisis of masculinity in the church and society. I explore the challenges men face today, including the feminization of faith and the need for biblical manhood. I emphasize the importance of men stepping into leadership roles in their homes, churches, and communities, and advocate for a return to a more historically rooted understanding of manhood. I also touch on practical applications for men, endorsements of the book, and the call for Christians to engage culture offensively.Support the showSign up for the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavisFollow Full Proof Theology on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fullprooftheology/Follow Full Proof Theology on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fullprooftheology/

Watch This NEXT: https://youtu.be/FA8kGL3JXx8 Apply to Work with Voics: https://www.voics.co/schedule-youtube Join Aura: https://www.aura-app.ai/ Guest: Jasmin AlićYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BigBiggaInstagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicjasmin0:00 — LinkedIn in 20266:15 — AI Content and Authenticity9:24 — Commenting vs Posting21:04 — Intentional Growth on LinkedIn22:52 — Why Your Offer Isn't Converting27:40 — Acquisition and Funnel Strategy28:48 — Building and Scaling a Community35:46 — Rotating Offers and Positioning40:29 — Ecosystem Alignment45:20 — Warm Outreach and Lead Generation48:36 — Social Selling and SystemsSupport the show

Most apartment communities focus on amenities.Ovation focused on experience.And it changed everything.Shellie Greer, Director of Ovation Lifestyle, shares how her team turned traditional multifamily properties into true lifestyle brands that residents feel connected to, talk about, and choose to stay in. Instead of generic events or one-off perks, Ovation built a system for community through wellness programming, branded experiences, influencer content, and consistent resident touch points that make every property feel like home.We break down how events double as marketing, how content fuels leasing, why community takes time to build, and what most operators miss when trying to improve retention. If you care about resident loyalty, brand differentiation, or standing out in a crowded market, this is a playbook worth studying.Tap in to learn how Ovation is redefining multifamily living and why lifestyle may be the strongest competitive advantage in real estate today.Learn More About Digible:⁠ https://digible.com/?utm_source=dd_podcast&utm_medium=episode_description(00:00) Preview(00:45) Shellie's Role at Ovation(01:27) From UFC Branding to Real Estate(04:33) Designing Immersive Event Experiences(10:20) Ovation's Las Vegas Legacy and Model(14:25) Building the Ovation Lifestyle Program(20:29) Resident App, Feedback, and Personalization(25:24) Measuring Lifestyle ROI and Retention(29:35) Turning Events Into Marketing Content(34:01) Programming for Luxury vs 55+ Residents(43:37) Why Ovation Stays Focused on Vegas(47:21) Influencers and Organic Resident Content(53:03) The Long Game of Community Building

Two years ago, Brian Luebben was doing $750K a year. Now he's posting million-dollar months. In this conversation, we break down what actually changed. It wasn't a new tactic or growth hack. It was a shift in how he thinks about goals. That might sound a little woo-woo, but Brian explains why most entrepreneurs unknowingly limit their own growth, and outlines how a single shift in your thinking could completely alter the trajectory of your business.  Not only does this conversation challenge how you think about growth, it also unpacks the operational decisions he made that supported the jump from sub-seven figures to a true eight-figure business.    Key Takeaways with Brian Luebben 00:00 From $750K to $10M in 3 Years 04:34 The 3 People You Need to Be Around 09:55 Cashflow Investing vs Equity Investing 14:20 2 Frameworks from a $250M Mentor 17:45 Alex Hormozi Discipline 20:27 Long-Form Content To Scale Impact 22:51 How Career Capital Translates to Entrepreneurship 26:56 The Hires That Led to Million Dollar Months 32:00 Course Creation vs. Community Building 39:22 Expectations Matter More Than Price 44:52 Buy Businesses Then Learn To Run Them 49:53 Holding On Too Long Gets Expensive 56:33 Passive Income Is Mostly A Lie 59:18 Earn Your Summer 01:04:29 The Two Week Vacation Test       Watch on YouTube:      Let's Connect: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook

In a world humming with AI, automation, and endless digital noise, something quieter and far more human is making a comeback. Community.In this episode of The Women On Top, Valerie Lynn sits down with Meagan Allers, Community Manager and Partnership Strategist at Marco Polo, for a conversation about what it really means to create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and connected. Not the kind of community measured in numbers or engagement metrics, but the kind that lingers, roots itself in trust, and feels like coming home.Together, they explore the often misunderstood difference between community building and community management, why genuine connection cannot be rushed or manufactured, and how introverts, often underestimated, can become some of the most powerful community leaders. Meagan shares her own winding path into this work, from boldly cold reaching out to start a women's pickleball group, to helping cultivate meaningful connection inside a fast growing tech company.They also talk about the quiet return to in person gatherings, the role of storytelling in technology, and the beautifully unexpected range of people finding connection through Marco Polo today. At its heart, this conversation is a reminder that while technology can scale systems, belonging is still built in small, human moments, one conversation at a time.If you are building a brand, nurturing a community, navigating loneliness in a hyper connected world, or simply craving something more real, this episode is for you.About Meagan: Meagan Allers is a Community Manager and Partnership Strategist at Marco Polo, where she designs spaces rooted in connection, trust, and belonging. With a background in storytelling, partnerships, and community strategy, Meagan brings a deeply human lens to tech, grounded in the belief that meaningful relationships are the foundation of everything worth building.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Community Building02:56 Community Building vs. Community Management06:04 The Journey into Community Building09:08 The Importance of Authentic Connection12:03 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Women14:59 Launching a Local Pickleball Community17:53 The Power of Cold Outreach20:58 Managing Community Energy and Engagement24:07 The Rise of In-Person Communities26:52 Niche Communities and Their Growth30:03 The Value of Community in Tech33:01 Unexpected Lessons from Startup Life36:14 Measuring Community Impact38:57 Diverse User Demographics of Marco Polo41:53 The Deeper Why Behind Community Work45:03 Closing Reflections and QuotesConnect with Meagan:linkedin.com/in/meaganallershttps://www.instagram.com/meaganallers/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/61574537443033/videos/Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: From Dust to Dazzle: The Winter Culture Warehouse Revival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-02-10-08-38-21-no Story Transcript:No: Det var en kald vintermorgen da Astrid, Lars og Marta ankom det gamle lageret.En: It was a cold winter morning when Astrid, Lars, and Marta arrived at the old warehouse.No: Bygget lå forlat ved utkanten av byen, med høye tak og støvete overflater.En: The building lay abandoned on the outskirts of the town, with high ceilings and dusty surfaces.No: Overalt var det spredte kasser og rustne maskiner, men i Astrids øyne hadde stedet en skjult magi.En: Everywhere there were scattered boxes and rusty machines, but in Astrid's eyes, the place had a hidden magic.No: Hun drømte om det som den perfekte arena for Vinterkulturfestivalen.En: She dreamed of it as the perfect venue for the Winter Culture Festival.No: Astrid var full av energi, men også litt bekymret.En: Astrid was full of energy, but also a bit worried.No: Hun visste at ressursene var knappe, og tiden var knapp.En: She knew resources were scarce and time was tight.No: Hun skulle ønske de hadde mer å jobbe med.En: She wished they had more to work with.No: Men hennes lidenskap for tradisjoner og samhald var sterkere enn frykten.En: But her passion for traditions and community was stronger than her fear.No: Lars rynket pannen mens han så seg rundt.En: Lars frowned as he looked around.No: “Denne jobben blir ikke lett,” sa han skeptisk, men i hemmelighet håpet han at Astrid hadde rett i at dette kunne bli noe vakkert.En: “This job won't be easy,” he said skeptically, but secretly he hoped Astrid was right that this could become something beautiful.No: Marta, derimot, så på alt med et smil.En: Marta, on the other hand, looked at everything with a smile.No: “Vi kommer til å klare det! Litt kreativitet og samarbeid, så blir dette stedet forvandlet!” oppmuntret hun.En: “We'll manage it! With a bit of creativity and cooperation, this place will be transformed!” she encouraged.No: De begynte å rydde.En: They began to clean up.No: Støvskyene spredte seg mens de bar ut gamle esker og ordnet stedet.En: Dust clouds spread as they carried out old boxes and organized the place.No: Det kalde gulvet ble mindre truende etter hvert som de fikk ryddet.En: The cold floor became less intimidating as they cleared the space.No: Likevel var det en stor oppgave foran dem.En: Still, a big task lay ahead of them.No: Astrid grublet.En: Astrid pondered.No: Skulle hun bare holde seg til den opprinnelige planen, eller burde hun be om hjelp fra lokalsamfunnet?En: Should she just stick to the original plan, or should she ask for help from the local community?No: Astrid bestemte seg til slutt for å be om hjelp.En: Astrid eventually decided to ask for help.No: Hun ringte rundt, sendte meldinger til naboer og bekjente, og snart begynte folk å strømme til lageret.En: She made calls, sent messages to neighbors and acquaintances, and soon people began to gather at the warehouse.No: Med et smil og en lovnad om hverandres selskap, hjalp de med å dekorere, lage boder og sette opp lys.En: With smiles and promises of each other's company, they helped to decorate, set up stalls, and put up lights.No: Arbeidet gikk raskere med mange hender, og Astrid kunne endelig puste lettere.En: The work went faster with many hands, and Astrid could finally breathe easier.No: Dagen for festivalen kom, og det forlatte lageret glødet av lys og glede.En: The day of the festival came, and the once abandoned warehouse glowed with lights and joy.No: Mennesker fra alle kanter av byen kom for å delta.En: People from all corners of the town came to participate.No: Barn lekte, voksne snakket og lo, og tradisjonelle retter ble delt.En: Children played, adults talked and laughed, and traditional dishes were shared.No: Lars så på Astrid med en blanding av takknemlighet og stolthet.En: Lars looked at Astrid with a mix of gratitude and pride.No: “Du gjorde det,” sa han, og hun svarte med et ydmykt smil.En: “You did it,” he said, and she responded with a humble smile.No: Marta strålte av glede mens hun så rundt seg.En: Marta beamed with joy as she looked around.No: “Se hva vi fikk til sammen!” ropte hun begeistret.En: “Look what we achieved together!” she shouted excitedly.No: Astrid nikket og visste nå at det å be om hjelp hadde vært det beste valget.En: Astrid nodded, knowing now that asking for help had been the best choice.No: Sammen hadde de skapt en minneverdig festival og styrket fellesskapet.En: Together, they had created a memorable festival and strengthened the community.No: Og da Astrid så rundt seg, forsvant all bekymring.En: And as Astrid looked around, all her worries disappeared.No: Hun innså verdien av å stole på andre og det kraftfulle i å være sammen.En: She realized the value of trusting others and the power of being together.No: Slik ble en kald, støvete lager til et varmt, minneverdig eventyr for hele bygda, takket være samarbeid og tillit.En: Thus, a cold, dusty warehouse became a warm, memorable adventure for the entire village, thanks to cooperation and trust.No: Vinterkulturfestivalen ble en strålende suksess, og Astrid hadde fått en ny lærdom: åpenhet og samhold er nøkkelen til suksess.En: The Winter Culture Festival was a brilliant success, and Astrid learned a new lesson: openness and unity are the keys to success. Vocabulary Words:warehouse: lageretabandoned: forlatoutskirts: utkantenceilings: takscattered: spredterusty: rustneresources: ressursenescarce: knappefrowned: rynketskeptically: skeptiskcreativity: kreativitetcooperation: samarbeidintimidating: truendepondered: grubletacquaintances: bekjentegather: strømmepromise: lovnadstalls: bodergratitude: takknemlighethumble: ydmyktbeamed: strålteachieved: fikk tiltrusting: stolestrengthened: styrketmemorable: minneverdigadventure: eventyrunity: samholdsuccess: suksesstransformed: forvandletvenue: arena

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with Larry Swanson, a knowledge architect, community builder, and host of the Knowledge Graph Insights podcast. They explore the relationship between knowledge graphs and ontologies, why these technologies matter in the age of AI, and how symbolic AI complements the current wave of large language models. The conversation traces the history of neuro-symbolic AI from its origins at Dartmouth in 1956 through the semantic web vision of Tim Berners-Lee, examining why knowledge architecture remains underappreciated despite being deployed at major enterprises like Netflix, Amazon, and LinkedIn. Swanson explains how RDF (Resource Description Framework) enables both machines and humans to work with structured knowledge in ways that relational databases can't, while Alsop shares his journey from knowledge management director to understanding the practical necessity of ontologies for business operations. They discuss the philosophical roots of the field, the separation between knowledge management practitioners and knowledge engineers, and why startups often overlook these approaches until scale demands them. You can find Larry's podcast at KGI.fm or search for Knowledge Graph Insights on Spotify and YouTube.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Knowledge Graphs and Ontologies01:09 The Importance of Ontologies in AI04:14 Philosophy's Role in Knowledge Management10:20 Debating the Relevance of RDF15:41 The Distinction Between Knowledge Management and Knowledge Engineering21:07 The Human Element in AI and Knowledge Architecture25:07 Startups vs. Enterprises: The Knowledge Gap29:57 Deterministic vs. Probabilistic AI32:18 The Marketing of AI: A Historical Perspective33:57 The Role of Knowledge Architecture in AI39:00 Understanding RDF and Its Importance44:47 The Intersection of AI and Human Intelligence50:50 Future Visions: AI, Ontologies, and Human BehaviorKey Insights1. Knowledge Graphs Combine Structure and Instances Through Ontological Design. A knowledge graph is built using an ontology that describes a specific domain you want to understand or work with. It includes both an ontological description of the terrain—defining what things exist and how they relate to one another—and instances of those things mapped to real-world data. This combination of abstract structure and concrete examples is what makes knowledge graphs powerful for discovery, question-answering, and enabling agentic AI systems. Not everyone agrees on the precise definition, but this understanding represents the practical approach most knowledge architects use when building these systems.2. Ontology Engineering Has Deep Philosophical Roots That Inform Modern Practice. The field draws heavily from classical philosophy, particularly ontology (the nature of what you know), epistemology (how you know what you know), and logic. These thousands-year-old philosophical frameworks provide the rigorous foundation for modern knowledge representation. Living in Heidelberg surrounded by philosophers, Swanson has discovered how much of knowledge graph work connects upstream to these philosophical roots. This philosophical grounding becomes especially important during times when institutional structures are collapsing, as we need to create new epistemological frameworks for civilization—knowledge management and ontology become critical tools for restructuring how we understand and organize information.3. The Semantic Web Vision Aimed to Transform the Internet Into a Distributed Database. Twenty-five years ago, Tim Berners-Lee, Jim Hendler, and Ora Lassila published a landmark article in Scientific American proposing the semantic web. While Berners-Lee had already connected documents across the web through HTML and HTTP, the semantic web aimed to connect all the data—essentially turning the internet into a giant database. This vision led to the development of RDF (Resource Description Framework), which emerged from DARPA research and provides the technical foundation for building knowledge graphs and ontologies. The origin story involved solving simple but important problems, like disambiguating whether "Cook" referred to a verb, noun, or a person's name at an academic conference.4. Symbolic AI and Neural Networks Represent Complementary Approaches Like Fast and Slow Thinking. Drawing on Kahneman's "thinking fast and slow" framework, LLMs represent the "fast brain"—learning monsters that can process enormous amounts of information and recognize patterns through natural language interfaces. Symbolic AI and knowledge graphs represent the "slow brain"—capturing actual knowledge and facts that can counter hallucinations and provide deterministic, explainable reasoning. This complementarity is driving the re-emergence of neuro-symbolic AI, which combines both approaches. The fundamental distinction is that symbolic AI systems are deterministic and can be fully explained, while LLMs are probabilistic and stochastic, making them unsuitable for applications requiring absolute reliability, such as industrial robotics or pharmaceutical research.5. Knowledge Architecture Remains Underappreciated Despite Powering Major Enterprises. While machine learning engineers currently receive most of the attention and budget, knowledge graphs actually power systems at Netflix (the economic graph), Amazon (the product graph), LinkedIn, Meta, and most major enterprises. The technology has been described as "the most astoundingly successful failure in the history of technology"—the semantic web vision seemed to fail, yet more than half of web pages now contain RDF-formatted semantic markup through schema.org, and every major enterprise uses knowledge graph technology in the background. Knowledge architects remain underappreciated partly because the work is cognitively difficult, requires talking to people (which engineers often avoid), and most advanced practitioners have PhDs in computer science, logic, or philosophy.6. RDF's Simple Subject-Predicate-Object Structure Enables Meaning and Data Linking. Unlike relational databases that store data in tables with rows and columns, RDF uses the simplest linguistic structure: subject-predicate-object (like "Larry knows Stuart"). Each element has a unique URI identifier, which permits precise meaning and enables linked data across systems. This graph structure makes it much easier to connect data after the fact compared to navigating tabular structures in relational databases. On top of RDF sits an entire stack of technologies including schema languages, query languages, ontological languages, and constraints languages—everything needed to turn data into actionable knowledge. The goal is inferring or articulating knowledge from RDF-structured data.7. The Future Requires Decoupled Modular Architectures Combining Multiple AI Approaches. The vision for the future involves separation of concerns through microservices-like architectures where different systems handle what they do best. LLMs excel at discovering possibilities and generating lists, while knowledge graphs excel at articulating human-vetted, deterministic versions of that information that systems can reliably use. Every one of Swanson's 300 podcast interviews over ten years ultimately concludes that regardless of technology, success comes down to human beings, their behavior, and the cultural changes needed to implement systems. The assumption that we can simply eliminate people from processes misses that huma...

From suppressing emotions as a military veteran to finding freedom on Colorado trails, here's how Jonathan Mejia discovered that running isn't just exercise, it's therapy in motion.He came to Colorado after film school when the stars aligned and he conquered his first marathon. He's now looking to take on his first ultra in 2026.Jonathan talks about:Running as freedom and a therapeutic escapeHis military background influencing mental health journeyWhat inspired developing a consistent running habitThe trail running communityBuilding ultramarathon goalsStay connected:Follow Jonathan Mejia:https://www.instagram.com/goodvibesjon/Team RWB:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-set-your-next-big-hairy-audacious-goal-with/id1453616436?1=1000676194617This is episode is supported by:Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.Precision Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com

New @greenpillnet pod out today!

The White Mountains have a special talent for making strong hikers question their life choices, and their mileage math. In this episode, I'm joined by Eli Burakian and Justin Chapman, the brains behind Northeast Trail Adventures, to break down what makes the Northeast so rugged, so beloved, and so different from anywhere else.Sign up for the retreat: https://northeasttrailadventures.com/We dig into Moosilauke as the first true alpine-style summit for northbound AT hikers, the old-school trail design philosophy (straight up, minimal mercy), and the culture shift where vert matters more than pace. Then we get into the wild story of the Mount Ascutney Vertical Backyard, a last-person-standing race that went a jaw-dropping 90 hours, and somehow turned race directing into an ultra of its own.After that, we talk about something more important than suffering, community. I'm officially joining Northeast Trail Adventures as a leader for their White Mountains running and hiking retreat (June 5 weekend at Hub North), a low-pressure, all-abilities weekend built around moving efficiently in the mountains, learning from experienced leaders, and hanging out like normal humans at night with meals, stories, and whatever game ends friendships.If you want an entry point to the Whites that's fun, supportive, and not gatekeep-y, this is it. Retreat spots are limited, and Free Outside listeners can use FREE OUTSIDE for $100 off.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Northeast Hiking Experience06:41 Personal Connections to the White Mountains11:48 Launching Northeast Trail Adventures21:45 The Unique Vertical Backyard Race32:26 Reflections on the Race and Future Plans34:03 Community Building in the Whites39:18 Retreat Structure and Activities55:43 Inspiring Stories and Personal Experiences01:04:35 Future Events and OpportunitiesFind Northeasttrailadventures.com on social media https://www.instagram.com/northeasttrailadventuresSupport our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Dan Berger to talk about something the retreat industry doesn't discuss nearly enough: belonging. Dan shares his personal journey—from selling his event-planning software company for $100M, to grappling with his own sense of belonging, to ultimately creating Assemble Boise, a retreat and gathering space intentionally designed for human connection. Together, Shannon and Dan dive into: Why men are facing a serious belonging and mental health crisis How retreats can act as temporary communities that create lasting impact Why small, intimate spaces outperform big, flashy experiences How retreat leaders can design environments that feel safe, connective, and meaningful And why belonging—not content—is what people are actually paying for This is a grounded, honest conversation about the responsibility retreat leaders hold and the opportunity they have to create spaces that genuinely change lives.   What You'll Learn in This Episode Why people aren't craving more content—they're craving connection How Dan's "belonging tank" framework applies directly to retreat design The four belonging personas every retreat leader should understand Why men's retreats and men's groups are more needed now than ever How intentional hospitality creates trust, safety, and transformation What post-COVID human connection really looks like (and why retreats are booming)   Notable Concepts Discussed The "Belonging Crisis," especially among men Retreats as containers for community, not just experiences Small-group power vs. large-scale events Ethical considerations around AI and preserving human-made experiences Designing spaces that do the emotional work before the programming begins Email Dan to get a free copy of his book, or to book his amazing retreat center and get a 3rd night free: dan@assemblehospitality.com Buy Dan's Book here: https://amzn.to/4qvuyts  About Dan Berger Dan J. Berger is the author of The Quest: The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging, and the CEO of Assemble Hospitality Group. He previously sold his SaaS company, Social Tables, for $100M. He lives in Boise, ID with his wife and daughter.   Connect with Dan here: https://assembleboise.com/    The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum  Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show   Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!   Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ------- TIMESTAMPS Dan's Background and Journey (00:01:22) Dan shares his personal history, adoption, move from Israel, hospitality career, and founding a software company. Writing the Book on Belonging (00:02:01) Dan discusses writing his book about belonging and its self-help/academic approach. Importance of Belonging in Retreats (00:03:01) Shannon and Dan explore why belonging is central to retreats and how retreats foster community. Men's Groups and Community Building (00:04:10) Dan describes his men's group, its structure, and how it builds ongoing relationships. Men's Belonging Crisis (00:05:53) Dan addresses the challenges men face with belonging, emotional expression, and the need for safe spaces. Retreats as Solutions for Men (00:08:13) Discussion on how retreats can help men, and Dan's hesitation about hosting men's retreats. Benefits of Extended Retreats (00:09:10) Shannon explains the deeper impact of multi-day retreats versus short meetings. Belonging Frameworks for Retreats (00:09:48) Dan introduces two frameworks from his book: the "belonging tank" and four belonging personas. Book Offer and Belonging Differences (00:12:09) Dan offers a free book to listeners and discusses gender differences in belonging. Motivation for Opening a Retreat Center (00:13:59) Dan explains his shift from corporate retreats to opening a dedicated retreat facility. Design and Features of The Symbol Boise (00:17:25) Dan details the layout, amenities, and unique aspects of his Boise retreat center. Transparency and Marketing for Retreat Leaders (00:18:40) Shannon praises the clarity and marketing of Dan's facility for retreat organizers. Special Offer for Retreat Leaders (00:19:41) Dan shares a booking discount and explains the profitability and versatility of his space. Closing and Resources (00:21:00) Shannon wraps up, shares links to Dan's resources, and thanks him for joining.

"Forgiveness is not about letting someone off the hook; it's about freeing yourself from the chains of resentment." — Eric Rogell In this deeply reflective episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Eric Rogell. Eric shares his powerful journey of understanding and forgiving his parents, revealing how compassion can transform our perceptions of those who raised us. Understanding Our Parents Eric candidly discusses the complexities of his upbringing, shedding light on the struggles he faced with his mother's protective nature and his father's absence. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that parents are human too, navigating their own challenges while trying to raise their children. His insights encourage listeners to reflect on their own parental relationships and the power of forgiveness. The Weight of Resentment Throughout the episode, Eric explores the concept of holding grudges and how it can be detrimental to our well-being. He shares a poignant quote about resentment being like drinking poison, highlighting the need to let go of past grievances in order to move forward. His journey towards forgiveness serves as a reminder that liberation often comes from within. Building Meaningful Connections As Eric discusses his experiences with mentorship and the importance of community, he underscores the value of open communication in relationships. He shares how his own journey has led him to create spaces for men to connect, share their vulnerabilities, and support one another, fostering a sense of brotherhood and understanding. Key Themes - The journey of forgiveness and understanding - The complexities of parental relationships - The impact of resentment on personal growth - The importance of community and mentorship - Embracing vulnerability as a source of strength Episode Highlights (00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show (01:20) Meet Eric Rogel: A Journey of Forgiveness (10:30) Understanding Parental Challenges (20:00) The Dangers of Holding Grudges (30:15) Building Community and Meaningful Connections (40:45) Wisdom from Wayne: The Value of Open Communication Episode Keywords Better Call Daddy, Podcast, Forgiveness, Parental Relationships, Personal Growth, Resentment, Community Building, Mentorship, Vulnerability, Emotional Healing, Life Lessons, Family Dynamics, Self-Awareness, Inspirational Stories Connect with Eric Rogell Lions Raised as Lambs Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where stories of growth, love, and understanding come together!   If you liked this episode listen to the one with Scott Ferguson who connected us  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-call-daddy/id1525296416?i=1000708177145

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, former Marine counterintelligence operator and Paralympic silver medalist Dennis Connors joins Marcus to discuss the true meaning of perseverance beyond grit. Dennis shares insights from his time in special operations, his journey through PTSD and stroke recovery, and how vulnerability, discipline, and community create sustainable high performance in leadership and life. Episode Highlights [2:31] The Intelligence Behind Special Operations - Dennis explains his role in human intelligence collection for special operations and why keeping servicemen safe was the number one priority—not just gathering information. [26:30] The Four Pillars of Perseverance - Dennis breaks down why grit alone isn't enough for long-term success and introduces his framework: vulnerability, self-love, disciplined action, and community. [46:00] Leading Leaders: The Transition from Operator to Mentor - A powerful discussion on what it means to lead leaders, the importance of empowering your team, and why asking for help is one of the most powerful leadership tools. [57:54] The Road to LA 2028 - Dennis shares his goal to win Paralympic gold at the 2028 LA Games and the challenges Paralympic athletes face in funding their Olympic dreams while maintaining careers. Dennis Connors is a Paralympic silver medalist, two-time para cycling world champion, and former Marine counterintelligence operator who served with special operations forces. After suffering strokes that left him paralyzed, Dennis rebuilt his life through adaptive sport and now works as a keynote speaker and leadership coach. He's a TEDx speaker whose talk on redefining perseverance challenges the traditional "grit mentality" and offers a more sustainable framework for overcoming adversity. Dennis helps military, corporate, and athletic organizations translate high-performance lessons into practical leadership insights. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Urenia Johnson and Adelina Robinson to discuss their newly formed collaboration, Thriveworks Coalition and how they're amplifying access to essential services for families through a unified, holistic approach.Founded by leaders from diverse nonprofit backgrounds, Thriveworks brings together organizations Corporate Development Institute (CDI) and Purposed Hands to create a “one-stop shop” for legal, financial, educational and family support.Founded by Attorney Urenia Ricks-Johnson, Corporate Development Institute (CDI) is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering underserved communities through financial literacy, youth mentorship and legal advocacy. Founded by Adelina Robinson, Purposed Hands is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting low-income families in Westland, Detroit and surrounding areas. To learn more about CDI, Purposed Hands, and Thriveworks Coalition, click here. FOR HOT TAKES:'NATIONAL SHUTDOWN' IN DETROIT: CASS TECH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WALK OUT TO PROTEST ICEDATA CENTERS, DIRTY DIRT AND DUGGAN VS. DEMOCRATSSupport the showFollow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Snowy Celebrations: Nadav's Tu Bishvat Connection Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-01-30-23-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: נבה בוקר אחד התעורר נדב עם מחשבה אחרת בראשו.En: One morning, Nadav woke up with a different thought in his mind.He: שלג כבד כיסה את האדמה מסביב לפנימייה שבה למד, וזמן תו בשבט התקרב.En: Heavy snow covered the ground around the boarding school where he studied, and the time for Tu Bishvat was approaching.He: נדב רצה להרגיש מחובר יותר לשורשיו ולקהילה שלו, במיוחד בזמן שכולם חגגים את "ראש השנה לאילנות".En: Nadav wanted to feel more connected to his roots and his community, especially at a time when everyone celebrates the "New Year of the Trees."He: הבעיה הייתה שהשוק המקומי היה מוגבל במוצרים בעונת החורף.En: The problem was that the local market was limited in products during the winter season.He: השוק היה קרוב לפנימייה, ובכל זאת התפוזים והתמרים המסורתיים של תו בשבט היו יקרים וקשים להשגה.En: The market was close to the boarding school, yet the traditional oranges and dates for Tu Bishvat were expensive and hard to find.He: נדב חש תחושת בדידות וזהות מעורפלת, והוא חיפש דרך למצוא את המקום שלו.En: Nadav felt a sense of loneliness and an unclear identity, and he sought a way to find his place.He: שירה, החברה הצוהלת שלו, ידעה כיצד לעודד אותו.En: Shira, his cheerful friend, knew how to encourage him.He: "בוא נדב, נלך לשוק ונמצא דרך לחגוג את תו בשבט", היא הציעה.En: "Come on Nadav, let's go to the market and find a way to celebrate Tu Bishvat," she suggested.He: יוני, החבר המעשי של נדב, הצטרף גם הוא למשימה.En: Yoni, Nadav's practical friend, also joined the mission.He: "אני בטוח שנוכל למצוא משהו מתאים, אפילו בשוק הקטן הזה," אמר יוני בביטחון.En: "I'm sure we can find something suitable, even in this small market," Yoni said with confidence.He: שלושת החברים הגיעו לשוק, שנראה צבעוני אפילו בתוך החורף.En: The three friends arrived at the market, which looked colorful even in the winter.He: הרוכלים נראו עסוקים, והאוויר התמלא בריח מרקים חמים ועשבים טריים.En: The vendors seemed busy, and the air was filled with the smell of hot soups and fresh herbs.He: נדב הביט סביבו, המחשבות מסתובבות בראשו.En: Nadav looked around, thoughts swirling in his mind.He: "כיצד נוכל לחגוג אם אין את הפירות המסורתיים?En: "How can we celebrate without the traditional fruits?"He: " שאל נדב, מנסה לחשוב על פתרון.En: Nadav asked, trying to think of a solution.He: שירה נזכרה כי תו בשבט הוא גם חג של עצי הפרי והאדמה.En: Shira remembered that Tu Bishvat is also a celebration of fruit trees and the land.He: היא הציעה: "אולי נשתמש במה שיש לנו מהשוק וניצור חגיגה משלנו?En: She suggested, "Perhaps we can use what we have from the market and create our own celebration?"He: " יוני הסכים והציע לקנות צמחים ועצים קטנים.En: Yoni agreed and proposed buying small plants and trees.He: בערב האירוע, נדב, שירה ויוני הכינו את האולם הקטן בפנימייה.En: On the evening of the event, Nadav, Shira, and Yoni prepared the small hall in the boarding school.He: הם קישטו בעציצים קטנים ופירות מקומיים שקנו בשוק.En: They decorated it with small potted plants and local fruits bought at the market.He: נדב עמד מול התלמידים, ובפעם הראשונה הוא הרגיש חלק ממשהו גדול ממנו.En: Nadav stood in front of the students, and for the first time, he felt part of something bigger than himself.He: הוא הסביר את משמעות הפירות, ואת הקשר למקורות.En: He explained the significance of the fruits and the connection to the origins.He: כשהאירוע התקדם, נדב הרגיש פתאום תחושה של חיבור ושייכות.En: As the event progressed, Nadav suddenly felt a sense of connection and belonging.He: המתוק של הפירות והחום של הילדים שסביבו הביאו לו אושר.En: The sweetness of the fruits and the warmth of the children around him brought him joy.He: כולם נהנו מהחגיגה הפשוטה אך המשמעותית.En: Everyone enjoyed the simple yet meaningful celebration.He: בסוף האירוע, נדב, שירה ויוני חוו הצלחה שלא ציפו לה.En: At the end of the event, Nadav, Shira, and Yoni experienced an unexpected success.He: "אולי נתחיל גינה בית הספר?En: "Maybe we should start a school garden?"He: " שאל נדב בהתלהבות.En: Nadav asked with excitement.He: שירה ויוני הסכימו, והם החליטו לעבוד יחד כדי להקים מקום ירוק שבו יוכלו לטפח וללמוד על הטבע.En: Shira and Yoni agreed, and they decided to work together to establish a green space where they could nurture and learn about nature.He: נדב הבין שתחושת חיבור אינה דורשת תשובות לכל השאלות אלא מציאת מכנה משותף עם האנשים שסביבך ויצירת משהו חדש יחד.En: Nadav realized that a sense of connection does not require answers to all questions but finding common ground with the people around you and creating something new together.He: החגיגה הפשוטה הזו חיברה אותו לשורשיו ולחבריו בדרך שלא ידע קודם לכן.En: This simple celebration connected him to his roots and his friends in a way he had not known before. Vocabulary Words:boarding: פנימייהapproaching: מתקרבloneliness: בדידותcheerful: צוהלתencourage: לעודדconfident: ביטחוןvendors: רוכליםsolution: פתרוןorigins: מקורותbelonging: שייכותunexpected: שלא ציפו להexcitement: בהתלהבותnurture: לטפחcommon ground: מכנה משותףcreate: ליצורroots: שורשיםcommunity: קהילהlimited: מוגבלtraditional: מסורתייםidentity: זהותsuitable: מתאיםconfusion: מעורפלתsignificance: משמעותconnection: חיבורwarmth: חוםcelebration: חגיגהestablish: להקיםprogressed: התקדםsimple: פשוטהdecorate: קישטוBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Stay informed on current events, visit www.NaturalNews.com - Special Report on Military Minerals Supply Chain (0:10) - Gold and Silver Market Analysis (0:47) - Introduction to Stable Coins and Their Risks (3:41) - Critique of Stable Coins and Government Control (12:28) - Alternatives to Stable Coins and Government Control (27:21) - The Day That Maga Died (1:00:16) - Conservative Influencers and Government Violence (1:11:29) - The Future of Conservative Politics (1:11:49) - Gold and Silver Pricing Trends (1:23:18) - Government Execution Squads and Freedom of Speech (1:24:17) - Government Weaponization and Civil War (1:27:06) - Alex Jones' Trial and Principle (1:28:56) - ICE Agents and Legal Rights (1:33:11) - Government Death Squads and Civil War (1:39:20) - Alex Jones' Altercation with ICE (1:40:24) - Conservative Reactions to Alex Jones' Death (1:47:33) - Kyle Seraphin's Background and FBI Experience (1:55:45) - Law Enforcement Training and ICE Operations (2:14:34) - Government Corruption and Financial Fraud (2:19:02) - Systemic Breakdown and Governmental Dysfunction (2:20:07) - The Role of States and Local Governments (2:33:29) - Historical Parallels and Future Scenarios (2:35:59) - Economic and Infrastructure Vulnerabilities (2:38:36) - Geopolitical and Cybersecurity Concerns (2:46:03) - Military and Resource Dependence (2:48:40) - Final Thoughts and Community Building (2:51:24) Watch more independent videos at http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport  ▶️ Support our mission by shopping at the Health Ranger Store - https://www.healthrangerstore.com ▶️ Check out exclusive deals and special offers at https://rangerdeals.com ▶️ Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html Watch more exclusive videos here:

Life Points with Ronda: "The Friendship Chronicles"

Wild Rye designs stylish, sustainable outdoor gear for women, growing 30% to 50% annually through strong partnerships and community-driven fundraising.For more on Wild Rye and show notes click here  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Lisa Skye is the Founder of SkyeCo and is a prolific community builder. In this episode, she shares her unconventional path from BNI chapter President, to WeWork early employee, to launching SkyeCo, a structured networking community for mostly for business owners. Lisa discusses the outsized impact of being "dangerously consistent” and the benefits of consistently showing up in networking groups. Whether you're a founder looking to grow your network or someone curious about intentional community building, you will listen this episode with Lisa!

In this episode of Mommywood, Emily engages in a heartfelt conversation with Katie Santry, a beloved mom influencer. They explore the complexities of motherhood, the importance of community, and the challenges of maintaining personal identity while navigating fame. Katie shares her journey from being a YouTuber to a mom of two, discussing the impact of social media on her life and the significance of authenticity in her content. The conversation highlights the need for support among mothers and the value of prioritizing self-care and personal time. Through laughter and honesty, they emphasize that motherhood is a unique journey for everyone, and building a supportive community can make all the difference.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Guest Introduction02:47 Katie's Journey from YouTube to Motherhood05:56 Navigating Fame and Personal Identity09:01 The Impact of Motherhood on Self-Identity11:56 The Challenges of Balancing Career and Family14:41 The Return to Social Media and Viral Moments17:46 The Honest Side of Motherhood and Community Building20:46 The Importance of Maintaining Personal Identity23:50 Navigating Relationships and Parenting Dynamics26:36 Building a Supportive Community for Moms29:46 The Business of Social Media and Brand Collaborations32:39 The Evolution of Content Creation and Authenticity35:27 Advice for New Moms and Embracing Community38:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Rachel Lundberg is the founder of Thrive Yoga and Wellness in Oregon City, Oregon, a wellness center that aims to reconnect and nourish your body and mind. Rachel and Sanjay discuss her early journey into yoga, her approach to building a supportive and inclusive studio environment, and why community connection is essential for long-term success in the wellness industry.   What you'll learn: • How Rachel transitioned into ownership at Thrive Yoga and Wellness • Why community plays a central role in wellness-based businesses • How early personal experiences can shape an entrepreneurial path • Practical lessons for growing a mission-driven yoga or wellness studio   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 2:18 Buying an existing business 8:15 Rachel's yoga background 10:43 Shifting roles 18:09 Successes and failures 23:57 Exercise and wellness 26:16 Reflecting on the business 27:58 Closing and contact   Learn more about Rachel and Thrive Yoga and Wellness here:  https://www.thriveyogaoc.com/       #smallbusinesss #yoga #hiscoxbusiness   At Hiscox, we believe in supporting entrepreneurs who bring bold ideas and strong communities to life. Explore resources and coverage options to help protect and grow your business at Hiscox.com.

Keywords education, technology, podcast, FETC, animal discussions, gambling, teaching, conferences, EdTech, snow days, education, innovation, technology, Classroom Draft, EdTech, AI, community, podcast, teaching, learning Takeaways The conversation starts with a light-hearted introduction amidst a snowstorm. Discussion about a fictional teacher gambling app emerges humorously. FETC conference experiences are shared, highlighting the camaraderie among educators. A theoretical discussion about the largest animal one could choke out leads to humorous exchanges. The conversation transitions into a serious discussion about an EdTech tournament bracket. Participants reflect on their roles in education and how they would rank against each other in a tournament setting. The group discusses the importance of recognizing contributions from educators in various fields. Humor is a consistent theme throughout the conversation, making serious topics more engaging. Theoretical discussions about animals lead to unexpected insights about human capabilities. The podcast showcases the blend of humor and serious educational discourse. Ranking educators can be subjective and varies by category. Emotional connections in education can influence innovation. The Classroom Draft app engages students in learning. The first EdTech draft was a fun and competitive experience. Collaboration among educators is essential for community building. AI is becoming a buzzword in the education sector. Recognition of teachers is crucial for their motivation. Innovative approaches can disrupt traditional educational methods. Community managers in education often know each other. Humor and camaraderie are important in educational discussions. Summary In this episode, the hosts engage in a light-hearted conversation that transitions into various themes, including humorous discussions about teacher gambling, experiences at the FETC conference, and a theoretical debate about the largest animal one could choke out. The conversation culminates in a creative EdTech tournament bracket discussion, where the hosts rank themselves and their peers in a playful yet insightful manner. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various themes related to innovation in education, including personal rankings of educators, the emotional aspects of educational innovation, and the introduction of a new app called Classroom Draft. They also reflect on their experiences at the first EdTech draft and Nick's new role at School AI, while humorously exploring the dark side of sports wishes. Titles Snowstorms and Teacher Gambling: A Lighthearted Start FETC Insights: Educators Unite Sound bites "You could bet on anything!" "We love you guys." "Thank you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Conference Vibes 01:26 Teacher Gambling and Snow Day Predictions 02:59 FETC Conference Highlights and Donnie's Speaking Experience 09:58 Theoretical Animal Combat Discussion 14:54 ChatGPT and Animal Size Debate 15:30 The Great Animal Debate 18:46 Wrestling and Unexpected Connections 24:37 EdTech Tournament of Champions 32:23 Ranking the Innovators 35:49 The Emotional Battle of Innovation 38:41 Donnie's AI and the NIT Bracket 43:23 Introducing Classroom Draft 49:38 The EdTech Draft Results 51:18 The Draft Debate: Tools and Choices 54:16 New Roles and Responsibilities in Education 57:38 Community Building and Collaboration 01:01:09 Sports Rivalries and Dark Humor 01:03:51 The AI Trend in Education 01:07:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections

Summary In this episode of Essential Ingredients, host Justine Reichman welcomes Bella, a holistic nutritionist and entrepreneur who has successfully built her brand around matcha and boba. Bella shares her journey from bartending to launching her pop-up shop, Happy Belly, which has now evolved into a platform for teaching others how to start their own food businesses. The conversation dives deep into the importance of quality ingredients, particularly matcha, and how Bella's passion for Japanese flavors has shaped her offerings. She emphasizes the significance of educating consumers about the differences in matcha quality and the health benefits associated with it. As the discussion progresses, Bella reveals her strategies for growing her brand through social media, particularly by leveraging engaging content and community building. She highlights the importance of warming up an audience before launching products and shares insights on sales psychology and marketing. Bella's enthusiasm for teaching others is evident as she discusses her plans for creating a course to help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting a food business. The episode concludes with Bella offering a special discount for listeners interested in joining her community and learning from her experiences. Keywords matcha, boba, holistic nutrition, food entrepreneurship, sustainable ingredients, pop-up shop, community building, digital sales, food as medicine, wellness   Takeaways "You can heal yourself with food." "Do not make decisions out of fear and only out of love." "Your content needs to be interesting; it doesn't matter how often you post." "If you can get enough people in this, that's better than five people at a higher price." "You should be warming up your audience before launching a product." Sound bites ""You can heal yourself with food."" ""Do not make decisions out of fear and only out of love."" ""Your content needs to be interesting; it doesn't matter how often you post."" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Essential Ingredients and Bella's Background 02:08 Bella's Journey from Nutritionist to Entrepreneur 04:08 The Importance of Quality Matcha 06:57 Building a Brand Through Social Media 10:15 Warming Up Your Audience for Product Launches 20:35 Future Plans: Courses and Community Building  

What does every new Imam need to know about being an imam? What do you do if you're in a small community with minimal resources? How do you manage joining a new community, learning the ropes, and not biting off more than you can chew? In this episode, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy shares his advice for new imams, community building, and reflections on his own imam experience.

Eleven successful founders reveal their exact playbooks for 2026. Discover AI commerce strategies, slow content that converts, gamified loyalty tips, and community-first growth tactics. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

"Charlie Mike, continue the mission." "Life is a journey filled with second chances." — Raul Moreno "I hid behind a smile." In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, dive deep with the inspiring Raul Moreno, a veteran and entrepreneur who has turned his struggles into a story of resilience and hope. Raul opens up about his journey through sobriety, the heart-wrenching loss of his son, and the transformative power of being a present father. Facing Adversity Raul's candid reflections on his battle with addiction reveal the darkness he faced and the pivotal moment that led him to seek help. He shares his experience with Veterans Court and how he learned to embrace vulnerability, ultimately leading to a life of purpose and connection. His story is a testament to the strength found in acknowledging one's struggles and the importance of mental health awareness. Creating a Legacy As a father of three daughters, Raul discusses the lessons he's learned about parenting and the significance of being present. He emphasizes the difference between material gifts and the true gift of time, love, and attention. His heartfelt anecdotes about his daughters showcase the joy and responsibility of fatherhood, as well as his commitment to breaking the cycle of trauma in his family. Building Community and Connection Throughout the episode, Raul highlights the importance of community support, whether through his podcast or his clothing brand, Charlie Mike. He discusses how sharing stories and uplifting others can create a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement, particularly within the veteran and first responder communities. Key Themes - The journey of recovery and the importance of mental health - The impact of loss and the power of second chances - The significance of being a present and engaged parent - Building a supportive community and lifting others up - Embracing vulnerability as a source of strength Episode Highlights (00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show (01:20) Meet Raul Moreno: A Journey of Resilience (10:30) Overcoming Addiction: The Path to Sobriety (20:00) The Importance of Presence in Parenting (30:15) Creating a Community of Support and Connection (40:45) Wisdom from Wayne: The Power of Love and Guidance Episode Keywords Better Call Daddy, Podcast, Sobriety, Fatherhood, Mental Health, Resilience, Community Building, Veteran Support, Addiction Recovery, Parenting, Second Chances, Emotional Healing, Personal Growth, Inspirational Stories, Family Legacy, Vulnerability, Life Lessons Connect with Raul Moreno Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where love, resilience, and community come together!   Resources and disclaimer this episode talks about suicide https://988lifeline.org/