Podcasts about compelling

In this episode of “Fearless,” T.J. Moe, Dave Shannon, and Shemeka Michelle join Jason Whitlock in exposing how the prevailing feel-good cultural narrative that denies the truth in favor of feelings is dangerous — and sometimes even deadly. Whitlock examines the facts of the mass shooting carried out by a trans-identifying man at a Catholic school in Minneapolis and lays bare how lies, such as telling a man he's really a woman, are more dangerous than guns. Whitlock analyzes what went so wrong in Minnesota and lists other dangerous lies our society regularly passes off as truth out of convenience and to avoid offense — and why this trend is so harmful. Later in the show, Steve Kim weighs in on Dawn Staley saying she would have taken the Knicks coaching job if offered to her, the NFL preseason ratings and the Shedeur Sanders effect, and a new football show set to combine Skip Bayless, Gilbert Arenas, Aqib Talib, and Jay Gruden. Whitlock concludes the show with commentary on Ray Lewis roasting Shannon Sharpe. Compelling show today! ​​Today's Sponsors: PreBorn Thanks to your support, PreBorn! has saved over 38,000 babies this year, but with abortion challenges escalating, your $28 donation can provide ultrasounds that double the chance of mothers choosing life, so please call #250 and say "BABY" or visit https://Preborn.com/FEARLESS to make a direct impact. Beam Organics Products Discover Beam's bestselling Dream Powder, proudly founded in America by individuals dedicated to hard work, integrity, and achieving results. Improve your sleep, enhance your strength, and be fully prepared for your family, work, and country. For a limited time, get up to 40% off. Visit https://shopbeam.com/FEARLESS and use code FEARLESS at checkout. Frontier Issue Frontier Magazine by Blaze Media offers a tangible, lasting record of truth in a fully digital world, with Issue #3 being its boldest yet, available exclusively through Blaze Unlimited. The first 50 subscribers using promo code BLAZE50 on https://BlazeUnlimited.com/FEARLESS get $40 off at and digital access to Frontier Issues #1 and #2, but you must act fast before it sells out again. SHOW OUTLINE 00:00 Intro Want more Fearless content? Subscribe to Jason Whitlock Harmony for a biblical perspective on everyday issues at https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockHarmony?sub_confirmation=1 Jeffery Steele and Jason Whitlock welcome musical guests for unique interviews and performances that you won't want to miss! Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockBYOG?sub_confirmation=1  We want to hear from the Fearless Army!! Join the conversation in the show chat, leave a comment or email Jason at FearlessBlazeShow@gmail.com Get 10% off Blaze swag by using code Fearless10 at https://shop.blazemedia.com/fearless Make yourself an official member of the “Fearless Army!” Support Conservative Voices! Subscribe to BlazeTV at https://www.fearlessmission.com and get $20 off your yearly subscription. Visit https://TheBlaze.com. Explore the all-new ad-free experience and see for yourself how we're standing up against suppression and prioritizing independent journalism. CLICK HERE to Subscribe to Jason Whitlock's YouTube: https://bit.ly/3jFL36G CLICK HERE to Listen to Jason Whitlock's podcast: https://apple.co/3zHaeLT CLICK HERE to Follow Jason Whitlock on X: https://bit.ly/3hvSjiJ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

✅ The "wooden box method" that transforms phone habits ✅ Why asking "What's the point of fatherhood?" changes everything ✅ How foster care taught them about the infinite value of every child ✅ Why each of your kids needs different parenting approaches   FULL SHOW NOTES   SUMMARY What if the secret to raising kids who aren't addicted to screens isn't about restricting technology—but about making real life more compelling? In this episode, young dad Kieran Lenahan shares practical wisdom from the trenches of parenting four kids under six, including foster care experiences that changed everything. You'll discover why the simple question "What's the point of fatherhood?" should guide every parenting decision, and how a wooden box might be the game-changer your family needs. TAKEAWAYS The fundamental question every dad should ask and keep asking: "What is the point of fatherhood?" Let this guide your decisions rather than just reacting to whatever gets thrown at you. Make real life more compelling than screens by creating engaging experiences—if physical reality is exciting, screens lose their allure naturally. The wooden box method: Put phones in a physical container and commit to never looking at your phone when kids are asking for your attention. Each child needs different parenting approaches—situational leadership applies to fatherhood, so learn to speak each kid's unique "language." Foster care teaches you that every child has infinite value—there's no such thing as "practice" when it comes to loving and caring for any child. GUEST Kieran Lenahan is the founder of Malachi Daily, a scripture memory tool used by over 70,000 people to memorize Bible verses through gamified daily emails. He's an entrepreneur, coach, and father of four children under six, including children through foster care. Kieran and his wife are passionate about making real life more compelling than screens, intentional parenting, and helping families build rhythms around scripture memory. He lives with his family and leads initiatives that blend faith, technology, and practical parenting wisdom. LINKS Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book Malachi Daily (Free Scripture Memory Newsletter) WhisperFlow App (Voice Transcription) Previous Jamie Winship episodes on Dad Awesome QUOTES "The biggest thing is thinking about what is the point of fatherhood? Let that be a really helpful guiding question as you enter fatherhood, and you can keep asking that as you go." "We think that life is good and God created it in the physical real world to be good. If we can make that as compelling as possible, screens lose their allure." "We will never be looking at our phone when our kids are asking for our attention. I never want our kids to feel like our phone is more important than they are." "Not each of our kids needs the exact same type of parenting. The best leaders understand how to speak the language of that team member in a way that's going to motivate them." "If we don't know who we are, it's really hard to live an effective, faithful, obedient life. If that's true for us, how much more true is that for our kids?"

One of the biggest challenges GenX escapees face after leaving corporate isn't expertise—it's business development. How do you find customers, create clarity in your message, and grow without getting stuck in trial-and-error mode?In this episode, I sit down with Tom Freedman, a lifelong entrepreneur who has built six businesses and now helps solopreneurs and small business owners design simple, effective growth strategies centered around relationships.We dive into: • Why most escapees waste time on “shiny” strategies that don't move the needle • The Three-Headed God of Growth—marketing, business development, and sales—and how solos should prioritize them • Tom's SAM framework (Solution, Audience, Message) and how it fuels growth • The 4 Cs of messaging: Clear, Concise, Compelling, and Consistent • How to handle the six questions you'll face on every discovery call • Pricing strategies that balance affordability for clients with sustainability for you • Why clarity and consistency in your message is the #1 growth driverTom doesn't just share theory—he lays out practical steps you can apply immediately to land clients faster, refine your message, and build a business you actually want to run.And yes, we already teed up Part 2—where Tom will come back to break down how to consistently get in front of the right people.Connect with Tom Freedman: •

It's our annual College Football Preview Episode with special guests Tall Sean and Jaime Escalante...Can the Buckeyes Repeat? Best teams...Biggest Games...Most Compelling Storylines: We've got it all!

In a world where fear of the future is ever-present, chronic anxiety is a social norm, and clinical depression is as normal as the common cold, how can we as Christians stand out as a light against a backdrop of chaos and darkness? Join us this Sunday, August 24, as we explore Jesus' seemingly impossible command to be "Worry-Free" as we continue our new series, Compelling.

Topics covered in this episode: * pypistats.org was down, is now back, and there's a CLI* * State of Python 2025* * wrapt: A Python module for decorators, wrappers and monkey patching.* pysentry Extras Joke Watch on YouTube About the show Sponsored by us! Support our work through: Our courses at Talk Python Training The Complete pytest Course Patreon Supporters Connect with the hosts Michael: @mkennedy@fosstodon.org / @mkennedy.codes (bsky) Brian: @brianokken@fosstodon.org / @brianokken.bsky.social Show: @pythonbytes@fosstodon.org / @pythonbytes.fm (bsky) Join us on YouTube at pythonbytes.fm/live to be part of the audience. Usually Monday at 10am PT. Older video versions available there too. Finally, if you want an artisanal, hand-crafted digest of every week of the show notes in email form? Add your name and email to our friends of the show list, we'll never share it. Brian #1: pypistats.org was down, is now back, and there's a CLI pypistats.org is a cool site to check the download stats for Python packages. It was down for a while, like 3 weeks? A couple days ago, Hugo van Kemenade announced that it was back up. With some changes in stewardship “pypistats.org is back online!

Send us a textWelcome to Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast about what's happening in the fresh food community and the pet industry.   Kimberly Gauthier is the blogger behind Keep the Tail Wagging, and Erin Scott hosts the Believe in Dog podcast.CHAPTERS:Current status of the DCM Class Action lawsuit filed by Daniel's company KetoNatural (0:55);A NEW study showing NO connection between different diets for dogs and DCM (12:30);Scientific studies that Daniel and KetoNatural are involved in (30:36);Nutritional science knowledge of lay people versus veterinarians (39:47);How you can support KetoNatural (50:41)LINKS DISCUSSED:Invest in KetoNaturalEpisode 88: DCM Class Action Lawsuit with Daniel Schulof - KetoNatural Pet Foods - Part 1Episode 91: DCM Class Action Lawsuit with Daniel Schulof - KetoNatural Pet Foods - Part 2Read the lawsuit Complaint filed by KetoNaturalNEW DCM Study in Journal of Animal Science: Different Carbohydrate Sources in Dog Foods Supported Overall Health and Cardiac Function: An 18-Month Prospective Study in Healthy Adult DogsStudy No. 1 by Dr. Anna K. Shoveller: Feeding of a high protein, low carbohydrate diet leads to greater postprandial energy expenditure and fasted n6: n3 fatty acid ratio in lean, adult dogs compared to a moderate protein, moderate carbohydrate dietStudy No. 2 by Dr. Anna K. Shoveller: Dogs fed a high protein, low carbohydrate diet have elevated postprandial plasma glucagon and amino acid concentrations and tend to have lower glucose concentrations compared to two different moderate protein, moderate carbohydrate dietsSOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook.com/RawFeederLifeFacebook.com/BelieveInDogPodcastInstagram.com/RawFeederLifeInstagram.com/Erin_the_Dog_MomThanks for listening to our podcast. You can learn more about Erin Scott's first podcast at BelieveInDogPodcast.com. And you can learn more about raw feeding, raising dogs naturally, and Kimberly's dogs at KeepTheTailWagging.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Alternative Dog Moms.

By God's grace, Coram Deo Church celebrates 20 years of gospel ministry this month. As we praise God for His faithfulness and look forward to what lies ahead, we welcome guest preacher Scotty Smith to preach about the transforming love of Jesus Christ.

Can holiness actually be a compelling testimony? Isn't calling people to holiness just a recipe for legalism or judging others? Listen to Jesus' prayer for the consecration of his people, his desire for the unity of the Church, and the testimony it is meant to be to the world.

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb dive deep into the intersection of pop culture, entertainment, and the Christian life. They explore how Christians can engage with leisure and media in a way that glorifies God, applying biblical principles like those found in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Ecclesiastes 3. The hosts emphasize the importance of balancing Christian liberty and holiness, while also recognizing the practical role of rest and recreation in human flourishing. Through personal anecdotes and theological insights, they provide listeners with a framework for discerning entertainment choices, encouraging believers to enjoy God's good gifts without compromising their faith. Key Takeaways: Entertainment is a Gift from God: Leisure and entertainment, when approached rightly, are part of God's common grace meant to refresh and restore us. Biblical Principles for Consumption: 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds Christians that all activities, including entertainment, should glorify God. If an activity cannot do so, it may be unlawful. Christian Liberty and Prudence: Decisions about pop culture often fall under the domain of Christian liberty, constrained by wisdom and prudence rather than legalistic rules. The Importance of Rest: Rest is not just about recharging for productivity; it is a God-given means of worship and human flourishing in its own right. Guarding Against Sinful Influences: Christians should be cautious of consuming media that promotes sin, as it can subtly shape their worldview and lead them astray. Personal Convictions and Context Matter: What is permissible for one believer may not be wise or beneficial for another, depending on individual struggles and contexts. Recreation Should Point Back to God: Whether through beauty, creativity, or storytelling, entertainment can lead Christians to worship God when consumed with discernment. Entertainment as a Gift from God Tony and Jesse emphasize that entertainment, when properly enjoyed, is a part of God's common grace. This means that activities like watching a movie, playing a video game, or reading a novel are not inherently sinful but can serve as vehicles for rest and refreshment. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3, they highlight that God has ordained seasons for both work and rest. True rest, they argue, is not about escaping responsibilities but about enjoying God's gifts in ways that glorify Him and restore our energy to serve others. When approached with discernment, even "secular" forms of entertainment can reflect God's creativity and goodness. Applying Biblical Principles to Entertainment The hosts discuss how 1 Corinthians 10:31 provides a litmus test for media consumption: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." This principle challenges believers to ask whether their entertainment choices align with God's glory. For example, content that promotes or glamorizes sin—whether through violence, sexual immorality, or blasphemy—should give Christians pause. However, they also note that some depictions of sin in fiction can serve a redemptive purpose, such as illustrating the consequences of sin or the beauty of redemption. The key is to thoughtfully evaluate whether the media being consumed inclines the heart toward holiness or pulls it away from God. Christian Liberty and Prudence Tony and Jesse stress the importance of Christian liberty in deciding on entertainment choices, while cautioning against legalism. They explain that Christian liberty does not mean a license to sin but rather the freedom to make God-honoring decisions in areas where Scripture does not provide explicit commands. Prudence and wisdom must guide these decisions. For instance, a particular TV show or game may be permissible for one believer but harmful for another, depending on their personal struggles or circumstances. This underscores the need for self-awareness and reliance on the Holy Spirit to discern what is spiritually beneficial. Quotes: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. If we cannot glorify God in an activity, it's likely unlawful for us as Christians." – Jesse Schwamb "Recreation is not just about recharging for productivity; it has its own value in glorifying God and enjoying His good gifts." – Tony Arsenal "Every story worth telling reflects, in some way, the greatest story ever told: redemption through Christ." – Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript: [00:00:30] Introduction and Episode Overview [00:00:30] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 457 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse. [00:00:37] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast where sound doctrine meets brotherly love. Hey brother. [00:00:44] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother. So we're in a whole series of little one-off conversations, all kinds of things that just pop into our head, or we've had on a list somewhere that we thought, you know what? [00:00:55] Jesse Schwamb: Someday we should talk about that. And I think we've got another great. Conversation coming up on this episode, we're gonna get into a little bit about how Christians should interact with and consume pop culture maybe, and especially things like entertainment. And I know that there are gonna be people out there thinking, wow, these guys are gonna do what reform people always do. [00:01:15] Jesse Schwamb: They're just gonna come out into their lawn, they're gonna shake their fists angrily at the sky, they're gonna yell at the birds. It might not be that way, loved ones, but you're gonna have to wait. We're gonna talk about it. It's gonna be good. We're gonna get after it. We all do it. Everybody loves a bit of a to consume pop culture. [00:01:31] Jesse Schwamb: Is it possible it might be somewhat of a gift that God has given us? Who knows? Maybe it is, maybe it's not, but we'll get to that. But first, let's affirm with or denying against something in the world. So what have you got for us on this episode, Tony? [00:01:45] Tony's Frustrating Customer Service Experience [00:01:45] Tony Arsenal: I'm gonna keep mine super short. It was a frustrating customer service experience, uh, that I had today. [00:01:52] Tony Arsenal: In general, I, I have, uh, Comcast or Xfinity Internet in general. I'm actually very pleased. Their service. Um, I, I actually find them to be responsive. Um, I've managed to get a decent price. I don't have Comcast television, so that's probably part of it. Um, but I, my cable modem. Slash router, which I've had, I don't know, probably for like eight years. [00:02:13] Tony Arsenal: Um, it finally died, so I bit the bullet and bought a brand new one. And those man, those things have gotten expensive and um, you know, it's supposed to be a super easy installation. You plug it in, you do the little thing on the app and it didn't work. So I had to connect with customer service through the app, and. [00:02:30] Tony Arsenal: It seemed like everything was going fine. And then all of a sudden I get a link in my text message and the lady who's chatting with me on the thing says, well just, just scroll down and click on where it says accept and then hit okay. And I was like, that seems sketchy. So I read it and she was, she had sent me a link to change my internet service. [00:02:51] Tony Arsenal: Uh, she was giving me a 90, an $80 promotional price for the first year. Uh, but then it went up to $140 after the first year. Wow. So I went back to the chat app and I said, I'm sorry, I, I must have miscommunicated something. I don't need to change my service. I just need to activate my modem. She said, oh, no, no, you're not changing your service. [00:03:11] Tony Arsenal: And I said, no, I, I definitely am. She goes, let me explain this to you. And she went through and tried, like, she went through and she's like, your speed is this and you're paying this. And I said, and I said, with all due respect, I'm not stupid. I can see that you're trying to change my service and I'm just not interested. [00:03:27] Tony Arsenal: And I had to fight with her for like 10 minutes before I finally said, just activate my modem, please. I'm not interested. Full stop. So I, I guess I'm just denying. I get, I get it. Like, you gotta try to upsell. I used to be in sales. I don't have any problem with you trying to upsell. I, I don't even necessarily have a problem with you trying to be clever and like, you know, intentional about how you upsell. [00:03:48] Tony Arsenal: Like there are ways that you can do that without being deceptive. This was just deceptive. So I'm not denying Comcast. I'm pleased with my service. I'm denying this particular person and this really just underhanded tactic. It was really, really upsetting. I mean, [00:04:02] Jesse Schwamb: there is nothing like good customer service, right? [00:04:04] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, the converse of that is what a blessing it is, and it's kind of a lesson to all of us and how we treat one another. That is whether we're providing the service or we ourselves are consuming it. It is just such a blessing. It's like so easy and so light when you get somebody who really wants to help you. [00:04:21] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah, for sure. And. You know, I would not have changed my service, but I can imagine that somebody who was looking and was interested, if she had just said straightforwardly, like your internet that you have is far slower than the modem that you're, you're installing, right? Um, we can get you a faster internet speed and give you a, a large discount for the first year. [00:04:42] Tony Arsenal: Are you interested in that? I think a good portion of people would just say yes. Even if they didn't think it through, they would just say, oh yeah, sure. Faster speed, less money. They, they wouldn't think it through. That's not deceptive. If you present an option, honestly, to a consumer and they take it and they didn't understand the terms, that's not deception. [00:04:58] Tony Arsenal: That's on them as the consumer for not thinking through what they're purchasing. This was just straight out, like, don't read it, just click on it, it's fine. Totally underhanded, deceptive. Um, and, and you know, I work in. Sort of a kind of customer service and I just can't imagine ever doing something that shady and calling it customer service. [00:05:15] Tony Arsenal: I was, I was very disappointed. [00:05:17] Jesse Schwamb: But I mean, everybody has customers, right? Yeah. Everybody has somebody they're responsible to, and everybody has people to whom they should be responsible in the kind of care. Whatever you provide to somebody, whether it's your family, it's in your church, it's in your job, so, right. [00:05:30] Jesse Schwamb: I like that. It's a good reminder because again, there's nothing like walking away from experience and being like, wow, that was so easy, or that person was so good to help me. Yeah. Or like they really got me to the end that I was looking for and they did it and I felt better afterwards than I did before I called. [00:05:43] Jesse Schwamb: That should be like our goal, like what does great look like in every interaction that we can have with somebody. [00:05:48] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Jesse, what are you affirming or denying tonight? [00:05:52] Jesse's Affirmation: The Plana App for Plant Care [00:05:52] Jesse Schwamb: I'm going back to the app. Well, and by that was a really weird saying of just, I'm gonna affirm with another app. So I really love a good house plant, but I'm no good at the house plants. [00:06:02] Jesse Schwamb: I really like the way they look. It's a lot of pressure with house plans. Maybe people feel this way. Maybe you've not purchased a house plant or been like, I can't be that person. So here's something that I can confirm with for you. Loved one, it's a app called Plana. It's a Swedish plant care app, and it's designed to help both like novice people like me and I guess really experienced plant owners keep their house and garden plants healthy, which I know sounds super boring, but hear me out on this. [00:06:27] Jesse Schwamb: This is what's cool about this. It offers smart, personalized care reminders for things like watering, fertilizing, misting, repotting, and it has all these things where if you, there's paid subscription for this as well, which I do not have, but I looked at all the options. There's some super cool things like you can use your phone to sense where your plan is sitting, how much light it's getting to really tell you, is this the right spot for my plant? [00:06:49] Jesse Schwamb: Because you know, like some plants are like, we need partial sunlight and partial shade and afternoon sun and direct sun, and you need to water me, but not too much and not so often, but just the right amount. It's a lot of pressure. So it's got all these fun features in it, including like an AI doctor. So you can take a look or a picture of your plant rather, and not only will it describe what plants you have, of course, but it will help you say like, Hey, this thing is not healthy. [00:07:08] Jesse Schwamb: Here's what you should do. So the plant app is, might be your foray into feeling more confident about having some greenery in your house. [00:07:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I, um, I could kill a plastic plant. I could kill like a fake plant, uh, without trying, uh, but I might check this out. You, you've seen my, my home. You've been here? [00:07:26] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Um, my, my house is, it's a, a mobile home and so it's, it's just one long line and it's situated like almost directly east, west. So I get direct sunlight over the top of the house pretty much the entire day. And we have really beautiful, um. Violet cone plants and some other like lilies on one end of the house, um, that the previous owner planted. [00:07:46] Tony Arsenal: They're very beautiful, but um, they just get baked in the sun and there's gotta be something that can be done to sort of help them through this. Maybe it's more water or something like that. So maybe I'll check this out and see if that can help. 'cause they're not, they're not doing great. Um, they, they didn't bloom very well this year. [00:08:00] Tony Arsenal: Mm-hmm. And I'm, I'm wondering if it might be, I dunno, it's been kind of dry, um, this part of the year, more than usual, so I'll check that out. That sounds like a good recommendation. There's a couple of different apps. This one sounds good. [00:08:10] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, it's, there's certainly a lot of stuff that you can get free in it. [00:08:14] Jesse Schwamb: Of course, they want to upsell you like you just talked about. They're, no, no, they're no Comcast, but they definitely would like you to purchase all their other features, and I bet for the right person, it's totally worth it. But I feel so much more confident now. Mainly just the watering. If you surprised how like much pressure. [00:08:30] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, like aloe plants and also I'm learning the names of my plants finally, which makes me feel more connected. This, this is, listen, this is like the app to help you take dominion in your house over house plants, which sounds like the lowest form of taking dominion, but honestly still shows how complex and complicated life can be and how God has made everything in this really wonderful way. [00:08:52] Jesse Schwamb: So I'm feeling more empowered to love my plants and to hopefully keep them growing. I was gonna say for generations, but I doubt that I'll be passing on links, plants for generations, but hopefully getting just lots more greenery into our living spaces, which is always super fun. [00:09:06] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. I, I, um, I would like to have more plants, but I just, with between toddlers and dogs and my ability to kill anything green that is in my home, uh, I don't think it would be good. [00:09:19] Tony Arsenal: That's your, your sister who is My wife does a good job with plants, but even the, yeah, she does, even, even that the plants die just because they're around me. I'm not sure what it is. I have like a, I hear it, listen, an aura of some sort that just kills plants. [00:09:32] Discussing Christians and Pop Culture [00:09:32] Jesse Schwamb: It's, it's difficult sometimes to grow in soil, which is, I, one of the things I presume Christians often feel like when they're in the culture and when, mm-hmm. [00:09:41] Jesse Schwamb: Do. Do you like that segue? We're so good with this. I do. And when you are consuming, let me say pop culture, or you find yourself in a place where you want entertainment and you want to rest, and I think if you're a Christian for any length of time, you start to ask yourself, okay, so what's my place in all of this? [00:09:59] Jesse Schwamb: And what's interesting when I thought about this topic, which you graciously put forward for us, was that I think several times we've mentioned kind of cultural things often in the affirmation and denial section. Yeah. Where we've. Maybe come hard alongside something and said, this seems good. And other times we've definitely said, this seems very, very bad. [00:10:17] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. But we've never really had just a pretty honest conversation about, okay, so how does the Christian discern, what is the Christian's role in making that discernment? And how can we, like our house plants grow and flourish in that kind of environment to such a degree that we are actually bearing fruit by the power of the Holy Spirit. [00:10:36] Jesse Schwamb: And yet, of course, separate. From that culture in which we still find ourselves. [00:10:41] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I, you know, I think it bears saying, um, much of popular culture, media, whatever it might be, a lot of it is going to be a matter of Christian prudence and liberty. And I think it's important to say that because I think, you know, we'll talk about, we'll probably talk about like principles we use to try to determine whether we, you know, individually or, or whatever. [00:11:04] Tony Arsenal: We're going to watch something or listen to something, but. The, the Bible doesn't say like thou shalt, and I'm gonna say this example, and it's a little bit ironic because this is actually a show that I think is pretty black and white. But it, it's not like the Bible says, thou shalt not watch Game of Thrones. [00:11:20] Tony Arsenal: Right. Um. Right. Like thou shalt not. Listen to, I don't know who the kids are listening to. Britney Spears like tells you when The last time I listened to popular music was, is Britney Spears is the name on my mind. But like thou shalt not listen to, I dunno, Paramore, I don't know name. Name your pop culture band. [00:11:37] Tony Arsenal: The Bible doesn't give us explicit instructions about specific bands. Movies, shows, insert, pop, you know, novels, whatever it might be. It does give us some wisdom principles. And then of course, there's God's moral law, uh, but even God's moral law does not. Necessarily apply directly to every pop culture choice we might make. [00:12:04] Tony Arsenal: So I'm sure Jesse and I don't have identical opinions. I'm gonna guess that our thoughts are probably pretty close just because, you know, we're influenced by the same people and we, we are running in the same broader theological circles, but they're probably not identical. There are probably things that Jesse would watch that I'd go, oh, I don't know if that's such a great thing for me. [00:12:22] Tony Arsenal: And there's probably things I would feel comfortable with that Jesse might say, eh, I'm not so sure about that. This is usually a matter of Christian liberty constrained by Christian prudence and wisdom. So before we get into any of the nitty gritty or any specific talk of anything particular, I wanna get that out there because yes, we have to be wise, we have to. [00:12:44] Tony Arsenal: Apply God's law, but we are not able to bind other people's conscience and you are not able to bind other people's conscience based on your own particular opinion about something or your own interpretation of how the Bible is to be applied to a particular decision. Um. You know, again, you can speak into a situation. [00:13:03] Tony Arsenal: You, especially if you have a relationship with someone, you can say, Hey, I don't think this is healthy. I don't think this is in conformity with God's law, but at the end of the day, that is between that Christian and God as to whether or not they are applying God's law appropriately and, and in to an extent, and to a great extent between them and their elders. [00:13:21] Tony Arsenal: Right? The elders have a, a different role of authority in a, in a Christian's life than other Christians do. And [00:13:27] Jesse Schwamb: it might be worth saying as we begin that we're kind of talking about this, I think in part because we all feel that pull to consume pop culture, and what I kind of teased at the beginning is this idea, is it possible that, I think we're really speaking about consuming that in a kind of a way of entertainment of like rest and relaxation. [00:13:45] Jesse Schwamb: Principally there. There are other reasons I think as well, and that might be to edify, to educate, but I think principally when we feel this compulsion to say, well, I like you, just give great examples. Listen to music, watch a sporting event, watch tv, read something fiction or nonfiction. I think what we're after there is this idea that we want to rest and that understanding that entertainment is a part of the rest that God intends for us to enjoy from our labors is by itself, full stop, a legitimate thing. [00:14:13] Jesse Schwamb: So the question is. A little bit more nuanced. Where is that line? You already gave, I think a pretty good example of something that you and I would agree on would say that that's a bridge to fight across. Don't watch that thing, right? Yeah, do something else. But the question is how did we get to that place in making that judgment? [00:14:28] Jesse Schwamb: And is there a place in there where we would say, well, the Bible is an explicit about, let's say certain medium or even like specific things within that medium that it is outspoken enough that we ought to say. No, we will not do that. So I think this is what we're after in part, is this proper use of entertainment involving, of course, analyzing worldviews, appreciating elements of beauty and creativity, acknowledging reflections of truth. [00:14:53] Jesse Schwamb: But that also that in some way, all of this is God's gift to us. That while the Bible does not give us a great deal of explicit statements about how believers are to view entertainment, there is much we can draw out to scripture by way of good and necessary consequence to borrow language from somewhere else. [00:15:10] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:15:11] Applying Biblical Principles to Entertainment Choices [00:15:11] Tony Arsenal: And I also think too, like this is a question that often is presented as very simple and very like cut and dry, but it can be a lot more complicated than you think. And here's an example, and we don't have to get into this particular example, but let's do it. You know, I think a lot of times people, um, will take the example of blasphemy. [00:15:32] Tony Arsenal: Right, and a show that is, or a, a video game, whatever it is, content that is intentionally blaspheming, God is something that at a bare minimum, Christians should be very wary of participating in and consuming just because it, it's something that openly dishonors God is probably not something Christians should be eager to participate in or to consume, but. [00:15:56] Tony Arsenal: Um, there, there are instances where a, a show or a, a video game or a book contains a fictionalized blast swimming of God that actually may serve the greater purpose of glorifying God. So if you think of like, um. Think of a, a book or a a movie where there is a character who is a non-Christian, and over the course of the book, they are shown to be blaspheming God, and then they experience a conversion. [00:16:24] Tony Arsenal: And the purpose of the, the purpose of the book is to glorify God through this conversion redemption story. That it character in that fictionalized universe is blasphemy God within that universe, right? Or within that fictionalized story. But the purpose of that blasphemy is actually to serve the greater purpose of glorifying God. [00:16:46] Tony Arsenal: So that's not to say that automatically anything like that gets a pass, right? That can be done well, that can be done poorly. That can be done in a way that actually glorifies God. It can be done in a way that doesn't actually hit the mark. But it's not as simple as to say, this character in this show. [00:17:00] Tony Arsenal: Engaged in blasphemy. Therefore, we should never consume that show. We have to do some actual thinking and some actual analysis of what's going on in order to. Understand whether or not it actually is violating God's law. Now there are probably some things, um, you know, like graphic sex scenes. There's really no reason, um, for Christians to feel drawn to shows that contain that. [00:17:25] Tony Arsenal: Again, this is, this is, um, I, I, at this point in my life and I, in earlier periods in my life, I might have been more black and white on this. I am not here to tell you what you can and can't watch. That's not my role. I'm not the Holy Spirit. I'm not your pastor. I'm not any of the persons or people who have an obligation to tell you what is or isn't, right? [00:17:46] Tony Arsenal: Like I'm not that person. But I cannot think of personally a reason why a Christian would, would need to, or should ever participate in like enjoying a show that contains graphic sex scenes. Um. The people making those have to sin in order to make those scenes right. So there are, there are things we should consider. [00:18:12] Tony Arsenal: Are kind of always off board, right? It's always off board to do physical harm to somebody in the service of making a movie, right? So if you have a movie where people are, are actively trying to hurt each other in order to produce the film, I'm not sure that we should participate in that. I wouldn't feel comfortable if I knew that was going on in a film. [00:18:28] Tony Arsenal: I don't, I don't, you know, again, other Christians might, and we can have a conversation about that, but we have to think about those things. Do the actors. Do the people who are creating the content, do they have to sin in order to create it? If that, if the answer is yes, we as Christians, I think should be extremely, extremely wary of, of even watching or consuming those things. [00:18:49] Tony Arsenal: So those are the kinds of questions and situations that I think need to be list like thought about as we approach pop culture. But I also think, Jesse, you know, you made the point to that. Popular culture, entertainment broadly is a gift from God for us to enjoy. Right? And it's okay to enjoy it. It's okay for us to participate in that. [00:19:09] Tony Arsenal: You know, we're not, we're not the people who are gonna say to you like, well, you know, every minute you spend, uh, reading, I don't know, uh, reading will of the many, every minute you spend reading Will of the many you could spend witnessing to people, right? So therefore, you should never read Will of the many or The Hobbit or whatever it might be. [00:19:27] Tony Arsenal: Um, but we should think carefully about what we consume, how much of it we consume, when we consume it, all those are questions that the Christian needs to ask themselves. [00:19:35] Jesse Schwamb: I agree. I think the broad test here is actually not that difficult to comprehend. It's probably more that we sometimes hesitate to apply it because we're afraid of what it might mean for the stuff that we're consuming. [00:19:46] Jesse Schwamb: So again, like ceasing from our work in order to rest holds us together like that, that is something that God gives us as a pattern relaxation that we should take joy in. It must be the right amounts of lawful entertainment or consumption of all of this stuff in pop culture, but it is there. I think like even God gives it our own cultures as a means for us to find that kind of rest and to find some comradery and solidarity even with those in whom we interact and live with. [00:20:13] Jesse Schwamb: I think all of that's fine. Like you've said, it gets a little tricky when we start thinking about, well, where is that appropriate line? What is our conviction? But I think part of the problem with that is that we might not be seeking out conviction for ourselves. We not be asking because we hate to find that there is conviction in things that we're watching because there's gonna be a lot of things'. [00:20:31] Jesse Schwamb: That society's gonna be preoccupied with for entertainment for its own sake. And again, it's an indicator that everybody, men and women, even children, are seeking rest from the burden of their work and that rest is okay. Even that itself, like you're saying, Tony, it's interesting. I think so much we're gonna come back to is this idea of it. [00:20:47] Jesse Schwamb: Is, are we redeeming what we're doing in this process? Are we being not just thoughtful about discerning, adjudicating, or interrogating what we're watching and listening and reading, but as we do it, are we thoughtful people? Are we seeing the themes even in those joyous things that we find as entertainment that draw us back to the goodness of God that explains something about the world he's created or his own character finding? [00:21:10] Jesse Schwamb: Of course, that in every story is just a reflection of the greatest story ever told. Like, yeah, all of those themes, all the things we are drawn to that we gravitate towards. That move us. All of those things still come from God. And so therefore, even our entertainment can serve this purpose of not just alleviating our minds and bodies from the burden of ongoing labor in a fallen world, but can also draw, draw us back to God's common grace and his particular grace for his people who are always sinners. [00:21:34] Jesse Schwamb: So here's the the first test. I think it's the most simple one. And everybody's gonna throw their listening devices at the wall because it's the one that's the most straightforward. It's the one you might've been thinking you're gonna get to eventually, and let's just get it out of the way. I don't say that because it's not worthwhile. [00:21:49] Jesse Schwamb: I say it because it's exactly the kind of worthwhile test that we should apply, and it applies perfectly in every situation. And that's the Apostle Paul setting out in one Corinthians 10 31. Here it is. This is like. You know, top 20 reform verses whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [00:22:07] Jesse Schwamb: So the beauty of this is I think just first pass, first blush, top of the house. If we cannot engage in an entertaining activity in such a way as to glorify God, then it's just unlawful. And by way of contrast, if you can, then we're justified in viewing it as a gift of God's common grace. I, I just throw it out there to start with. [00:22:26] Jesse Schwamb: I, I think that it's not that we found that this particular test has been tried and left wanting, but rather we haven't tried it very well. Oftentimes. Yeah. At least for my own sake. And instead we say, well, the Bible just isn't clear. But if you're, watch your point, Tony. If you're watching something that is gratuitous in any way, and you stop and say. [00:22:44] Jesse Schwamb: Am I glorifying God in the consumption of this? I think it's really difficult to make a strong argument that in some way you are actively, not just passively and saying like, well, it's okay and there's gonna be a redeeming story plot in here somewhere, I hope. But are we actively, whenever, whenever we're doing or we're consuming these things, are we actually glorifying God? [00:23:02] Jesse Schwamb: Is God glorified in. What's happening with my mind, my thoughts, my body, my eyes, my conversations, how this shapes me, how this changes my worldview. If we have to answer that God is not glorified there, then to my view, it's unlawful. And I think also in the eyes of the Apostle Paul. [00:23:19] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:23:20] Personal Convictions and Christian Liberty [00:23:20] Tony Arsenal: And you know, I think something that is important to, um. [00:23:24] Tony Arsenal: Comment on and think about when we sort of apply that test, that test really has more to do with what's going on in our heart. Yes. When we are consuming any particular part, you know, any particular media than it necessarily has to do with the media itself. I think there are some things, um, that. Just cannot be consumed to the glory of God. [00:23:46] Tony Arsenal: Right? You can't watch pornography to the glory of God, like you just can't do it. Um, you can't, you can't watch people murder each other for, you know, to the glory of God. But the vast majority of things that are out there, um, the, the, the question you're asking is not primarily grounded in the content itself. [00:24:07] Tony Arsenal: It's, it's grounded in. What the content does to us and in us and how we process it. And I think that's why I, you know, I always wanna say for most things, this goes back to Christian Liberty and. Christian Liberty is not a license to sin. It's, it's a freedom to, um, to obey, right? It's a freedom and it's a range of possibilities to obey God in different ways, in different situations, rather than some tightly constrained, tightly restricted behavioral code, right? [00:24:39] Tony Arsenal: There is a law. God gives us a law. We talked about this at length when we did the 10 commandment series. He gives us a law, but this law is a set of 10 principles for godly living. Not a, an exhaustive list of do this, don't do that. Right? So the seventh commandment, you know, for media. Is this inclining my mind towards chastity and purity of thought, right? [00:25:02] Tony Arsenal: For those of us who are married, is this likely to, um, create a barrier in my relationship with my wife, or is this likely to enhance the relationship I have with my wife? Is this. Particular thing I'm doing, this video game that I play, is this likely to draw my attention away from my children when they need me? [00:25:19] Tony Arsenal: Or is it something that I have that is likely to increase my ability to pay attention to my children? Or am I able to properly balance the demands that my children have and the needs my children have while I still play this video game, just as an example. So we can still use those 10 principles to help guide us, but the way that those. [00:25:38] Tony Arsenal: The way that the law is applied to these questions and how it is, is gonna be unique, I think almost, almost across the board for things. It's gonna be unique to each individual, right? One person may be able to, yeah, like my big thing and I like, okay, I'm just gonna put this out there. I'm just gonna lay myself bare here. [00:25:55] Tony Arsenal: If I could say that I have one actual real addiction in life, it's probably World of Warcraft, and I know that sounds probably really silly, but even me saying and saying the phrase World of Warcraft, in my mind I'm like, could I figure out a way that I could go back in and play that game? Like they call it World of Warcraft for a reason. [00:26:14] Tony Arsenal: It is super addictive and it's very easy to fall back into it. I'm sure there are people out there who can perfectly just fine, could manage their life of having children and a wife and a job and, you know, service to the church and still play World of Warcraft for a couple hours a week or, or an hour every night and still be just fine. [00:26:33] Tony Arsenal: I cannot do that. If I subscribe to World of Warcraft, it will imbalance my life such that something that God is calling me to, that I know God is calling me to, is going to be pushed out of the way for that. So for me. I cannot fulfill my obligations and participate in that particular element of pop culture. [00:26:52] Tony Arsenal: And I think there's probably something like that for most of us. Again, someone else may be able to do that just fine. There are probably many people who can do that just fine. That's a problem in my own heart. And the way I address that is by saying, this is just not healthy for me, so I'm not gonna do it. [00:27:05] Tony Arsenal: And whether that's a TV show or a a book series. I know people who won't read certain books because they get so immersed in it and it sort of like shapes their worldview in really unhealthy ways. They just won't pick up a particular set of novels or a particular book series. Um, you know, I've told this story that I, I don't remember where I was flying. [00:27:24] Tony Arsenal: Um, it wasn't. I must have been flying to Minnesota. That's the only place I've traveled by air for quite a long time. Um, I stopped in the, the bookstore, the, you know, the, the souvenir store, whatever. And I forgot a, I forgot a book at home of all the people to forget a book. And I was like, you know, there's this big hub lu about Game of Thrones and you know, maybe the book is better than the show. [00:27:43] Tony Arsenal: And like, you know, I can control what I'm imagining and it's easier for me to skip over parts and nobody is having to make graphic sex scenes. Even if they're sort of portrayed in the book. I can maybe do this. I got like. A chapter and a half into the book and was like, I can't, this is not healthy for me. [00:27:57] Tony Arsenal: It's not helpful. It doesn't glorify God. It's not true. It's not noble, it's not honorable, it's not worthy of praise. Right. I'm just gonna, and I just threw the book away. I spent like $15 on a book and then I just threw it in the garbage. Um, and I don't say that to like prop myself up as some bastion of self control. [00:28:10] Tony Arsenal: That's just in that moment I made the right decision. But there are things like that, that you are gonna have to look at your own self to say, I cannot participate in this, even if someone else might be able to. I personally cannot. And I think that's really the more the question we need to ask then. Are there universal principles that say, I can't do A, B, or C? [00:28:30] Tony Arsenal: It's really about my heart in the moment and how my heart is affected by a given thing. [00:28:36] Jesse Schwamb: Much like the 10 Commandments. This whole conversation in the scriptural, I think admonishment here is very much about freeing us up to enjoy freedom, to have joy in these things. It's not about just saying, well, here's a list of things that you can't do. [00:28:51] Jesse Schwamb: Isn't that unfortunate? Everybody else can do them, but you can't enjoy them. Instead, Scott saying like you're talking about Tony, no put to death all these evil, selfish things that are in your life that actually destruct. And instead, enjoy entertainment and pop culture in such a way that not only glorifies him, but does truly refresh you so that you're not drawn back into patterns of selfish behavior or sinful thinking, or all kinds of, you know, sexual frivolity that's going to lead your mind and your body and your heart astray or into places that you'll end up getting hurt. [00:29:25] Jesse Schwamb: I think. The beauty of this is it just provides us with a way to think and discern about the stuff that we're consuming so that we're ensured. Then it's fulfilling the right purpose that God has for in our lives, and that's freeing. When you get to a place where the scripture says like, here's the way walking it, then you know that you can walk confidently and you can enjoy that very thing. [00:29:46] Jesse Schwamb: One great example, I think that sit on both sides, we can talk about in some ways how there's like a, a lack of, or like kinda a, a moral perspective with certain types of medium of expression. One of those I think famously is, is music. Luther famously said, musical performance is principle among the entertainment that God has graciously given us to enjoy in life. [00:30:06] Jesse Schwamb: And yet who hasn't been part of either music that has been absolutely refreshing, absolutely life-giving, absolutely calming and beautiful in the same way that like David played before King Saul when he was distressed. And maybe you've had this experience where there's some kind of soothing melody that was just a bomb to your soul and your condition in that state. [00:30:25] Jesse Schwamb: And then also. On the other side, who hasn't listened even to some really catchy music that's been filled with like sexual perversion, misogyny, violence themes that at the end of it, you may have enjoyed the beat, but it's, it's just left you kind of feeling gross. And disgusted. Yeah. Even with yourself for enjoying it. [00:30:45] Jesse Schwamb: I, I think that's what we're after here is like to be freed up to enjoy this kind of entertainment in a way that it is truly the gift that God has given rather than something that enslaves us. And I'm gonna argue that it often does. Not because it's just addictive, though. [00:30:59] The Influence of Entertainment on Our Lives [00:30:59] Jesse Schwamb: It can be, but because it does actually influence us deeply and, and I think one thing is clear is that all the things we're talking about here that's present in entertainment, and I'm talking all the way back to things like athletic performance, all of this beauty and creativity, art expressed both in film literature and in music, that all of those things God has given us for our good and for his glory. [00:31:22] Jesse Schwamb: So he wants us to enjoy them. But sin is of course gonna take all those things and pervert them and twist them in such a way that they no longer become life-giving or become life taking. The problem is they take life incrementally and on the margin. Yeah. And so that you rarely feel that that's going on. [00:31:37] Jesse Schwamb: You rarely sense the divide of the chasm that's creating in your thought patterns, in the way that you interact with people, even the way that you interact with God until, not that it's too late, but that's, you wake up and you think, my goodness, how far have I gone from what I think this is really intended to be in my life? [00:31:52] Jesse Schwamb: Then maybe addiction does crop up in such a place that you're like this. This has gone too far. But I think, again, like many things in life, when God says no, what he's saying is, do not hurt yourself. I know better. I want you to enjoy these things. So I see this as like our opportunity to like empower to come with the scriptures, bearing full weights on what we consume, not because we need more laundry lists of things to avoid, but because we need direction on what is best to sink our entertainment time and resources into. [00:32:20] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. And I, I think that's a good, um, that's a good, maybe a next test right? [00:32:25] Balancing Time and Entertainment Choices [00:32:25] Tony Arsenal: Is we only have a finite amount of time. We, we, and, and I'm not even just talking about like in general, we have a, I'm, I'm talking about like we have a finite amount of discretionary time. We all have commitments, we have jobs, we have families, we have church commitments, we have friends that we wanna maintain relationships with. [00:32:43] Tony Arsenal: The amount of time we have to just like sit down and consume pop culture is limited no matter, no matter who you are. Some people have more, some people have less. Um, we can consume. Ev, every time we say yes to one thing, we're saying no to another thing, right? There is, um, there is popular culture or content out there that absolutely is encouraging, right? [00:33:05] Tony Arsenal: And absolutely is going to enhance your life, and it's going to enhance your piety and your devotion to God, right? And I'm not just talking about like Christian content. There's decent Christian content out there. There's decent Christian films, there's decent Christian music, there's decent Christian fiction writing. [00:33:22] Tony Arsenal: Um, there's probably even decent Christian video games, although I haven't run into them, I'm sure they're out there. Um. But that's not even what I'm talking about. [00:33:30] Finding Value in Non-Christian Content [00:33:30] Tony Arsenal: There there are, there are non quote, non-Christian, um, right there. There's General grace. Common grace works out there that will, they'll, they'll make you smarter. [00:33:41] Tony Arsenal: It will make you healthier. It'll help you enhance your life. It'll help you enjoy your world more. It'll help you enjoy and see the beauty in God's creation. More I've, I've commented, um. At length, and this isn't necessarily pop culture, although it kind of bridges the gap a little bit. I've commented at length on how beneficial in my life, Ryan holiday's, writings have been. [00:33:58] Tony Arsenal: Right? Right. That's what he doesn't get everything right. There are some things he gets very wrong, um, but. I, I read, um, Ryan Holiday's, stoic. Stoic Works, and I wouldn't say he's a scholar of stoicism. He's more like a modern day stoic philosopher. I read his works and I benefit from him. It makes my life better. [00:34:17] Tony Arsenal: It makes my devotion to God better. It makes my piety better. It makes me a better husband and a better father, and a better employee just in general. It makes me a better person. Not because Ryan Holiday is some special thing, but because he seems to have tapped into common grace principles that other writers haven't, I have a choice. [00:34:33] Tony Arsenal: You know? Do I wanna read that or do I wanna read some? Um, and don't get me wrong, I enjoy manga, but like, do I wanna read some. Meaningless, pointless manga that is just the same story over and over again with different animation. You know, some people might find that the reading the manga is the right thing for them and that enhances their life. [00:34:51] Tony Arsenal: Right? But for me, I've had to make that calculation. I only have so much time. I only have so much time to read. Um, and, and this is might be a shock to people. There are times where I'll have the decision between reading a theology book and. Being caught up on my reading in Daily Stoic, I most often will take time to read the Daily Stoic instead of reading something. [00:35:10] Tony Arsenal: For example, I'm way behind on Daily Devotion or Daily Doctrine by Kevin De Young Way Behind, but I'm not behind on, on Daily Dad or daily Stoic from Ryan Holiday. That's not because one, one thing is better than the other necessarily, but what I need in my life and what God is calling me to. The writings by di by Ryan Holiday right now are more effective in a, in accomplishing those tasks and into shaping me into who I believe God wants me to be. [00:35:37] Tony Arsenal: So that's the other question we have to ask is what? [00:35:40] The Importance of Rest and Leisure [00:35:40] Tony Arsenal: What is the most beneficial thing for us at the moment? It could be some sort of mindless cotton, candy entertainment. There's nothing wrong with that. This isn't, this isn't me saying like find, this isn't like hustle culture for pop culture. Like sometimes you just need to veg out and do something that doesn't require any brain power, and that's what God is, is giving you as a gift for your rest and your re recuperation. [00:36:04] Tony Arsenal: Sometimes it's a hard hitting. Heavy theology. Sometimes you need to sit down and read some Bob Ink again, not that that's pop culture, but I think the broader principle applies. Maybe you need to sit down and read some Turin, or maybe you need to like scroll Instagram for a little while and watch funny cat videos, right? [00:36:19] Tony Arsenal: All of those things are good things. They're all gifts from God in the proper proportions and at the proper time, and that's why this can be such a complicated question is because we have to have a good, robust. Honest reflection of who we are and what we need in order to make these, these decisions. Um, and it really is about what do we need in the moment? [00:36:37] Tony Arsenal: What is God calling us to? What is the wise thing to do right now, the wise thing to consume right now? Um, and, and I think that's a good test. Is this the most effective thing and accomplishing in my life what needs to be accomplished, right? That could be all sorts of goals, but is this the most effective thing to accomplish that at my life right now? [00:36:57] Tony Arsenal: If so, and it's not sinful, and then have at it enjoy. You know, I think those are the kinds of questions we need to ask, and I don't think we often ask that. I think we are often passive. And neutral in decisions about what we're gonna watch for pop culture. We're driven by what is the most popular thing on Netflix? [00:37:15] Tony Arsenal: What does the algorithm recommend for us? Or what is being talked about at work? Or what do I have on hand? What do I have easy access to? Um, I think we need to be more active and intentional in our decisions on this towards those ends. [00:37:29] Jesse Schwamb: Right on. And there's no accounting for taste, right? I mean, part, part of time we get caught up in that, so we'll just say, well, maybe what I'm experiencing, because I'm a Christian, I'm trying to process this, has to do more about like particular medium or the taste or the type of genre or something. [00:37:44] Jesse Schwamb: I'd encourage us to not get too caught up in that. I think what you're saying is really, really helpful. The idea here I think is more about embracing the fact that we don't have to be productive all the time. And that we don't have to be, and I use this with great love like puritanical in the sense that, you know, well, if Jonathan Edwards didn't laugh and the Lord sakes that was inappropriate, then I shouldn't either. [00:38:05] Jesse Schwamb: And by virtue of that fact, then I should really have this incredible puritanical work ethic where even when I'm at home or every second that I have, I should be reading something. And if I'm gonna read something, it should be productive. Or if I'm watch tv, it should be something kinda documentary. I need to learn and fill my mind and make use and redeem every second of that time. [00:38:18] Jesse Schwamb: What if part of that redemption. Is enjoying entertainment for the way that God intended it to be, and that when he makes beauty and creativity and artistic expression, and again, we're presuming that this is the right amount of a lawful entertainment, that all of those things are for their own enjoyment because they point back to the creator. [00:38:40] Jesse Schwamb: Just by themselves. Like there doesn't have to be an ulterior motive. You don't have to justify it. You don't even have to feel guilty about it. That in fact, because we're contingent beings and therefore we have limited energy supply and unlimited amount of time and space, that all those things com continue to propel us towards some kind of desire for a lawful entertainment that leads us into rest. [00:39:02] Jesse Schwamb: Even as you're saying Tony, if that's rest for 10 or 15 minutes before, it's the next thing to feel this compulsion instead. To have to again quote unquote redeem. That time by being super productive is I think a fool's errand because we are as much made to work as we are made to rest. And in that rest, I think sometimes we actually find for some of us an easier time identifying and worshiping God in that risk. [00:39:26] Jesse Schwamb: Because in our work, we are busy in our work and we often get caught up in our work thinking all of our work is all of us. And so we rest and we find enjoyment in something. We take a walk, we listen to a beautiful piece of music. We spend some times just conversing about nothing with friends. We sit outside and enjoy beverages together that something happens sometimes in that space. [00:39:46] Jesse Schwamb: We're in the pause of that in the fact that there is beauty that seemingly is without productive purpose, even though I'd argue there is one. It's just hidden behind it and we fail to see it. We are drawn to the fact drawn to say, God, are you not good? For all of your gifts. And of course he's good in our gifts of work. [00:40:02] Jesse Schwamb: He's also good in our, our gifts of rest. But he's given us this gift as a form of entertainment in our own pop culture for us really to enjoy. But you're right, if we get it twisted such that we consume too much of it, or if we misapply that, I think we're just gonna live a less abundant life. So again, like the task here is not, don't do any entertainment. [00:40:23] Jesse Schwamb: Get all, get away from all the entertainments. Like what? Like your point, Tony, I, and I've heard Christian say this, I think there can be a brow beating here where it's like, well, couldn't you have used that time more productive? Like they had a couple more minutes, like maybe you really should have prayed harder or. [00:40:38] Jesse Schwamb: Maybe you should have read that other chapter in the Bible. Maybe you should gone back through your genealogies again and read those because you know that you don't read those particularly well. Or maybe you should have studied this thing or that thing. And instead is there a kind of worship that truly gives itself over to resting in God in the form of appreciating entertainment as he's created it for us to give us that kind of rest? [00:40:59] Jesse Schwamb: I would say yes. It's just that we often don't talk about it and sometimes we do talk about it. It's hard to bring it up 'cause you're gonna. You're gonna feel guilty. Like, can you imagine somebody saying to you, you know what? I'm just finding so much rest these days in this, uh, little game on my phone that I get to play. [00:41:15] Jesse Schwamb: You would be like, you, you might, if you're, if you're like, you know that person, well, you might be like, that's weird. I guarantee though, if that happened to me, I'd walk away and then when I was with my wife later, I'd be like, let me tell you what this weird thing this person said. You know what I mean? [00:41:27] Jesse Schwamb: But what, what, yeah. We need to think more like that. Not as a liberty to forsake or abdicate responsibility, but instead to actually be well rested for the responsibility in the task, the good works that God has created for us. [00:41:42] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. [00:41:42] Personal Experiences with Entertainment [00:41:42] Tony Arsenal: And maybe here's like a concrete example is, um. You know, I, um, I work at a local hospital and my job is relatively intense. [00:41:53] Tony Arsenal: Um, in terms of emotional investment, I'm a patient relations supervisor, so I, I'm in charge of the department that hears all of the complaints from patients, which means we often hear some really frustrating stories about people's healthcare, and it can be very emotionally draining. And so I also, um, I also ride the bus home now. [00:42:15] Tony Arsenal: My, my vehicle is broken right now. Hopefully we're gonna get fixed soon, but I ride the bus home and for the first couple, I don't know, for the first week that I was riding the bus, I was like, I gotta use this time. I gotta read something. I gotta make sure I'm doing that right. And what I've learned actually is if I just take the 45 minutes that I'm on the bus and waiting for the bus and I just sort of zone out and play Pokemon Go. [00:42:39] Tony Arsenal: By the time I get home, I'm ready to engage with my kids better. I'm ready to engage with my wife better. I'm less likely to feel, uh, just drained and tired because I'm actually letting my brain sort of reset and I'm building that buffer. So something as simple as like. Playing a relatively mindless game on my phone for a half hour, 45 minutes while I ride the bus and wait for the bus, um, helps me to fulfill my obligations as a father and a husband in a more present way. [00:43:09] Tony Arsenal: Again, like if you wanna ride the bus and you wanna read a fiction, or you wanna do theology, like that's on you, that's your decision to make. But. I know people who would say to me, um, you really should be using that time for something more productive than playing Pokemon Go. And, and yeah, maybe like, maybe there are times that I should be more productive and maybe there are times that other people should be less productive. [00:43:32] Tony Arsenal: Like I think that's kind of what we're getting at here is. Productivity or spiritual growth or pi, like those categories are, each of those are good categories. Like productivity is not a bad thing. Um, personal devotion is certainly not a bad thing. [00:43:47] Jesse Schwamb: Yes. [00:43:47] Tony Arsenal: But it's not the only thing. And we also, I think we act as though our lives can be this sort of like perfect integrated balance when really like we have to be able to sort of recognize that. [00:44:02] Tony Arsenal: Sometimes doing nothing has its own utility. Like that feels like a weird thing to say, but I I, I'm with you here and, and maybe this is kind of how we bring the episode down to an end is I do think. There is this, obviously the Sabbath principle, the rest principle. Um, but God also gives us rest in these other small ways. [00:44:25] Tony Arsenal: Sometimes not so small, but small ways in the rest of our life. And I don't think that we should bear any shame or guilt or feel like we're less Christian because we take advantage of or make use of those. Those sort of like smaller opportunities to rest and you know, recreation is recreation. Like that's, that's that etymology is not a false etymology. [00:44:49] Tony Arsenal: That's where the word comes from. And it's because we often need to do these sort of leisurely things in order to be able to then go back and put forward the effort that we need. And the other thing just, I feel like we're tying. Leisure to the ability to produce in a way that may actually also be unhealthy. [00:45:09] Tony Arsenal: Leisure is not necessarily the ends, the means to being able to be productive. Right? Leisure serves its own purpose. It has its own use, its own way to glorify God. Yes, it does enable us often to be able to come back and put our nose to the grindstone, but we shouldn't just think about it as like, well, this is just, this is just my recharge period. [00:45:30] Tony Arsenal: We don't think about sleep that way. I don't think we think about sleep in, in a fashion of saying like, well, I've gotta sleep so that I can just get up and go to work the next day. And productive. I think we recognize that our bodies need to rest and there's a blessing and a joy in being able to close our eyes and sort of drift off and have dreams and rest, and that our body recuperates itself, I think we should think of leisure in a similar sense, and recreation and pop culture all kind of play into that. [00:45:53] Jesse Schwamb: I think that's right on. I mean, it's one of those things where we're certainly not saying that there isn't rest in prayer and in daily worship and consuming and studying the scriptures, there's certainly a rest in all those activities too. In some ways, I think we're presuming that we are trying to incorporate a balance into our lives, and that part of that balance is just rest for its own sake. [00:46:12] Jesse Schwamb: The enjoyment of that and when you're truly, I think, enjoying that rest, whatever it is, one we do not long feel guilty because we have processed. And pass everything to the sve of the scriptures and say, this is glorifying to God is for my goodness, for his glory. So therefore there's no, as it were like condemnation for me in this because I have a clear conscience about it. [00:46:31] Jesse Schwamb: And then in addition to that, it does provide us with perhaps, again, that lovely contrast between working hard and then having. Some period of which we are abstaining from that work and from that labor. And in so doing we find different ways to please and to worship God. We find that we see his character reflected in different ways. [00:46:49] Jesse Schwamb: And so in that way too, it reminds us that we are, like I said before, like completely contingent, we get tired, we get exhausted. Like there's only so much the mind can do and so much it can handle. And so by. Willingly accepting and leaning into that, not again, in a way that takes us away. We use as liberty to say, well, I, you know, I really should spend some time before the Lord in prayer. [00:47:10] Jesse Schwamb: I really should spend some time in, in daily particular worship, but you know what? I really need to rest instead. Like of, of course, that itself, we should be convicted about, uh, because then we're using entertainment such a way to distract us. Suppose this. Way from God rather than toward him. But the Bible is so clear, like you're saying, Tony, that there's all these seasons in life and the more I think about those seasons, the more I wonder if we tend to treat them too discreetly. [00:47:34] Jesse Schwamb: And in these two, like, kind of like prolonged periods, what if a season is for an hour? What if a season is for a day? What if a season is for five minutes? So famously, of course, when we have the teacher writing. Ecclesiastes chapter three, some of these famous words, I think we just fail to take them to heart. [00:47:51] Jesse Schwamb: Listen to this beautiful contrast, and I think it really fits in with what we're saying here about the, the ability to rightly consume entertainment and pop culture in such a way that it is glorifying to God and our understanding of it in our application of how it gives us true rest. So it writes things like this. [00:48:09] Jesse Schwamb: There's a time to kill and the time to heal. A time to break down, a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing a time to seek and a time to lose. [00:48:26] Jesse Schwamb: A time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to tear. A time to sow, a time to keep silence and a time to speak, a time to love, and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. So it's very clear that God has given us, I think all of these wonderful things to enjoy as part of his character, as demonstrations of the fact that he is a God who is loving and love always leads to giving. [00:48:51] Jesse Schwamb: And so he gives us beauty in arts. In music, in literature, in screen, and of course then we should recognize because those are things from God and we ought to that. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Heavenly Father who is above that. It is the prerogative of the devil to twist and bend those things in such a way that we feel to see them as God's gifts and said, see them as our rightful consumption. [00:49:12] Jesse Schwamb: Such a way that enslaves. Changes our mindset, pulls us farther away from God. So I think part of it's just going into everything with the pun intended, with eyes wide open. So hopefully some of these tests have been helpful. I think people probably have, because like you said, Tony, there's a lot of Christian liberty here and maybe some point. [00:49:29] Jesse Schwamb: Well, I was gonna ask you like what's I, I'm not gonna ask you this because I know you're gonna ask it back to me, but like what would be maybe something you consume that others might be able. Ooh. Um, but I don't want you to ask that back to me. We could do that. We could do that if you want to. [00:49:42] Tony Arsenal: Um, yeah, let's, let's do that in a future episode. [00:49:43] Tony Arsenal: I think that'd be fun. Well, we'll [00:49:44] Jesse Schwamb: save that for another time. So everybody keeps listening. [00:49:46] Encouraging Community Engagement [00:49:46] Jesse Schwamb: But I think one of the things that we should be encouraging our listeners to do, the people who are part of the reform brotherhoodhood, is come hang out online. In this place called Telegram, which is just a chat messaging app and we have a little corner, a protected corner of the world. [00:50:00] Jesse Schwamb: There is a group of people who are like-minded listening to our conversations and participating in their own. And the way they participate with us is you can message in the app, they've got a bunch of channels of different topics, so you can get there by going to t.me/reform brotherhood. I bring this up now, not just to advertise as usual. [00:50:17] Jesse Schwamb: Because we want you to come be a part of this, but I would love to hear from others because we have a channel in there that's just about the conversations we're having on the podcast. Come share some of the practical things that you use, the tests that you have, the conversations that you bring forward to help you discern what kind of pop culture you're consuming. [00:50:37] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Don't just take our word for it. Let's hear what the Holy Spirit. How he is leadi

Everyone's the hero of their own story, but what makes a truly great fictional hero? Better yet, what makes an exceptional Sigler hero? We deep dive into what attributes make Scott's protagonists truly compelling and memorable. Deep Cuts is created by Scott Sigler and A B Kovacs Produced by Steve Riekeberg Production Assistance by Allie Press Copyright 2025 by Empty Set Entertainment  Forget the hero, I'm holding out for GoDaddy Promo Code CJCFOSSIG, so I can save 99% on my new .com domain registration! It's easy, and you all should be doing it too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Church is more than a service. It's about people experiencing life together as we seek to join God in His work of transforming lives. We invite you to come be part of that mission here at Scotts Hill. You can find more resources here on our YouTube Channel or by visiting: https://scottshill.orgTo connect with us or to learn more about Jesus we invite you to visit: https://www.scottshill.org/nextstepsFor information on upcoming events church-wide, visit: https://scottshill.infoSocial MediaFacebook: / scottshill.org Instagram: / scottshill Website: https://www.scottshill.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introduction Hey there, Spirit of the Deal listeners! This week, we're diving deep into the raw, gritty, and spiritual side of sales and communication with the one and only Mary Van Dorn. Forget polished corporate speak – we're talking Gary Halbert's barstool wisdom meets Brandon's modern, mindful approach.This isn't your typical interview. We're using a high-octane "speed dating" segment to get right to the heart of Mary's energy and experience. Expect: Punchy insights: Short, sharp bursts of wisdom you can use immediately. Story-driven lessons: Compelling narratives that reveal the practical and emotional aspects of success. Data-backed strategies: Proven techniques that work, no fluff allowed. A modern spiritual edge: Intuition, energy, and universal flow – grounded in reality, not airy-fairy nonsense. So buckle up, because Mary's journey from mortgage banking to empowering nonprofit leaders with their voices is a masterclass in authentic connection and persuasive communication. We'll uncover the secrets behind her success, and you'll walk away with actionable takeaways you can use to boost your own impact – whether you're selling a product, leading a team, or simply aiming to be heard. Honest Overview This episode is a raw, real conversation with Mary Van Dorn, a speaker coach who transforms nervous talkers into confident communicators. It's not your typical polished interview; it's a gritty, insightful dive into the power of authentic communication and the energy behind impactful speaking. Core Message: Unlock your authentic voice to achieve greater success and impact, both personally and professionally. Stop being boring; embrace storytelling to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Storytelling is key: Weaving narratives into your communication makes you 22 times more memorable. It's not just about facts; it's about connection. AI can't replace human connection: While AI can help with content creation, it can't replicate the energy, conviction, and genuine human connection that captivates audiences. Unleash your inner storyteller: Mary shares how she discovered her own storytelling ability and uses it to help clients build their businesses and make a profound difference. Find your alignment: Discover what lights you up, align your work with your passions, and experience the joy of purpose-driven living. Even if you're not an entrepreneur, find joy in your work and leave people happier than you found them. Authenticity trumps perfection: Embrace imperfections in your storytelling. Adapt, connect with your audience, and let your genuine self shine through. Key Takeaway: Master the art of authentic communication to build stronger relationships, boost sales, and make a significant impact in your chosen field. Mary's work helps people find their voice, share their stories, and ultimately, leave a mark on the world. Connect with Mary: MaryVanDorn.com

Every great hero needs a villain. Even more essential? For every protagonist to have a compelling antagonist.  What does it take to have an antagonist that readers hate, but also hate to love?  Scott & A talk compelling villains and why we love them. Deep Cuts is created by Scott Sigler and A B Kovacs Produced by Steve Riekeberg Production Assistance by Allie Press Copyright 2025 by Empty Set Entertainment  All I wanna do is love to hate the bad guy, and if I want to blog about it all day I'd use  GoDaddy Promo Code CJCFOSSIG, to save ninety-nine percent on a new dot-com registration. You should, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, you're going to learn how to write copy for your website that speaks directly to your ideal client. I'm sure you know that the copy on your website has the power to connect with your ideal client. And when a potential client feels connected, and that you understand their challenges on a deep level, they're more likely to take that next step and actually become a client of yours. But most therapists struggle with what words they should actually use that will resonate with those potential clients. What are the words you can use to connect with them? How do you create an entire website that speaks to them? And if you don't know those words, how can you find out what they are? Our guest, Laura Long LMFT/S, is going to teach you her 3 C's of copywriting for your private practice website: Clear, Compelling, and Conversational. As a business coach, Laura has been teaching therapists how to create copy for therapist websites for years. If you've been wondering or struggling with the words you need to use on your own private practice website, this episode will give you exercises, tips, and simple actions you can take to write copy that truly resonates with your ideal client.  In This Episode, You'll Learn: Laura's 3 C's of copywriting How to avoid watering down your copy so that it speaks directly to your ideal clients The difference between your ideal client and a niche Exercises to help you get into the mind of your ideal clients' fears, hopes and expectations How to write copy for your ideal client even if you haven't worked with them or are changing niches Four places you can go to do market research and uncover the exact words your ideal clients are using so you can write copy that connects with them Mindset shifts to help you get unstuck and kill writer's block This Episode Is Brought To You By Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.

This episode revisits our 2019 coverage of “BOX 616,” a compelling and mysterious sci-fi short film about Malcolm, a man who inherits an enormous bank vault from his grandfather.When Malcolm gains entry to the interior of the vault, he discovers a mind-bending secret from 70 years in the past. A secret that will have seismic repercussions on Malcolm's life in the present. #scifishort #scifi #podcastSubscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts or Amazon Music.To subscribe to the newsletter, explore the podcast archive, support the podcast, and more, visit EYE ON SCI-FI Link Tree.Episode Link:Watch: Box 616 On YouTube

Episode Summary:  Is our mission today, as Christians living in America, to recover America as a Christian nation? As we process what happened in the last election and the storming of the Capitol since, Christians are divided. Eschewing passivity, many believers feel impelled to speak up on the social media to fight a movement rooted in ungodliness, which they see shaping our culture. They are appalled that younger Christian leaders either don't seem to see this happening or seem to lack the courage to speak up about it. Other believers are horrified at the views they hear expressed by Christians on social media, which exhibit a kind of “Christian Nationalism” and exhibit Christians to be combative towards those with whom they disagree, violating Christ's clear command, love your neighbor, not to mention, love your enemy. This episode continues our series Winning Spiritual Battles Because We Use Our Spiritual Weapons by examining how to encircle ourselves with the belt of God's truth, which must be the starting point for sharing that truth in the culture. Then we consider how to be persuasive as salt and light in the culture, and in particular the dangers of being right, but sharing truth in a HARMFUL, rather than a COMPELLING way For Further Prayerful Thought: Which aspect of fastening the belt of truth around ourselves stood out to you?Why is it important in today's word to surround our loved ones with truth?How does Jesus' teaching not to give holy things to dogs or throw our pearls before swine resonate with your experience? Are there times when you have thought that a person is not spiritually in a place to hear this truth?How do Paul and Barnabas follow this teaching from Jesus in Acts 13:44-49. What Thoughts do you have about trying to determine is a potential hearer of biblical truth is in a place to value it or not?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left) 

History class is something you either love or hate… but what if you mix it with BOARD GAMES?!? That's something hundreds of games have done over the years… but what makes those experiences better than sitting down with a good ol' fashioned history book? Is it better if you stick close to the source material? How much is too much? This week on the show, we endeavor to find out! Want to ask a question or give us your two cents about the state of euros? Hit us up at cardboardphilosophypod@gmail.com! Want to play some of Robert's games? Grab them here! - https://www.allplay.com/board-games/partner/bitewing/ Cites and Sources Africa - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1315/africa Botswana - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/398/botswana Brass: Lancashire - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/28720/brass-lancashire Byzantium - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/19348/byzantium Carnegie - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/310873/carnegie GHQ - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/422478/ghq John Company - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/332686/john-company-second-edition Lisboa - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/161533/lisboa Medici - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/46/medici Mercado de Lisboa - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/262477/mercado-de-lisboa Mombasa - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/172386/mombasa Mr. President - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/183685/mr-president-the-american-presidency-2001-2020 On Mars - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/184267/on-mars Pavlov's House - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/219101/pavlovs-house Ra - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/12/ra Royal Game of Ur - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1602/the-royal-game-of-ur Secret Hitler - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/188834/secret-hitler Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/25021/sekigahara-the-unification-of-japan Sniper Elite - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/295262/sniper-elite-the-board-game Tinners' Trail - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/321277/tinners-trail-second-edition Votes for Women - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/311900/votes-for-women

Captivating! Compelling! Ear-candy that melts in your mouth! One complete happy hour of sheer joy! It's like music in a genie bottle. Magically Delicious!Set 1:Karla Leal-Can't DenyJack's Jazz-52 In A 35Vincent Ingala-On The MoveSteve Cole-Without A DoubtRagan Whiteside-Fancy FootworkSet 2:Ben Tankard-Keys To LifeSylvester Harper-Night MoodVandell Andrew-Any Time, Any PlaceAdrian Crutchfield-Sooo GoodLin Rountree-So NaturallySet 3:Gerry Smoot-AlignGreg Chambers-Just Feels RightCameron Ross-Jump Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What We Cover In This Episode: How to adapt your studio's schedule and offerings to meet the specific needs and routines of parents and teachers returning to their structured lives [5:08] Effective strategies to help clients build lasting habits throughout September, ensuring long-term retention [6:35] Ways to craft "welcome back" emails with special class challenges or limited-time offers to re-ignite client interest for the fall season [10:41] How to use back-to-school specials to offer targeted discounts or bonus class packs specifically for teachers, parents, and students [13:07] What an optimized afternoon class schedule will allow you to do with the Fall rush [14:19] Ideas for forging collaborations with local schools and PTAs that will help you reach parents and teachers directly [14:46] Compelling self-care social campaigns that will set you up for success this Fall [15:00]  What to keep in mind with the benefits of offering youth sports preseason and school programs [15:57] Quotes: “Regardless of whether people are a parent, a teacher or just living their best solo life over the summer, summer throws us all off. We want to eat, we want to drink, we want to tan. We don't want to wake up for that 5 AM alarm clock to get to our sessions.” [Nick, 7:34] “If you develop consistency in these people's lives through the month of September it is going to carry them, because if they can do a whole 30 days of consistency, especially coming off of the slugs that we become by the end of summer, they are just going to feel so much better remember, and that is because of you.” [Nick,11:50]   “It's almost like creating referrals. You don't create referrals because you want to create referrals, you create referrals because you create an amazing experience, and those people want to share with their friends that experience.” [Nick, 20:49]   LINKS:  Learn More About All of Our Partners & Get Exclusive Offers Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!  fitDEGREE's Business Portal https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support  support@fitDEGREE.com https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/ ​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/  https://www.fitdegree.com/blog  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree  

Season 19, Episode 63 of The Adventures of Pipeman. Tune in at 1PM ET 7/28/25 to W4CY Radio at w4cy.com.It's Motivational Monday and Today is a our Special Positively Pipeman Segment of Powerful Business Strategies with Michael Barbarita at NextStepCFO. Subscribe to The Adventures of Pipeman at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-adventures-of-pipeman--941822/supportDean K. Piper, CST and Michael Barbarita of Next Step CFO discuss one of the reasons why people are not making sales is their offers are weak.  We will discuss the 5 components of what makes an offer compelling!Positively Pipeman is a Motivational, Business, Marketing, Empowerment & Inspirational segment of The Adventures of Pipeman Radio Show (#pipemanradio).Positively Pipeman features international authors, speakers, trainers, & coaches here to help you in business & personal life with motivation, empowerment, inspiration, self-help, relationships, goal setting, belief, mindset, marketing, sales, and a journey to success, freedom, and happiness!Positively Pipeman Podcasts are heard on Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, Talk 4 Podcasting, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts and over 100 other podcast outlets where you listen to Podcasts.The following are the different podcasts to check out and subscribe to:•The Adventures of Pipeman•Pipeman Radio•Pipeman in the Pit•Positively PipemanFollow @pipemanradio on all social media outletsVisit Pipeman Radio on the Web at linktr.ee/pipemanradio, Download The Pipeman Radio APP.Phone/Text Contact – 561-506-4031Email Contact – dean@talk4media.com   The Adventures of Pipeman is broadcast live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET and Music & Positive Interviews daily at 8AM ET on W4CY Radio and replays on K4HD Radio – Hollywood Talk Radio part of Talk 4 Radio on the Talk 4 Media Network. The Adventures of Pipeman TV Show is viewed on Talk 4 TV.The Adventures of Pipeman Podcast is also available on www.theadventuresofpipeman.com and www.pipemanradio.com,  Talk 4 Media, Talk 4 Podcasting, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.

In this special Unpacked bonus episode, we're going behind the scenes of our newView From Afar podcast, which spotlights the people and the ideas shaping the future of travel. Afar editors traveled to the floor of IPW, the annual travel conference organized by the U.S. Travel Association to share the best of America with the rest of the world.  In this episode, we hear from Afar editorial director Billie Cohen, who conducted interviews over two intense days, covering everything from major cities like New York and Boston to more under-the-radar places like St. Louis and Buffalo. What emerged were fascinating themes about welcoming international travelers, the economic realities of tourism, and how destinations are bouncing back from natural disasters faster than you might think. Billie shares why these conversations left her more excited than ever to explore America—and yes, even try that controversial St. Louis pizza. On this episode you'll learn: Why international visitors make up only 20 percent of NYC tourism but contribute 50 percent of tourism spending How destinations like Asheville and Fort Myers are ready for visitors much sooner after disasters than you'd expect The creative ways cities are spreading tourism benefits beyond traditional hotspots through neighborhood storytelling Why St. Louis might be America's most underrated arts destination (with surprising Monets and opera premieres) Don't miss these moments: [03:58] The economic reality: Buffalo losing 20% of its Canadian visitors this year [05:56] Why disaster-hit destinations need visitors for recovery, not just sympathy [09:26] St. Louis's free cultural offerings that rival DC's Smithsonian museums [12:38] Billie's skeptical New Yorker take on St. Louis pizza and why she's willing to try it anyway [15:00] The delicate balance between promoting neighborhoods and over-touristing them Explore More Head over to View From Afar to hear Billie's full conversations with these destination leaders who are reshaping how we think about American travel: Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston, talks about how this most American of cities is celebrating in 2026. Julie Coker, president and CEO of New York City Tourism and Conventions talks about NYC's plans for its 400th birthday. Tamara Pigott, executive director of Visit Fort Myers, shares how she's transformed southwest Florida into a world-class destination that offers much more than gorgeous beaches. Carolann Ouellette, President of the Maine Office of Tourism, on how the outdoors is essential to the state's economy and its communities. Brad Dean, President and CEO of Explore St. Louis, discusses why he chose the Gateway City over offers from New York and Chicago and how America's heartland is ready for a renaissance. Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara, talks about Buffalo's rich architectural and Black history. Walt Leger, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company talks about the city's vibe and where to go beyond the French Quarter. Helen Hill, executive director of Explore Charleston, talks about the importance of showing a city's true history. Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville, talks about the resilience of people and western North Carolina. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠Behind the Mic⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, ⁠Travel Tales⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠Airwave Media⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/Christian whodunits deliver all the suspense of mainstream mysteries but without graphic content, weaving faith elements naturally into plots where characters pray and grow spiritually while solving crimes. These novels uphold Biblical values and operate within a moral framework where God's justice ultimately prevails. Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/

In this replay, Phil Goldberg, Office Managing Partner at Shook, Hardy & Bacon, joins Gina Rubel to discuss the importance of messaging and narrative in litigation. They explore how public relations, litigation funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration shape outcomes both inside and outside the courtroom.

Follow us on X: @gov_gilmore @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Ambassador James Gilmore, former U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE, the 86th Governor and former Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia. During the program, Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy delve into the major shift in US foreign policy, specifically as it pertains to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. President Trump has authorized for Ukraine to receive US weapons in defending the nation from Russian attacks. President Trump stated that he would infuse Ukraine with US weapons which are purchased by European allies. President Trump simultaneously issued an ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, giving him 50 days to arrange a ceasefire or face trade sanctions. What does this change mean for America and its potential engagement with Ukraine and NATO partners? How will Russia's Putin respond? Is America's attitude toward supporting Ukraine changing, or will the concerns of isolationism remain a stumbling block? Ambassador Gilmore served as America's top diplomat to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in President Donald Trump's first administration. His firm leadership through the Trump Administration made an impact within Europe's capital cities and its corridors of power specifically in regard to holding Russia to account. In 2020, then-Ambassador Gilmore at a OSCE conference in Vienna, Austria, stated: "The United States has repeatedly condemned Russia's invasion, occupation, and purported annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula and the abuses that Russia commits there. In fact, I just finished doing that in response to their raising some trivial little error we made, but NOT an error of our policy. Today we would like to draw attention to the Russian government's continuing conscription of individuals from Crimea into Russia's armed forces. Compelling persons protected by the Fourth Geneva Convention to serve in the forces of a hostile power is a grave breach of the Geneva Convention, and a violation of the obligations that the Russian Federation owes under its subscription to the Geneva Convention. Once again, a violation of international norms and behavior and commitments that the Russian Federation has made and now violates." Follow us on X: @gov_gilmore @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

In this episode of the Coaches Compass, Mike explains the thought process of making offers. There seems to be a lot of debate recently about low ticket v high ticket and what type of offers you should be running. It's actually quite simple. This episode will help you sift through the noise. If you need help scaling your business, start your 7-day free trial for The Collective.------------------------------------------------Click here to apply for coaching!For some amazing resources and to be a part of a badass community, join our FB group HEREThe personality assessment is now available online! Click here to take the assessment and find out what your personality tells us about the way you should be training and eating.Take the assessment here!To learn more about Neurotyping, visit www.neurotypetraining.comFollow Mike on IG at @coach_mike_millner

Part 1 Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morell Summary"Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats" by Sally Fallon Morell is a holistic approach to nutrition based on traditional dietary practices from cultures around the world. The book emphasizes the importance of consuming whole, unprocessed foods that are nutrient-dense and prepared in ways that enhance their health benefits. Key Themes:Traditional Diets: The book advocates for the dietary practices of traditional cultures that have maintained good health through natural foods. Fallon Morell argues that modern diets high in processed foods are responsible for many health issues.Nutrient Density: Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats are prioritized. She emphasizes the consumption of animal fats, organ meats, dairy from grass-fed animals, and fermented foods to nourish the body effectively.Preparation Techniques: The book focuses on traditional methods of food preparation, including soaking, sprouting, fermenting, and slow cooking, which are believed to enhance the digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients.Raw and Natural Foods: Fallon Morell promotes the idea of using raw, unprocessed ingredients whenever possible. This includes advocating for raw milk and avoiding pasteurized dairy products, which she argues lack vital enzymes and nutrients.Animal Products: A significant aspect of the book is its defense of consuming animal products. Fallon Morell posits that healthy fats from animals are crucial for optimal nutrition and should be consumed liberally.Cultural Insights: The book incorporates cultural and historical analyses of global eating practices, providing insights into how various societies have thrived on their unique diets.Critique of Modern Nutrition: Fallon Morell is critical of the mainstream nutritional guidelines that promote low-fat diets and discourage cholesterol consumption. She argues these have led to increased rates of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Conclusion:"Nourishing Traditions" serves as a call to return to the dietary practices that have sustained humanity for centuries. It encourages readers to embrace whole, natural foods, prepare them in traditional ways, and rethink their views on fat and animal products. The book provides numerous recipes and practical advice for incorporating these ideas into everyday meals.Part 2 Nourishing Traditions AuthorSally Fallon Morell is an American author and a prominent advocate for traditional diets, best known for her work in the field of nutrition and health. She is the founding president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting nutrient-dense, traditional foods and returning to ancestral dietary practices. Nourishing TraditionsRelease Date: The book "Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats" was first published in 1999. This cookbook emphasizes the principles of traditional diets and is heavily inspired by the research of Dr. Weston A. Price, who advocated for the nutritional wisdom of pre-industrialized cultures. Other Books by Sally Fallon Morell In addition to "Nourishing Traditions," Sally Fallon Morell has authored or co-authored several other books, including:Nourishing Broth (2014) Co-authored with Kaayla T. Daniel, this book focuses on the health benefits of broth, emphasizing the importance of making homemade bone broth.Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care (2003) Co-authored with Thomas S. Cowan, this book combines traditional dietary practices with modern parenting concerns.The Nourishing Traditions Cookbook for Children (2009) Aimed at teaching children about...

Victor Dergunov, The Financial Prophet, on very interesting current market dynamics (1:20). Mag stocks, strong conviction picks (4:35). Fed, monetary policy, healthy USD, interest rates (19:00). Earnings season underway - look for delinquencies (27:20). Amazon and Netflix bullishness (32:50). AI spending concerns (35:20).Show Notes:Why The Market May Hit A Wall HereHere's Why I Increased My Tesla PositionAlphabet: Still A BuyPalantir: It's Just Too Expensive HereEpisode transcriptsFor full access to analyst ratings, stock quant scores and dividend grades, subscribe to Seeking Alpha Premium at seekingalpha.com/subscriptions

Bill Jones and Cody Winstead conclude their Most Compelling Players series with the NFC East. Who is the Eagles next star defensive player? How the Commanders prioritized protecting Jayden Daniels. What should we expect from the Cowboys newest playmaker? And how long can Russell Wilson hold off Jaxson Dart as the Giants QB1? Get the answers to those questions and more on the latest edition of JFF.

  Focusing on your Profit Activators starts with knowing exactly who you want to serve. Today on the More Cheese Less Whiskers Podcast, I talked with Michelle Miramontez, who has been in business for over 20 years and works primarily with coaches, consultants, and other service providers. We started by talking about how she attracts clients and the types of offers she leads with. Then we walked through Profit Activator 1 and discussed narrowing her audience to create a more compelling “who,” particularly for her full-service automation packages. We also explored the difference between front-end lead generation and how that relates to long-term relationship building. As the conversation progressed, we looked at ways Michelle could create compelling “cheese” for each segment of her audience, particularly the distinction between business owners who are already aware of automation versus those who don't even know they need it yet. We also talked about using The Book Strategy to start more meaningful conversations. This is a great example of applying the 8 Profit Activators in a consulting context where the service is both strategic and technical. You'll see how the right positioning can completely change how people engage with your offers.       Key Takeaways: I delve into Michelle's transformative journey from a real estate agent to a life coach, highlighting how her extensive industry experience and empathetic coaching style merge to empower agents. We explore Michelle's innovative techniques aimed at reducing high dropout rates among new and struggling real estate agents, with a focus on mastering open house strategies for lead generation. Michelle shares insights into her latest venture—a global community of agents launched on July 15—designed to provide continuous support and foster growth in the real estate industry. During our conversation, Michelle reveals her unique conversational framework for open houses, which flips the script on traditional methods, focusing on meaningful interactions rather than just handing out flyers. We discuss the effectiveness of Michelle's system in securing clients through open houses, with her clients seeing success within a short period of applying her methods. Michelle outlines her membership model for agents, offering them resources and support to implement her proven strategies in their real estate practices. Throughout the episode, Michelle and I reflect on the importance of building trust and rapport with potential clients, emphasizing the role of open houses as a powerful tool in the real estate toolkit.           Show Links: ProfitActivatorScore.com BreakthroughDNA.com 90minutebooks.com

The courage of Peter in these early chapters of Acts is attractive and inspiring ... but so is the life of this man.

In this episode, Phil and Salvatore Manzi delve into the art of communication, particularly in educational settings. They discuss the significance of building trust through authentic communication, the importance of engaging introductions, and the impact of presence on audience perception. Salvatore shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome and the balance between planning and spontaneity in communication. The conversation also highlights the role of storytelling in effective communication and concludes with Salvatore's upcoming book, 'Clear and Compelling,' aimed at empowering individuals to express their authentic voices.   Glossophobia is a prevalent fear that affects many people. Effective communication is essential for creating impact and influence. Building trust with participants is crucial for facilitators. Vulnerability in communication fosters deeper connections. Engaging introductions can capture audience attention. Presence and body language significantly affect audience perception. Charisma can be developed and is not solely innate. Imposter syndrome can hinder effective communication. Practice and feedback are vital for improving communication skills. Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging audiences. Learn more about Salvatore - https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/ Info about the book - https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/ccpb/ Connect with Phil; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

JFF's summer podcast series continues with an in-depth NFC South breakdown, including answers to the following questions. Can the Bucs win the division for the 5th straight year? Will Michael Penix prove he's a franchise quarterback? Where will Bryce Young improve the most this season? Who wins the Saints QB competition and why?

Stories aren't just for kids. They're your secret weapon for capturing and keeping attention, being unforgettable, and connecting with anyone you want to influence.Most adults don't realize how powerful storytelling is for learning and selling. Whether you're a speaker, coach, or looking to stand out in your niche, crafting a strong story helps listeners remember you long after you step off the stage. Your words can literally spark different parts of the brain, allowing people to feel, imagine, and act on what you share.Just like a movie, a good story lights up the senses, creates trust, and moves people to action. This is the fastest route to filling your calendar and building your brand.Here's what you'll learn:How and why stories make your message stick, so that your audience remembers and refers youSimple ways to make your introductions memorable, so you're seen as relatable and interesting right from the startHow to trigger emotions and senses in your listeners, so they feel as if they're part of your story (making them more likely to say yes to you)The neuroscience behind storytelling, and how to use facts and feelings to create a deeper impactWant your audience hanging on your every word? Tell stories.***Join IN Demand, the Membership at: https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/IND***Sign up for your own FREE Speaker Breakthrough Session at: https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/SBS *****Join the next Speaker Circle Community Call at https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/Speaker-Circle *****Grab your FREE copy of the Be In Demand Listener Guide at https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/Guide *****

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

"The only way to get through hell is to go through it."Co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan have assembled a powerhouse panel of writers to dive deep into the fiery crucible where personal anguish meets creative expression. In this episode, the spotlight shines on the just-released "Soul Scream Anthology: Fear and Loathing." Every guest on today's episode is a contributor to this potent collection of horror stories for a changed world.Join Chris, Alex, and an impressive lineup—including E.F. Deal, Teel James Glenn, Karen Renner, Daemon Manx, Charles Barouch (aka Oliver Bear), and Stephen Van Patten—as they wrestle with the big questions: How do turbulent times, personal pain, and societal fears become the raw material for compelling stories? How can writers transform rage, anxiety, and grief into powerful fiction that challenges, heals, and provokes reflection?From stories inspired by political turmoil and censorship, to tales born from lived experience with violence, abuse, and recovery, the panel reveals how today's dark realities inform their most haunting—and hopeful—work. The conversation tackles the creative process, the emotional toll of writing through crisis, and the power of words to resist, connect, and transform.Whether you're a seasoned author, an aspiring writer, or a reader looking for stories that speak to these challenging times, this episode offers hard-won wisdom, candid confessions, and an unflinching look at the intersection of art and resilience. So grab your notebook, settle in, and get ready for a raw, honest, and inspiring discussion about how to tell your own damn story—no matter what the world throws your way."Fear and Loathing" on AmazonHave any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you're enjoying these episodes, please take a moment to help wet our whistle by clicking on the link to ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠

0:00: How is Brian Campbell now a multiple winner this season?!08:00: Bubble Watch officially kicked into high gear at the Deere. Was it good TV?14:00: Out of nowhere, Max Homa shows signs of life20:00: Sky Sports' Jamie Weir joins the show!45:30: Gary Woodland is a Ryder Cup vice captain48:00: Tour tweaking the FedExCup bonus structure49:30: Listener questions: Keegan Bradley the right captain pick, and what are the best pies?! 

In this Sports Geek Throwback episode, Sean Callanan interviews Scott Kegley. They discussed delivering great content during wins and losses. Show notes - https://sportsgeekhq.com/creating-compelling-content-beyond-match-result-scott-kegley

Einstein Was Right – Try The Sane Alternative to a Ceasefire in Gaza! Albert Einstein famously said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Compelling Israel once again to pull back from a decisive victory in Gaza seems to fit that description. President Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week and is expected to press his guest to accept a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas. The predictable result would be to give Hamas what their patrons – the Iranian mullahs – got from the last one in Iran: namely, a new lease on life. Compelling the Israelis to withdraw from parts of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Hamas simply means the war there will resume in due course – and under circumstances significantly less favorable to both the Israelis and us. The time has come to try the sane alternative: Let Israel finish the job.   This is Frank Gaffney

Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac talk about the biggest local and national headlines in The Front Page! On this edition of The Front Page, Mike, Beau, and Ali react to Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith signing an NIL Deal with Adidas even though Ohio State is a Nike school.

Growing your online coaching business requires an email list, and in order to grow your email list, you'll need a compelling lead magnet—aka, a freebie. But giving something away for free isn't always enough to interest someone. Your lead magnet needs to have a ton of value and helps your potential client start to solve a problem they already know they have. Today, Jill shares the types of lead magnets that do best, and teaches you how to message your offer in a way that ensures your leads understand the value of what they're opting in to.    Get on the waitlist for FBA: https://jillfitfree.com/fba-waitlist/   Jill is a fitness professional and business coach who effectively made the transition from training clients in person and having no time to build anything else to training clients online and actually being more successful. Today, Jill helps other coaches to do the same.   Connect with me! Instagram: @jillfit | @fitbizu Facebook: @jillfit Website: jillfit.com     lead magnets, email marketing, online coaching, freebies, high utility, messaging, evergreen content, audience engagement, digital marketing, business growth

Is Cooper Flagg the most compelling #1 pick since LeBron? I LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina QB I FSU QB calls out Alabama

If you're waiting for an objection to show up, you're missing a HUGE opportunity to lead.In this episode, Laurie-Ann Murabito delves into the art of addressing disempowering beliefs in your speeches. She shares her expertise on handling objections that your audience may have, about money, time, and belief. If you want to understand how to skillfully navigate objections and inspire your audience to take action, this episode is a must-listen.Laurie-Ann narrates a compelling story about a gentleman who was so moved by her speech that he booked a call with her, despite initially feeling that he couldn't afford it. Through this episode, you'll discover how to artfully address objections and become more adept at captivating your audience, gaining their trust, and ultimately inspiring them to act.You'll will learn:The three primary objection categories: money, time, and belief, and how to address them effectively in your speechesTechniques for using stories, analogies, and metaphors to counter objections and captivate your audienceStrategies to increase audience engagement and inspire action, ultimately leading to more successful offers, sales, and relationships***Join IN Demand, the Membership at: https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/IND*****Craft your Compelling, Captivating, and Converting speech. Take $250 off with code BIDLISTENER at https://speakandstandout.com/offer-indss *****Links and resources mentioned in this episode:Get your copy of 17 Magic Phrases at https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/MagicGrab the FREE resource Directory of Places to Speak https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/DirectoryFollow me on Instagram at https://instagram.com/laurieann.murabitoClick and read more over on my website. https://SpeakAndStandOut.comIf you're looking for support to grow your business faster, get fully booked and profitable, book a call to explore if you'd be a good fit for one of my programs. schedule a call at. https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/Discovery

Part 1 Ace by Angela Chen Summary"Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex" by Angela Chen is a groundbreaking exploration of asexuality and its implications on broader societal understandings of sexuality. In this book, Chen provides an intimate glimpse into the lives and experiences of asexual individuals while also dissecting the cultural narratives surrounding sex and desire. Key Themes and Insights: Defining Asexuality: Chen starts by defining asexuality as a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction towards others. She explains that asexuality exists on a spectrum and includes a range of experiences, including those who may engage in sex for various reasons despite not feeling sexual attraction.Cultural Context: The book examines the societal pressures and expectations surrounding sexual relationships, arguing that our culture often equates self-worth with sexual desirability. Chen discusses how these norms can marginalize asexual individuals and leads to misconceptions about their identities.Personal Narratives: Throughout the book, Chen weaves personal stories and interviews from members of the asexual community. These narratives highlight the complexities of navigating relationships, intimacy, and societal expectations as an asexual person. Intersectionality: Chen addresses how asexuality intersects with other identities, including gender, race, and mental health. She emphasizes that asexual individuals face unique challenges that can be compounded by other aspects of their identity.Redefining Desire: The author challenges traditional definitions of desire and intimacy, exploring how non-sexual forms of intimacy can be just as valid and fulfilling. "Ace" promotes a broader understanding of what sexual and romantic relationships can look like beyond conventional frameworks.Community and Belonging: Chen discusses the importance of community and belonging within the asexual population. She emphasizes the significance of finding spaces where asexual individuals can share their experiences and foster connections without the weight of societal expectations.Implications for Society: Finally, the book poses essential questions about the meaning of sex in society and how acknowledging diverse sexual orientations can lead to greater acceptance and understanding of human relationships. Chen argues for a reexamination of our cultural values regarding sex and intimacy.In summary, "Ace" not only serves as an informative resource on asexuality but also challenges readers to rethink preconceived notions about desire, intimacy, and the spectrum of human sexuality. It invites a broader conversation about acceptance and representation in a world where sexual relationships are often prioritized.Part 2 Ace AuthorAngela Chen is a prominent writer and advocate for asexuality, best known for her book "Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex," which was released on September 10, 2020. This book explores the concept of asexuality and its implications on broader discussions of desire and sexuality in society. Chen's work is noted for its insightful analysis and personal anecdotes, helping to raise awareness and understanding of asexuality.Part 3 Ace ChaptersTheme: The overall theme of "Ace" by Angela Chen revolves around the understanding of asexuality and the normalization of diverse sexual orientations. The book advocates for the visibility of asexual people and explores the complexities of intimacy, relationships, and identity beyond traditional narratives of sexuality. It emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding within romantic relationships, while also celebrating asexuality as a valid and real experience. Main Chapter Content: Introduction to Asexuality: Chen introduces the concept of...

A family moves into a newly built home only to discover something is already there — and it's not going anywhere. A dreamlike run turns into something unforgettable when a listener encounters a presence from her past. A pair of UFO sightings—one at sea and one on the beach—leave witnesses wondering who or what is really out there. A haunted furniture store stirs up unusual activity that even drives away customers. And an unsettling voice in the night leads to a chilling series of events for one listener. Compelling, true stories shared by the people who lived them. It's what Campfire is all about. -- Want more Campfire? Access hundreds of archived episodes and exclusive remastered content by joining Jim's Plus Club at https://jimharold.com/plus -- CALM We're so happy to partner with Calm. Calm is the app designed to help you ease stress and get the best sleep of your life. Calm is offering Campfire listeners a special limited time promotion of 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at https://calm.com/campfire HERO BREAD No compromises. Just flavor. Ultra-low NET carbs, 0g of sugar, and high in fiber. Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to https://hero.co and use code CAMPFIRE at checkout. --For more information on our podcast data policy CLICK HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSN Hockey Analyst Jamie McLennan joined OverDrive to discuss the headlines around the Stanley Cup Final, Stuart Skinner getting the start in the crease and his mindset back in the net, Sergei Bobrovsky looking for a big game and becoming the X-factor in the series and more.

Part 1 Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood Summary"Women Who Love Too Much" by Robin Norwood is a self-help book that explores the emotional struggles that many women face in their romantic relationships, particularly when they find themselves in patterns of loving men who are emotionally unavailable or problematic. The book was first published in 1985 and has since gained a significant following. Summary:Core Concepts:The central premise of the book is that many women often find themselves in love with men who are either addicted to substances, emotionally uninvolved, or otherwise unhealthy for them. Norwood suggests that these women often engage in self-destructive behaviors in the name of love and sacrifice their own needs and well-being for the sake of their relationships.Characteristics of Women Who Love Too Much:Norwood identifies several traits commonly seen in women who develop these patterns:Difficulty setting boundaries in relationships.A tendency to prioritize their partner's needs over their own.An inclination to seek out or remain in relationships with men who are less likely to reciprocate their love or support.A deep-seated need to 'fix' or rescue their partners.Psychological Insights:The book delves into the psychological roots of this behavior, often linking it to early childhood experiences, underlying issues of self-esteem, and past familial dynamics. Many of these women might have grown up in environments where love was conditional or tied to performance, leading to maladaptive patterns in their adult relationships.Healing and Empowerment:Norwood emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and encourages readers to examine their past and patterns of behavior. She provides practical advice and exercises designed to help women reclaim their sense of self-worth, establish healthy boundaries, and seek out healthier, more rewarding relationships. Support and Change:A significant theme of the book is the importance of support systems, whether through therapy, support groups, or friendships, to help these women navigate through their feelings and make positive changes in their lives. Conclusion:"Women Who Love Too Much" serves as both a cautionary tale and a guide for women who find themselves caught in cycles of unhealthy love. Norwood's approach combines personal stories, psychological insights, and actionable advice, making it a valuable read for anyone seeking to understand and overcome patterns of self-destructive love in their lives.Part 2 Women Who Love Too Much AuthorRobin Norwood is an American author and psychotherapist known for her work in the area of relationships, particularly concerning women who find themselves in unhealthy romantic situations. Norwood released her highly acclaimed book, "Women Who Love Too Much," in 1985. This book examines the patterns and behaviors of women who often pursue unhealthy relationships and offers insights and guidance for healing and personal growth. Other Notable Works:In addition to "Women Who Love Too Much," Robin Norwood has authored several other books, including: "Letters from Women Who Love Too Much" (1991) A follow-up that features letters and stories from women, reflecting on their struggles and experiences related to love and relationships. "The Emotionally Abusive Relationship: How to Stop Being Mistreated and How to Stop Mistreating" (1995) This book provides insight and strategies for individuals involved in emotionally abusive relationships. "Daily Affirmations for Women Who Love Too Much" (1999) A collection of affirmations aimed at empowering women to break free from unhealthy patterns. "Women Who Love Too Much: When You Keep Wishing and Hoping for the Love You Know You Deserve" An updated version or re-release of her original book that includes new...

Welcome back to What If I'm Wrong? A show where we might not give you the answers, but we will ask some really good questions. On today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Nijay Gupta. Nijay K. Gupta serves as Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. He has written or edited more than twenty books including the award-winning and best-selling titles Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church and Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling. Nijay is a senior translator for the New Living Translation and also serves on the Theological Advisory Council of YoungLife USA. He co-hosts the Slow Theology Podcast and writes about the Bible in his Substack "Engaging Scripture" (https://nijaykgupta.substack.com/).  This month, we are in a series on Theology! What could you be getting wrong about the Bible? - and this week we are discussing: Hard Faith Questions. Heather shares about the word repentance—how it's more than just an apology; it's a radical turning point that transforms a person's life. Join host Heather Thompson Day and submission specialist Haley Hoskins as they explore the topic of When Faith Meets Hard Questions: Wrestling with God's Presence, Promises, and Power. In Day in the Bible, Heather shares about righteousness and how we can be in right relationship with God and others. Have a story to share? Email us at whatifimwrongpod@gmail.com. “I have to die to flesh and I have to just give up on the American dream, the selfish dream, the fleshly dream, and only live the dream of Christ.” - Nijay Gupta Host Bio:  Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an interdenominational speaker, an ECPA bestseller, and has been a contributor for Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Newsweek and the Barna Group.  Heather was a communication professor for 13 years teaching both graduate and undergraduate students in Public Speaking, Persuasion, and Social Media. She is now the founder of It Is Day Ministries, a nonprofit organization that trains churches, leaders, and laypeople in what Heather calls Cross Communication, a gospel centered communication approach that points you higher, to the cross, every time you open your mouth.  Heather's writing has been featured on outlets like the Today Show, and the National Communication Association. She has been interviewed by BBC Radio Live and The Wall Street Journal.  She believes her calling is to stand in the gaps of our churches. She is the author of 9 books; including It's Not Your Turn, I'll See You Tomorrow, and What If I'm Wrong? Heather's Social Media Heather's Instagram Heather's Website  Heather's TikTok Heather's YouTube  Haley's Social media Haley's Instagram Savannah's Social Media Savannah's IG What If I'm Wrong Social Media What If I'm Wrong Instagram  What If I'm Wrong YouTube What If I'm Wrong Tik Tok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a young girl goes missing under mysterious circumstances, a man claiming to be her father quickly becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. Lies, theft, strange behavior, and murky relationships coalesce with a suicide in a National Park and more questions than answers. A look into why this case ended up on Israel Keyes's computer highlights a suspicious trip, a weird time in his life, and a missing person's case Josh just can't shake.  Written and Researched by Shana Wilensky and Josh Hallmark.Edited and Produced by Josh Hallmark. Book your Trova Trip to Bali!SPONSORSBetterHelp: Get 10% off your first monthGreen Chef: Get free salads for 2 months, plus 50% off your first box with promo code TRUECRIMEBSFREESources include: For The Love of ReachelleReachelle Marie Smith – The Charley ProjectEpisode 081: Reachelle Marie Smith – Bite-Sized CrimeHunting at Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge | FWS.govReachelle Smith - Amber Alert is issued - Newspapers.com™Alert: Cowen may be headed to Kansas - Newspapers.com™Girl still missing; man dead - Newspapers.com™Missing: Volunteers continue search - Newspapers.com™Search covers refuge - Newspapers.com™Case haunts retiring police chief - Newspapers.com™Officers volunteering their off-duty time to search - Newspapers.com™Riders comb ditches in search - Newspapers.com™Family still hopes child can be found - Newspapers.com™Dog handler continuing search for Reachelle Smith - Newspapers.com™Year later, mother still has hope for daughter - Newspapers.com™Police close cold case - Newspapers.com™Minot police: “Compelling evidence” points to murder of Minot 3-year-old in 2006 | KX NEWSCNN.com - TranscriptsMusic by: Alex Preston, 9 Moons, Lightless Voids, The Construct of TimeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-bullsh--3588169/support.