Podcasts about complicating

In the age of AI, there's no going it alone. Partnership is now an absolute necessity. This conversation between Colleen Kapase, VP of Channels and Partner Programs at Google Cloud, and Elaina Shekhter, EPAM's Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, demonstrates the value of partnership done right. Their back-and-forth embodies the enduring partnership, and unshakable trust, that Goole Cloud and EPAM have built over the years. Kapase notes that the conversations she's had with partners were often about modernizing cloud infrastructure rather than more nuanced AI discussions. No more! “It's moved beyond a CIO conversation to a product conversation, to a CMO conversation.” Google and their partners are asking: “What are you doing to leverage AI to advance our products or offerings or processes and customer experience?” This kind of working is, Kapase says, an opportunity to “grow, grow, grow, grow” that can deeply impact their partners' customer experience and product development. Shekhter says that lately there has been much restructuring of the partner ecosystem and then asks bluntly: What is partnership *for?* “Just delighting the customer,” says Kapase. “I don't know if it gets any more complicated than that.” Complicating things somewhat, Shekhter wonders if her interlocutor has advice on how partnership can be customer-centric in AI-native transformation work. “It can sound basic, but communication is *so* important,” says Kapase. “It is really the basis of any great partnership… Strong communication just can make you better together.” Better together, indeed. So, for those who are in or want to join the Google Cloud crowd, or care about partnerships more generally, listen up! Much here to learn about partner-driven delivery and adoption, the role of Agentspace and AI innovation, the importance of optimism, and more.

Last week, President Trump suggested the agriculture industry might be spared from his immigration crackdown. But Tuesday, Homeland Security officials confirmed there would be no change to enforcement policy — and no workplace safe from potential raids. We look at what this means economically and politically. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, immigration policy reporter Ximena Bustillo, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley. This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Lexie Schapitl. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Konnichiwa Minna-san! Welcome to episode 217! In this month's episode, I'm reviewing the Netflix TV series "My Housekeeper Nagisa-san," or in Japanese, "Watashi no Kaseifu Nagisa-san."The story follows Mei Aihara (played by Mikako Tabe), a single woman who works diligently as a medical representative for a pharmaceutical company. However, unlike her professional skills, she struggles with housework. On the night of her 28th birthday, a mysterious man appears in her messy home. This man is Nagisa Shigino (played by Nao Omori), an exceptional housekeeper. Although Mei is hesitant to hire him, she ultimately decides to bring him on board as her housekeeper.Complicating matters, Yuta Tadokoro (played by Koji Seto) enters Mei's life. He works as a medical representative for a rival pharmaceutical company.Having watched the show, I'm excited to share my thoughts on this romantic comedy! Enjoy the episode, and Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu, Minna-san!Here are all the info links to my podcast episodes, social media, and podcast merch: https://linktr.eeSmoothtokyothepodcast.

In trying times, we all look for leadership. But leadership skills have to come from somewhere. Understanding how, where and why these skills develop is an important part of the continuing journey to more inclusive and collaborative leadership practice.   Dr Nicola Patterson, Dr Amy Stabler and Professor Sharon Mavin discuss the programme they lead at Newcastle University Business School. The MSc in Strategic Leadership course seeks to engage with leadership learners in a critical way, so as to unlearn traditional 'norms' of leadership and open new approaches to foster inclusive, sustainable and reflexive leadership practices. Read the original article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13505076231162717 

Tiff and Britt explain the right way to achieve case acceptance — without over-complicating or over-simplifying. Getting this down will increase trust among team members and help keep your schedules on track. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: The Dental A Team (00:01) Hello, Dental A Team listeners. I am so excited to be here today. I have Miss Brittany Stone. I pull her in every now and again as often as I can to do recordings with me. And I love, love, love nothing more than having Britt here. I love having all of the consultants in a rotation, but Britt is, you know, a special OG podcaster.   She has been with me since the beginning of time on these podcasts, it feels like. So, Britt, thank you so much for being here today. How are you? It is a beautiful Monday morning for us. I'm actually a little warm. It's getting hotter in Phoenix again, but Britt, how are you today?   Britt (00:40) I'm doing good. I mean, it's the time of year where shade is beautiful, right? Like it makes a big difference. And right now in the shade, it is still very nice. It's just the direct sunlight that's a little bit warmer. So it is a gorgeous day outside and I will still definitely go get out on a ride later today. So but happy to be here. It's always fun. I feel like we said it before like these are times like geek out together. So it's like hangout time, but we get everybody else to come along with us and listen to the fun things we chat   The Dental A Team (00:43) Yes.   fair.   That's so true. I do love bringing them on rides. I always make Dana talk about like workout apparel and have something for me to do.   Britt (01:12) Dana's like the   deaf queen. need something like Dana's got whatever it is that you need.   The Dental A Team (01:20) know,   I know I love it. So I just pick and choose like what do I need from who's on who's on with me today and what can I gather from them and you are my outdoors like Dana's outdoors too, but she's my apparel and my protein. You're my like outdoors you're doing Grand Canyon this weekend, I was supposed to be doing it next weekend. I don't think I am but you are doing it Friday. So in just a couple days, are you prepped and ready? I don't know that there's every day that anyone says yes, I'm ready. But are you prepped and ready?   for the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, guys. She is hiking from one rim of the canyon to the other rim of the canyon. It's a big deal.   Britt (01:54) in one day.   yeah, it's four days away and I'm as ready as I'm gonna be. Like at this point, like let's go.   The Dental A Team (02:01) Yeah.   I agree. agree. I'm near doing it in one day, which we had planned on doing as well. I was calculating the other day based on like how our hike was going what I felt like our timing was going to be. And I calculated with the addition of the extra like two ish miles because the bridge is closed. ⁓ I was thinking like a good 20 minute a mile pace obviously would get you to like 10 hours but then that's no breaks. That's a freaking hauling pace.   Britt (02:20) Correct?   The Dental A Team (02:31) So I thought for us it was gonna probably be like 12 to 13 hours. Is that what you're thinking? Yeah.   Britt (02:37) Yeah, and I have to remind myself, like it's one of those things. I'm a power through girly for most things, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. And so from things I've read, they're like, take a break every hour, eat something every hour, make sure you're hydrating. So I'm gonna try to do that. And they say, get down the canyon in the first like third of whatever time you're planning and it's gonna take you like double that time to get out. So that's fun.   The Dental A Team (03:05) good. Good. That's what I was thinking too. Like, take your time. That's what we were saying when we checked our pace, did like almost we did nine and a half, 10 miles, and kept like a 20 to 25 minute pace and it was fine. But it was like, that's a third of what we are going to be doing. so making sure that was to get down. So that was, you know, get down in that amount of time.   Britt (03:08) Yeah.   The Dental A Team (03:26) But I'm excited for you. can't wait to hear about it. You're to have to post pictures, send them to our marketing team so that we can see a Duna-Lay team out on the rim to rim. It's something that our team has been actually talking about for a couple of years now. So Britt's going to be the first one to overcome that bucket list item for us and test it out. So she's our test queen.   Britt (03:44) We'll see if   I go do it with you again when someone else wants to go do it or if it's like, I did that once, I'm good.   The Dental A Team (03:51) Yeah, yeah, well, hopefully it's I'll do it with you again, because   it sounds like my Grand Canyon partner is you know, he's younger than me, but he's an old man and is falling apart. So he may not be able to do it. So you might have to do it with me later. So you just keep me posted. That's true. That's true. That's true.   Britt (04:04) You and I can do it, and Damon will crush us all. We know this, but we can always go and do it. So yes, I will   keep you posted. I will take pictures. I know no matter what, it'll be gorgeous, and that's what it's all about.   The Dental A Team (04:15) Yeah, good. I'm excited for it. And I just, I'm so impressed. So super cool. I can't wait to see pictures and everyone who's listening, you're welcome for the adventure there and keep your eyes peeled. If you don't know what the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim is, go look it up because you need to understand what she's doing. It's a big deal. ⁓ and Erin, it's a fee. And Erin keeps reminding me because, and I grew up in Arizona. And so I think that we've talked about this before. We think like,   Britt (04:34) It's a scene.   The Dental A Team (04:43) to the Grand Canyon. It's a giant hole in the ground. It's been there forever. I grew up here. It's not a big deal. And Aaron's like from Oregon. He's like, it's a one like it's one of the wonders of the world. And so we definitely take it for granted. So I'm sure a lot of listeners here like you guys are crazy, which actually that I was talking to him about this on Saturday while we were hiking and I'm like, gosh, I know I take this for granted. But I said, you know what, actually, it's kind of like in dentistry, when we're diagnosing and we're just like, you need this and we're using all this terminology that   us is so like second nature. It's so just ingrained in us and it makes sense. But to the other people, it doesn't. And I correlated that thought process of like, for me, the Grand Canyon is something that has and will always be there. And it's just like a part of my life. I take it for granted because I grew up in Arizona. I'm like, I've never even really spent time there because I'm like, Matt's there. I'll do it someday.   Britt (05:38) I've it. I've seen it.   The Dental A Team (05:40) And he's like, people come from out of the country to see the Grand Canyon. To me, that's freaking wild. But that's the difference, right? In communication, even, and understanding. And I think it flows that idea, that mindset of like, what are we taking for granted? What are we skimming past because it's natural for us or it's always there. And I think we skim past a lot of times, relationship building or ⁓   focusing on like the problem when we're treatment planning and jumping to the just the solution and speaking in words and terminology maybe that people don't necessarily like relate to and that relating piece is massive and it's kind of that same we all have spaces of life that we just take for granted and we skim past like the Grand Canyon and 7th wonder of the freaking world right it's that communication space and I think ⁓ on this Grand Canyon topic here   Britt (06:29) you   The Dental A Team (06:36) your case acceptance directly correlates. And I'm sure Erin was like, this is super cool. We're talking dentistry on our hike. I'm talking about the grand canyon. But it's so true. And Brett, have you seen that? I know you consult a lot of practices too. And have you seen that too, where it's like, gosh, we're just, and you've been a hygienist actually, right? So just speaking to the like solution, like, you need a crown, you need a bridge, you need an implant, you need full mouth reconstruction. And patients are like glazed over like, cool, really, really   Britt (06:42) Yeah.   The Dental A Team (07:05) diving into that, Britt, what have you seen within that and how do we get back to like basics on how to simplify case acceptance increasing because we do overcomplicate it in my opinion.   Britt (07:18) I agree, we overcomplicate it, but we also oversimplify at the same time. I think when it comes to talking to patients about things, because these are things that are, we don't even have to think about them. We are around all day long, this is what we're trained to do, so identifying it, knowing it's important, they're just things that come so easy to us, kind of like the Grand Canyon thing that I'm like, yeah, I've seen it a couple times, but you know, it's fine. ⁓   The Dental A Team (07:23) Yeah.   there.   Britt (07:46) But with patients, think often what we'll do is we will like gloss over parts of it to where, and we think that we can say like a couple words and like, you need this. And they're going to be like, yeah, absolutely. I need that. And they're going to make sure it gets done because in our brain it makes complete sense that that's what needs to happen. And I like to try to remind people when it comes to how we present treatment.   ultimately getting patients to the point of doing their treatment. Like that is truly where we are playing the advocate for that patient. And so in it, like, yes, it'll be thrown around that it sells all of these different things, but really it's how can I explain it in a way to where that patient one understands what's needed, what the problem is, what will happen if they don't do anything and how we can get that thing done.   And my job is to help to make that as simple, as clear as possible to where they understand it and they get that treatment done instead of sometimes just short-changing pieces of it to where they don't really understand and they're saying no. And I'm like, well, it's their choice. And I'm like, but did I really explain it to where they understand what choice they're making?   The Dental A Team (08:58) Yeah, that's a really good point. I like how you said that like over complicating, but oversimplifying because there's that middle ground, right of like, walking, we're going too fast. And so we exhaust ourselves halfway through the Grand Canyon hike or we're going too slow. And now it's night when we're getting out and that's scary. So it's like finding that middle ground of pace to make the perfect run to run hike, I think it was actually perfect. had a client call last week that they were like,   And this I think is super common. We've heard this a million times, right? Like he's taking too long in the exams. He's explaining everything, right? It's like, okay, are they a details person? Are they a bullet point person? Really being able to gauge the human that you're talking to, the patient in the chair and getting some of that information. you mentioned like making sure the team is supporting the doctor. And I, when I speak to doctors in relation like this, I really like to call them the support team.   And I know everybody calls them like employees or my employees or they're my staff or they're my team. And if you attach that support team to it, like they're really here to support you. So having them help to prep the patient. So handoffs are essential and making sure like, ⁓ they know they bring led to the fact that there's potentially something going on here. So that's that co-diagnosis space, right? Which I think is a hard word to understand because the word diagnosis is in there and you're not actually diagnosing. You're just like,   leading them down a path that there may be a diagnosis, I think it gets a little confusing.   Britt (10:27) diagnose, preheat, whatever term that you want to use, I'll tell you my view in my hygiene brain and I think, again as an assistant, you should think the same way. If I'm sitting there complaining about how long an exam is taking and it's not because the doctor is talking about personal stuff and chit chatting with this patient on the personal side of things, I didn't do my job well.   The Dental A Team (10:29) 3D.   Yes.   Britt (10:53) Because if I did my job well, I would have already talked about most of those things to that patient, to where the doctor doesn't have to have that full conversation. I can recap it, say, hey, here's what's going on. Here's what I see. Here's what we talked about. We want to make sure you take a look at it, doc, to see what's needed and confirm, you know, if there's anything that's needed there. Cause then I, I've cut down 90 % of that conversation for them. And I like to be on time. I think most hygienists like to be on time.   One of the things that I loved about being a hygienist is like, I'm running my column. Like that's part of the beauty is that I have a lot of control over how that day runs. It's just my exam part. And I have a lot of control over how that exam goes if I prep.   The Dental A Team (11:37) 100 % agree. I had a client two weeks ago, speaking with a doctor because their team was like, Tiff, like, I can't get him into these other appointments. And these are running long and blah, blah, blah. So I go into the call thinking like, all right, I got to get this doctor in shape. Like, what is what is he doing that's holding them back from being on time in these other areas? And what it came down to realistically was the inconsistency in the information.   from the support team going to the doctors and the inconsistency in having a support team in the room with the doctor. And so when I go in like, okay, you gotta cut down exams. And he is like, well, that's cool. But like, it's so inconsistent. That makes me think, right? So you're saying pass off that information, gather the information, pass it off. I hated nothing more as a dental assistant than to be gathering the information and then it not being used.   And you know, that's still to this day. If I make something, if I create something, if I get the information and the data and then it's not, it's overlooked, it's not used, or I'm asked to create it again, I will freak out. It's just, it's just who I am as a human and Brit does really well with me. ⁓ but this team specifically, right. was intermittently, like sometimes they had it, sometimes they passed it off. Sometimes they did it. Sometimes they were in the room with him to anesthetize.   So they were giving a handoff like sometimes they weren't. So then what happens is you're training that doctor to not trust that the information's going to be there. So the team is upset and they're like, well, it's like he asks the questions as if we didn't do it correctly. And I said, whoa, whoa, whoa, I think he's asking the questions because he's not always trusting that it was done.   And now his routine is to just do it, whether you've done it or not. So to the support team and to the doctors who need to train their support team, train that consistency. And the inconsistency of it is what will break it apart. Your exams will go long and truth be told, your case acceptance decreases. The trust that you guys have, chair side, the communication and the relationship that you and your support team have, it builds the trust for the patient. They can feel it.   And when you pass off that information correctly, when you preheat the patient, you pass it off, you guys are in communication, you're in communication with the patient, the patient is like, this is fantastic, like this is going to save my tooth, this is going to get rid of this problem because we're speaking to the problem, the solution and the consequence, right? So what's the problem that we're fixing? And when we're all speaking that same language around the same thing, the patients are like, this is fantastic.   I do need this fixed and your case acceptance will increase. But if you doctors are carrying all the load or if hygienists are carrying the load and the doctors are like, cool story bro, whatever, we're not sharing it, right? We're not sharing the support there. Your case acceptance won't be as high as if those other pieces are in place. So, Brett, I think one of the pieces, speaking to the team that is inconsistent and speaking to the doctor, you pulled out one of my favorite words, control.   Britt (14:45) Hahaha   The Dental A Team (14:45) And I   like to speak to teams and doctors of like, yes, that's a problem. What is, what aspect of control do you have to fix that problem? Cause what happens is in human life in general, we get wrapped up in the problem and we're like, hands in the air. Like I didn't do it. That's on you. And we wait for someone else to fix it. But the reality is we do have some control over it. So doctors creating and forming those habits coming in and being like, Hey, what you got for me?   Instead of barreling in and being like, how's that tooth feeling? Let's look at your x-rays. Your consistency and your habit you form is to come into a room and acknowledge the team first, patient after.   Britt (15:29) love that you brought up consistency, right? And when I'm consistent, right? We're humans of pattern, right? Like we like habits, we like to follow the same pattern. So agree, that's when I am a consistent human and doing things the same way. Then kind of like the control piece, I'm like, then I have more control if I'm consistent that I know that that other person is usually going to follow along for the   part and maybe we've got to have a conversation to clear something up but if they know what they can expect of me and I'm gonna show up for them every single time then it makes life a lot easier and so I think of it that way too like when I'm doing exams with doctors right usually if a doctor is gonna repeat everything I already talked about it's because I didn't hop in soon enough and give them enough of a like rundown of what we already had a conversation about so that's me so if they start doing that then that's a me problem okay I need to   hop in soon enough and make sure I give them a good enough recap of what we've already talked about so they don't need to repeat that conversation. I will tell you guys, doctors, you might have a hard time letting go of these things, but team members, ultimately doctors want to let go of these things and they want you to step up so they can and everything's gonna run much more efficiently when we can do that is when team members are able to take care of as much as they possibly can.   make your doctor's life as easy as possible by teeing them up and making I love it because I'm like, if I am on point in my communication, that doctor is just going to follow me. Even if I don't know that doctor very well, like I could, I've temped in offices before I could go temp in an office. And if I follow the same way I do it every single time, because it leads them right into what's next and what's needed. And then I happen to do my part and they finish it off. I guarantee you within a day of working with a brand new doctor.   I can have them in a flow of how I'm running hands down because I'm doing my part consistently.   The Dental A Team (17:30) Agreed. I totally agree. I've done it. I've done the same thing. I've come as a dental assistant for an office and the doctor was like, this is amazing. I was like, I can't have it any other way because then I don't have control over the timing of the appointment and I'm responsible for your schedule being on time. And so if I allow you the control, you have no idea what time it is, you have no idea what's coming after this appointment. I do I have that information. And I'm responsible. People are going to come to me, right? That's what   this doctor was like, the assistants and the assistants like, well, the doctor and I'm like, well, it's the assistants like assistants, your goal, your job is to ensure that we're running on time and that the doctor has everything that they need. Now doctors, that doesn't mean you get to chat all day and blame it on the assistants. means you've got to follow their lead and you've got to train your assistants in what that needs to look like. And then your assistants train you and how they're going to do it. So you've to find a really great assistant or train a really great assistant to understand that and get it.   They're out there and they're freaking amazing. But the biggest piece there I think to speak to right is the control factor. What can you what aspect of control in this problem do you have? And if the problem is, is your case acceptance is not high enough. It's not always more calls you guys, it might be. But my goal as a treatment coordinator is that I don't have calls to make. So if there are a lot of calls to make, I usually tell practices if you've got a ton of money and outstanding treatment,   That's not actually your issue. Your issue is why aren't they accepting treatment planning? Why are they going on to a list to be called? So if you're like hammering calls, hammering calls, hammering calls, and that's the only thing you're focusing on, you're missing a huge aspect of case acceptance because there's a piece there that's not being hit on. And typically it's like that tit for tat space of like, well, he did this or she did this or hygienist did this, dental assistants aren't stepping up. Like, wait, how can I?   control the narrative and build a habit, form a habit out of this. So how can I get the support from my team? That comes down to I think, Britt, you nailed this of like, what do you want? So doctors, a limited exam, this is the one that gets the most wild because it could be anything. We don't know what the patient's coming in for. What are the three to five things, things of information, pieces of information that you want for every limited exam, right? Are they taking any medication?   Is the medication helping on a scale of one to 10? What does the pain feel like? When did it start? What have you done to try to help it so far? And then caveat, if it's a patient of record, did we diagnose something there, right? So like those are, that's the same thing for all exams. How can my team preheat my patient and support me in that? And then speaking to the problem, going back to the Grand Canyon, you know,   Britt (20:08) I'm sorry.   The Dental A Team (20:23) purse piece there, excuse me, the Grand Canyon piece there is how can we make sure that we're finding that perfect piece and we're not giving too much information overwhelming them and confusing them, but we're not oversimplifying where it's like, you need a phrenectomy and a triple crown and whatever, like these crazy words that they're just like glazed over, yeah, okay, and then we're wondering why they didn't accept, you gotta find that perfect piece in the middle.   Britt (20:40) Yes.   The Dental A Team (20:49) your support team, I think can help find that too. Because Britt, I'm sure there have been plenty of times where you're like, hey, this guy is like an in and out, like he just wants the information and then he'll ask questions. But then you probably had the ones too, where it's like, they want all the details. I've given them a ton. And we're going to pass it off because those ones, right, are the ones that get pretty lengthy.   Britt (21:09) Yeah, and I know right in my personality, I am a detailed person. I like to understand all the things, but that is not everyone. And so surely I need to be aware of that. And then yes, I've got whatever you guys want in your process, right of how we talk about things when we follow the same process, we speak the same language, right? It makes everybody's life a lot easier and it makes us come across also more confident and polished to those patients so that they   understand, believe in, are ready to do the treatment that they need to take care of their oral health. But I think along with that is making sure that we are able to, ⁓ I don't know, just have it be really nice and smooth for that patient and be on point and adjust when needed for personality, right? So like I can identify and see pretty quickly someone who loves the details or I'm like, great, I'm gonna   I'm gonna make sure I give them the why. I still don't wanna spend waste time on unnecessary details, right? But I'm gonna make sure I give them the why. And you're right, my deep personalities, I mean, you guys, worked in Arlington, Virginia for how long? It is a big city and they are movers and shakers and you wanna talk about a straight personality, they've got them. So I'm like, I need to not make this person super annoyed by me. Here's the nuts and bolts. What questions do you have? Doctor will come in and let you know. Like keep it nice and simple.   The Dental A Team (22:33) Yeah.   Yeah, yeah, I agree. think ⁓ these are all great points. I love everything you said, Britt, and coming from a hygienist mindset is perfect because that's doctors like that's what you need. You need a hygienist that's thinking that way too. Like, what does this patient need? How can I help the doctor to be successful in this exam and get that doctor going because a hygienist job, is patient care, education, and keeping on a schedule. And the control factor   a lot of hygienists will throw their hands in the air and be like, you know, I'm late again. Yeah, I'm late, but it's because well, how did how could I have adjusted what I did to ensure that we stayed on time so that that didn't happen? So I totally agree.   Britt (23:14) Yeah, that's where   yeah, guide them you guys at if a doctor feels supported, right, and they feel like you've got it handled to where they can follow your lead for hygienist and assistance. They will do it like again, they they're watching how many columns and you're in charge of one or two, right? So like they've got a lot going on in their head if they can trust that their team is there to take care of them and guide them to the right thing in conversation and   assistance, a great assistant tells the doctor where to go and where they need to be right now. It makes everybody's life a lot easier, most importantly, doctor. And doctor, if your team is not doing that, I would say look at do they know what the expectation is? Do they know what they can do? And then are you allowing them to do it?   The Dental A Team (24:03) Yeah, I think that's a great those are your great action items right there. Like what do want this to look like? Are you allowing them to do that? And what can you do to build those habits between yourself and the team to get those pieces going? So problem solution consequence always you guys that's easy. We all know that make sure you're speaking to the problem more than the solution. And getting that solidified. Make sure that those handoffs are there and that you guys are you guys are getting the information that you want. If you're not then ask for it just build them a template of what   Britt (24:06) you   The Dental A Team (24:32) information you want to get and then make sure that you're using it. You're taking it right. You're not just barreling in and the the team should know like hey grab the doctor's attention right away an introduction allowing for an introduction and the team needing to do an introduction will help save that every single time. So I love this Brett. Thank you. Thank you for doing the Grand Canyon first that you can let us know what it's like. I appreciate you.   Britt (24:55) I'll film.   The Dental A Team (24:57) I appreciate your input on this. You guys go increase your case acceptance. Again, if you're making massive amounts of calls, outgoing calls, try to fill a schedule and try to get the case acceptance, that means something internal prior to the patient's leaving is not working. There's a system, there's a step there that's not being dialed in. So look at the internal systems. Definitely always making calls, never forgetting about that, but the ultimate goal is that there's not calls to make.   Go get higher case acceptance. Britt, thank you so much for being here with me today. I hope you guys enjoyed this content. Listen back, take notes, do whatever you need to do. And as always, message us at Hello@TheDentalATeam.com for any questions, any resources. We are here to help you and go have a killer rest of your day.

This week, reports surfaced that the presence of the former President and GM Lou Lamoriello has hindered the Islanders' General Manager search. Can the Islanders risk having him around as they search for a new GM and prepare for the First Overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft? Also the NHL Playoffs provide more moments of shock and awe as Vegas Golden Knights' forward Reilly Smith scored with 0.4 seconds remaining against the Edmonton Oilers! And who is in control of the Florida Panthers / Toronto Maple Leafs series? What are your thoughts? Comment Below! We'd love to hear from you! BAH linktree: https://linktr.ee/bigapplehockey For more articles and opinions go to X, Instagram, For Big Apple Hockey MERCH buy here: https://www.ebay.com/usr/bigapplehockey Any footage used is considered Fair Use and we do not own the copyright for anything NOT held by us. This video features materials protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. For more Rangers coverage: Follow John Filkowski on Twitter: @92in82 For more Islanders News: Follow Anthony LaRocco on Twitter: @ALaRocco0801 #nhlplayoffs2025 #isles #nyr #bah #nhl #stanleycupplayoffs2025 Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:30 NHL Playoffs: Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights 9:50 NHL Playoffs: Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals 15:16 New York Rangers possible UFA Targets 33:40 Lou Lamoriello's presence turning off potential Islanders' GMs? 46:32 NHL Bar Talk: New York Rangers will trade 2 of their stars 56:15 NHL Bar Talk: New York Islanders' ownership will pressure new GM to draft James Hagens at number 1 1:06:12 NHL Bar Talk: Florida Panthers are in control of the series vs Toronto Maple Leafs 1:11:24 NHL Bar Talk: Miro Heiskanen coming back will put Dallas over the top against Winnipeg 1:15:54 NHL Bar Talk: Gary Bettman will bring a vote to the board of governors to expand to Atlanta this summer 1:26:50 BAH Pick 'EMs Grade the NHL Playoffs 1:44:55 Blind Rankings! 1:52:55 Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson off the MLB BANNED list 2:06:00 Viewer Q & A

Pete and Trevor saw Fight or Flight, the new action comedy starring Josh Hartnett and directed by James Madigan is his directorial debut. Listen for our immediate reactions after leaving the theatre. We also discussed Richard Donner's Superman (Christopher Reeves, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman) as part of our ongoing Project Superman to cover ever single live-action theatrical Superman. Don't forget to enter our ongoing contest to win a subscription to Letterboxd Patron: https://boxd.it/Gbt3OAbout the Movie:Fight or Flight follows exiled American agent Lucas Reyes (Josh Hartnett), who is given one last chance to redeem himself by tracking down a high-value target known as “The Ghost” on a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. Complicating matters, the plane is filled with assassins from around the world assigned to kill them both. Cast: Josh Hartnett as Lucas Reyes.Charithra Chandran as Isha.Katee Sackhoff appears as Katherine Brunt.Julian Kostov as Aaron Hunter.Marko Zaror as Cayenne.JuJu Chan Szeto as Master Lian.Crew: Directed by Intro (0:00)Review of Superman 1978 (9:05)Spoiler-free review of Fight or Flight (34:43)Spoiler-talk (44:58)

In this podcast we shedding light on rare and complex obstetric conditions that impact pregnancy and maternal health. Without the need for unnecessary alarm, which can happen in pregnancy, we dive into challenging medical cases, exploring the science, emotional weight, and real-world implications of conditions that are often under-discussed.      Connect With Us: YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories atyoutube.com/maternalresources. Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at @maternalresources. Facebook: Join our community at facebook.com/IntegrativeOB Tiktok: NatureBack Doc on TikTok Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for Birth—your guide to a empowered pregnancy and delivery. Shop now at naturebackbook.myshopify.com.    

Monday, 28 April 2025   Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” Matthew 9:29   “Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith, it became to you'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus asked the two blind men if they believed that He was able to have mercy on them. Their response was in the affirmative. With that remembered, it next says, “Then He touched their eyes.”   Jesus does this elsewhere, such as in Matthew 20:34. It would be an indication to them that there is no doubt where the power came from. However, this is not the only way that Jesus restores sight to the blind. In Mark 8, Jesus spat on a blind man's eyes, partially restored his vision, and then placed His hands on the man's eyes and brought him to full vision.   In John 9, Jesus spat on the ground, made clay with it, and then anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. From there, He instructed the man to go to the pool of Siloam and wash his eyes. When he did, he came back seeing.   Therefore, Jesus' various methods of restoring sight are instructive as much as they are curative. In this case, it is instructive to the men being healed that the power to heal has come from Him and that it came about when He touched them with His hands and then spoke the word. This restoration of sight would leave no doubt about who Jesus is because He would be the first person they would see.   Their testimony in this case would be infallible proof to those who knew them when they were blind. As such, upon touching their eyes, Jesus was “saying, ‘According to your faith, it be to you.'”   It is not the physical touching that healed them, nor is it their faith that healed them. They have professed faith, and that is what Jesus is acknowledging to them. In other words, “according to” isn't “If you have this much faith, you will be healed and if you don't, you won't be.” Rather, “according to” is in response to the faith they have already acknowledged.   The healing is then brought about by Jesus' spoken word. It would be like saying, “Because you have professed faith in My ability, I will now heal you. And so it is.”   Life application: The healing of these blind men is not unlike the process of our salvation. The Bible says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” Romans 10:9, 10   Jesus doesn't ask, “Just how much do you believe in your heart?” Every person's faith is on its own level. If Jesus were looking for a certain amount of faith, there would be a faith exam attached to the promise. No such thing exists. We are not asked to stand on a rooftop in an Islamic city and shout out that we have believed the gospel.   Nor are we told we must eat a habanero chili pepper to prove our faith. God reads the heart, and salvation is granted. These men professed faith in Jesus' ability to heal them. In turn, He healed them.   Understanding this should help us to understand the fallacy of “works as a demonstration of salvation.” This is a common teaching that says, “If you don't have works to support your profession of salvation, you are probably not saved.” This begs the obvious question, “What works? Just what exactly do I have to do to prove I am saved?”   The Bible doesn't specify any such thing. It does provide instructions on what we should do in our salvation, but it never makes them a proof test for our salvation. The blind men were healed, and there is no string attached to the healing, such as, “If you don't do what I say, you will lose your sight.”   In fact, there will appear to be a mark of disobedience in those men in the verses to come. But there is nothing to indicate that they somehow were re-blinded for it. In fact, the words indicate otherwise. We must keep the salvation message simple. Complicating it with requests for proof of salvation will only produce weak believers who will struggle with the surety of what Christ has done for them for the rest of their days.   Keep the gospel simple. From there, tell people to learn the Bible and apply it to their lives. In doing so, their walk with the Lord will be sound and their time in His presence will be sweet.   Lord God, may we be confident in our salvation, not because of an arrogant, haughty attitude, but because we understand what the word says. Christ died for our sins according to Scripture, He was buried, and He rose again on the third day according to Scripture. This is what You have asked us to believe in order to be saved. We do! Thank You for the salvation You have granted us. Amen.  

So many of you have been asking for an episode on plastic surgery culture for so long — but I knew I couldn't do it until I had the perfect co-host. Someone deeply familiar with the allure and contradictions that infuse the world of plastic surgery… but also conversant in plastic surgery as a form of gender and class performance. I needed Arabelle Sicardi — and was so thrilled when they agreed to come on the show. This conversation will take you to some very unexpected places: it will challenge you, alarm you, and I can promise you'll never look at Elon Musk the same again. This is one of my favorite episodes we've recorded — I think you'll quickly see why.Join the ranks of paid subscribers and get bonus content, access to the discussion threads, ad-free episodes, and the knowledge that you're supporting an indie pod trying to make its way in the world. If you're already a subscriber-- thank you! Join us in the discussion thread for this episode! Got a question or idea for a future episode? Visit culturestudypod.substack.comThank you to the sponsors of today's episode!Celebrate Earth Month and make the switch to Blueland today. Get 15% off your first order by going to Blueland.com/cultureStop putting off those doctors appointments! Go to Zocdoc.com/culture to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor. To hear more, visit culturestudypod.substack.com

Darshan H. Brahmbhatt, Podcast Editor of JACC: Advances, discusses a recently published original research paper on Cardiac Tamponade Complicating Type A Acute Aortic Dissection: Insights From 25 Years of Registry Research.

“When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, ‘As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” (Matthew 26:1–2 NLT) At the same time Jesus was breaking the news of His imminent death to His disciples, the leading priests and elders plotting His death were trying to work around a snag in their plans. Jesus was still popular with the Jewish people. (Their meeting was taking place only three days after Jesus’ triumphant arrival on Palm Sunday.) Complicating things even further was the fact that Passover was one of the holiest celebrations on the Jewish calendar. Executing someone many people believed to be the Messiah during Passover was a good way to start a riot. And a riot was the last thing the Jewish religious leaders wanted. Their goal was to maintain the status quo. The Romans were extremely tolerant of Jewish worship practices. Roman leaders understood that respecting the religious traditions and customs of conquered territories promoted stability in the empire. As long as things remained peaceful and orderly—and taxes were paid, of course—the Romans were content to let the Jewish priests and elders lead as they saw fit. Jesus threatened not only the status quo with Rome but also the leadership of the priests and elders. Throughout His ministry, He challenged their authority and exposed their hypocrisy. As He neared the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus became bolder in His challenges. He was forcing their hand so that they had no choice but to kill Him. Their task was made easier by the help of someone in Jesus’ inner circle. “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus” (Matthew 26:14–16 NLT). The Bible doesn’t say why Judas betrayed Jesus—only that “Satan entered into” him. What we do know is that Judas regretted his decision. When he heard that Jesus had been condemned to death, he hanged himself. The blood money he received was used to buy a potter’s field. Judas’ betrayal may seem like the ultimate surprise plot twist—the blindside that no one saw coming. But there’s one problem with that interpretation: His betrayal was prophesied centuries before it happened. David wrote, “Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me” (Psalm 41:9 NLT). The prophet Zechariah wrote, “And I said to them, ‘If you like, give me my wages, whatever I am worth; but only if you want to.’ So they counted out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—this magnificent sum at which they valued me! So I took the thirty coins and threw them to the potter in the Temple of the Lord” (Zechariah 11:12–13 NLT). Everything that led to Jesus’ death on the cross was carefully orchestrated by God. It was all part of His perfect plan of salvation. And it was driven by His amazing love for us. Reflection question: Why is it sometimes hard to see God’s plan at work? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weekly podcast of Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, led by Pastor Gregg S. Magee, Sr.

In this riveting episode of the OCD Whisperer podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with Mike Parker, a licensed clinical social worker and the creator of the popular YouTube channel OCD Space.   Together, they embark on a deep dive into the world of OCD and the transformative power of Inference based cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT). But what happens when doubt becomes the driving force behind every thought? And how can someone trapped in the cycle of obsessional doubt ever learn to trust their own mind again?   Mike Parker pulls back the curtain on the insidious nature of "obsessional doubt," a phenomenon that leaves individuals questioning their every thought, memory, and perception. Why do those with OCD feel compelled to seek reassurance over and over, even when they know it offers only fleeting relief? And how does this relentless doubt keep them locked in a prison of their own mind?   As the conversation deepens, Kristina and Mike explore the critical differences between ICBT and exposure and response prevention (ERP). But here's the burning question: Can understanding the origin of obsessive thoughts be the key to breaking free from their grip? Mike sheds light on how inferential confusion and obsessional doubt drive OCD.   This episode is a masterclass in navigating the labyrinth of OCD treatment. Will listeners walk away with a newfound understanding of how to confront their doubts? Or will the complexities of the human mind leave them questioning everything they thought they knew? Tune in to uncover the answers—and perhaps, a path to freedom. In This Episode [00:02]  Introduction to the episode   [00:56]  Understanding ICBT   [02:00]  Obsessional doubt explained   [02:21]  Differentiating ICBT from ERP   [03:36]  The nature of obsessional doubt   [05:58]  Reassurance-seeking behavior   [09:25]  Understanding internal evidence   [11:27]  The role of self-knowledge   [13:31]  General facts vs. personal context   [14:49]  Handling real mistakes   [16:40]  Exploring early memories   [17:46]  Understanding obsessional doubt   [19:22]  Childhood influences on OCD   [20:28]  Clarifying ICBT vs. psychodynamic therapy   [21:44]  Focus of inference-based CBT   [22:41]  Cognitive distortions in OCD   [25:34]  Re-evaluating daily routines   [27:06]  Timeframe for progress in treatment   [29:22]  Complicating factors in OCD treatment   Notable Quotes [00:02:42] "Obsessional doubt is a core process identified in OCD when you're doing I-CBT. It's a thought process where someone with OCD knows something but doesn't trust themselves enough to stick with what they know, leading them to question, dismiss, and seek more information than they have." - Michael Parker   [00:18:26] "We can start to see how long the client has been telling themselves an obsessional story about themselves... It was all logged in there and then all put together, but if we go back, we can see this actually never meant you should be locked into never-ending doubt." - Michael Parker   [00:23:39]"I-CBT is primarily a cognitive therapy... The focus really is figuring out why you reject information, why you don't trust it... Let's figure out why you doubted." — Michael Parker Our Guest Mike Parker, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and private practice therapist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He specializes in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and inference-based cognitive therapy (I-CBT). As the host of the OCD Space YouTube channel, Mike is dedicated to educating individuals and mental health professionals on effective OCD treatment approaches. He is passionate about helping clients understand and overcome obsessional doubt while also training fellow therapists in evidence-based interventions. With a focus on empowering individuals to trust themselves and break free from the cycle of compulsions, Mike continues to be a leading voice in the OCD treatment community. Resources & Links   Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram YouTube OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner Website   Mike Parker Website  LinkedIn  YouTube Cognitive Therapy for OCD Disclaimer   Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.   Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!

Welcome to Friday Favorites! Over the last eight years, we've had some incredible conversations with world-class experts, inspiring guests, and, of course, YOU. This series is all about revisiting the episodes that have stood the test of time as listener favorites. This also gives new listeners the chance to explore some of our "greatest hits".Every Friday, we'll bring you one of the most popular episodes from our archives, packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable advice. Whether it's your first time hearing it or you're coming back for a refresher, these episodes are guaranteed to bring value to your life.Join us as we celebrate some of the best moments in the podcast's history with Friday Favorites! Let's dive in...Original Air Date - May 9 2023Rachel Hollis discusses how to make life easier by saving outrage for important issues, letting go of self-pity, valuing your own opinions, and persisting through challenges.Get your copy of Rachel's New Book Here: Audible, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Millon, Bookshop.org, or wherever books are sold!01:57 Motivational Content and Personal Reflections06:16 Yoga Lesson: Don't Make Life Harder Than It Needs to Be12:02 Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself23:15 The Culture of Getting Offended31:48 The Power of Opinions33:29 Flying Solo: Embracing Your Interests35:42 Trusting Your Gut in Business36:45 Overcoming Patriarchal Conditioning39:42 The Challenge of Quitting in the Middle41:16 The Hawthorne Effect: Working Harder When Watched43:41 The Importance of Persistence50:25 Manifesting and Vibrational Energy56:16 Conclusion and Listener EngagementSign up for Rachel's weekly email: https://msrachelhollis.com/insider/Call the podcast hotline and leave a voicemail! Call (737) 400-4626Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RachelHollisMotivation/videosFollow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MsRachelHollis To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices.

When death touches your family, you are never quite prepared. Complicating a parent’s personal pain and the need to grieve is the equally important task of helping their children understand and process the loss of a loved one as well. Authors Erin Leigh Nelson and Colleen Montague joing Eric and Brigitte on Wednesday to share wisdom for parents navigating loss alongside their children. When Grief Comes Home: A Gentle Guide for Living Through Loss While Supporting Your ChildDonate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wrmbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caucus season is almost upon us. It's your chance to become a superlobbyist and wield influence with local candidates on behalf of the issues you care about. Josh Martin joins John to talk about why you need to get involved and why there's no reason to feel intimidated by the process.We're talking about the story of the unsuspecting flower shop owner who says she had little interest in politics for most of her adult life, until the county started planning the reconstruction of Lyndale Avenue. Before you know it, in 2024, she had made a donation to MAGA (the Republican party of Minnesota). Then in 2025 she's running a local PAC (We Love Minneapolis), teaming up with Mayor Frey's former campaign manager, with a mission is to turn people out to the DFL caucus. Is this raising any red flags?We're also talking about the violence interrupting preacher Jerry McAfee who threatened violence against members of the city council; then made dramatic pronouncements about how he doesn't preach non-violence; but was nonetheless all set to receive a $640,000 contract for violence interruption work -- until two of his violence interrupters were arrested for their actions during a shootout.And a stupid human interest story: A Minneapolis firefighter is running for city council. But along the way he'll be forced to overcome the fact that he plagiarized a portion of his website from a candidate running for city council in a different ward. Complicating matters, he forgot to delete the other candidate's name from the plagiarized text.We'll also be taking a look at candidates for mayor and city council, with a particular focus on the competitive wards.Information on the April 8 Minneapolis DFL caucuses: https://minneapolisdfl.org/Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgeliveJoin the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.liveSupport the show: https://patreon.com/wedgeliveWedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Insatiable Life.Based on the post by x sociate23, in 3 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.Planetary Survey had been right about the unpredictable weather patterns on Carter II. It was barely two days after the pond incident and only three weeks into their stay and the unstable star had apparently entered a cooling period. Cold fronts had rushed in from the polar regions, mixing with the warmer equatorial winds to cause icy rainfall to pelt the HAB in a near constant downpour. Nighttime temperatures plummeted to near freezing. Their shelter was insulated but the thin plasticine walls could only keep out so much of the cold. Complicating matters was the fact that their heating unit had shorted out the day prior when some sort of electric beetle had tried to get its rocks off with the heating element.Curt poked his head out of the cocoon of his sleeping bag to check the thermometer near his bunk. It registered forty-four degrees and dipped lower as he watched. He shivered as he looked over at Eza's bundled form. The poor girl was not taking the temperature inversion well. She shivered and shook beneath the thin padding of her sleep sleeve. He cursed again the short-sighted designers who hadn't taken into account the possible need to build a fire inside the HAB."Kurt?" came a muffled stutter from her olive grab sleeper."Yes?"She poked her face out of the cinched hole, looking like a giant blue faced caterpillar. A beautiful caterpillar."I know you have done all you can with the heat unit," she said, her teeth chattering, "But I am r-r-really cold.""I'm sorry I couldn't do more.""P-p-perhaps you can. I red that in t-t-times of crisis, T-Terrans would huddle together for warmth. Might we t-t-try that?" She knew she would be taking a risk being that close to him, but it was the lesser of two evils.Curt was also hesitant. He didn't trust his body not to betray his lust for her. His cock was already tingling at the thought. But she needed his help, and he couldn't deny those deep green eyes that stared pleadingly at him. So, he agreed, climbing from his sleep sleeve as he began to remove his tunic."W-w-what are you doing?" she asked hesitantly, feeling the stirring again at the sight of his deliciously tanned flesh."One less layer of clothes. It'll help warm you up faster," he explained."Shall I disrobe as well?"'Hell yes!' his mind screamed but instead he said, "No, that won't be necessary."He climbed into the sleep sleeve beside her and she immediately plastered herself to his side, her arm gripping so hard that it forced the air from his lungs. Wrapping his arm around her, she scooted closer, her heavy tits pressing against his side. Her body felt like it was on fire and for a moment he worried she might be sick with fever. But then he remembered that Venusians have a higher body temp than humans. No wonder she was suffering. Eza buried her face into his neck, pulling him closer still.Her body was racked by uncontrolled spasms, and he rubbed her arms and her back to try to warm her while at the same time trying to ignore the fact that only a thin layer of molyester separated her heavenly skin from his own. But she was making it difficult, her supplely scaled leg wrapping possessively around his. The temp, as well as his manhood, began to rapidly rise inside the sleeve.At length, the tremors subsided, and she relaxed against him with a melodious sigh. Her leg shifted higher, coming dangerously close to grazing his throbbing erection. Now he was trembling but not due to the cold.Eza felt it again, the burning, the desire. Feeling his body against hers, the churning inside her was more than she could bear any longer. Even the moments when she had given in were not enough to truly sate the sensations. She had to tell him. But what would he say? Would he be repulsed by her needs?"Kurt?" she mewed."Yes?""I have a confession to make," she said into his chest, "I have been keeping a secret from you.""It's okay, everyone is entitled to their secrets." Even as he said it, his mind was racing trying to think what it could be. None of the possibilities seemed pleasant."But this is different because it involves you. You see I... I have imprinted upon you.""What does that mean?"She raised herself up onto an elbow to look at him. His face glowed nearly as blue as her own in the light of the twin moons that shone down through the skylight."When a Venusian comes of age, as I have, they imprint upon the person they have chosen as their agrah.""Agrah?"She looked at him sheepishly."Loosely translated it means their... their lover."The face, as well as the mind behind it, showed surprise but before he could speak, she interrupted him."There's more.""More?""As part of the imprinting, a Venusian will develop an empathic connection with their agrah.""And what does that mean?""It means I can feel your emotions." Her eyes burned into his as she leaned in closer, "I know you were watching me by the lake."The Earthling's eyes widened in panic as he tried to explain himself but a Venusian finger to his lips silenced him."I know because I felt you. Your emotions for me were so strong that they...they made me...what is the word..." She stared off as if trying to remember but then her green eyes pierced him with a look that made his stomach do flips, "Horny."Curt lay there, staring blankly with her pointy finger still pressed to his lips. She felt his jumbled emotions: fear, trepidation, uncertainty. But above all she felt the one emotion that she too longed to indulge in: desire."I wish to demonstrate kissing," she said to his stupefied expression. He nodded into her finger. The hand it was attached to, moved to cup his jaw. She could feel his throbbing pulse, it matched the thunder of her own.Their lips coming together once more was like the attraction of two oppositely charged particles. Eza was now the demonstrator, wriggling her supple blue lips against his and he wondered if she had been practicing. Then his eyes shot open and crossed as her snake-like tongue slithered into his mouth. It wrestled with his, coiling and swirling, nearly filling his whole mouth. She literally shoved it down his throat and somehow he managed to resist the urge to cough. When he had first seen it by the lake, he had thought it would feel raspy but instead it was as silky and smooth as a strand of satin. He quivered at the feeling of it and was breathing hard by the time she ended the kiss."Where... did you learn... that?" he gasped."It was under a subheading called: Frenching," she explained. But then her face took on a sad expression, "I am sorry. I know I am not very good at it. I umm!"Curt pulled her into a savage kiss that filled both their minds with a haze of red heat. The sweet metal taste was overwhelming his senses as his tongue invaded her mouth. Her body seemed to melt against him as she sighed into his mouth like a harmonica.As the kiss lengthened, their hands and bodies became active. His hands caressed her arms and back, hers groped at his chest and abs. His body writhed beneath her touch while hers moved to straddle him. He felt the burning heat from her loins, she the hardened ridge of his manhood beneath his trousers. His strong hands sought her ass, gently squeezing the rounded humps. She sighed in yet another octave at the feeling, her hips grinding against his. Her lips pulled away, her eyes shining with yearning."Make fuck to me," she pleaded.His smile at her improper grammar only widened further as she sat upright, her webbed hand reaching for the zipper of her tunic. She tugged the faster tantalizingly slow, exposing inch after glorious inch of her blue flesh. Her heavy tits fell free of the garment as she tossed it aside. Her goblets hung before him like twin Christmas ornaments, and he reached for his newly unwrapped gifts.She shivered at his touch. The hands, though roughened and calloused from the work on their ship, nonetheless brushed across her skin like whispers from a feather. They glided across the rounded expanse, kneading the soft flesh like modeling clay. She gasped as he tweaked her plump, blueberry nipples between thumb and forefinger.Leaning forward, she took hold of her tit to aim the dark nib at his pink, receptive lips. They parted, enveloping the gooseflesh of her areola. She sucked in her breath as he began to suckle like a babe, lapping and mouthing the sensitive bud. Compulsively she ground her already damp sex against the buried ridge of his cock as he sucked more of her tender flesh into his mouth. Suddenly his hips thrust as if trying to force his way through their clothes, his hands pulling their loins tightly together.Eza climaxed at the motion and the unbridled emotion she felt from him in that moment. Her hand pulled his head closer to her bosom, her fleshy tit threatening to suffocate him as she let out a snaky hiss between clenched teeth. At last, she released her hold but his respite was short lived as her mouth descended, smothering him with feverish kisses. They pulled away to whisper into his ear."I wish to demonstrating something."Then he felt it. Her serpent tongue flicked out to slither through the conch shaped hollows of his ear. It lapped at the lobe before trailing down the curve of his neck and across his exposed collarbone. He shivered as his traveled across the expanse of his chest, rode the bulges of his abs. Her small hands pulled at the waist of his pants so that her tongue could slink beneath the material to lick the tender flesh just above his pubes. The entire time, her eyes never left his, the stare down only heightening his desire.His cock strained at its confines, threatening to rip the fabric as her hands worked to free it. It sprang to attention immediately, lightly hitting her in the nose and making her giggle. But her smiled faded, replaced with a look of awe at the pillar of flesh before her. She never expected him to be so big. He was a good nine inches, well over the five and three quarters the texts said was the average. He was also thick, her small webbed hand barely fitting around it as she delicately grasped the shaft. It felt as hot and hard as a recently fire beryllium rocket. Though she felt unsure of herself, this being her first time with any male, she couldn't help the rush of heat to her loins at the thought that Curt would soon be inside of her, filling her up, splitting her like a piece of du'Nar wood. Staring into his beautiful brown eyes that peered down at her with uninhibited desire, she opened her mouth as if she were about to bite into an apple.Her blueberry lips closed around the red delicious of his head and Curt gasped. Her lips were like satin as she slowly worked them across his mushroom shaped head. Her green eyes never left his face, wanting to gauge his reactions. The look of lust in them added to the feel of her lips on his cock. Emboldened by his whimpers of pleasure, she began to suck harder, taking more of him into her mouth with each stroke. Her purple curls swayed with the motions of her gently bobbing head.All at once she stopped, his cock head still in her mouth. He at first thought something was wrong but then he felt it: her tongue coiling around the head like an anaconda with its prey. He shivered at the new sensation of his cock being gripped in such a way as her lips resumed their sucking. He saw (and felt) the tongue slither out past her lips to twist and twirl down his length. He couldn't breathe, could only stare at her as she did things to his cock that no Terran girl, no matter how tongue twistingly talented, could ever do. He was shaking by the time her dark python released its victim."Was that acceptable?" she asked eagerly."Where the fuck did you learn that?!"Her face darkened with a look of guilt."My-my roommate at the Academy. She used to entertain many Terran males. One night while she thought I was asleep, she brought a man to our dorm. I-I watched her do that to him before they copulated."Curt's eyebrow shot up in surprise. 'This Venusian vixen is just full of surprises,' he thought."My, my. Aren't you a dirty girl.""I am not dirty," she said indignantly, "I am very hygienic.""That's not what that...Never mind.""Do you wish that I should continue?" she asked, going back to the subject still in her hand."Actually, I have a better idea.""What?""This roommate. Did the man she was with put his head between her legs by any chance?""Yes, he seemed to be trying to consume her.""Well, Lieutenant," he said with a mischievous grin, "Prepared to be consumed."He saw her eyes widened as she gulped.Eza was hesitant about her pending consumption, the almost painfully cries of her roommate fresh in her mind but she allowed herself to be laid down. The fact that Curt was eying her body like a buffet did not help her apprehension. But then he leaned down to kiss her gently, tenderly. She relaxed into the kiss, his lips melting away the tension but at the same time stoking up a fire of anticipation deep within her. His lips broke away to travel down her body. Though it was much shorter than hers, it nevertheless sent tingles through her as he wove lazy circles and trails down the nape of her neck, across the pointed domes of her tits, down the slope of her navel free belly. She lifted her legs so that he could remove her already soaked shorts.Her smell hit him hard, filling his lungs and driving his desire to a new level. Her legs parted, causing her indigo flower to blossom. Her breathing was shallow, her legs trembling as he ran kisses up and down her inner thighs. Her body seized, her hands clenching the sheets beneath her at his lips found her core.Her dark blue lips almost burned his tongue, they felt so hot but he would rather risk injury than remove it from their heavenly silkiness. Her scent as intoxicating, her taste luxurious. It dawned on him as he felt her body quaking that his were the first lips to taste her and he set out to make her first tonguing one for the ages.He lipped her folds, lapped at her metal flavored fluids as they flowed from her. Spreading her vulva to expose more of her lavender love tunnel, he plunged his tongue into her petals, wriggling it like a hungry bumble bee.The Venusian began to make sounds that could only be described as yodeling modulated through a Theremin, her moans of pleasure changing octave several times. He sought her clit and found that she had not one but two pointed nubs, one in front of the other. His tongue made figure eights around the twin pips, his lips slurping the dark pearls of her Venus clam.Eza cried out as she came, her hand seizing his head to pull his face deeper. Her juices drowned him and he gulped them greedily, the excess spilling down his chin. She writhed, stretched and sang as he lustfully devoured her. She would later tell him that the orgasms he evoked in her had been intensified by her feeling his strong desire to pleasure her.A massive orgasm grabbed hold, contorting her body into a near fetal position. She collapsed back, gasping for breath, her tits heaving.He climbed atop her and her lips were aflame as they sought his, her hands pulling him closer. He raised himself on strong, sinewy arms, his dark eyes filled with desire, an emotion he broadcast like a thousand-watt transmitter. She felt the heated tip of his cock at her entrance. She wanted him inside of her so badly but suddenly she felt hesitant, almost ashamed."Kurt?""Yes?""I-I haven't...I mean... this is my first... time.""I kinda figured as much.""Is that acceptable?""Only if you are okay with me being your first."The look she gave told him the answer to that. Without another word, he slowly began to ease himself inside her. Pain shot through her as muscles stretched and fibers tore. She wanted this more than anything but could not hide the look of pain on her face as her eyes scrunched shut. He stopped."You, okay?""Y-yes," she breathed."Should I stop?""No!" she nearly shouted, her eyes flying open and locking with his. Then more gently, "No, please keep going."Curt was hesitant now. He was barely inside of her and she was already incredibly tight. He worried they might not be physically compatible and as much as he wanted to make love to her, he also didn't want to cause her any undo harm.Eza felt his empathy and concern for her. It made her heart valve swell, made her desire him even more.

Stop falling for everything. People are trying to be clever, to stand out with daft methods and you keep falling for it

The UnconqueredBy FinalStand. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.Politically, this was manna from Heaven. Putin couldn't strong arm both the Ukraine and the PRC. His priorities had switched, so now NATO could jump into the Ukraine which would appease their democratic constituencies.There were also larger economic/political issues to look at. Europe had constantly been threatened by Russia's interference with the oil and natural gas pipelines that first pass through Russia before crossing the Ukraine and Belarus and heading off to Central and Western Europe. A great deal of that fuel originated in what was now the Khanate.If the Khanate survived, and viewed the US and UK favorably, the 'oil and natural gas' boot would be on the other foot. If Russia threatened the European Democracies' petrochemical supplies, the Khanate could threaten to cut off Russia as well. The old Republic of Kazakhstan never had the will to confront Russia. The Khanate was turning out to be a very different beast.Because the world didn't need any more ominous rumblings, catastrophe and madness collided in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Korea was an energy exporter, with most of its power coming from coal-fired plants and hydro-electric facilities. The problem was you can't run armored vehicles and combat aircraft on electric power. You needed oil.North Korea's oil came from China, Liaoning province to be precise, and Liaoning was getting hammered around the clock by the Khanate. The oil pipeline had ruptured and it would be months before it was fixed. In that situation, a sane nation would have shopped around for other avenue of imported oil. But we were talking about North Korea here.Kim Jung-un was looking down the barrels of another famine (trucks and tractors need petrol too) as well as the far more important reduction in the Korean People's Army's readiness. He saw himself possessing the World's 4th largest military and it was in danger of running out of fuel, and Liaoning province was sitting right across the Yalu River, all helpless-like.End World News Behind the Scenes ReportIn the annals of martial history, the bloodiest, costliest battles are when elites face elites. As corny and melodramatic as it sounds, the truth is that neither has 'surrender' in their creed. They attack, defend, ambush, shoot, stab and kill one another until one side loses the capacity to carry on the struggle. It is a grapple to the death.All of Ajax's men were hardened killers, ten year veterans of the Trojan Wars every; one of them. The ranks of the 22nd Mountain Troops Battalion were filled with numerous combat-tested soldiers of the Afghan War. These Romanians were some of the finest combatants produced by the Romanian Army. The two companies earmarked for sealing off the road as a retreat route were about to find out what the price of being elite really was.They were fighting for their homeland, avenging their slain (technically, the slaughtered Amazons were Romanians) and had generations of their own warriors, dating back to the First World War, whose legacy of ferocity they had to maintain. Ajax had the advantage in technology and surprise. The Romanians had numbers, experience with the terrain and the advantage of multi-dimensional warfare.The lead vehicles of the 22nd had rounded the hilly terrain to the East of the Castle of Seven Skulls when they collided with Ajax's team rolling away from those ruins. The Mountain Troops were fast, Ajax's team was faster. One soldier stepped out of his still-braking Eagle transport.He snap-shot a Panzerfaust 3, a light anti-tank weapon, blowing up the first Romanian Piranha IIIc. Two Eagles further down the column, a second team member put another Panzerfaust into the follow-up 22nd MLVN (armored personal carrier). That was as good as it got. The third vehicle, another MLVN swung partially around its burning brethren and poured automatic fire into Ajax's lead Eagle, turning huge chunks of that 'Hummer on Steroids' transport into shrapnel.Trading vehicle for vehicle wasn't something Ajax could afford. For the Romanians, they couldn't race past the blocked road without incurring horrendous losses themselves. Besides, by holding their ground and keeping the enemy focused on them, they were fulfilling their part of the plan. The Mountain Troops disgorged from their MLVN's, spreading out into the meadow on either side of the path and were quickly bounding forward by fire.Ajax reacted quickly. His heavy weapons would allow him to attrition the enemy in front of him, yet he'd be a fool to think they were alone. He knew he was facing army troops, not police. That spelled serious trouble. He ordered his column to reverse course back into the wood cover. He lost his second Eagle to intensive fire.The warriors in the main column bailed out once they reached the shelter of the trees. Machineguns came forward and established a withering cover fire. The two survivors at the first Eagle were badly wounded. With fatalistic resolve, they lashed the advancing Romanians with grenades and their assault rifles until they were both silenced. The second Eagle's demise was much harder.Three of the four crew were alive and unharmed. Their fate was decided by 25 meters of open ground between them and their compatriots. Ajax's gunners kept firing, but the Romanians refused to be suppressed. Worse, that second MLVN was proving impossible to kill. Its driver had parked it so that barely the front of his vehicle body and turret were exposed.Two more of Ajax's precious anti-tank rockets failed to connect, though one did knock the first destroyed IFV into that troublesome vehicle. These were Ajax's brothers-in-arms, yet he knew their situation was hopeless. He cursed that his opposition wasn't made up of raw conscripts. Despite their losses, they were not wavering. Their morale remained solid.The Romanians had spread out to the north and south. They were leap-frogging their machineguns forward and it was clear he was facing over 200 men. The 22nds advance was relentless. Soon they'd be right on top of his trapped men. As a final ploy he dropped two smoke grenades around the endangered trio and every other grenade launcher dropped their payloads onto the aggressive Romanians.The three men ran for it. Their enemy were nobody's fool and sprayed their retreat path with bullets. Only one made it to safety.For the Romanian battalion's commander in his command IFV, this was its own kind of Hell. His boys were getting murdered out there. He hadn't really believed the sketchy intelligence analysis that described his expected foes as the finest trained mercenaries the world has ever seen. Now he was a believer. His opponents reacted like an organic unit. Their weapons were incredibly lethal and their discipline was chilling. Ajax's snipers picked off anyone who seemed to be in charge. One Captain fell, as did two lieutenants. One section lost all its non-commissioned officers.Despite that, individual initiative kept the 'leaderless' men of the 22nd advancing. Their snipers came into play by targeting the opposing machineguns. One gunner went down, then the other. To get one man back, Ajax had lost five dead, or seriously wounded. Ajax ordered the remaining Eagles back to the castle. The rest of the Warband would have to make a fighting retreat.He'd killed or wounded a third of the Romanians out there, yet they were still coming. Even as he pulled out, he got two more pieces of bad:First, his scouts had reported hearing helicopters as they returned toward the castle; this latest enemy was somewhere behind him, to the east.Second, two Mig-21's dropped out of the sky and raked his area with rockets and auto-cannon fire; eight more men gone.Ajax may not have been the greatest military mind of all time, but wasn't a fool. He was being boxed in. Since it was highly unlikely the Hylonome Amazons had sacrificed themselves, this was an ad hoc plan to take him out. Instead of hunting down that male Amazon as he wanted, Ajax had let the Condottieri side-track him on this mission. Now, it was proving far too costly.A whistle, a few traded hand signals and the Mycenaeans started sprinting back upslope toward the castle ruins. It wasn't a rout. His men maintained their élan and cohesion. Ajax was trading space for time and the Romanians wouldn't chase his men as fast as the Mycenaeans were moving because there was always the threat of ambush. Or, they wouldn't have if an An-30 Reconnaissance Aircraft hadn't been tracking his progress from high above.Just coming on-line, it identified the heat signatures of the Greeks and let the soldiers of the 22nd know that their enemies were trying to put some distance between them. The battalion commander knew his men had been mangled, yet believed they were still more than willing carry the fight to the enemy. Right as the 'pursuit' order went out, the promised company from the 24th Mountain troops rolled up, with the 61st Brigade's 385th artillery battalion. 'Now things were really going to get hot for those bastards', he thought.(The Seven Skulls, Cáel)I was true to my nature. I sent off my plan, Operation Funhouse, to the Russians via their attaché (a hot looking, curvaceous blonde Major) and to the Khanate through the offices of the US and UK. Only after that was done, did I ask for my favor. I wasn't going to bargain with the fate of Temujin's people. I couldn't.My only chip to play was that people in strange places thought well of me. I wasn't so naïve to believe that I got what I wanted because I'd forged emotional bonds that superseded personal ambitions or national loyalties. No, I was now on my own self-inflicted 'Ride of the Valkyries' because people in authority felt I could still be useful and they were willing to risk the lives a few hundred Romanian soldiers to pander to my eccentricities.Our intelligence came from Google Maps, a woman's recollections from twenty-five years ago and the frighteningly precise memories of a battle-scarred 11 year old girl. For the 24th Mountain Troops battalion intelligence officer, it was a stunning introduction to Amazons. The girl was one year away from her Rite of Passage and she'd been raised to take in the terrain and the sounds of battle.Several times, he tried to trick her, altering information she had provided minutes earlier, but the girl corrected him every time. Seventeen minutes and the man relayed to his battalion commander his belief that the girl's story was solid. The men and women of the 24th may not have known the specific of the valley we were going to, yet this was their backyard.They knew the rocks, trees and bushes. They knew the ground was crinkled and what marsh soil looked like, without stepping into it. They could do this, attack a rogue mercenary band threatening their native land. They were going to do this and do it quick. Me and mine coming along was problematic. But Me being one of the first ones in, I had to play my trump card."I am Magyarorszag es Erdely Hercege," I proclaimed. "I have returned to my people in their hour of need. Besides, I'm the only one who can kill their leader.""You can kill Ajax?" Riki snorted in disbelief. "Ajax from the Trojan Wars? That Ajax?""Don't sweat it," I put my arm around her shoulder. "I got this covered. Get me close and I can make him dead.""You've lost your mind," Rachel muttered."I love you to," I grinned. To the Captain of the first company to rappel next to the ruins, "I'm your Prince. Let's do this.""Do you have any combat experience?" he shook his head."There are a whole bunch of dead Chinese who think so," I assured him."Let him go," Sakuniyas stated regally. "He is the Scion of Alal. He is invincible in battle." Hey, I liked that. Someone believed in me."Do you believe that?" Pamela asked Saku."Of course not, but if he's about to die, he should be allowed to feel good about himself," she told Pamela. Shit, I wish I hadn't heard that part."Oh, in that case, I agree. Let him go," Pamela added her preference to the final decision. The real weight in that Captain's final call was the small, well-armed group of supporters who seemed rather insistent that I get a chance at Valhalla.He took it well. The officer even announced to the entire battalion that their feudal overlord was leading them into the fight. My codename was 'Prince'. I hope I didn't turn out like the singer, I had no aspirations for being Machiavelli's 'hero', but being remember as someone like Prince Harry wouldn't be so bad.What I did know was this was my choice of actions and I couldn't send others into the madness I had inspired. I didn't blame myself for the deaths. Those were inevitable if Ajax was going to die. I didn't blame myself for Ajax, that was the Weave of Fate being a bastardly bitch. No, I had to kill Ajax because I was an idiot, and I loved my companions, and if it wasn't me making the attempt and possibly dying, it would be one of them. Not on my watch.Our IAR 330 Puma Helicopter lifted off into the sky. Our two companion birds, another troop carrier and an assault variant of the Puma, followed suit and soon we linked up with the rest of the company that was going to rappel into the clearing next to the ruins. Could I rappel? Sure, I lied. Hey, I'd made it to the top of the rope in gym class at the end of my senior year. That had to count for something.I was even lucky to have the lynchpin of my master plan sitting next to me. One in sixteen, what were the odds? "You, what's your name?" I asked the soldier barely older than me. "Master Corporal Menner," he grinned. Maybe he sensed my insanity. "Székely?" I asked. He nodded.   "Do you believe I am your Prince?""Either that, or you are crazy," he kept grinning. I leaned over and after some helmet shuffling, I whispered my request in his ear. I didn't demand that he agree, only that if he didn't, he wouldn't turn me in. Our eyes met."Why?" he was now filled with disbelief. I had passed beyond the realm of comedian to the land where all crazy ideas go off to die."It is the only way. Trust me, I don't love this plan either, but it is the only way I can think of to keep as many of you alive as possible," I explained. "He's a monster.""How will this help?" he was still confused, even if he was being swept away with my intensity."I don't have time to explain. All I can tell you is that I'm not crazy and I don't want to die, but this is the only thing I can think of to keep my people alive," I remained firm and confident in my beliefs."I will have to think about it," he conceded. At least he wasn't insisting I be forcibly committed to a mental institution. I did annoy one of the two crewmen in the back with the rest of us combatants when I stood up and looked out the side window. I glimpsed it, her, flowing through the forest beneath us. After I sat back down, the Captain flagged me.I had forgotten to cut on my communications rig on. "First Force (the two companies of the 22nd) has encountered the enemy before they could exit into the flatlands," he paused, somewhat shocked. "They are taking heavy casualties. It is just like you warned us. These foes are exceedingly lethal." "Don't worry about it," I overflowed with charisma. "Just follow me and we'll be fine." "But, I thought you said you didn't know anything about the compound?" the Captain looked at me funny."I don't. I'm relying on luck," I pumped my eyebrows. The Captain knew enough English to groan."I have a sudden desire to club a baby seal," Rachel stared at me intently. Who, me? "Let me and my men take the point," the Captain insisted. "Captain, either I'm diving headfirst out of our ride, or you are letting me rappel down in the first wave, either way, my boots are the first on the ground," I demanded. "No," the Captain shook his head. "You are a civilian." "Captain," I leaned forward. "Everyone else is fighting and dying because I made a judgment call. You can't ask me to hold back now."That shone through. Over his battalion frequency, he could hear the confusion and chaos chiseling away at his brethren in the 22nd. He could tell by my countenance that I both knew the enemy he was going to fight and that I wasn't ruled by guilt, or a death wish. I wanted to go first because I thought I could make the difference between someone else's life and death. "Who are the other three with you?" he stated. Four could rappel down at a time. "Rachel, Chaz and Master Corporal Menner here," I indicated. Rachel didn't freak, the Colour Sergeant looked my way and gave his acknowledgement, as did Menner. "I'll go down with you, Captain," Pamela spoke up.Of my group, Delilah, Wiesława and Virginia had stayed behind to guard Odette, Riki, the Lovasz sisters and the Loma family. Two troopers of the 24th joined them to provide extra security if needed. Vincent had pulled seniority to be the sole American going. With Chaz and Delilah, there hadn't been a real discussion about it. Chaz was the professional ground-pounder.Selena had volunteered to go even though this wasn't really her fight. She claimed the right of revenge for Ajax's attempt to kill the Vizsla, but I thought it was something else, some desire to step forward and make the point that the Black Hand were invested in this global struggle. There had been no doubt that Rachel  and  her team plus Sakuniyas and Pamela would be joining me.In my estimation, we were over the target area way too fast. I hadn't thought of a good reason to talk myself out of this harebrained scheme of mine. The side doors of the Puma opened. Rachel would be going down on my side."Look and see what Rachel does and do the same thing," Pamela yelled to me over the roar of the engines."And don't lock your knees or you'll sprain your ankles," she added. It was just another day of 'on the job' training at Havenstone Commercial Investments, I rationalized. I was scared, which was also a good indicator that I was still marginally sane. Rachel made her movements slow and steady.I went down a second later, barely remembering to avoid rope burn through my gloves and not bust my feet when I hit bottom. Rachel crouched. She was waiting for follow up troops before advancing. Me, I ran straight toward the ruins. Why? It was Alal once more. From the relayed chatter from the 22nd and whatever spy plane the Romanians had above, I 'knew' that Ajax hadn't made it back to the fortifications yet.If we hurried, we could beat him there. Then we would be ambushing his ass for a change. It almost worked. Whatever Chaz and Menner thought of my actions, they kept it to themselves. I didn't have to be a psychic to realize Rachel wasn't a fan. I leapt over the first Amazon corpse. The second one I passed was sitting with her back to the tree, hands tied around the trunk and had been tortured before she died.I believed that was when the momentum shifted. This was barbarism and the three following me knew it. Menner relayed our findings to his Captain even as the first helicopter was pulling away. My mind was picking up the details and processing somewhere in the back of my mind so as not to distracting me from the task of staying alive.A pile of bodies lumped too close together, they had been executed. A small girl, three, or four, with a close-contact wound to the temple. The smell of burnt flesh, more torture. Whatever Code of Military Conduct the Mycenaeans had, it wasn't the rules we, their opponents, fought by today. We were outraged and help was coming.We were running in from the northeast. Three meter from what had once been a doorway, I broke free of the underbrush and saw the closest Greek and the row of vehicles behind him. He was to my east, maybe ten meters away. I wasn't stopping. The terrain had funneled us down so that we weren't coming directly from the helicopter's noise.That must have been the reason he wasn't staring at us when we appeared. I didn't stop. Chaz and Menner were right behind me. Rachel only slowed enough to fire her P-90 at full-auto at the man as she ran. She killed him. The three of us ran across the open-aired, ruined room until we found the doorway to the other side of the building. From there, we had a good view of Ajax's remaining Eagles and the eight remaining men with them."I'm going for higher ground," Chaz growled before he took off."Rachel, go back and secure the corner we came in by," I shouted. She grimaced but obeyed. Menner had his own ideas. He fired off his first rocket-propelled grenade from his AG-7 at the farthest Eagle he could clearly see, blowing it to smithereens. I added the

Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent with Crux in the Vatican, has the latest on Pope Francis' health as the 88-year-old remains in hospital.

Gerard O Connell, America Magazine's Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History

Overwhelmed by marketing options and unsure where to start? In this episode, host Brien Gearin sits down with marketing expert and serial entrepreneur Seth Greene to break down the essentials of business growth. Seth shares why success isn't about being everywhere — it's about focusing on the right audience, the right channel, and the right offer. He also reveals his powerful 50 Affiliates in 50 Weeks strategy, showing how businesses can leverage relationships to scale rapidly. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or looking to expand your reach, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you simplify your marketing and grow your business efficiently! What we discuss with Seth: + Focused marketing – Stop trying to be everywhere + One-page marketing plan – Simplify for faster growth + Target market selection – Niche down for better results + 50 Affiliates in 50 Weeks – Leverage relationships for scale + Podcasting for growth – Use interviews to build connections + Referral engine – Add value to attract partners + Avoiding overwhelm – Focus on proven strategies + Sales through relationships – Convert without the hard sell + Mindset matters – Success starts with the right perspective + Scaling without ads – Grow through organic partnerships Thank you, Seth! Check out Market Domination at MarketDominationLLC.com. Get 30% off a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Business With a Podcast. Listen to SharkPreneur. Follow Seth on LinkedIn. And follow us on: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok Youtube Twitter To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Click to Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Youtube-Subscribe-SoapDirt The Young and the Restless will see a thrilling twist as Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson), seemingly reformed, plots against Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott), intending to strike at her husband, Victor Newman (Eric Braeden). The plot thickens as Billy's girlfriend, Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope), and his business partner, Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford), are oblivious to his vengeful plans. Complicating matters, Phyllis has persuaded Billy to hire her son, Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei), despite reservations about his fit in the new company on the CBS soap opera.  Y&R sees the Newmans remain suspicious of Billy, but his brother, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman), is unaware and has generously funded Billy's new venture. Meanwhile, Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) warns Phyllis about Billy's revengeful nature. Billy's plan to sabotage Nikki and Chancellor Industries has raised curiosity about his secret partner. Speculations point towards Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver) and Lily Winters (Christel Khalil), both wronged by the Newmans in the past.  Visit our Young and the Restless section of Soap Dirt: https://soapdirt.com/category/young-and-the-restless/ Listen to our Podcasts: https://soapdirt.podbean.com/ Check out our always up-to-date Young and the Restless Spoilers page at:  https://soapdirt.com/young-and-the-restless-spoilers/ Check Out our Social Media... Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoapDirtTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoapDirt Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soapdirt/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soapdirt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soapdirt/

in this episode of this is kingdom: a good news brand podcast, hosts talon, grace, hollis, and tj discuss the power of simple, meaningful conversations centered on jesus christ. inspired by president henry b. eyring's talk simple is the doctrine of jesus christ, they share personal stories of how the word of god has brought comfort, healing, and transformation. from missionary experiences to gospel-centered friendships, they explore how small, sincere moments of faith can have the greatest impact. tune in to discover how embracing and sharing simple gospel truths can deepen relationships and strengthen testimonies.

in this episode of this is kingdom: a good news brand podcast, hosts talon, grace, hollis, and tj discuss the power of simple, meaningful conversations centered on jesus christ. inspired by president henry b. eyring's talk simple is the doctrine of jesus christ, they share personal stories of how the word of god has brought comfort, healing, and transformation. from missionary experiences to gospel-centered friendships, they explore how small, sincere moments of faith can have the greatest impact. tune in to discover how embracing and sharing simple gospel truths can deepen relationships and strengthen testimonies.

On this week's Listener Series, we welcome Staci, who shares her journey through a challenging pregnancy. Early on, a routine prenatal appointment took a dramatic turn when Staci was rushed to the hospital for an emergency cerclage procedure. To protect her pregnancy, she was placed on strict bedrest—a marathon of patience. Complicating matters further, Staci and her family had to relocate to Oklahoma to access the specialized prenatal care covered by their Cherokee Nation insurance plan. On this episode, you will hear:- Transitioning care and Cherokee Nation Insurance- Emergency cervical cerclage placement - Milestones and challenges - NICU journey- Emotional recovery and life after the NICUFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

The state supreme court is right now weighing the future of high-capacity gun magazine sales in Washington. Last week, the court heard arguments in Washington v. Gator’s Custom Guns. At issue is whether a 2022 law banning magazines with more than 10 rounds is constitutional. Complicating the matter is a recent U.S. Supreme Court cases that sets out a new originalist rule for restrictions on guns. Guest: Jake Goldstein Street, reporter at the Washington State Standard Relevant Links: Washington State Standard: State and gun shop clash at WA Supreme Court over high-capacity magazine ban Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we're covering:

Journaliste et formatrice auprès des professionnels des médias, Nina Fasciaux plaide pour que les journalistes mettent l'écoute au cœur de leur métier. Entretien. Nina Fasciaux travaille pour le Solutions Journalism Network, une organisation américaine qui propose notamment aux journalistes des formations intégrant des techniques de médiation des conflits dans la couverture des sujets qui polarisent le débat public.Cette professionnelle des médias publie Mal entendus (Payot, 2025), un livre dans lequel elle explique que les journalistes doivent « apprendre à écouter » et « changer de posture » s'ils veulent réduire la défiance que portent nombre de leurs concitoyens envers les médias.Au micro de L'atelier des médias, durant ces 30 minutes d'entretien, il est question de la formation Complicating the Narratives, de Destin commun, d'« écoute insincère », de « journalisme transactionnel », de la technique du looping, de complexité et de curiosité.Extrait choisi : « On accompagne les journalistes à poser les bonnes questions, à parler dans un micro, à enquêter mais pas à accueillir la parole de l'autre avec vraiment pour objectif de réceptionner ce qui est dit et de le comprendre profondément. (...) Ensuite, évidemment, quand le journaliste décide ou pas de donner la parole, décide ou pas de couper ensuite après l'enregistrement, décide ou pas de ne garder qu'une infime partie de ce qui a été dit, il a un pouvoir. Et les gens qui sont interviewés en sont bien conscients. Donc, il y a un rapport de domination qu'il est important de reconnaître. Et je pense, un travail assez simple – on va dire, énoncé comme ça, même si ça demande un peu d'introspection – [serait de] vraiment adopter une posture d'humilité quand on accueille la parole de l'autre – et notamment quand on est journaliste – qui, je trouve, manque cruellement dans le métier. »

Are you making the process of losing weight harder than it needs to be? Tune in today to hear Molly explain the 4 common pitfalls to losing weight. You'll learn about the distractions keeping you from taking action, and how you get sidetracked from progressing toward your ideal size. You might be surprised to hear the common ways we create drama and unnecessary suffering while trying to achieve weight loss. You'll also discover how certain bad habits reinforce mindless eating when left unchecked.  To learn more about the Weight Loss for Food Lover's Membership visit:  https://www.mollyzemek.com/course

Authors Emily E. N. Miller and Alejandro Schugurensky discuss the article, "Complicating the “Suburban Advantage”: Examining Racial and Gender Inequality in Suburban and Urban School Settings" published in the January 2025 issue of Sociology of Education.

Rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow are sweeping across Texas, with the Panhandle and DFW areas bracing for the worst. We’ll have the latest on this week’s forecast – and how it’s complicating life for farmers and ranchers between Dallas and Texarkana. With the Texas Legislature set to reconvene in a few days, some lawmakers […] The post The polar vortex is complicating Northeast Texas farming appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Thousands of rival protesters turned out in South Korea's capital Seoul over the weekend despite heavy snow. They're pushing for the arrest of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol while his supporters are demanding authorities back off. Complicating matters is the deadline on the arrest warrant for Yoon which expires at midnight local time (2am, AEST).

Thousands of rival protesters turned out in South Korea's capital Seoul over the weekend despite heavy snow. They're pushing for the arrest of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol while his supporters are demanding authorities back off. Complicating matters is the deadline on the arrest warrant for Yoon which expires at midnight local time.

AP correspondent Naeun Kim reports on a new president being sworn in for the European country of Georgia, amid mass protests.

In this episode I share my experience concerning the early days of complicating everything.My websiteMy InstagramGet my books on Amazon

Christopher Damian joins the pod to discuss why we're afraid of allowing space for complexity and nuance in public discourse, and how to engage with people you disagree with. Follow him @CDamianWrites and check out his work at https://chrisdamian.substack.com/ Follow Cracks in Pomo on IG @cracksinpomo and on Twitter @stephengadubato Subscribe to the Substack here: ⁠⁠https://cracksinpomo.substack.com/abo...⁠⁠ discount on Masa Chips: ⁠⁠http://www.masachips.com/cracksinpost... --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stephen-adubato/support

Nathan Hochman had barely unpacked his office when his tenure as Los Angeles County District Attorney began with a seismic jolt. In his first major act, he dismissed two high-ranking deputies, Nancy Theberge and Brock Lunsford, who had become central figures in the simmering controversy surrounding Lyle and Erik Menendez. The Menendez brothers, infamous for the brutal 1989 murders of their parents, were the focus of a contentious resentencing appeal that had ignited public and legal debate alike. Hochman's decisive move sent shockwaves through the legal community, marking a clear departure from the policies of his predecessor, George Gascon. Theberge and Lunsford had been instrumental in a 57-page appeal filed just weeks earlier, advocating for a reduction in the brothers' life sentences without the possibility of parole. Their argument rested on evidence of rehabilitation. The proposed revision—50 years to life—would have made the Menendez brothers immediately eligible for parole after 34 years of incarceration. Critics lambasted the move as a slap in the face to justice, reigniting the fierce divide that had characterized public opinion since the sensational trial in the mid-1990s. Hochman's stance was unequivocal. He publicly criticized Gascon's approach to the Menendez case, accusing him of leveraging high-profile cases for political gain. By removing Theberge and Lunsford from their positions, Hochman made it clear that his administration would be taking a different path. Theberge, who had led the resentencing unit under Gascon, was transferred to the office of the Alternate Public Defender, while Lunsford was reassigned within the DA's office. These personnel shifts signaled a stark policy pivot—one that appeared to prioritize retribution over rehabilitation. Yet the personnel changes only deepened the intrigue. Shortly after Hochman's announcement, the DA's office declared that Antonio Aguilar would take over as head of the resentencing unit and the post-conviction and discovery division. However, Aguilar denied the appointment, despite his name being listed on the official roster of new appointments. The office, tight-lipped as ever, declined to clarify the discrepancy, leaving Observers speculated about the true state of affairs within the DA's administration. This lack of transparency only added fuel to the growing skepticism about Hochman's intentions and the broader direction of his administration.   The Menendez brothers' resentencing hearing, initially scheduled for mid-December, became another casualty of the administrative upheaval. Judge Michael Jesic postponed the hearing to late January, citing the need to give Hochman's team sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the voluminous case file. This delay added another layer of uncertainty to an already convoluted saga. Hochman now faced a critical decision: whether to proceed with the original recommendation for resentencing or to withdraw it, provided he could present a legitimate reason for doing so. Either choice carried significant risks, not only for the Menendez brothers but also for the credibility of the DA's office under its new leadership. With public scrutiny intensifying, Hochman's next move could set a precedent for how his tenure would be judged.   Meanwhile, Mark Geragos, the brothers' high-profile attorney, had been busy mounting a parallel offensive. Geragos filed a habeas corpus petition that introduced new evidence allegedly corroborating the brothers' claims of sexual abuse by their father. This revelation, Geragos argued, warranted a new trial. The petition awaited a response from the DA's office, which had initially been due in late November but requested an extension until December 20. The delay only heightened the tension, as all parties braced for a showdown in the courtroom. Geragos's strategy was clear: keep the focus on the alleged abuse and its potential impact on the original trial's outcome. This approach not only put pressure on Hochman but also revived public interest in the case, ensuring that every development was scrutinized by the media.   Complicating matters further was the Menendez brothers' clemency appeal to Governor Gavin Newsom. The governor deferred any action, citing respect for Hochman's review of the case. The clemency request represented a long-shot bid for freedom, but it also underscored the high stakes involved. Clemency, a rarely granted relief, would require compelling evidence of miscarriage of justice, rehabilitation, or extenuating circumstances. Newsom's decision to defer highlighted the gravity of the situation and the potential political ramifications of any action he might take. For the brothers, it was a sliver of hope in an otherwise daunting legal landscape.   The January 30–31 hearing loomed large on the horizon, poised to become a pivotal moment not just for the Menendez brothers but for the broader conversation about justice, rehabilitation, and the legacy of one of the most notorious cases in American legal history. The outcome of this hearing could redefine the narrative surrounding the Menendez brothers, shifting it from one of cold-blooded killers to victims of a deeply dysfunctional family dynamic. However, such a shift would not come easily. The prosecution's team was expected to vigorously oppose any motion that might appear to lessen the severity of the brothers' crimes.   What began as a family tragedy has evolved into a multifaceted legal drama, replete with power struggles, moral quandaries, and the ever-present specter of public scrutiny. Hochman's early moves have set the stage for a high-stakes confrontation, one that promises to test the limits of justice and redemption in a system often criticized for its rigidity. As the Menendez brothers await their day in court, the question remains: will this new chapter bring closure to a case that has haunted the public imagination for decades, or will it only deepen the mystery?   Adding to the drama is the renewed cultural fascination with the case, spurred in part by the Netflix series "Monsters," which revisited the Menendez brothers' story in a broader context of sensationalized family crimes. The series has reignited debates over the fairness of the original trial, the admissibility of abuse claims, and the role of public opinion in shaping legal outcomes. For many, the Menendez case serves as a litmus test for how society balances the scales of justice against the backdrop of human complexity. This renewed attention has amplified the stakes for all involved, from the DA's office to the defense team, and even the public officials who might be drawn into the fray.   As the clock ticks down to the January hearing, one thing is certain: the Menendez brothers' story is far from over. With new evidence, shifting legal strategies, and a public hungry for resolution, the next chapter promises to be as riveting and consequential as the events that have already unfolded. The question of justice—what it means, who deserves it, and how it should be administered—looms large, casting a shadow over the proceedings and ensuring that this case will remain etched in the annals of American legal history. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, has been delayed following a joint motion from both the defense and prosecution. The delay, granted by Judge Beverly Cannone, allows additional time for both sides to prepare as they navigate disputes over key evidence and expert testimony. Read, 44, is charged with second-degree murder and related offenses in connection with the January 2022 death of O'Keefe. His body was discovered in the snow outside a Canton home after a night of drinking. Prosecutors allege that Read struck O'Keefe with her SUV and left him to die, while her defense argues she is the victim of a cover-up involving law enforcement and others. The retrial was initially scheduled to begin in January 2025. Both parties, however, requested the delay, proposing an April 1, 2025, start date. In their motion, attorneys cited the need for "adequate time" to prepare due to new evidence and expert analysis that will be presented. Judge Cannone approved the motion and indicated that final scheduling details would be discussed at a Dec. 12 hearing. This hearing will also address the defense's attempt to introduce testimony from Dr. Marie Russell, a veterinarian who testified in the first trial. Dr. Russell has argued that O'Keefe's injuries could be attributed to dog bites rather than being struck by a vehicle. Prosecutors are challenging her qualifications as an expert witness, with a Daubert hearing set to assess whether her testimony meets the legal standards for relevance and reliability. Read's defense continues to assert her innocence, alleging she has been framed in a conspiracy involving law enforcement and others. Her attorney, David Yannetti, has pointed to perceived irregularities in the investigation, including inconsistencies in how damage to Read's SUV was documented. “There is overwhelming evidence that Karen Read is the victim of a miscarriage of justice,” Yannetti said. “We are confident the retrial will expose the truth.” The first trial, which ended in a mistrial in July 2024, saw jurors deadlocked on a manslaughter charge but reportedly leaning toward acquittal on more serious counts. Read's legal team has since appealed to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to dismiss some of the charges, arguing that the jury's findings in the first trial support her claims of innocence. Prosecutors maintain that Read acted with reckless disregard for O'Keefe's safety. They contend that she struck him with her SUV and failed to seek help, leaving him to succumb to the elements. Efforts to strengthen their case in the retrial have included requests for additional forensic testing of Read's SUV and obtaining recordings from interviews involving Read and her family. Judge Cannone recently denied a prosecution request to access phone records from Read's parents but approved their request to analyze unedited interview recordings. Complicating matters further is a civil lawsuit filed by O'Keefe's family against Read and the establishments where the couple had been drinking before his death. A judge has paused depositions and discovery in the civil case until the conclusion of the criminal retrial. As both sides prepare for the upcoming trial, the Dec. 12 hearing will play a crucial role in determining the scope of evidence and testimony that can be presented. The retrial remains a focal point for those closely watching the legal battle, which has raised questions about the intersection of law enforcement, justice, and personal relationships. #KarenRead #JohnOKeefe #Retrial #JusticeSystem #LegalNews #MassachusettsCrime #CourtUpdates Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

The retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, has been delayed following a joint motion from both the defense and prosecution. The delay, granted by Judge Beverly Cannone, allows additional time for both sides to prepare as they navigate disputes over key evidence and expert testimony. Read, 44, is charged with second-degree murder and related offenses in connection with the January 2022 death of O'Keefe. His body was discovered in the snow outside a Canton home after a night of drinking. Prosecutors allege that Read struck O'Keefe with her SUV and left him to die, while her defense argues she is the victim of a cover-up involving law enforcement and others. The retrial was initially scheduled to begin in January 2025. Both parties, however, requested the delay, proposing an April 1, 2025, start date. In their motion, attorneys cited the need for "adequate time" to prepare due to new evidence and expert analysis that will be presented. Judge Cannone approved the motion and indicated that final scheduling details would be discussed at a Dec. 12 hearing. This hearing will also address the defense's attempt to introduce testimony from Dr. Marie Russell, a veterinarian who testified in the first trial. Dr. Russell has argued that O'Keefe's injuries could be attributed to dog bites rather than being struck by a vehicle. Prosecutors are challenging her qualifications as an expert witness, with a Daubert hearing set to assess whether her testimony meets the legal standards for relevance and reliability. Read's defense continues to assert her innocence, alleging she has been framed in a conspiracy involving law enforcement and others. Her attorney, David Yannetti, has pointed to perceived irregularities in the investigation, including inconsistencies in how damage to Read's SUV was documented. “There is overwhelming evidence that Karen Read is the victim of a miscarriage of justice,” Yannetti said. “We are confident the retrial will expose the truth.” The first trial, which ended in a mistrial in July 2024, saw jurors deadlocked on a manslaughter charge but reportedly leaning toward acquittal on more serious counts. Read's legal team has since appealed to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to dismiss some of the charges, arguing that the jury's findings in the first trial support her claims of innocence. Prosecutors maintain that Read acted with reckless disregard for O'Keefe's safety. They contend that she struck him with her SUV and failed to seek help, leaving him to succumb to the elements. Efforts to strengthen their case in the retrial have included requests for additional forensic testing of Read's SUV and obtaining recordings from interviews involving Read and her family. Judge Cannone recently denied a prosecution request to access phone records from Read's parents but approved their request to analyze unedited interview recordings. Complicating matters further is a civil lawsuit filed by O'Keefe's family against Read and the establishments where the couple had been drinking before his death. A judge has paused depositions and discovery in the civil case until the conclusion of the criminal retrial. As both sides prepare for the upcoming trial, the Dec. 12 hearing will play a crucial role in determining the scope of evidence and testimony that can be presented. The retrial remains a focal point for those closely watching the legal battle, which has raised questions about the intersection of law enforcement, justice, and personal relationships. #KarenRead #JohnOKeefe #Retrial #JusticeSystem #LegalNews #MassachusettsCrime #CourtUpdates Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, has been delayed following a joint motion from both the defense and prosecution. The delay, granted by Judge Beverly Cannone, allows additional time for both sides to prepare as they navigate disputes over key evidence and expert testimony. Read, 44, is charged with second-degree murder and related offenses in connection with the January 2022 death of O'Keefe. His body was discovered in the snow outside a Canton home after a night of drinking. Prosecutors allege that Read struck O'Keefe with her SUV and left him to die, while her defense argues she is the victim of a cover-up involving law enforcement and others. The retrial was initially scheduled to begin in January 2025. Both parties, however, requested the delay, proposing an April 1, 2025, start date. In their motion, attorneys cited the need for "adequate time" to prepare due to new evidence and expert analysis that will be presented. Judge Cannone approved the motion and indicated that final scheduling details would be discussed at a Dec. 12 hearing. This hearing will also address the defense's attempt to introduce testimony from Dr. Marie Russell, a veterinarian who testified in the first trial. Dr. Russell has argued that O'Keefe's injuries could be attributed to dog bites rather than being struck by a vehicle. Prosecutors are challenging her qualifications as an expert witness, with a Daubert hearing set to assess whether her testimony meets the legal standards for relevance and reliability. Read's defense continues to assert her innocence, alleging she has been framed in a conspiracy involving law enforcement and others. Her attorney, David Yannetti, has pointed to perceived irregularities in the investigation, including inconsistencies in how damage to Read's SUV was documented. “There is overwhelming evidence that Karen Read is the victim of a miscarriage of justice,” Yannetti said. “We are confident the retrial will expose the truth.” The first trial, which ended in a mistrial in July 2024, saw jurors deadlocked on a manslaughter charge but reportedly leaning toward acquittal on more serious counts. Read's legal team has since appealed to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to dismiss some of the charges, arguing that the jury's findings in the first trial support her claims of innocence. Prosecutors maintain that Read acted with reckless disregard for O'Keefe's safety. They contend that she struck him with her SUV and failed to seek help, leaving him to succumb to the elements. Efforts to strengthen their case in the retrial have included requests for additional forensic testing of Read's SUV and obtaining recordings from interviews involving Read and her family. Judge Cannone recently denied a prosecution request to access phone records from Read's parents but approved their request to analyze unedited interview recordings. Complicating matters further is a civil lawsuit filed by O'Keefe's family against Read and the establishments where the couple had been drinking before his death. A judge has paused depositions and discovery in the civil case until the conclusion of the criminal retrial. As both sides prepare for the upcoming trial, the Dec. 12 hearing will play a crucial role in determining the scope of evidence and testimony that can be presented. The retrial remains a focal point for those closely watching the legal battle, which has raised questions about the intersection of law enforcement, justice, and personal relationships. #KarenRead #JohnOKeefe #Retrial #JusticeSystem #LegalNews #MassachusettsCrime #CourtUpdates Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

BLACK FRIDAY SALE (ends Dec 2, 2024): 40% off Courses and Guides 30% off GBS Membership $500 off Coaching In this episode, Julia explains how over-complicating your diet can stall your healing. If you're ready for a balanced, personalized approach to eating for healing, tune in! She covers: Why restrictive diets can do more harm than good How to identify foods that may trigger symptoms without cutting out everything How to simplify your diet while supporting your healing journey and more! If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe, rate and leave us a review!!! Want to get a FREE eczema healing visualization? Leave a review on Apple iTunes and send a screenshot of your review to ⁠hello@juliachien.ca⁠. We will send you the visualization to your inbox!

Tonight we're chatting with Jukka Vidgren and Juuso Laatio, directors and writers of HEAVIER TRIP, called by Screen Zealots "A raucous, offbeat buddy comedy from Finland that revels in metal culture, absurd European humor, and a healthy dose of dorky slapstick” The world's most ferocious death metal band, Impaled Rektum, is back and ready to unleash hell! In the film, our heroes stage a prison break to get to the Wacken m usic festival where they hope to win the money to save their lead guitarist's farm. Complicating things are a vengeful prison guard and a record executive whose name seems to almost be Mephistopheles. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/castle-of-horror-podcast--4268760/support.

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 3: 5:05pm- For the first time, Ukraine used long-range missiles to attack Russian territory earlier this week. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a revision in policy, signing a doctrine ultimately lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike—and on Thursday, Russia struck a military facility in Dnipro, Ukraine with an intercontinental ballistic missile. According to Putin, the ICBM reached speeds 10x the speed of sound—and he bragged that modern defense systems are incapable of intercepting these specific missiles. 5:20pm- Congresswoman Nancy Mace has introduced a resolution that would prevent biological males from using women's restrooms in the U.S. Capitol. 5:25pm- The show has been a little heavy today…so, Rich decides to lighten the mood by playing audio of his favorite Donald Trump supporter: Trump De Dump Dump Dump! 5:30pm- Speaking with Jen Psaki on MSNBC, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said she will not cooperate with Donald Trump's Administration or the federal government when it comes to the deportation of undocumented migrants. Gov. Grisham has a history of ignoring the constitution—in 2023, she attempted to unilaterally suspend concealed and open carry gun rights in her state before ultimately having to concede she was wrong. 5:40pm- Recess Appointment Complications. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Yale Law School professor Jed Rubenfeld makes a compelling argument as to why the Supreme Court of the United States is likely strike down any recess cabinet appointments. He notes that in the 2014 Noel Canning case, Justices John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, and Sam Alito all opposed recess appointments. Complicating matters further, Axios is reporting that several House Republicans will vote against allowing Congress to head to recess with the intent of allowing Donald Trump to circumvent Senate approval on cabinet nominations. 5:50pm- Audio of the Day: Professor Alan Lichtman accuses Cenk Uygur of “blasphemy” for insulting him and his “Keys” to the presidency.

Not only does Herbert have elite skills as a runner, but he is a much more skilled pocket passer than Nix. If Herbert is allowed to stand in a clean pocket versus the Falcons, another long day could be in store for them. Andy Bunker and Randy McMichael speak with Falcons color analyst Dave Archer about what went wrong in Denver, and how to correct these things over the bye week.

We bring you one of our favorite conversations featuring some of the most inspiring Latina writers we've had on the show. When her parents' tourists visas expired, and they were no longer allowed entry into the United States, Elizabeth, an American citizen, persuaded her parents to allow her to stay in Arizona solo. She was only 15 years-old. Even as she contended with housing and food insecurity, Elizabeth managed to graduate valedictorian of her high school class, before going on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, we talk about the values tension in wanting to change the world and needing to pay rent, why the responsibilities she carried never allowed her to “let loose” like her peers, and her decision to share her story in her new memoir, “My Side of the River.”Follow Elizabeth on instagram @lizzycancu and find her book My Side of the River here.  

Boeing is no closer to ending a six-week strike after its latest contract offer to workers was rejected by a stunning margin. The results of that vote came just hours after the company announced a huge quarterly loss and acknowledged it has a long way to go to earn back customers' trust. Stephanie Sy reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Do you feel overwhelmed with weight loss? Social media can have us so confused about how to lose weight and get in shape but Dana and Nutrition Coach, Rachel Schwartz simply it all for you. This fantastic conversation will convince you to stop the black and white, all or nothing thinking with losing weight and getting in shape. They share so many tips to help you simplify the process and get a handle on the crazy overwhelming feeling that a weight loss journey can bring. To find Rachel on IG @rachelschwartznutrition

Today, I'm sitting down with Jordan Syatt, a world-record powerlifter and expert trainer for losing fat and building muscle. In this episode, we didn't just scratch the surface-we went deep, got practical, and covered a lot of ground in between. Our discussion on eating habits and disorders, particularly the impact of binge eating and succumbing to social media influence, will equip you with actionable advice. We also explored how the habits we form today can set the trajectory for our future and the impact this can have on our families. It was an inspiring conversation, and I'm excited for this episode to equip you further on your health and fitness journey. Save 10% at BPN Supps: https://bit.ly/nickbare10audio Follow for more:  IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/ YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness Keep up with Jordan:IG: instagram.com/syattfitness/ Topics: 0:00 Intro 1:00 Welcome 2:36 Jordan's blood sugar experiment 12:05 Do blood sugar spikes affect energy? 14:52 Portion sizing 18:41 Unhealthy relationships with fitness and nutrition 22:49 The breaking points 26:42 Binging and eating disorders 33:34 Don't get caught up in the quick fixes 38:18 What brand is to you 42:28 What we do now sets the foundation for later 48:07 Tomorrow isn't a guarantee 54:47 Balancing work, friends, family, fitness and sleep 1:02:40 Creating a healthy environment for your kids 1:12:52 Setting the trajectory for your family 1:18:28 What are you building? 1:24:35 The line between ambition and contentment 1:31:17 Being present for the moments