Podcasts about Compounding

AGENDA: 04:20 Thrive and OpenAI Partnership  07:14 Databricks Raising $5BN at $134BN Valuation: Cheap or Not? 17:39 Eventbrite Acquired by Bending Spoons for $500M 21:39 Pagerduty's $1BN Market Cap, Just 2x Revenue 26:59 The TAM Trap: Why SaaS Is Like Japan 37:42 Lessons from Companies Hitting $100M ARR 44:57 The Future of Labour Markets is F****** 52:10 The Importance of Compounding in Investments 56:45 The Relevance Game in Venture Capital 01:05:01 Supabase at $5BN or Lovable at $6BN: Which One?  

Tara breaks down the nationwide Democrat fraud schemes, from Minnesota's Shmale scandal

Tara breaks down the nationwide Democrat fraud schemes, from Minnesota's Shmale scandal

The Community Leadership Award is a prestigious award recognizing our community pharmacists and their commitment to their patients. Each year at the Retail Business Conference (RBC), this award is presented to an independent pharmacist who demonstrates a commitment to promoting the principles of community pharmacy.                                                                                                                                                                             In this episode, Jason Callori speaks with finalists, pharmacist Ken Tai of 986 Pharmacy and Jessi Stout of Table Rock Pharmacy and Compounding, on their advocacy efforts at the state and national level. They also discuss how their community involvements help them and their staff best serve their patients.

In this special episode of Excess Returns, we share the most important investing lessons from more than 50 of our top guests. After asking more than 200 investors, strategists, academics, and market thinkers the same closing question about the one lesson they would teach the average investor, we compiled the most powerful, timeless, and repeatable insights into a single episode. This collection highlights common themes around patience, discipline, humility, diversification, risk management, and long-term thinking, while revealing how great investors navigate markets, behavior, and uncertainty.Main topics covered:Why investing is about preserving and growing wealth, not getting richWhy neither get in nor get out is an investing strategyThe role of base rates in decision-makingThe dangers of performance chasingWhy you should look at your portfolio less oftenThe importance of independent thinking and avoiding envyTreating stocks as businesses, not trading sardinesDiversification across assets, strategies, and economic regimesThe behavioral traps that destroy wealthLiquidity, supply and demand, and how markets really functionThe value of patience, long-term thinking, and sticking to your planHow to build a resilient portfolio that survives different market environmentsWhy simplicity often beats complexityThe role of humility, self-awareness, and keeping emotions out of investingTimestamps:00:00 Investing is about preserving and growing wealth00:45 Why neither get in nor get out is a strategy01:16 How we arrived at the one-lesson question02:00 Finding a portfolio you can live with03:00 Avoiding envy and chasing 10-baggers04:00 Why watching markets too closely hurts results05:00 The Matt Levine rule of unbelievable returns06:00 The power of base rates08:00 Look at your portfolio as little as possible10:00 Treat your holdings like real businesses12:00 Be invested early and think independently14:00 Be kind to yourself and keep taking action15:58 Do not chase performance17:00 Treat every position like you put it on today18:31 Your portfolio is secondary to your life19:44 Buy when others are fearful20:00 Be Rip Van Winkle, not Nostradamus22:00 Navigate the noise and avoid the siren song23:38 The value of simplicity and studying history24:59 Patience and tuning out the noise26:00 True diversification and preparing for unknown regimes27:50 Stick to a strategy that fits your personality29:00 Diversify and be humble about what you know30:00 Most results come from the market, not manager skill32:38 Keep investing simple34:00 Focus on what is knowable35:00 Believe in long-term economic and market resilience37:00 Get out of your own way38:22 Build a philosophy you can stick to39:00 Misjudging probabilities and confidence40:46 Book your gains and contain your losses41:00 Diversification is protection against bad luck42:00 Supply, demand, and liquidity always matter45:00 Markets as a political utility46:00 Find something real if you want true alpha47:00 Write down your decisions48:32 Why 100 percent indexing is unrealistic for most50:00 Alpha through portfolio structure, not just stock picking52:00 Dividends and long-run investing53:56 Valuation, time horizons, and patience55:00 Embracing uncertainty and avoiding pigeonholing56:33 Rules-based processes57:35 Buy good businesses, not just cheap ones59:00 Think long term and save early01:01:00 Focus on the basics first01:02:00 Avoid catastrophic losses01:03:22 Evidence-based investing and avoiding resulting01:04:09 Know what you own and keep fees low01:05:00 Simple strategies often work best01:06:00 Compounding and emotional control01:07:00 Treat savings as savings, not lottery tickets01:07:50 Balance enjoying today with protecting tomorrow01:08:00 Stay invested and think long term01:08:41 Be humble, patient, and systematic01:09:00 Do your own work and build conviction

Feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or constantly racing from one meeting to the next? In this episode, Penny Zenker pulls back the curtain on her newest AI experiments — including her custom-trained AI agent built on her books, exercises, and leadership tools — and reveals how simple, science-backed reset moments can transform your day. video1209722628You'll learn:Why stress isn't always about your workload — it's about the lack of recovery between tasks.How AI-powered nudges can scan your calendar and remind you to reset exactly when you need it.The neuroscience behind real mental clarity, including why closing your eyes reduces up to 80% of sensory input.A powerful 60-second breathing technique (“Ninja Breathing”) that brings your executive function back online.How micro-rituals — like scent-based reset anchors — instantly calm or energize your nervous system.Why back-to-back meetings are sabotaging your focus (and what organizations must change).What Penny is building next with AI to help leaders reduce burnout and show up more present.If you want to think clearer, stress less, and work smarter — this episode gives you practical tools you can use today.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

In this episode of the Be Wealthy Podcast, Brett Tanner and co-host Katelyn Mitchell break down one of the most important concepts in wealth building: The Path of Money.Brett walks through how wealthy people think about income, cashflow, reserves, investing, and the compounding machine that ultimately builds long-term freedom. Using real examples — including short-term lending deals, mid-term investments, and legacy real estate — Brett shows how anyone can move from human-capital income to capital-asset income.This episode goes deep into cashflow systems, passive vs. active investments, creating a wealth plan, managing reserves, and understanding the psychology behind spending, saving, and investing. It's a complete roadmap for anyone serious about achieving financial independence.

Think a million-dollar online business is out of reach? The real barrier isn’t the price—it’s everything you don’t see coming before you even sign. In this solo episode, Jaryd Krause pulls back the curtain on the part of buying a 7-figure business that almost nobody talks about—the real costs, the real timelines, the real competition, and the parts of the process that can quietly wreck your deal long before you ever get to the closing table. Most people assume a $1M acquisition is simple math:Find the business, put down the deposit, sign some papers, done. But behind every one of those deals are fees, structures, advisors, lenders, deadlines, and expectations that—if you’re not prepared—will eat your budget and your sanity alive. Here’s what Jaryd gets into:

Text me!In today's episode, I'm unpacking the transformative power of time blocking in enhancing productivity and achieving business goals. I share my personal experience with time blocking, emphasizing its effectiveness in maintaining focus and intentionality. I encourage YOU to identify your optimal time for focused work and to protect that time fiercely. I highlight the importance of small, consistent actions and the compounding effect they have on long-term success. The episode serves as a motivational guide for anyone looking to improve their time management skills and achieve their personal and professional objectives.takeawaysTime blocking has been a game changer for my business.I focus on time blocking in the mornings when my energy is highest.Set specific goals during time blocking sessions.It's okay if life interrupts your time blocks; give yourself grace.Small actions compound over time to create big results.Batch content creation during high-energy periods.Everyone has the same 24 hours; it's about allocation.Protect your time blocking sessions fiercely.Time blocking can help you stay focused and intentional.Make time blocking a priority for your business growth.Sis, you got this! Support the showLINKS TO FREEBIES BELOW: WEEKLY NEWSLETTER where I share all the tips and tricks on how to grow organically online HERE If you are interested in sponsoring the show, send me a DM ABOUT THE HOST: Former Executive Recruiter turned Online Marketing Expert & Entrepreneur. I'm here to show you that you can do it too! I help women to start, grow and scale their personal brand and business online through social media. In 2021 I launched ChilledVino, my patented wine product and in 2023 I launched The Feminine Founder Podcast and in 2025 I launched my Digital Marketing Agency called The Feminine Founder Marketing. I live in South Carolina with my husband Gary and 2 Weimrarners, Zena & Zara. This podcast is a supportive and inclusive community where I interview and bring women together that are fellow entrepreneurs and workplace experts. We believe in sharing our stories, unpacking exactly how we did it and talking through the mindset shifts needed to achieve great things.Connect with me on LinkedIn HERE IG @cpennington55 FB HERE Follow the podcast page HERE Buy ChilledVino ...

Kiana Danial (@InvestDiva) believes there are still plenty of opportunities to discover in crypto amid heavy volatility in the space. She notes that the cryptocurrency's drop in 2018 was significantly larger than the one happening now, telling investors to find patterns in price activity for potential pullback opportunities. Kiana also explains her "triple compounding" process through her new book, "Triple Compounding for Dummies." ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Empowering Medical Professionals: Financial Insights with Dr. Hassan In this episode of The Medics Money Podcast, Dr. Hassan makes his debut. He's an F2 doctor in the NHS, active on social media as Dr. Hassan Finance. Dr. Hassan discusses the importance of financial literacy for healthcare professionals, sharing insights on investment strategies, the significance of transparent financial discussions, and the concept of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. He also speaks about the current financial struggles in the NHS, including the need for fair pay and the upcoming doctor strikes. Additionally, the conversation covers practical advice on managing personal finances, maximizing income, and cutting unnecessary expenses for a balanced approach to financial wellness. 00:00 Introduction to Medics Money Podcast 01:24 Special Guest: Dr. Hassan on Financial Wellbeing 03:30 Breaking Financial Taboos in Medicine 07:27 Investing: Mindset Over Stock Picking 11:13 The Power of Compounding and Long-Term Investing 15:25 Time vs. Money: The Ultimate Wealth 18:22 The FIRE Movement and NHS Pension Concerns 23:59 Opting Out of the NHS Pension: Pros and Cons 24:26 The Financial Benefits of Staying in the NHS Pension 25:44 Considering Personal Circumstances and Financial Advisors 27:17 The FIRE Movement: Tips and Strategies 28:07 Balancing Income and Expenses for Financial Independence 29:34 The Importance of Having a Financial Plan 34:43 Social Media and Financial Advice for Doctors 40:25 Upcoming Resident Doctor Strikes 44:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Our teacher today is Julian Flannery, co-founder and CEO of Summus, a company democratizing access to the world's leading doctors to drive better health outcomes and cost savings for employers and health plans. As we explore the future of human health, we turn to specialty care, where U.S. healthcare's spiraling costs, inadequate speed, and care disparities are most acute. Yet our system's greatest strength remains the expertise of our leading doctors—a national treasure that Summus was designed to connect with patients through an ecosystem of over 5,000 of the world's best physicians.  This special session explores Julian's fascinating journey from the White House and Morgan Stanley to pioneering the expert economy at GLG, and ultimately building what we can only describe as a miracle factory that's having an extraordinary impact on humanity. Please enjoy class with Julian Flannery For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page⁠ here.⁠ —-- This episode is brought to you by⁠ ⁠Portrait Analytics⁠⁠ - your centralized resource for AI-powered idea generation, thesis monitoring, and personalized report building. Built by buy-side investors, for investment professionals. We work in the background, helping surface stock ideas and thesis signposts to help you monetize every insight. In short, we help you understand the story behind the stock chart, and get to "go, or no-go" 10x faster than before. Sign-up for a free trial today at⁠ ⁠portraitresearch.com⁠⁠ —-- Joys of Compounding is a property of Pine Grove Studios in collaboration with Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Joys of Compounding, visit⁠ joincolossus.com/episodes⁠.  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠). Follow us on Twitter: ⁠@Buhrman_Rick⁠  | ⁠@PaulBuser⁠ | ⁠@JoinColossus⁠ Show Notes (00:00:00) Welcome to Joys of Compounding (00:02:09) Julian's Personal Healthcare Journey (00:02:41) Julian's Career and Leadership Insights (00:06:14) Julian's Early Life and Influences (00:13:18) Julian's College Years and Challenges (00:15:27) From the White House to Business School (00:22:03) Navigating the Business World (00:35:46) Building Summus: The Vision and Impact (00:42:51) Understanding the Healthcare System (00:49:42) Navigating Complex Healthcare Costs (00:50:44) Finding the Right Specialist (00:51:45) Building an Expert Marketplace (00:52:37) Challenges of Starting a Healthcare Startup (00:54:06) Trust and Expertise in Healthcare (00:56:02) How Summus Bridges Healthcare Gaps (00:58:32) The Role of Technology and Service (00:59:25) Creating a Doctor-First Culture (01:00:33) Summus' Impact on Employers and Employees (01:24:44) The Future of Healthcare and AI (01:29:04) Leadership and Building a Great Team (01:33:02) Personal Reflections and Gratitude

Compounding Pharmacies – The Unsung Heroes Of Compounding pharmacies aren't spoken about much publicly, but they're a crucial part of healthcare when needed. Whenever a patient needs a specialized dose or form of their medication that's not commercially available, they get a compounded product. Our experts explain how this process works and the special regulations surrounding this branch of healthcare. Will GLP Medications Be The New Treatment For Alcohol Addiction? GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, have been in the news for helping people transform their lives through weight loss. But they've also had an unexpected side effect – curbing alcohol consumption. Our expert explains the ongoing research and the future of using these medications as addiction treatments. Medical Notes: How To Get ‘Forever Chemicals' Out Of Your Water, A New Purpose For Your Smartwatch, And How To Get Better Sleep Will we ever truly get rid of ‘Forever chemicals'? Are sound waves the next big thing in cancer treatment? Your smartwatch is good for more than just counting steps. The truth on how to get better sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Clark chats to one of Australia's most respected, and quietly one of its most exceptional, investors, Paul Moore, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of PM Capital. For more than four decades, Paul has built a reputation for exceptional long-term performance, deep fundamental research, and a rare ability to remain steadfastly contrarian when markets become euphoric or fearful. His flagship Global Companies Fund has delivered a remarkable compounding track record, most recently over 26% per annum for investors over the last five years, achieved without owning the Magnificent Seven, a feat almost unheard of in today's market environment. Paul shares: * The DNA of a great investor: why temperament, patience, and an ability to stand alone matter more than ever. * Lessons from 40 years in markets, from running a US equity fund as a 20-something to navigating booms, busts, and every style cycle in between. * Why value is the only thing that matters, and why so many investors misunderstand what “value” truly means. * The psychology of contrarianism and how to maintain conviction when the world is telling you you're wrong. * Sector and stock opportunities he sees right now, including European banks, global industrials, drug companies, and high-quality franchises trading at meaningful discounts. * His candid take on AI, FOMO, global imbalances, geopolitics, inflation, and why he believes investors need to temper return expectations in the decade ahead. * Why he partnered with Regal, how it extends his investing life, and why he intends to keep managing money “until the day I die.” Paul's blend of humility, blunt realism, and deep conviction makes him one of the truly distinctive voices in global equity investing.

Compounding pharmacies aren't spoken about much publicly, but they're a crucial part of healthcare when needed. Whenever a patient needs a specialized dose or form of their medication that's not commercially available, they get a compounded product. Our experts explain how this process works and the special regulations surrounding this branch of healthcare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this edition of Essential, we've got updates on some big compounding news — like the FDA's long-overdue decision to remove the boxed warning from some menopause hormone-replacement therapy drugs. (And yes, that's important for compounding pharmacists!) We also look at the hubbub at FDA over what (allegedly) was behind the decision that would have effectively banned compounding with desiccated thyroid extract, plus some stories from the states, and more. This month's deep dive: Mythbusting, compounded-GLP-1 style! What have the big drugmakers been saying, and how much of it is true? They're spreading stories, but our experts put them to the test. Don't miss out! Links Join APC today: https://a4pc.org/membership  FDA to remove boxed warning from HRT medications: https://archive.ph/R8DJD  An example of what appears to be an op-ed pushed by a pharma company. The writer, a “former healthcare professional,”doesn't appear to exist: https://archive.ph/OPNWr  Find a legitimate, licensed compounding pharmacy: https://a4pc.org/isitlegit  Benefits of becoming an APC PFM: https://a4pc.org/pfm 

Send us a textSchedule an Rx AssessmentSubscribe to Master The MarginCompounding Pharmacies are under a lot of fire but through advocacy, the future is bright!So, what does it really take to protect, grow, and advocate for compounding pharmacies in today's changing landscape?In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, and Austin Murray sit down with Scott Brunner, CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC), to unpack the realities of advocacy, access, and opportunity in the compounding space.We cover:- How GLP-1 shortages spotlighted the critical role of compounding pharmacies- The advocacy battles shaping patient access and prescriber freedom- Why cash-pay compounding is helping hybrids survive PBM reimbursement cuts- The rise of telehealth and private equity in personalized medicine- And more!More About Our Guest:Scott Brunner, CAE, is CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. APC is the industry trade association and the voice for pharmacy compounding, representing compounding pharmacists and technicians in both 503A and 503B settings, as well as prescribers, educators, researchers, and suppliers. APC works to preserve patient access to compounded drugs and the essential role of compounded medications in the American healthcare system.Brunner was formerly the senior vice president communications and external relations for the National Community Pharmacists Association and CEO of the Georgia Pharmacy Association. In his 30+year career in association management, he has also led statewide trade associations in Mississippi and Virginia.As you'll hear in his drawl, he is an Alabama native. He earned his BBA at the University of Montevallo and MPS from Auburn University Montgomery. He earned the prestigious Certified Association Executive designation in 1997.Stay connected with Scott and Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding: Scott Brunner LinkedIn APC WebsiteAPC LinkedInAPC FacebookAPC InstagramStay connected with us on social media:FacebookTwitterLinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP® LinkedInMore on this topic:Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Advocacy and Building a Resilient PharmacyPodcast: From Counter to Capitol

SummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Chris L. Brown and Brad Giles discuss the essential roles and responsibilities of a CEO, the importance of accountability, and the cultural aspects that influence the customer experience. They discuss the genesis of Giles' book 'Made to Thrive', the significance of aligning values with actions, and the necessity of effective succession planning. The conversation also touches on the importance of onboarding new employees and previews Giles' upcoming book 'Bigger Isn't Better', emphasizing that better is more valuable than simply bigger in business.TakeawaysEvery leader's challenge is how to make their effort count.People often don't understand the role of a CEO.The results of a great CEO go beyond immediate profits.Accountability is crucial for performance measurement.Cultural alignment is crucial to delivering a seamless customer experience.The CEO acts as an ambassador for the organization.Values must be authentic and reflect the company's identity.Measuring qualitative values in practice can be challenging.Better is better; growth should not be the only goal.Compounding is essential for sustainable business success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and the Role of a CEO02:33 The Genesis of 'Made to Thrive' and CEO Accountability05:20 Understanding the Five Roles of a CEO07:38 The Importance of Accountability in Customer-Centric Organizations10:25 Cultural Impact on Customer Experience12:51 The Role of the CEO as an Ambassador15:36 Values in Organizations: Authenticity vs. Aspirational18:15 The Disconnect Between Values and Behaviors20:53 Succession Planning: Preparing for the Future23:29 Quick Wins for Leadership Teams26:05 The Upcoming Book: 'Bigger Isn't Better'

Anticipatory compounding of controlled substances may seem like a simple operational efficiency—but it sits in a tricky regulatory space where FDA and DEA expectations don't always align.In this Quick Take from Rxpert Solutions, we break down what hospital pharmacies need to know to stay compliant while maintaining safe and efficient sterile compounding practices.You'll learn:- How FDA and DEA interpretations differ- Why documentation and clear internal policies are essential- What your pharmacy must have in place before batching IVs- Practical guidance for directors, compliance officers, and sterile compounding teamsShort, focused, and actionable—this episode gives you the clarity you need to navigate this regulatory gray zone with confidence.More from Rxpert Solutions: https://www.rxpert.solutions/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=quick_take&utm_campaign=anticipatory_compounding

⁠Click HERE to learn how to earn $10K/month in rental income & access 50% discount on RTR Academyhttps://landing.renttoretirement.com/evg-masterclass-replayThis episode is sponsored by…BLUPRINT HOME LOANS:Get pre-approved with one of RTR's preferred lenders at https://bluprinthomeloans.com/renttoretirement/PROPER INSURANCE:Protect your short-term rental with the industry's most complete, full-replacement insurance solution: ⁠https://www.properinsurance.com/rtrIn today's episode, Adam Schroeder sits down with investor Adam (yes—two Adams!) to break down how he scaled from managing short-term rentals to leveraging builder incentives, cost segregation, interest-only loans, and cash-out refinances to rapidly grow his portfolio.Adam explains how he transitioned from self-managing STRs in New York and the Jersey Shore to acquiring a new-build long-term rental in San Antonio, Texas, using a powerful 12% builder incentive that dramatically lowered his out-of-pocket cost and boosted his tax savings.If you're looking for real, actionable investing insights directly from an investor who's doing the work, this episode is packed with value.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome with host Adam Schroeder00:20 – How Adam first got started in real estate00:36 – Early rentals, STRs, and 1031 exchanges01:23 – Trading a problematic vacation rental into better assets02:03 – Using the STR loophole + qualifying as a Real Estate Professional02:55 – Why he added a long-term rental this year03:31 – How he discovered Rent To Retirement04:22 – Why he won't invest in long-term rentals in New York06:15 – Why Texas—and specifically San Antonio—made sense07:19 – Breaking down the 12% builder incentive08:39 – Why he chose an interest-only DSCR loan10:01 – STR management vs. passive LTR strategy11:25 – What the buying process was like with RTR13:28 – Inspection, build quality & warranty experience15:35 – Cost segregation tax benefits16:52 – How he effectively got into the deal for almost zero net capital18:10 – Cash-out refi strategy on his commercial building19:55 – Pulling $200K tax-free and reinvesting21:18 – Compounding wealth through refinancing23:03 – Why local lenders matter for specialty properties24:51 – Investing confidently even with higher interest rates26:08 – Message to investors waiting on the sidelines27:48 – Advice for first-time RTR listeners28:15 – How to get started with Rent To Retirement

⁠Click HERE to learn how to earn $10K/month in rental income & access 50% discount on RTR Academyhttps://landing.renttoretirement.com/evg-masterclass-replayThis episode is sponsored by…BLUPRINT HOME LOANS:Get pre-approved with one of RTR's preferred lenders at https://bluprinthomeloans.com/renttoretirement/PROPER INSURANCE:Protect your short-term rental with the industry's most complete, full-replacement insurance solution: ⁠https://www.properinsurance.com/rtrIn today's episode, Adam Schroeder sits down with investor Adam (yes—two Adams!) to break down how he scaled from managing short-term rentals to leveraging builder incentives, cost segregation, interest-only loans, and cash-out refinances to rapidly grow his portfolio.Adam explains how he transitioned from self-managing STRs in New York and the Jersey Shore to acquiring a new-build long-term rental in San Antonio, Texas, using a powerful 12% builder incentive that dramatically lowered his out-of-pocket cost and boosted his tax savings.If you're looking for real, actionable investing insights directly from an investor who's doing the work, this episode is packed with value.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome with host Adam Schroeder00:20 – How Adam first got started in real estate00:36 – Early rentals, STRs, and 1031 exchanges01:23 – Trading a problematic vacation rental into better assets02:03 – Using the STR loophole + qualifying as a Real Estate Professional02:55 – Why he added a long-term rental this year03:31 – How he discovered Rent To Retirement04:22 – Why he won't invest in long-term rentals in New York06:15 – Why Texas—and specifically San Antonio—made sense07:19 – Breaking down the 12% builder incentive08:39 – Why he chose an interest-only DSCR loan10:01 – STR management vs. passive LTR strategy11:25 – What the buying process was like with RTR13:28 – Inspection, build quality & warranty experience15:35 – Cost segregation tax benefits16:52 – How he effectively got into the deal for almost zero net capital18:10 – Cash-out refi strategy on his commercial building19:55 – Pulling $200K tax-free and reinvesting21:18 – Compounding wealth through refinancing23:03 – Why local lenders matter for specialty properties24:51 – Investing confidently even with higher interest rates26:08 – Message to investors waiting on the sidelines27:48 – Advice for first-time RTR listeners28:15 – How to get started with Rent To Retirement

Guest: Brian Gustason, Operating Partner at Craig Group Host: Alex Rawlings, Founder of Raw Selection

Jesse Myers, Bitcoin Strategy Consultant of The Smarter Web Company, joins Jeremy Naylor as part of the UK Investor Magazine Aquis Showcase Series running up to the event on 19th November.Please register for the Aquis Showcase here using the code ‘UKINVEST' for a 20% discountThe Smarter Web Company provides web design, development and online marketing services on a subscription model, comprising an initial setup fee, annual hosting charges and optional monthly marketing fees. The business has identified opportunities to expand these core service offerings to its existing client base.Beyond organic expansion, The Smarter Web Company is pursuing a strategic acquisition programme to increase its client portfolio and recurring revenue streams. Management will evaluate potential acquisitions on a selective basis, proceeding only when market conditions and strategic fit align with their objectives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textEntrepreneur, author, and farmer Rob Finlay joins us on this episode of the Earrings Off Podcast to talk about how lessons from business can transform your life.

On Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Kristen Wonch⁠, Founder of Compounding Queens, about teaching women to manage their own portfolios, avoid hidden fees, and lean into steady, diversified growth for long-term compounding. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Kristen Wonch, Founder of Compounding Queens, about teaching women to manage their own portfolios, avoid hidden fees, and lean into steady, diversified growth for long-term compounding. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the past week, breakthrough developments surrounding Ozempic and its use for weight loss have dominated health news, reflecting sweeping changes in both medical access and public perception. According to Popular Mechanics, Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical giant behind Ozempic and the similar injectable Wegovy, has just revealed the results of a major 71-week clinical study evaluating an oral pill form of semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. This study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that the daily pill achieved nearly the same results as the weekly injection, with participants losing an average of 16.6 percent of their body weight, far surpassing the 2.7 percent weight loss seen in the placebo group. About one third of those taking the pill lost more than 20 percent of their starting weight, signaling not just statistical significance but profound clinical impact. The trial also reported side effects consistent with earlier injectable versions, including increased incidences of nausea and vomiting, though these were not severe enough to derail the optimism surrounding the pill's future.Compounding these scientific advancements, the White House this week announced successful negotiations with both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to dramatically reduce the cost of GLP-1 receptor agonists—the drug class of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound—which many insurance providers had previously excluded or charged full price for. Now, eligible patients may see their out-of-pocket costs plummet from over one thousand dollars per month to a much more accessible fifty to three hundred fifty dollars depending on dosage and coverage. According to comments from Kim Fisher at the UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health, these price adjustments are expected to drive a swift increase in demand and medication use, with around one in eight adult Americans having already tried some form of GLP-1 therapy.Despite the popularity and transformative outcomes touted by both consumers and medical professionals, Ozempic and related drugs are not without controversy. While these medications have reshaped the landscape for obesity and diabetes treatment, as UC Davis reports, emerging evidence indicates a need for caution and individualized care. Some patients experience notable gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and diarrhea, largely because GLP-1 drugs alter how the gut processes food and signal fullness to the brain. In addition, while fat loss can be dramatic, experts highlight that up to one quarter of the total weight lost may be from lean muscle, underscoring the importance of physical activity and adequate protein to preserve strength. Another concern echoed this week involves bone health, as rapid weight loss and restricted nutrition may inadvertently reduce bone density, especially in older adults and postmenopausal women. Leading researchers emphasize that a successful and safe weight loss journey with Ozempic demands precision nutrition, attentive exercise regimens, and regular monitoring to minimize health risks and maximize wellbeing.The intersection of celebrity culture with the Ozempic phenomenon also drew fresh attention over the past week, especially regarding Oprah Winfrey's evolving relationship with the drug. Oprah, who has long shared her struggles with weight publicly, admitted in recent interviews that she initially resisted taking Ozempic, saying she felt it was the easy way out and preferred to focus on lifestyle change. According to AOL, she reflected on her internal conflict about using medical intervention for weight loss, underscoring how the rise of drugs like Ozempic has forced a cultural reckoning over what constitutes effort, discipline, and legitimacy in personal health. While some celebrity peers openly dismiss rumors or deny any use of weight loss drugs, Oprah's decision to speak candidly about her hesitation and subsequent experiences gives voice to a wider conversation happening both in Hollywood and across the nation. As more public figures reveal their choices, the stigma of using medication to address chronic weight struggles may begin to dissipate, helping others seek support without shame.In summary, the past week has marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing Ozempic story. The introduction of a highly effective oral pill, substantial price cuts via government negotiation, and ongoing public debate about safety, efficacy, and cultural perceptions have all contributed to growing momentum. Now, as clinicians and patients alike look ahead to a future where advanced weight management tools are both more accessible and potentially safer to use, the importance of personalized guidance and health literacy has never been clearer.Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Our teacher today is Matteo Franceschetti, co-founder and CEO of Eight Sleep, whose Pod technology ranks among the top five products that have meaningfully improved my quality of life. This conversation launches our series on founders and investors revolutionizing human health, covering everything from diagnostics to longevity science to biotechnology. Matteo's story is fascinating—he's an unlikely health tech founder who grew up in Italy pursuing law with little scientific or medical background, yet he's combined the discipline of an elite multi-sport athlete with the resilience of a serial entrepreneur to build a category-defining company. We discuss the challenges of building a consumer hardware company and how his team raised capital from world-renowned investors while achieving cash flow positivity to control their destiny. Please enjoy class with our friend Matteo Franceschetti. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page⁠ here.⁠ —-- This episode is brought to you by⁠ ⁠Portrait Analytics⁠⁠ - your centralized resource for AI-powered idea generation, thesis monitoring, and personalized report building. Built by buy-side investors, for investment professionals. We work in the background, helping surface stock ideas and thesis signposts to help you monetize every insight. In short, we help you understand the story behind the stock chart, and get to "go, or no-go" 10x faster than before. Sign-up for a free trial today at⁠ ⁠portraitresearch.com⁠⁠ —-- Joys of Compounding is a property of Pine Grove Studios in collaboration with Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Joys of Compounding, visit⁠ joincolossus.com/episodes⁠.  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠). Follow us on Twitter: ⁠@Buhrman_Rick⁠  | ⁠@PaulBuser⁠ | ⁠@JoinColossus⁠ Show Notes (00:00:00) Welcome to The Joys of Compounding (00:00:57) Meet Mateo Franceschetti: The Sleep Maestro (00:01:48) Mateo's Journey: From Italy to Health Tech (00:02:45) The Science and Impact of Sleep (00:05:57) Personal Stories and Early Ventures (00:15:23) From Law to Entrepreneurship (00:27:54) The Birth of Eight Sleep (00:32:20) Thought Partners and Business Ventures (00:32:42) The Importance of Sleep: Insights from Experts (00:34:29) The Evolution of Sleep Awareness (00:35:22) Innovating Sleep Technology (00:36:37) Building Eight Sleep: Challenges and Vision (00:40:04) Understanding Sleep Stages and Optimization (00:45:01) Balancing Execution and Vision in Business (00:47:39) Fundraising Journey and Lessons Learned (00:52:20) The Role of AI in Eight Sleep's Future (01:00:09) Future Ambitions and Product Roadmap

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Ryan Bartlett, founder and CEO of True Classic (https://x.com/@RyanBartlett)From failed musician and poker player to billion-dollar t-shirt brand founder, Ryan Bartlett's entrepreneurial journey is proof it's never too late to start a business. In this episode, we explore how Ryan built True Classic from zero to over $100 million in revenue in just two years, selling 30+ million t-shirts and becoming one of the fastest-growing e-commerce brands in the apparel industry.Questions This Episode Answers:Is it too late to start a business in your 30s or 40s?How do you pivot from a failed career into successful entrepreneurship?What skills from music and poker translate to building a billion-dollar business?How did True Classic grow from $0 to $100M in just two years?What is the "white space opportunity" strategy for finding winning business ideas?How do you identify which business idea to pursue (the "fat pitch" method)?When should you transition from founder-operator to hiring a CEO?How do you scale a team from scrappy generalists to specialized experts?What role does creativity play in winning at e-commerce and digital marketing?How do you build risk tolerance for making big inventory and business bets?What are the three core problems True Classic solved in the t-shirt market?How do you compete in a "boring" or saturated industry like apparel?How important are co-founders vs. going solo as an entrepreneur?What's the best way to test products cheaply using drop shipping?How do Facebook ads and paid media drive D2C brand growth?Why do employees quit without warning and how do you prevent it?How will AI tools like Sora change marketing and ad creative production?Should entrepreneurs use AI video generation for Facebook advertising now?What's True Classic's expansion strategy (women's line, new products)?How do you balance profit with purpose and philanthropic impact?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 – Intro: Who is Ryan Bartlett / True Classic story03:05 – Failing in music & poker for a decade10:08 – Moving from poker to digital marketing12:25 – Creativity becomes a business advantage14:49 – Compounding skills over 10+ years17:14 – Running a $1M/year marketing agency22:01 – Solving fit, feel, and price in clothing24:19 – Why boring industries have big opportunity26:44 – The bet that launched True Classic31:33 – Leveraging experience & risk tolerance33:57 – Scaling to $100M and needing a real team36:12 – Creatives vs Operators38:33 – Why people management is the hardest part40:45 – Staying in your area of strength43:12 – You don't need perfect planning to start45:33 – Failure builds the muscle47:57 – Creativity is the real advantage50:20 – AI + Sora + creativity for content55:02 – Sora is changing marketing

The Truth About Trading Success Nobody Teaches; explore how trading discipline, painful losses, and decades of experience shaped one of the most respected traders in the game.Steve Burns shares how he transformed early mistakes into a long-lasting edge through rule-based systems, precise risk control, and a mindset focused on compounding small wins. Whether you are new to trading or refining your system, this episode offers critical lessons on what it truly takes to survive and thrive in the markets.Trading discipline is not just a buzzword. It is the defining trait that separates amateurs from professionals. In this episode, Steve Burns reveals how painful drawdowns, decades of real-world lessons, and a strict focus on risk management helped him achieve lasting success in the markets.With nearly 30 years of trading experience, Steve shares his transition from high-risk speculation to a methodical, rules-based approach. He breaks down how compounding small gains can lead to massive results, why position sizing is critical to trader psychology, and how most traders fail before they even learn what matters.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Core principles of trading discipline and emotional controlHow compounding and small wins drive long-term growthBuilding a system that protects capital and preserves gainsThe role of position sizing in reducing emotional volatilityManaging drawdowns with systematic exitsBacktesting techniques and avoiding data biasTimestamps00:00 – Introduction04:58 – From amateur to professional: learning the hard way10:30 – Compounding: small wins, big future16:20 – Risk control, edge, and protecting profits22:45 – Steve's watchlist and technical setup30:15 – Backtesting strategies and common mistakes37:10 – Current markets, liquidity, and trader sentiment43:50 – What Steve would do differently48:15 – Final thoughts and adviceAbout Two Blokes TradingTwo Blokes Trading is one of the world's biggest trading podcasts, with over 900,000 listeners and a rapidly growing social media app built for traders. Our platform empowers retail traders with AI-driven tools, real-time sentiment analysis, and expert market insights. We turn complex data like insider trades and global trends into smart, actionable trade ideas once reserved for institutions. With cutting-edge technology and clear education, Two Blokes Trading helps everyday traders move faster, think smarter, and trade like professionals.About Steve BurnsSteve Burns is the founder of New Trader U, a veteran trader, educator, and author of more than 17 books on trading strategy, risk management, and psychology. Since 1995, Steve has helped thousands of traders transition from impulsive to intentional trading through structured systems, backtested strategies, and timeless principles.This episode is sponsored by our partnered broker Forex.com. For more information or to setup an account click the link below.https://stonexmarketingpartnerships.ck-cdn.com/tn/serve/geoGroup/?rgid=4&bta=40159 CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Connect with UsInstagram:

One of the most powerful forces in economics and finance is compound interest.  Not everyone understands compound interest, even though they may reap its benefits or suffer its consequences.  Compounding has the potential to build fortunes and wreck empires. The effects of compounding are also not limited to interest payments. It can apply to a great many things in and out of the natural world. Learn more about compound interest, how it works and its awesome potential on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Sponsors Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Mint Mobile Get your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Stash Go to get.stash.com/EVERYTHING to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase. Newspaper.com Go to Newspapers.com to get a gift subscription for the family historian in your life! Subscribe to the podcast!  https://everything-everywhere.com/everything-everywhere-daily-podcast/ -------------------------------- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel Associate Producers: Austin Oetken & Cameron Kieffer   Become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingeverywhere Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingeverywhere/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/everythingeverywheredaily Twitter: https://twitter.com/everywheretrip Website: https://everything-everywhere.com/  Disce aliquid novi cotidie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Kutztown University, we pride ourselves on being a community that cares deeply for one another. Our students' dreams are made possible not only through their hard work, but also through the collective compassion and generosity that define the Golden Bear spirit. Today, that spirit is being called upon once again. Due to the delayed passage of the Pennsylvania state budget, PA State Grant funds – which many students depend on to pay for tuition and basic needs – have not yet been released. Compounding the challenge, the federal government shutdown has disrupted SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits nationwide. Many of our students now find themselves without the resources to afford groceries, toiletries and other everyday essentials. If you are a student in need of help, how can you receive it? Or if you are faculty, staff, or alumni, how can you give help? All those answers are in this interview between KUR and Leah Cassellia, Senior Director, McFarland Student Union and Student Involvement.

This week on Swimming with Allocators, Vivek Jindal, CIO at Caprock, shares his journey from risk manager to leading allocator, offering valuable insights into building all-weather, customized portfolios for ultra-high-net-worth families. The conversation covers the evolution of venture investing, the art and science of risk management, the growing role of secondary markets, manager selection, and the importance of diversification and due diligence. Listeners will gain key takeaways on how to compound capital over decades, adapt to market changes, and identify fund managers' unique superpowers for long-term success. Also, don't miss our insider segment as Shane Goudey highlights Sidley's expansive, practical expertise in representing venture firms and emerging companies, emphasizing the firm's holistic, relationship-driven approach and ability to offer clients sophisticated legal and strategic support across the entire investment and startup ecosystem.Highlights from this week's conversation include:Welcoming Vivek Jindal to the Show (0:22)Lessons from Starting on the Risk Side and the Global Financial Crisis (1:44)Approaching Risk in Venture & Asset Allocation (5:30)Evolution of Portfolio Construction and Blurring Asset Class Lines (10:01)Strategies for Identifying Manager “Superpowers” (10:38)Caprock's Venture Investing Approach and Its Evolution (13:42)Sectors Out of Favor and Long-term Perspective (16:36)Selecting and Accessing Fund Managers (18:36)Word of Mouth, Networking, and New Venture Managers (19:06)Discussion with Sponsor Sidley's Shane Goudey (21:52)Ideal Client Profiles for Caprock (27:06)Why Alternatives—and Why Venture? (29:21)Opportunities in the Secondary Market (31:45)Trends to Watch in Venture and Growth Equity (35:22)What Makes a Good Fund Manager and Reference Checking (38:36)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (41:52)Caprock is a leading multifamily office providing independent, fiduciary advice to ultra-high-net-worth families and institutions. With a multi-asset class approach spanning traditional and alternative investments, Caprock creates fully customized portfolios designed to preserve, compound, and align wealth across generations. Learn more at www.caprock.com.Sidley Austin LLP is a premier global law firm with a dedicated Venture Funds practice, advising top venture capital firms, institutional investors, and private equity sponsors on fund formation, investment structuring, and regulatory compliance. With deep expertise across private markets, Sidley provides strategic legal counsel to help funds scale effectively. Learn more at sidley.com.Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sathish Gajula from the Compounding Project joins us to talk about compounding your health, wealth, and mindset. He shares some mindblowing stats, along with plenty of tactical advice. Topics covered include: Why investing early matters so much How to cut back on the "big 3" expenses The most important part of the compound interest equation How compounding affects health and fitness Curating the right information diet Hacks for maintaining motivation and discipline And so much more. If you found value in the episode, please share it with a friend! Links from The Episode The Compounding Project (Instagram) The Compounding Project (YouTube) The Compounding Project Podcast Compound Interest Equation: Sathish's Favorite Books: Outlive - Peter Attia The Simple Path to Wealth - JL Collins Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari The Compound Effect - Darren Hardy I Will Teach You to Be Rich - Ramit Sethi Atomic Habits - James Clear Sathish's Favorite Podcasts: Diary of a CEO The Tim Ferriss Show Colin & Samir Sathish's Favorite Apps: Fantastical Calendar Chat GPT Todoist YouTube Interview https://youtu.be/yCded1Kz61I Join the Community We'd love to hear your comments and questions about this week's episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community! Grab the Ultimate FI Spreadsheet Join our Facebook Group Leave us a voicemail Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review! >> You can do that by clicking here 

Investing in any market can feel daunting — but it doesn't have to. In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sits down with Jim Cramer, investor, author, and host of Mad Money, to explore what it really takes to build wealth and confidence over time.Cramer's latest book, How to Make Money in Any Market, continues his mission of empowering everyday investors to take control of their financial futures. From lessons learned running a hedge fund to insights from decades in media, Cramer's message is clear: you don't need to be a professional to succeed - you just need discipline, curiosity, and patience. From the birth of the “FAANG” concept to the story behind naming his dog Nvidia, Cramer shares personal stories that illuminate his broader philosophy — that investing is about persistence, not prediction. He and Oscar also discuss long-term trends in capital markets, the role of index investing, and why hope and participation remain central to a healthy investing mindset.This episode covers:· Why Cramer believes this is the right moment for a new playbook on investing.· The power of compounding and why saving regularly still works in today's capital markets.· How technology — from online research to tools like ChatGPT — has transformed access to information.· Why he encourages investors to “do the homework” or choose a diversified index approach if they can't.· His pyramid-style investing framework: build positions slowly, remove emotion, and let time work for you.· What he's learned from mistakes, like overconfidence or losing faith too soon.· How curiosity, observation, and understanding the “craft” can help investors find opportunities all around them.Key timestamps in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Investing with Jim Cramer00:50 Jim Cramer's Journey and New Book02:37 The Importance of Saving and Investing04:12 How to Analyze Stocks and Develop Market Strategies06:10 Jim's Investment Ethos and Practical Advice19:16 Personal Insights and Lightning Round21:57 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewMad Money, Investing in any market, Stock market trends, Capital markets, Long-term investing, Financial education, Retail investors, Compounding, AI investingThis content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and Non-EEA countries, this is authorized and regulated by the FCA. In the EEA, it is authorized and regulated by the AFM. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oisin O'Connor is the CEO and co-founder of Recharge, the leading subscription management platform powering 75% of all Shopify subscriptions. Under his leadership, Recharge has become a critical infrastructure partner for over 30,000 brands, reaching 100 million subscribers and $100 million ARR.In this episode of DTC Pod, Oisin pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win with subscriptions in today's DTC landscape. He shares insider strategies for subscriber growth, optimizing retention, and leveraging Recharge's newest AI-powered tools to minimize churn. Oisin also shares specific benchmarks every brand should measure, real-world examples of subscription funnels that convert, and actionable experiments operators can run to unlock long-term profitability and scale.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Evolution of subscriptions in physical product e-commerce2. How to spot and create product-market fit 3. Differentiators that set Recharge apart from early competitors4. The compounding power of subscriptions for long-term growth5. Unit economics, LTV vs CAC, and why retention is king6. What best-in-class subscription brands do differently7. Optimizing conversion funnels for subscriber growth8. Subscription benchmarks: churn rates, retention, and second order metrics9. Reducing churn with data, cancellation flows, loyalty, and rewards10. Automations and integrating Recharge with supply chain and 3PL operations11. Leveraging AI Concierge for customer retention and support12. Evolving customer experience and the need for seamless subscription management13. How Recharge guides merchants with data, support, and innovation14. Experiments and mistakes founders make launching subscription brandsTimestamps00:00 Oisin's background, founding story, and early agency experiments04:06 The rise of Shopify and the breakthrough with Recharge05:19 The subscription model: initial skepticism and quirky early adopters06:47 Technical challenges in enabling subscriptions on Shopify09:00 First major subscription brand success story10:15 Compounding growth through subscriptions11:36 Legacy brands and decades-long customer retention13:06 Building DTC businesses with sustainable unit economics14:37 Lessons from TV advertising history and the narrowing of scalable models16:29 Key traits of successful subscription businesses17:09 Product, recurring need, and conversion strategy18:27 Understanding subscriber value and optimizing acquisition19:26 Retention: keeping customers post-acquisition  19:52 High-performing brands and funnel design20:05 Subscription by default, offers, upsells, and cross-sells21:39 Conversion tactics from PDP to post-checkout22:38 Benchmarks for healthy churn and retention23:06 How top brands reduce churn and track performance24:58 Recharge tools: analytics, cancellation flows, Klaviyo integration26:41 Rewards and automations to boost retention27:33 Automate flows for backend fulfillment and logistics28:20 Launching AI SMS concierge for subscriber experience29:40 Reducing customer service friction and delighting shoppers32:15 Customer experience as a core differentiator34:04 The competitive subscription landscape: Recharge's position35:41 Product innovation, support, and actionable guidance37:16 Data-driven product innovation and merchant success38:04 The future of subscription, retention, and platform innovation40:38 Biggest mistakes founders make with subscriptions41:58 Experiments founders should run with Recharge42:58 Where to connect with Oisin for advice and mentorshipShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokOisin O'Connor - Co-Founder and CEO of RechargeBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

In this episode, the founder of Practical Founders, Greg Head, shares the most powerful insights from over 165 podcast interviews and working with 40+ bootstrapped SaaS founders in his peer groups. Greg breaks down the common but less obvious traits he sees in practical founders who are quietly building valuable software companies without big VC funding. Greg shares how frugality and managed risk-taking coexist to create compounding steady growth, creating massive long-term value fpr practical founders. And independence and doing it your way are not just luxuries but real superpowers that fuel growth. These patterns have emerged across hundreds of founders he's worked with, representing over $10 billion in founder equity value created. For SaaS founders skeptical of VC templates and PE playbooks Greg shares what all practical founders do to grow from $1M to $10M ARR without betting it all. Are you wired like a Practical Founder? Key Takeaways Frugal yet bold – Practical founders are unusually frugal in life but make well-timed bold bets inside their companies. Managed risk – They avoid betting the whole company, instead making small bets that can compound into larger wins. Compounding focus – Long-term, steady 20–30% growth creates exponential outcomes in SaaS over 10–15 years. Independence premium – Protecting their ability to do it their way is treated as a strategic advantage. Optionality matters – Practical founders value flexibility to sell, go long, or change direction without outside control. This Interview Is Perfect For Founders building SaaS without VC funding CEOs who value control and sustainable growth Entrepreneurs exploring long-term leverage vs. quick wins Anyone who wants to understand the practical founder mindset Quote from Greg Head, founder of Practical Founders "The simple math of a $1 million ARR recurring revenue business that grows at 30% a year, will become very valuable if it keeps growing. ? Not crazy growth, a reasonable pace. This is the fundamental principle of recurring revenue businesses, that it's a compounding machine.  "If you grow at 30% for nine years, you'll have a $10 million business. And if you do that for another nine years, you will have a $100 million business. That's probably worth a billion dollars by that time. That sounds simple and not everybody gets there, of course, but practical founders think in this way. Steady, healthy compounding.  "We know that in the long run, the 10 years, the 20 years, compounding makes the difference. It's a healthier approach. We actually like this approach, generally speaking. We understand the math and yes, we're doing it. Most people don't really sign up for this kind of thing." Links Greg Head on LinkedIn Practical Founders on LinkedIn Practical Founders website Podcast Sponsor – Designli This podcast is sponsored by Designli, a digital product studio that helps entrepreneurs and startups turn their software ideas into reality. From strategy and design to full-scale development, Designli guides you through every step of building custom web and mobile apps. Learn more at designli.co/practical. The Practical Founders Podcast Tune into the Practical Founders Podcast for weekly in-depth interviews with founders who have built valuable software companies without big funding. Subscribe to the Practical Founders Podcast using your favorite podcast app or view on our YouTube channel. Get the weekly Practical Founders newsletter and podcast updates at practicalfounders.com. Practical Founders CEO Peer Groups Be part of a committed and confidential group of practical founders creating valuable software companies without big VC funding.  A Practical Founders Peer Group is a committed and confidential group of founders/CEOs who want to help you succeed on your terms. Each Practical Founders Peer Group is personally curated and moderated by Greg Head.

In this edition of Essential, we look at how we're pushing back against the FDA's upcoming ban on desiccated thyroid extract, why drugmakers' latest tactics against compounding pharmacies are backfiring, and we give you a great way to make sure your practice is performing at its best. Then we take a deep dive with attorney and pharmacist Mark Boesen into the lawsuits being filed against compounding pharmacies, what the results have been, and how they might affect more than just pharmacy in the future.  Boesen & Snow Law: https://www.boesensnowlaw.com/ DTE story (https://a4pc.org/news/ask-your-patients-help-us-protect-dte-access) “FDA's confusing warning letters” (https://a4pc.org/news/fdas-confusing-warning-letters) “FDA's green list: Not our problem?” (https://a4pc.org/news/fdas-green-list-not-our-problem) Compounding.com/thyroid Best practices documents (a4pc.org/bestpractices) National Review article on FDA crackdown (https://archive.ph/LYy7t)

Starting an IBC policy when everything feels worst? That's exactly how Nelson Nash discovered Infinite Banking, when bank rates hit 23% and leverage turned on him. Here's what he did, why it worked, and how to avoid the same traps.

Financial Planning Inspired by Divorce Dr. Nick opens up about his family's financial struggles after his parents' divorce, and how those early hardships shaped his mission to become a financial planner. Watching his mother juggle multiple jobs gave him the drive to help others avoid similar pain. Having walked through divorce myself, I connected deeply with his story and the importance of financial clarity during life's toughest moments. The Power of Compounding and Clear Goals We also talk about redefining financial priorities and how even small, consistent steps add up through the magic of compound interest. Dr. Nick recalls being introduced to the concept at 16 by a golf course owner named Rex—an experience that ultimately launched his career in finance. Lessons from the Golf Course Our conversation turned to the lessons you can pick up from unexpected places—like working at a golf course. For me, it was a front-row seat to observe how wealthier individuals handled themselves, and a reminder that humility in tasks like picking up garbage can lead to life-changing opportunities. Mindset and the Success Journey Mindset is everything. Dr. Nick and I discussed how money matters, but intentional living and meaningful relationships are what create lasting fulfillment. We explored the balance between career satisfaction, financial stability, and well-being—emphasizing that true success isn't measured solely in dollars. Aligning Happiness with Financial Goals One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is that happiness looks different for everyone. Aligning your financial plan with your unique values and goals is essential. Dr. Nick warned about the trap of social media comparisons, reminding us that joy doesn't come from external approval but from understanding what really matters to you. Rethinking Retirement We also unpacked modern retirement. It's no longer about quitting work altogether—it's about creating space for consulting, passion projects, or part-time work. Both Dr. Nick and I agree that knowing yourself and planning ahead can help avoid impulsive decisions and ensure a fulfilling later chapter in life. Understanding Financial Values Through Reflection Dr. Nick's book is designed to help readers identify their strengths, weaknesses, and money stressors through reflection. By connecting financial strategies to core values, readers can create a more intentional and fulfilling financial plan. He even offers a free downloadable chapter on compounding at richbychoicebook.com. I strongly encourage you to grab it, dive into the exercises, and start clarifying your own path to financial freedom. Dr. Nicholas Michels knows what it's like to start with nothing. Growing up in a trailer park, he charted an extraordinary journey — becoming a professional athlete, bestselling author, and one of the most trusted voices in wealth and life planning. As Founder of Michels Family Financial and creator of the Rich by Choice movement, Nicholas has spent more than 20 years guiding thousands toward lasting stability, confidence, and peace of mind. His approach goes far beyond spreadsheets — blending behavioral psychology, faith-based principles, and practical financial strategies to help families design lives rooted in purpose and values. Before launching his firm, Nicholas played professional basketball overseas and earned elite credentials including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR®. Today, his Amazon bestselling book Rich by Choice has inspired readers worldwide, and his voice has been featured in major media as a passionate advocate for financial literacy, mindset growth, and values-driven success. Signature Speaking Topics: Financial Happiness: Why peace matters more than portfolio size The $8 Million Lesson: Walking away from the deal that didn't align with the mission Marriage & Money: Turning conflict into deeper connection If you're looking for a conversation that inspires action, challenges old money stories, and leaves people empowered to build wealth and a meaningful life — Nicholas delivers every time. Free Resource:  https://RichByChoiceBook.com Book:  Rich By Choice Website:  https://michelsfamilyfinancial.com    

In what way are you investing time in others' success? In this episode, Jeff and Phil discuss: We all have a platform to do good work.Lessons learned from 6 years as an Indianapolis Pacers ballboy as a teenager.Preparing in advance and having a plan for your exit.The importance of habits, values, and beliefs.  Key Takeaways: Prepare early and ahead of time to prepare your legacy and identity ahead of a sale, exit, or merger.Not all ideas and businesses are going to generate high profits, but they can still have a high impact.You will receive a lot of “no” answers. They teach discipline, accountability, persistence, and trust in the Lord.Be willing to be mentored, and be a mentor.  "Invest in relationships earlier than you think, and it compounds quicker." —  Phil Daniels About Phil Daniels: Phil is an operator-turned-investment banker, with experience as a four-time founder and five-time leader in B2B tech, financial services, and digital health. He's led go-to-market, culture, M&A integration, and capital formation—experiencing firsthand what it takes to scale and exit.Now a Partner at ArkMalibu, an investment bank for business owners, he's an advisor to founder- and family-led businesses that are approaching a sale. Phil brings operator insight to every transaction—grounded in the realities of building and selling. He's a two-time Inc. 500|5000 CEO, Entrepreneur Magazine award winner, published author, and former NBA ballboy.  Connect with Phil Daniels:Website: https://arkmalibu.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipdaniels  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdvFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

//The Wire//2300Z October 22, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: VIOLENT CAREER CRIMINAL GRANTED BOND IN CHARLOTTE AFTER SHOOTING TODDLER. MEMBERS OF SINGH FAMILY CARGO THEFT RING ARRESTED IN CALIFORNIA. PENTAGON REPORTS STRIKE IN PACIFIC OCEAN AS NARCO WAR SPREADS. NEW HAMPSHIRE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RETURNS TO BENCH AFTER ACCEPTING PLEA DEAL IN CRIMINAL CASE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Ireland: Unrest in Dublin continued throughout the night, with thousands of protesters and rioters taking up position outside the Citywest Hotel. Today, local observers noted significant fortification efforts being undertaken at the sprawling complex that encompasses the resort hotel, indicating much more protest activity is expected.Analyst Comment: The situation was made worse by the fact that most media organizations have only focused on the riot itself, and not the kidnap and rape of a child that started the whole affair. Compounding issues further was the observation of another load of migrants being bussed in to the area under heavy police protection.South America: The War Department has announced another kinetic strike on a narco vessel, bringing the total count to 8x vessels sunk so far this campaign. This vessel was not sunk in the Caribbean, but rather in the Pacific Ocean in a vicinity that has not yet been disclosed. 2x individuals onboard the vessel were killed during the strike.Analyst Comment: Regarding the previous strike on the Narco Submarine, details have come to light regarding the survivors of that strike. One individual was Columbian and was repatriated to Columbia after being severely wounded during the strike. This individual (who has not been identified) suffered severe wounds and might not survive. The other individual was from Ecuador and has been identified as Andrés Fernando Tufiño. He was repatriated to Ecuador, and was promptly released without any charges being filed as the government of Ecuador states that he committed no crime. This is quite a bold statement considering he was fished out of the ocean after his narco submarine filled with cocaine was sunk by an AC-130J gunship, but nevertheless this points to the seriousness of the situation. Venezuela, despite being the face of this campaign...is certainly not the only belligerent in this conflict, which is rapidly escalating into a region-wide war.-HomeFront-Wyoming: This morning the State Capitol building was evacuated after a suspicious package was discovered. Eventually EOD personnel rendered the device safe, and the building remained closed for the rest of the day. It is not clear at the moment if this device was an explosive device, but the investigation continues.Analyst Comment: This incident, while not uncommon, does provide a learning opportunity for all. A staffer initially discovered the device wedged in the state seal near the entrance to the building. Rather than leaving the suspicious package in place and immediately contacting authorities (as is the recommended procedure for the discovery of potential IEDs), the staffer picked it up and brought it inside the building. After tampering with the device for a bit, someone at some point realized that it might be an Improvised Explosive Device, and security was alerted, prompting the evacuation.New Hampshire: State Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi has returned to the bench after being indicted on seven counts pertaining to her attempting to use her position on the Supreme Court to influence her husband's criminal case.Analyst Comment: Her husband, Geno Marconi, was the head of New Hampshire's Port Authority  when he was indicted on multiple counts of evidence tampering. This stemmed from an investigation into his misappropriation of state funds, as well as running an organized crime syndicate in which he used his position to grant preferential treatment

We often talk about compound interest when it comes to money, but character works the same way. The small choices you make every day, how you lead, how you treat people, how you show up, build on each other over time. In this episode, John Kennedy, CFP®, shares how integrity, consistency, and humility play a bigger role in success than most people realize. It's an honest look at how character compounds in business, leadership, and everyday life. 00:26 The Power of Compounding Beyond Finance 01:18 Character and Consistency: Building Trust 01:58 Personal Accountability and Candor 04:44 The Invisible Returns of Character 06:27 Reflecting on Character Development

The lawsuits filed against Leon Black in connection with Jeffrey Epstein are among the most graphic and disturbing to emerge from Epstein's orbit. Several women, including Cheri Pierson and a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, accuse Black of violent sexual assaults that allegedly took place inside Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. Pierson claims Black raped her in 2002 after Epstein arranged what was supposed to be a massage appointment, describing the encounter as brutal and coercive. Another lawsuit alleges Black sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl with autism and Down syndrome, leaving her bleeding and traumatized. Both cases portray Black as a predator who exploited Epstein's network to target vulnerable women, echoing the broader pattern of abuse associated with Epstein's inner circle. Black's legal team has vehemently denied all allegations, dismissing the claims as false and opportunistic.Compounding the scandal is Black's series of high-dollar settlements and legal maneuvering. In 2023, he quietly paid $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to avoid potential litigation tied to Epstein's trafficking operations there. He also succeeded in getting parts of other lawsuits dismissed on procedural grounds, including a defamation case brought by former model Guzel Ganieva, which was thrown out in early 2025. Still, the volume and nature of the claims — combined with his massive financial ties to Epstein and the Senate Finance Committee's scrutiny of his payments — have left Black mired in controversy. The lawsuits' explicit, violent allegations and the perception of systemic leniency have solidified his position as one of the most controversial figures to emerge from Epstein's shadow.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

The lawsuits filed against Leon Black in connection with Jeffrey Epstein are among the most graphic and disturbing to emerge from Epstein's orbit. Several women, including Cheri Pierson and a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, accuse Black of violent sexual assaults that allegedly took place inside Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. Pierson claims Black raped her in 2002 after Epstein arranged what was supposed to be a massage appointment, describing the encounter as brutal and coercive. Another lawsuit alleges Black sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl with autism and Down syndrome, leaving her bleeding and traumatized. Both cases portray Black as a predator who exploited Epstein's network to target vulnerable women, echoing the broader pattern of abuse associated with Epstein's inner circle. Black's legal team has vehemently denied all allegations, dismissing the claims as false and opportunistic.Compounding the scandal is Black's series of high-dollar settlements and legal maneuvering. In 2023, he quietly paid $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to avoid potential litigation tied to Epstein's trafficking operations there. He also succeeded in getting parts of other lawsuits dismissed on procedural grounds, including a defamation case brought by former model Guzel Ganieva, which was thrown out in early 2025. Still, the volume and nature of the claims — combined with his massive financial ties to Epstein and the Senate Finance Committee's scrutiny of his payments — have left Black mired in controversy. The lawsuits' explicit, violent allegations and the perception of systemic leniency have solidified his position as one of the most controversial figures to emerge from Epstein's shadow.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Last time we spoke about the flooding of the Yellow River. As Japanese forces pressed toward central China, Chiang Kai-shek weighed a desperate gamble: defend majestic Wuhan with costly sieges, or unleash a radical plan that would flood its heart. Across/Xuzhou, Taierzhuang, and the Yellow River's bend near Zhengzhou, commanders fought a brutal, grinding war. Chinese units, battered yet stubborn, executed strategic retreats and furious counteroffensives. But even as brave soldiers stalled the enemy, the longer fight threatened to drain a nation's will and leave millions unprotected. Then a striking idea surfaced: breach the dikes of the Yellow River at Huayuankou and flood central China to halt the Japanese advance. The plan was terrifying in its moral cost, yet it offered a temporary shield for Wuhan and time to regroup. Workers, farmers, soldiers, laborers—pushed aside fear and toiled through the night, water rising like a raging tide. The flood bought months, not victory. It punished civilians as much as it protected soldiers, leaving a nation to confront its own hard choices and the haunting question: was survival worth the price?   #172 The Road to Wuhan Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Following the Battle of Xuzhou and the breaching of the Yangtze dykes, Wuhan emerged as Japan's next military objective for political, economic, and strategic reasons. Wuhan served as the interim capital of the Kuomintang government, making it a crucial center of political authority. Its fall would deprive China of a vital rail and river hub, thereby further crippling the Chinese war effort. From a strategic perspective, Japanese control of a major rail and river junction on the Yangtze would enable westward expansion and provide a base for further advances into central and southern China. For these reasons, the Intelligence Division of the Army General Staff assessed that the capture of Wuhan would likely deliver the decisive blow needed to conclude the Second Sino-Japanese War.  Recognizing Wuhan's strategic importance, both the National Revolutionary Army and the Imperial Japanese Army committed substantial forces to the city and its approaches. The IJA deployed roughly 400,000 troops, while the NRA fielded at least 800,000. China began the war with an estimated regular force of 1.7 to 2.2 million men, organized into six broad loyalty-based categories around Chiang Kai-shek's command. Directly loyal troops formed the first group, followed by a second tier of soldiers who had previously supported Chiang but were less tightly controlled. The next category consisted of provincial troops that Chiang could ordinarily influence, while a fourth group included provincial units over which his sway was weaker. The fifth category comprised Communist forces, the Eighth Route Army in the northwest and the New Fourth Army forming in the central Yangtze region. The final category consisted of Northeastern or Manchurian units loyal to Zhang Xueliang, known as the “Young Marshal.” The first two categories together accounted for roughly 900,000 men, with about a million more in independent provincial armies, and roughly 300,000 in Communist and Manchurian forces. As commander-in-chief, Chiang could effectively command only about half of the mobilizable units at the outbreak of war in July 1937, which meant that military decisions were often slow, fraught with negotiation, and administratively cumbersome. Division-level coordination and communication proved particularly challenging, a stark contrast to the Japanese command structure, which remained clean and disciplined. Geographically, most of Chiang's loyal troops were located in the corridor between the Yangtze and the Yellow rivers at the start of 1938. Having participated heavily in the defense of Shanghai and Nanjing, they retreated to Wuhan at about half strength, with an already decimated officer corps. They then numbered around 400,000 and were commanded by generals Chen Cheng and Hu Zongnan. The northern regional armies, especially Han Fuju's forces in Shandong, had suffered severe losses; some units defected to the Japanese and later served as puppet troops. After six months of Japanese onslaught that cost the coastal and central regions—Peiping-Tianjin to Shanghai and inland toward Nanjing—much of the relatively autonomous, sizable armies remained from the southwest or northwest, under leaders such as Li Zongren, Bai Chongxi (Guangxi), Long Yun (Yunnan), and Yan Xishan (Shanxi and Suiyuan). Roughly 700,000 of these troops—predominantly from Guangxi under Li and Bai—were committed to the defense of Wuhan. The Communist forces, by contrast, numbered about 100,000 and remained relatively unscathed in bases north and east of Xi'an. In total, approximately 1.3 million men were under arms in defense of Wuhan. In December 1937, the Military Affairs Commission was established to determine Wuhan's defense strategy. Following the loss of Xuzhou, the National Revolutionary Army redeployed approximately 1.1 million troops across about 120 divisions. The commission organized the defense around three main fronts: the Dabie Mountains, Poyang Lake, and the Yangtze River, in response to an estimated 200,000 Japanese troops spread over 20 divisions of the Imperial Japanese Army. Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi, commanding the Fifth War Zone, were assigned to defend the north of the Yangtze, while Chen Cheng, commanding the Ninth War Zone, was tasked with defending the south. The First War Zone, situated to the west of the Zhengzhou–Xinyang segment of the Pinghan Railway, was responsible for halting Japanese forces advancing from the North China Plain, and the Third War Zone, located between Wuhu, Anqing, and Nanchang, was charged with protecting the Yuehan Railway. Following the Japanese occupation of Xuzhou in May 1938, they sought to expand the invasion. The IJA decided to dispatch a vanguard to occupy Anqing as a forward base for an assault on Wuhan. The main force would then advance north of the Dabie Mountains along the Huai River, with the objective of eventually capturing Wuhan via the Wusheng Pass. A second detachment would move west along the Yangtze. However, a flood from the Yellow River forced the IJA to abandon plans to advance along the Huai and instead to attack along both banks of the Yangtze. Despite Chinese numerical superiority on the Wuhan front, roughly a 2:1 advantage, the offensive faced several complicating factors. The NRA was a heterogeneous, fragmented force with a variety of tables of organization and equipment, and it lacked the unified command structure that characterized the IJA. Historian Richard Frank notes the broad diversity of Chinese forces at the outbreak of the war, which hindered cohesive mobile and strategic operations: “Chiang commanded armies of 2,029,000 troops of highly variegated capability and loyalty. His personal forces included an elite cadre of three hundred-thousand German-trained and eighty-thousand German armed men. A second stratum of the Chinese armies, numbering roughly 600,000 included various regional commands loyal to Chiang in the past that generally conformed to his directives. These troops were better armed and trained than the rest. The third category encompassed a million men who were neither loyal nor obedient to Chiang”. The NRA faced a significant disadvantage in both quantity and quality of equipment compared to the Japanese. The disparity was stark in artillery allocations. An IJA infantry division possessed 48 field and mountain guns, whereas a German-equipped Chinese division had only 16. In terms of regiment and battalion guns, a Japanese division had 56, while a German-equipped Chinese division possessed just 30. Of roughly 200 Chinese infantry divisions in 1937, only 20 were German-equipped, and merely eight of those met their paper-strength standards. Many Chinese divisions had no artillery at all, and those that did often lacked radios or forward-observation capabilities to ensure accurate fire. These deficiencies placed the NRA at a clear disadvantage in firepower when facing the Japanese. These equipment gaps were compounded by poor training and tactical doctrine. The NRA lacked adequate training facilities and did not incorporate sufficient field maneuvers, gun handling, or marksmanship into its program. Although the 1935 drill manual introduced small-group “open order” tactics, many formations continued to fight in close-order formations. In an era when increased firepower rendered close-order tactics obsolete, such formations became a liability. The NRA's failure to adapt dispersed assault formations limited its tactical effectiveness. Defensively, the NRA also faced serious shortcomings. Units were often ordered to create deep positions near key lines of communication, but Chinese forces became overly dependent on fixed fortifications, which immobilized their defense. Poor intelligence on Japanese movements and a lack of mobile reserves, there were only about 3,000 military vehicles in China in 1937, meant that Japanese infantry could easily outflank fixed NRA positions. Moreover, the Japanese enjoyed superiority in artillery, enabling them to suppress these fixed positions more effectively. These realities left Chinese defenses vulnerable, especially in the war's first year. The leadership deficit within the NRA, reflected in limited officer training, further constrained operational effectiveness. Chiang Kai-shek reportedly warned that Chinese commanders often equaled their counterparts in rank but did not outmatch them in competence. Only 2,000 commanders and staff officers had received training by 1937, and many staff officers had no military training at all. Overall, about 29.1 percent of NRA officers had no military education, severely limiting professional development and command capability. With the exception of the Guangxi divisions, Chinese units were hampered by an unnecessarily complex command structure. Orders from Chiang Kai-shek needed to pass through six tiers before action could be taken, slowing decision-making and responsiveness. In addition, Chiang favored central army units under direct control with loyal commanders from the Whampoa clique when distributing equipment, a pattern that bred discord and insubordination across levels of the Chinese field forces. Beyond structural issues, the Chinese force organization suffered from a lack of coherence due to competing influences. The forces had been reorganized along German-inspired lines, creating large field armies arranged as “war zones,” while Russian influence shaped strategic positioning through a division into “front” and “route” armies and separate rear-area service units. This mix yielded an incoherent force facing the Japanese. Troop placement and support procedures lacked rationalization: Chiang and his generals often sought to avoid decisive confrontation with Japan to minimize the risk of irreversible defeat, yet they also rejected a broad adoption of guerrilla warfare as a systematic tactic. The tendency to emphasize holding railway lines and other communications tied down the main fighting forces, around which the Japanese could maneuver more easily, reducing overall operational flexibility. Despite these deficiencies, NRA officers led roughly 800,000 Chinese troops deployed for the Battle of Wuhan. On the Wuhan approaches, four war zones were organized under capable if overextended leadership: 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 9th. The 5th War Zone, commanded by Li Zongren, defended north of the Yangtze to protect the Beijing–Wuhan railway. Chen Cheng's Ninth War Zone defended south of the Yangtze, aiming to prevent seizure of Jiujiang and other key cities on approaches to Wuhan. The 1st War Zone focused on stopping Japanese forces from the northern plains, while Gu Zhutong's 3rdWar Zone, deployed between Wuhu, Anqing, and Nanchang, defended the Yuehan railway and fortified the Yangtze River. Japan's Central China Expeditionary Army, commanded by Hata Shunroku, spearheaded the Wuhan advance. The CCEA consisted of two armies: the 2nd Army, which included several infantry divisions under Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni, and the 11th Army, advancing along the Yangtze's northern and southern banks under Okamura Yasuji. The 2nd Army aimed to push through the Dabie Mountains and sever Wuhan from the north, while the 11th Army would converge on Wuhan in a concentric operation to envelop the city. The Japanese forces were augmented by 120 ships from the 3rd Fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy under Koshirō Oikawa, more than 500 aircraft from the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service, and five divisions from the Central China Area Army tasked with guarding Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, and other key cities. These forces were intended to protect the back of the main Japanese thrust and complete the preparations for a major battle. The Kuomintang, led by Chiang Kai-shek, was acutely aware that Japan aimed to strike at Wuhan. Facing Japan's firepower and bold offensives, Chiang and his commanders pursued a strategy of attrition at the Wuchang conference in January 1938. Central China would be the primary theater of China's protracted struggle, distant from Japan's existing center of gravity in Manchuria. Chiang hoped Japan's manpower and resources would be exhausted as the empire pushed deeper into Central China. Eventually, Japan would be forced either to negotiate a settlement with China or to seek foreign assistance to obtain raw materials. The mountainous terrain to the north and south of the Yangtze presented natural obstacles that the Chinese believed would hinder large-scale concentration of Japanese forces. North of the Yangtze, the Dabie Mountains provided crucial flank protection; to the south, rugged, roadless terrain made expansive maneuvering difficult. In addition to these natural barriers, Chinese forces fortified the region with prepared, in-depth defenses, particularly in the mountains. The rugged terrain was expected to help hold back the Japanese offensive toward Wuhan and inflict substantial casualties on the attackers. The Yangtze itself was a critical defensive factor. Although the Chinese Navy was largely absent, they implemented several measures to impede amphibious operations. They constructed gun positions at key points where the river narrowed, notably around the strongholds at Madang and Tianjiazhen. Specialized units, such as the Riverine Defense Force, were deployed to defend these river fortifications against amphibious assaults. To reinforce the Riverine Defense Force, Chinese forces sank 79 ships in the Yangtze to create obstacles for potential Japanese naval advances. They also laid thousands of mines to constrain Japanese warships. These defensive measures were designed to slow the Japanese advance and complicate their logistics. The Chinese aimed to exploit stalled offensives to strike at exposed flanks and disrupted supply lines, leveraging terrain and fortified positions to offset Japan's superior firepower. On 18 February 1938, an Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service strike force comprising at least 11 A5M fighters of the 12th and 13th Kōkūtais, led by Lieutenant Takashi Kaneko, and 15 G3M bombers of the Kanoya Kokutai, led by Lieutenant Commander Sugahisa Tuneru, raided Wuhan and engaged 19 Chinese Air Force I-15 fighters from the 22nd and 23rd Pursuit Squadrons and 10 I-16 fighters from the 21st Pursuit Squadron, all under the overall command of the 4th Pursuit Group CO Captain Li Guidan. They faced a Soviet Volunteer Group mix of Polikarpov fighters as well. The 4th Group fighters claimed at least four A5Ms shot down, while the Soviet group claimed no fewer than three A5Ms. Both the Japanese fighter group commander, Lieutenant Kaneko, and the Chinese fighter group commander, Captain Li, were killed in action during the battle. A largely intact A5M downed in the engagement was recovered with a damaged engine; it was the second intact A5M to be recovered, repaired, and flight-tested in the war, following the first recovered-intact A5M credited to Colonel Gao Zhihang during an air battle over Nanjing on 12 October 1937. On 3 August 1938, 52 Chinese fighters, including 20 I-15s, 13 I-16s, 11 Gloster Gladiators, and 7 Hawk IIIs, intercepted at least 29 A5Ms and 18 G3Ms over Hankou. The Guangxi era pilots Zhu Jiaxun and He Jermin, along with Chinese-American fighter pilots Arthur Chin and Louie Yim-qun, all flying Gladiators, claimed at least four A5Ms shot down on that day. The Wuhan Campaign began in earnest when the Imperial Japanese Army's 3rd and 13th Infantry Divisions advanced north of the Yangtze River. Central China Expeditionary Army commander Hata Shunroku designated Shouxian, Zhengyangguan, and the Huainan coal mine as the objectives for the 3rd and 13th Infantry Divisions. Meanwhile, the 6th Infantry Division, part of the 11th Army, advanced toward Anqing from Hefei. The 6th Infantry Division coordinated with the Hata Detachment, which launched an amphibious assault from the river. The 2nd Army's sector saw immediate success. On June 3, the 3rd Infantry Division seized the Huainan coal mine; two days later, it captured Shouxian. The 13th Infantry Division also secured Zhengyangguan on that day. The 6th Infantry Division then made rapid progress immediately north of the Yangtze River, taking Shucheng on June 8 and Tongcheng on June 13. These advances forced the Chinese 77th Corps and the 21st and 26th Army Groups to withdraw to a line spanning Huoshan, Lu'an, and Fuyang. More critically, the Hata Detachment crossed the Yangtze River and landed behind the Chinese 27th Army Group's 20th Corps. The sudden appearance of Japanese forces in their rear forced the two Chinese divisions defending Anqing to withdraw. The fall of Anqing represented a major Japanese success, as they gained control of an airfield crucial for receiving close air support. After battles around Shucheng, Tongcheng, and Anqing, all three cities and their surrounding countryside suffered extensive damage. Much of this damage resulted from air raids that indiscriminately targeted soldiers and civilians alike. In Shucheng, the raids were reportedly aided by a Chinese traitor who displayed a red umbrella to guide daylight bombing on May 10, 1938. This air raid caused substantial destruction, killing or wounding at least 160 people and destroying more than a thousand homes. The town of Yimen also endured aerial destruction, with raids killing over 400 people and destroying 7,000 homes. Yimen and Shucheng were among many Chinese towns subjected to terror bombing, contributing to widespread civilian casualties and the destruction of livelihoods across China. The broader pattern of air raids was enabled by a lack of quality fighter aircraft and trained pilots, allowing Japanese bombers free rein against Chinese cities, towns, and villages. While the aerial assaults caused immense damage, the atrocities committed in these cities were even more severe. In Anhui, where Shucheng, Anqing, and Tongcheng were located, the Japanese brutality was on full display. The brutality can be partly understood as an attempt to destroy China's will and capacity to wage war, yet the extremity of some acts points to a warped martial culture within the Japanese Army, which appeared to encourage murder, torture, rape, and other crimes. Indeed, the Army eventually enshrined this brutality in its doctrine with the so-called “three alls”: kill all, burn all, loot all.  These acts, and more, were carried out in Anhui during the summer of 1938 as the Japanese advanced up the Yangtze River. In Anqing, the Hata Detachment killed at least 200 people without compunction. A further 36 civilians on a boat were detained and killed by Japanese marines, who claimed they were potentially Chinese soldiers. The countryside around Anqing, Shucheng, and Tongcheng witnessed continued atrocities. In Taoxi village of Shucheng County, the Japanese burned over 1,000 houses and killed more than 40 people. At Nangang, Japanese soldiers killed more than 200 people and committed numerous rapes, including many victims over 60 years old. Tongcheng also became a site of forced sexual slavery. The Japanese atrocities, intended to terrify the Chinese into submission, did not achieve their aim. Chinese resistance persisted. After a brief withdrawal, the 20th Army held stoutly at Jinshan for four days before retreating to Xiaochiyi and Taihu. These withdrawals, while costly, lured the Japanese deeper into the interior of China. As the Japanese advanced, their flanks became increasingly vulnerable to counterattack. On June 26, 1928, the Chinese 26th Army Group attacked the flanks of the 6th Infantry Division at Taihu. The 26th Army Group was supported by the 20th and 31st Armies, which attacked from the front to pin the 6th Infantry Division in place. The 6th Infantry Division was ill-prepared to respond, suffering a malaria outbreak that left about 2,000 soldiers unfit for combat. Fighting continued until June 29, when the Japanese withdrew. The focus of operations north of the Yangtze shifted to Madang, a key river fortress protected by obstacles and river batteries. Roughly 600 mines were laid in the Yangtze near Madang, and the fortress was largely manned by the Riverine Defense Force, with a small garrison; including stragglers from the 53rd Infantry Division, the Madang garrison totaled roughly 500 men. Initial expectations had Madang holding, since Japanese ships could not easily remove obstacles or suppress the batteries. On the dawn of June 24, however, news reached Madang that Xiangkou had fallen to the Japanese, enabling a land threat to Madang, and many Madang defenders, including most officers above the platoon level, were absent at a nearby ceremony when the attack began.  On 24 June, Japanese forces conducted a surprise landing at Madang, while the main body of the Japanese Eleventh Army advanced along the southern shore of the Yangtze. The Chinese garrison at the Madang river fortress repelled four assaults, yet suffered casualties from intense bombardment by Japanese ships on the Yangtze and from poison gas attacks. Compounding the difficulty, most of the Chinese officers responsible for Madang's defense were absent due to a ceremony at a local military school by Li Yunheng, the overseeing general. Consequently, only three battalions from the second and third Marine Corps and the 313th regiment of the 53rd Division took part in the defense, totaling no more than five battalions. When the 167th Division, stationed in Pengze, was ordered by War Zone commander Bai Chongxi to move swiftly along the highway to reinforce the defenders, divisional commander Xue Weiying instead sought instructions from his direct superior, Li Yunheng, who instructed him to take a longer, more navigationally challenging route to avoid Japanese bombers. Reinforcements arrived too late, and Madang fell after a three-day battle. Chiang Kai-shek promptly ordered a counterattack, offering a 50,000 yuan reward for the units that recaptured the fortress. On June 28, the 60th Division of the 18th Corps and the 105th Division of the 49th Corps retook Xiangshan and received 20,000 yuan, but made no further progress. As the Japanese army pressed the attack on Pengze, Chinese units shifted to a defensive posture. Chiang Kai-shek subsequently had Li Yunheng court-martialed and Xue Weiying executed. After the fall of Madang, the broader Wuhan campaign benefited from Madang as a foothold along the Yangtze, as the river continued to function as a dual-use corridor for transport and amphibious landings, aiding later operations and complicating Chinese defensive planning. The rapid capture of Madang demonstrated the effectiveness of combined arms, amphibious insertion, and secure supply routes along a major river, while Chinese defenses showed weaknesses such as reliance on rough terrain, underestimation of Japanese amphibious capabilities, and delayed reinforcement, which, coupled with gas warfare, produced a swift loss. The fall influenced subsequent Chinese fortifications and defensive doctrine along the Yangtze and affected decisions regarding garrison allocations and riverine operations. After Madang fell, Japan's 11th Army pressed toward its next major objectives, Jiujiang, Huangmei, and Xiaochikou. It took nearly three weeks for the Japanese to clear the waterway around Madang of mines, costing them five minesweepers, two warships, and a landing craft full of marines. Jiujiang stood out as the most important due to its status as a key river port and railway junction. To defend these targets, China deployed the 1st Army Corps to Jiujiang, the 2nd Army Corps to cover the area west of Jiujiang, and the 4th Army Corps to defend Xiaochikou. Despite these reinforcements, the Japanese continued their advance.  The Japanese initially captured Pengze but met strong resistance at Hukou, where they again deployed poison gas during a five-day battle. During the breakout, there were insufficient boats to evacuate the auxiliary troops of the defending 26th Division from Hukou, leaving only a little over 1,800 of the more than 3,100 non-combat soldiers able to be evacuated, and the majority of the more than 1,300 missing soldiers drowned while attempting to cross the Poyang Lake. On July 23, they conducted an amphibious operation at Gutang, with the Hata Detachment landing at Jiujiang shortly thereafter. These landings south of the Yangtze represented another step toward Wuhan, which lay about 240 kilometers away. The Chinese responses consisted of relentless counterattacks, but they failed to dislodge the Japanese from their bridgeheads. Consequently, the Japanese captured Xiaochikou by July 26 and Jiujiang by July 28, with a note that poison gas may have been used at Jiujiang. North of the Yangtze, the 6th Infantry Division moved forward and seized Huangmei on August 2. Despite stubborn Chinese resistance, the Japanese had gained considerable momentum toward Wuhan. Soon after the fall of Jiujiang and surrounding areas, the local population endured a renewed surge of war crimes. The Imperial Japanese Army sought to break China's will to resist and its capacity to endure the onslaught. Male civilians were executed indiscriminately, along with any POWs unable to retreat in time, while women and children were subjected to mass rape. In addition, numerous urban districts and suburban villages were deliberately razed, including the city's ceramics factories and its maritime transportation system. The widely documented “three alls” policy proved devastating in the Yangtze region: in Jiujiang alone, as many as 98,461 people were killed, 13,213 houses destroyed, and property losses reached 28.1 billion yuan. Yet numbers fail to convey the brutality unleashed in Jiujiang, Hukou, and Xiaochikou south of the Yangtze. On July 20, the Japanese confined 100 villagers in a large house in Zhouxi village, Hukou County, and erased them with machine guns and bayonets. Tangshan village witnessed similar brutality on July 31, when eight people were drowned in a pond and 26 houses burned. That September, learning that children and the elderly at Saiyang Township were taking refuge in caves on Mount Lushan, the Japanese proceeded to bayonet defenseless civilians, many beheaded, disemboweled, or amputated. These acts, among others, were carried out on a mass scale south of the Yangtze, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths around Jiujiang. Despite the enormity of these crimes, Chinese people did not surrender. Among those who resisted was Wang Guozhen of Wang Village in Pengze County. Upon learning of the Japanese approach to Pengze on July 1, Wang, a teacher, led women, children, and the elderly into mountains and forests to seek safety. However, Wang and his followers soon encountered Japanese troops who attacked them, instantly killing over 20 people. Wang denounced their actions as the Japanese took him captive and had him whipped for over an hour. They had hit him so hard his skin was peeling off and he had broken his left thigh. They then demanded he collaborate with them, but to this Wang responded “a common man cannot resist the enemy for his country and he will only die”. After hearing these words, the Japanese simply stabbed him with a bayonet in his left eye and in his chest area, ultimately killing him. Wang's small act of defiance would earn him a plaque from the KMT that states “Eternal Heroism”. Even though Wang's heroism was commendable, bravery alone could not halt the Japanese advance along the Yangtze. After securing Jiujiang, Xiaochikou, and Gutang, the 106th and 101st Infantry Divisions carried out amphibious operations further upriver. The 106th Infantry Division landed on the Yangtze's east bank, pushing south of Jili Hu. Concurrently, the Sato Detachment, two infantry battalions plus a field artillery battalion from the 101st Infantry Division, landed east of Xiaochikou and concentrated on the east side of Mount Lu. The Japanese advance soon faced firm Chinese resistance despite these early gains. The 106th Infantry Division encountered the in-depth defenses of Xue Yue's 1st Corps. These defenses formed an isosceles triangle with Jiujiang at the apex and the Jinguanqiao line at the base. Although Jiujiang was abandoned in late July, the triangle's base at Jinguanqiao remained strong, with the 8th, 74th, 18th, 32nd, 64th, 66th, 29th, 26th, 4th, and 70th Armies concentrated in the Jinguanqiao area. These forces inflicted heavy losses on the 106th Infantry Division, which saw nearly half of its captains killed or wounded during the fighting. To aid the 106th Division's breakthrough near Jinguanqiao, the 11th Army deployed the 101st Infantry Division to the area east of Xiaochikou in mid-August. From there, the division pushed toward the east side of Mount Lu, aiming to seize Xingzi in an amphibious assault via Lake Poyang. The objective was to outflank De'an and the nearby Nanxun Road. On August 19, the 101st Infantry Division executed the plan and landed at Xingzi, where they faced strong resistance from the 53rd Infantry Division. However, the division found itself isolated and thus vulnerable to being outflanked. By August 23, the 53rd Infantry Division had withdrawn to the east. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. In 1938 Wuhan stood as China's fragile beacon. Wuhan's defense hinged on a patchwork of war zones and weary commanders, while Japan poured in hundreds of thousands of troops, ships, and air power. The Yangtze became a deadly artery, with river fortresses, brutal bombings, and mass casualties. Yet courage endured: individuals like Wang Guozhen chose defiance over surrender.

In this episode, Elijah explores why beginning your financial planning journey early can transform not just your bank balance, but your entire life. He breaks down the compounding power of time, showing how consistent habits, even with modest amounts, lead to lasting financial freedom and flexibility. Drawing on real-life stories, Elijah explains how starting early creates margin, reduces stress, and gives you options that money alone can't buy. He also discusses the deeper meaning of stewardship, encouraging listeners to model healthy financial habits for their children and future generations.  -- Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:05 – Why People Delay Planning 02:20 – The Power of Compounding 04:10 – A Client Story 06:00 – Faith and Stewardship 07:15 – Freedom from Fear 08:25 – Building Habits for the Future 09:45 – Final Challenge   -- This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Public distrust in legacy media has surged over the past decade, driven largely by perceptions of bias, manipulation, and selective storytelling. Studies from the Reuters Institute and Pew Research Center show that audiences increasingly believe mainstream outlets push political or corporate agendas instead of objective truth. Over two-thirds of respondents in Reuters' 2024 “Bias, Bullshit, and Lies” report said they view major networks as “too agenda-driven” and “out of touch” with the public. This skepticism deepened after repeated high-profile media failures—such as misreported stories, selective coverage of scandals, and the close ties between journalists and political power brokers—that reinforced the sense that mainstream journalism serves elites rather than the audience. Many consumers now see news organizations less as watchdogs and more as part of the same establishment they were supposed to hold accountable.Compounding this decline is the economic collapse of traditional journalism and the rise of the 24-hour digital cycle, which prioritizes clicks and engagement over verification and nuance. Shrinking newsroom budgets have led to the erosion of investigative reporting, replaced by punditry and algorithm-driven sensationalism. As newsrooms consolidate under a handful of corporate owners, audiences increasingly question whether editorial independence still exists. Meanwhile, social media has given rise to both alternative outlets and disinformation, further blurring the public's ability to distinguish fact from narrative. The result is a fractured media landscape where trust is earned less through prestige and more through perceived authenticity—and for many, the old institutions have failed that test.to  contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Jennie kicks off the new Write Big series with a conversation about what it really means to stop playing small in your writing life. If you've ever felt the tug to bring more of yourself to the page—or wondered why your words aren't landing the way you want—this episode will spark reflection and give you permission to choose courage, clarity, and creativity in your work.Transcript Below!#AmWriting: A Groupstack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.SPONSORSHIP MESSAGEHey, this is Jennie Nash, and I wanted to invite you to check out my Substack newsletter, The Art & Business of Book Coaching. It's totally free unless you choose to support me, and it's secretly really great for writers. The reason is that book coaches are in the business of helping writers do their best work. So I'm always talking about writer mindset and things like helping a writer find their structure or find an agent or find their position in the marketplace. If you're considering investing in having somebody help you, it's a great way to get prepared to know who you might want to pick and what you might want to ask of them. You'll get an inside peek at the way that the people who are in the business of helping writers think about writers, and so in that way, it can help you become a better writer just by tuning in. I have a lot of writers following me over there, so if you're interested, come check it out you can find it at substack.com/@JennieNash. That's substack.com/@JennieNash, and it's J-E-N-N-I-E.EPISODE TRANSCRIPTHi, I'm Jennie Nash, and you're listening to the Hashtag AmWriting Podcast, and today, we're starting something new. It's a special series here on Hashtag AmWriting where we explore what happens when writers hold back, play it safe, or hide in the shadows—and what changes when they step into their full creative power. I'm calling these the Write Big Sessions.I'll be sharing solo reflections, interviewing different writers and industry professionals about the ways they play big, talking with KJ about these ideas, and offering the chance for you to reflect at key times of the year, all circling around one big question: How are you playing small in your writing life? And here's the good news: you don't have to keep doing that. You can choose to Write Big, with courage, clarity, and the power to bring your whole self to the page.Today I'm talking about why I'm obsessed with the whole concept of writing big, and why I've committed my whole career to helping writers do it.In April, I went on a wellness retreat in Costa Rica, which was being run by Dr. Diana Hill, one of my book coaching clients, and the author of the book Wise Effort. When we arrived, there were the usual introductions—where are you from? What do you do? What brought you here? One woman heard about my work with Diana and said, “Oh, that's so crazy. I'm dying to write a book. I'd love to talk to you.”I smiled and said something polite, because this is something I hear all the time. I'm a book coach, and whenever anybody hears about what I do, they always say that either they or their sister or cousin or brother or neighbor or somebody is dying to write a book. They say that 82% of American adults want to write a book. And from my experience out in the world, I don't doubt it.In the middle of the week, Diana guided us through a visualization exercise designed to help us reconnect with our values and desires, and it was intense. We had to write for 15 minutes about what we would do if we only had a year left to live. We then had to write about what we would do if we only had a month left to live, and then a week, and then a minute.After we did the writing exercises, we partnered up with whoever was sitting next to us to share what we had discovered, and my partner happened to be the woman who wanted to write the book. I shared with her that if I had a year left to live, I would absolutely be writing a book to try to capture everything that I've learned throughout my career. I'm just wired to teach and to inspire others, and it's what I would do.If I only had a month left to live, I'd still have that on my list. I imagined a burst of creative energy at the end of my life to propel me through this creativity, and of course leave me time to be with my husband and my two kids. We would probably watch silly movies and play games and fight about it, and we would probably take walks, and I would tell them how much I've loved loving them.When I got down to one week left to live, and then one minute, writing reluctantly dropped off my list because I had to face the limits of time and my priorities of being with my family. But what was interesting is that the woman who literally told me she was dying to write a book did not include writing on any of her lists.And to be honest, this didn't surprise me. So many people say they want to write a book, but they don't want it to cost them anything. They don't want to give up anything in order to do it. They're not ready to Write Big.But I find that the writers who are ready to Write Big—the ones who are yearning to connect with their deepest creative desires and write something they love that their readers might love—those people are motivated to do whatever it takes, if only they knew what those things were.These writers are already probably spending time, effort, energy, and money writing their morning pages, clocking 1000 words a day, maybe turning out shitty first drafts and maybe even publishing. They're doing work, but the books they're writing are falling flat, failing to make an impact, and leaving them frustrated and desperate to figure out what's missing in their creative life. They can't quite figure out why they're not writing something that feels as amazing to them as the writing that they love feels when they read it.Compounding this frustration is the glut of craft resources, productivity tips, and marketing strategies coming at us every day. It's easy to get lulled into the belief that knowing how to write and publish is all it takes to fulfill your creative dreams. But I know better.In my work at Author Accelerator, where I train and certify people to be book coaches, mostly what we're doing is helping people figure out how to help writers to Write Big. At the end of the day, what an excellent book coach does is help a writer step into their full creative power.And I want to be clear about what I mean by writing big. It's not about hitting bestseller lists or being loud on the internet. It's bringing your whole self to the page, choosing courage over comfort, and daring to be seen. It's the difference between spending time on your writing—and committing your whole self to it.The ironic thing is that when writers decide to play big, the rewards of the marketplace often follow, because readers can tell when you're playing small, holding back, dialing it in, or not really connecting with yourself or them.I sometimes think there are bigger problems in the world than helping writers make a shift in their relationship to their work. But then I'm reminded of what happens when writers bring their whole selves to the page. Hearts and minds get changed, people feel less alone, the world becomes more connected.So what I'll be talking about in these Write Big Sessions is BIG! I'll be keeping the episodes short on purpose, and I'll usually end with a reflection or action step. I'm a book coach, after all—it's what I do.For today, I would just ask you to think about what the concept of writing big has brought up for you, just hearing about it. What feelings or thoughts arise?Until next time, stop playing small, and write like it matters.NarratorThe Hashtag AmWriting Podcast is produced by Andrew Perrella. Our intro music, aptly titled, Unemployed Monday was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output, because everyone deserves to be paid for their work.#AmWriting is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

We analyze CSX's recent Q3 earnings, noting that while adjusted operating income fell 8% due partly to a non-cash write-down and export coal decline, the operational story shows significant strength. The railroad is running better than ever, reporting a 1% growth in overall volume fueled by a robust 5% surge in intermodal traffic, alongside key operational improvements like an 8% decrease in terminal dwell time. Global markets continue to see chaos, as trans-Pacific container freight rates plummet due to overcapacity and worsening US-China trade friction, causing Asia-US West Coast rates to fall to pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, the UN's International Maritime Organization postponed action on a global carbon tax following US opposition, a delay analysts warn risks stalling green investments and potentially leading to higher future freight rates down the line. Domestic capacity tightness is intensifying at the US-Mexico border, driven by policy changes like the pause on new foreign commercial driver visas and new English proficiency interviews, leading to a massive 18% jump in Laredo's Outbound Tender Reject Index. Compounding the labor issue, the industry is seeing a strong push to reimplement rigorous CDL training centered on the crucial Smith System's five key principles, arguing that proactive human override is essential for safety over the current priority of speed of qualification. On the equipment innovation front, Wabash National is expanding its Trailers as a Service platform with the new offering, TaaS Pools, designed to provide short-term, on-demand capacity for maximum flexibility, particularly for 3PLs. Unlike traditional leasing, TaaS Pools includes embedded management and maintenance, backed by TrailerHawk technology, which is critical for guaranteeing trailer uptime when capacity is tight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices