Podcasts about conciseness

Guest: Eden Bidani, Founder of CAPE agency, messaging strategy and copywriting for tech companiesIn this episode, I engage in a detailed discussion with Eden Bidani, founder of CAPE, a specialized messaging and copywriting agency for tech companies. We explore how her background in anthropology and sociology enhances empathy in marketing, especially relevant in the AI age. The conversation focuses on the five common mistakes in B2B landing page design, including the misconception that copy alone drives conversions and the need for a structured narrative flow. Eden highlights the importance of providing sufficient information to build trust, maintaining consistent messaging throughout the customer journey, and recognizing the complexities of B2B decision-making when crafting calls-to-action. We conclude with the significance of integrating landing pages within the wider website experience for a cohesive brand presence. Eden offers best practices and encourages a user-centric, experimental approach to marketing for improved conversion rates.What's in this conversation between Eden and Mony?0:07 Introduction 2:51 Anthropology in Marketing3:37 Common Mistakes in B2B Landing Pages11:35 Building Trust Through Information14:21 Length vs. Conciseness in Content17:18 Messaging Consistency Across the Funnel24:54 Avoiding Pushy Sales Tactics32:33 The Role of CTAs on Homepages36:41 Mistake Number Five: Disconnected Experiences41:50 Should You Drive Traffic to the Homepage?45:10 Closing Thoughts and Key TakeawaysReferences:

Want your CEO to actually read your emails? Master the art of concise communication. As a COO or second-in-command, you don't have time for long-winded explanation, and neither does your CEO. In this episode of The Right-Hand Roadmap, Megan Long shares why brevity is an essential leadership skill in founder-led companies. You'll hear real-life examples of communication failures and learn how to craft messages that get read (and acted on). If you've ever written a detailed email that went ignored, this episode is for you. You'll hear all about: 00:28 – Why conciseness is a must-have leadership skill 00:40 – A real-world example: The director with PhD-level emails 01:36 – The manager whose messages were unreadable walls of text 02:32 – Have you ever written an email that was ignored? Here's why. 02:53 – The #1 rule of communicating with CEOs: Get to the point 03:05 – The power of clarity: Trial lawyers and plain English 03:28 – How to write emails your CEO will actually read 03:35 – Start with an executive summary (2-4 sentences) 03:47 – Use bullet points for key facts 03:58 – Cut the fluff: Eliminate filler words and phrases 04:39 – The golden rule: Give CEOs access to supporting details, but don't make them hunt for the key takeaways Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts Click Here to Listen! OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Second First Membership Second First One-on-One Coaching Second First on Instagram Second First on LinkedIn Megan Long on LinkedIn

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineToday's episode is all about one of the most personal—and sometimes nerve-wracking—parts of a wedding: the vows and speeches. Writing your own vows can feel overwhelming, and giving a toast in front of a room full of people? Well, let's just say it's not everyone's idea of fun. But don't worry! Our guest today is here to help you let go of the anxiety and embrace the magic of speaking from the heart.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:[00:00]: The Importance of Vows and Speeches[02:59]: Transitioning from Politics to Weddings[05:56]: Common Mistakes in Writing Vows[08:49]: The Art of Conciseness in Vows[12:03]: The Emotional Impact of Personal Vows[15:11]: Guidelines for Reception Speeches[17:59]: Delivery Techniques for Effective Speeches[20:49]: Practicing for Success[24:02]: Incorporating Humor in Speeches[27:19]: The Importance of Variety in Speeches[28:46]: AI's Role in Speech Writing[33:52]: Wedding Speech Disasters and Lessons Learned[37:39]: Trends in the Wedding Industry[41:00]: Unique Processes for Speech Writing[44:13]: The Need for Practice and Preparation[47:30]: Fun Wedding Preferences and Personal TouchesLinks Mentioned in the EpisodeFind the Full Shownotes HereConnect with Brian on InstagramLearn more about Vows and SpeechesGrab Our Day of Master OrganizerGrab Our Wedding Budget BundleGrab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop Connect with the show!

Get your ticket for ARRtist Circus 2025 Summary In this episode, Julia Listig and Veronica Wax discuss the transformative power of conversation metrics in sales. They explore how understanding and analyzing conversation dynamics can lead to more effective customer interactions. Veronica shares her journey in founding DemoDesk and the importance of AI in enhancing sales coaching. The conversation emphasizes the balance between talking and listening in sales, the role of qualitative questions, and the future trends in AI and sales coaching. Takeaways Communication is at the heart of every successful sale. Understanding conversation metrics can transform sales interactions. The ideal talk ratio in sales conversations is 50-60% in favor of the customer. AI can provide insights into conversation dynamics and coaching. Sales reps should focus on asking the right questions to engage customers. Conciseness in communication is crucial for effective sales. Building rapport with customers is essential for successful sales. AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing sales reps to focus on meaningful interactions. The human element in sales is irreplaceable, even with advancing AI technology. Awareness of performance metrics is the first step to improvement.

Master the art of crafting a compelling book synopsis with this detailed guide, covering key elements, character development, and editing tips. #selfpublishing #booktube #writers #booksummary #booksynopsis Subscribe and ring the bell to get weekly tips that will help you write your book and get published! ======================================= GOT QUESTIONS? GET ANSWERS, CONTACT ME! ======================================= ▶ EMAIL: hello@ashleymking.com ▶ SCHEDULE A TIME TO TALK WITH ME: ASHLEYMKING.AS.ME ================================================= SUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA Interact with me Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishwithashleymking Instagram - http://instagram.com/publishwithashleymking/ Pinterest- http://pinterest.com/theashleymking Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/theashleymking/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/theashleymking Fanbase- https://www.fanbase.app/theashleymking TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@theashleymking?_t=8V59WfiQUpC&_r=1 ===================================================== Affiliate Disclaimer: While we receive affiliate compensation for reviews / promotions on this page, we always offer honest opinion, relevant experiences and genuine views related to the product or service itself. Our goal is to help you make the best purchasing decisions, however, the views and opinions expressed are ours only. As always you should do your own due diligence to verify any claims, results and statistics before making any kind of purchase. Clicking links or purchasing products recommended on this page may generate income for this website from affiliate commissions and you should assume we are compensated for any purchases you make. This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Earnings Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. There is no guarantee that you will earn any money using the techniques and ideas mentioned in this video. This is not financial advice. Your level of success in attaining the results claimed in this video will require hard-work, experience, and knowledge. We have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the information on this video is accurate, but we cannot represent that the website(s) mentioned in this video are free from errors. You expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this video. ================================================================== 00:00:00-Introduction 00:00:07-The Importance of a Book Synopsis 00:00:47-Essential Elements of a Book Synopsis 00:01:27-Crafting an Engaging Hook 00:02:00-Mastering Attention-Grabbing Techniques 00:02:38-Condensing the Storyline Effectively 00:03:08-Highlighting Key Plot Points 00:03:42-Introducing Main Characters and Their Arcs 00:04:18-Exploring Central Themes and Messages 00:05:02-Matching Tone with Genre 00:05:36-Showcasing Unique Writing Style 00:06:14-Clarity is Key 00:06:47-The Balance of Conciseness and Descriptiveness 00:07:27-Formatting Guidelines 00:08:00-Proofreading for Errors 00:08:45- Final Tips for Creating a Compelling Book SynopsisSubscribe to Get It Done Podcast- Books, Business, and Branding on Soundwise

Crafting Revenue-Boosting Copy: The Power of Clear Messaging with Andrea Driessen Episode Overview: In this episode of Profit with a Plan, Marcia Riner sits down with TEDx speaker and award-winning message strategist Andrea Driessen to discuss how mastering your message can lead to increased revenue and business growth. Whether you're a business owner whose promotional materials fail to capture the value of your offerings, a thought leader struggling to distill your expertise into a compelling hook, or someone overwhelmed by AI-generated content, this episode is for you. Andrea shares her insights on why effective messaging is crucial and how to refine your copy to connect deeply with your audience. Key Takeaways: [00:00:10] – Introduction to the Episode: Marcia introduces Andrea Driessen and highlights the importance of communicating the true value of your offerings through clear and effective messaging. [00:01:14] – Why Your Promo Materials Shouldn't Be About You: Andrea emphasizes that your promotional content should focus on the audience's needs, not just your business's achievements. She explains how to shift your messaging to reflect the benefits your audience will receive. [00:02:54] – The ‘So What?' Test: Andrea introduces the simple yet powerful ‘So What?' test, which helps business owners ensure that their messaging is audience-focused. This tool guides you to continuously ask, "So what?" to dig deeper into what truly matters to your audience. [00:06:57] – Crafting Messaging in the Age of AI: Andrea discusses how AI can assist with generating content but lacks the human touch necessary to create emotional connections. She highlights the importance of using human intelligence (actual intelligence) to craft compelling, cohesive copy that resonates with readers. [00:11:30] – The Importance of Clarity in Your Messaging: With attention spans shrinking, Andrea explains how crucial it is to make your messaging clear, concise, and engaging from the start. If your words don't immediately connect with your audience, they'll move on. [00:13:30] – Practical Tips for Crafting Audience-Centric Copy: Andrea shares actionable tips for creating effective copy, such as replacing jargon with simple language and focusing on the audience's needs and pain points. [00:14:50] – The Human Touch in Copywriting: Andrea explains why human copywriters are still crucial, even with AI's rise. She discusses how human insight is necessary to write copy that builds trust, engages emotionally, and captures the essence of a brand's voice. [00:16:40] – Real-World Application of the 'So What?' Test: Andrea provides examples of the 'So What?' test in action, showing how this approach can refine and sharpen your messaging to better engage your audience. [00:21:00] – Actual Intelligence Beats Artificial Intelligence: Andrea breaks down the limitations of AI in copywriting and why human intelligence is irreplaceable when it comes to crafting engaging, high-converting copy. [00:25:00] – The Value of Professional Copywriters in Lead Generation: Marcia and Andrea discuss how working with a professional copywriter can shorten the sales cycle, cut through the noise, and help businesses generate leads more effectively. Andrea's Copywriting Secrets: Clarity and Conciseness: (00:11:30) Clear and concise messaging is key in an age of short attention spans. Your words should instantly convey value and resonate with your target audience. Consistency Across Platforms: (00:12:50) Andrea explains the importance of maintaining consistent tone and content across all marketing channels to build a cohesive brand. Emotional Connection: (00:06:57) AI can't replace the human touch. Andrea shares how human copywriters tap into emotional intelligence to make copy feel more genuine and relatable. About Andrea Driessen: Andrea Driessen is a results-driven message strategist with a TEDx talk that has garnered nearly 2 million views. Her expertise in copywriting and marketing has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and business leaders increase revenue by refining their messaging. Andrea is also the author of a 3x award-winning business book and a frequent contributor to LinkedIn. Connect with Andrea: Website: AndreaDriessen.com AI vs. Actual Intelligence Insights: AndreaDriessen.com/ai LinkedIn: Follow Andrea for her "World-Changing Words" series where she shares actionable copywriting tips.     Sponsored by Infinite Profit ® —We don't just talk profit — we deliver it! Is your business ready for explosive growth? Visit InfiniteProfitConsulting.com to learn how Marcia and her team can help you boost profits and set your business up for long-term success.     Grab Your Free Resource: Looking to supercharge your profits? Download Marcia's Profit Booster Playbook at BoostingProfit.com to uncover three essential strategies to increase your bottom line today.     About Marcia Riner.  She is a business growth strategist who helps business owners dramatically increase their revenue, profit, and the value of their company. In fact, she can show prospective clients a clear pathway to profit and an impactful ROI for working here before hiring her firm. Through her proven Profit Booster® strategies, she gets results. Marcia is the CEO of Infinite Profit® and more information can be found at https://www.InfiniteProfitConsulting.com Got questions?  Reach out to Marcia and her team at (949) 229-2112 ♾️

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary Miles emphasizes the critical role of effective communication in the legal profession. He explores how strong communication skills impact client relationships, courtroom success, negotiations, and professional reputation. Gary provides practical techniques for clarity and persuasion, such as active listening, clear language, and empathetic communication. He argues that mastering these skills can lead to greater success, freedom, and happiness for lawyers. Lawyers can build trust, achieve better outcomes, and foster a positive professional environment by enhancing their communication abilities. The Importance of Listening (00:03:26)Gary emphasizes the significance of being listened to and heard in fostering respect and connection. Impact of Communication on Legal Success (00:04:37)Exploration of how effective communication influences client relationships, courtroom success, and negotiation outcomes. Building Trust through Communication (00:06:03)Effective communication is crucial for establishing trust with clients and colleagues, leading to better legal outcomes. Persuasion and Conflict Resolution (00:07:23)Communication skills are essential for persuasion in negotiations and resolving disputes effectively. Reputation Building (00:08:57)Mastering communication enhances professional reputation, leading to referrals and increased business opportunities. Critical Communication Skills (00:10:13)Gary outlines essential communication skills lawyers should master, starting with active listening. Clarity and Conciseness (00:11:50)Importance of clear and concise communication to avoid misunderstandings and keep audiences engaged. Nonverbal Communication (00:10:13)Discussion on how body language and facial expressions can enhance verbal communication. Persuasive Speaking (00:11:50)Crafting compelling arguments is crucial for convincing judges, juries, and opposing counsel. Confidence in Communication (00:11:50)Displaying self-assurance through tone and demeanor conveys authority and competence. Techniques for Enhancing Communication (00:12:25)Gary shares techniques for clarity and persuasion, including clear language and logical structure. Storytelling in Communication (00:14:49)Using storytelling to engage audiences and make legal arguments relatable. Emotional Connection (00:14:49)Connecting emotionally with audiences enhances the persuasiveness of arguments. Preparation for Effective Communication (00:15:19)Being well-prepared is essential for successful communication, whether in meetings or negotiations. Maintaining Nonverbal Cues (00:16:19)Importance of body language and eye contact in reinforcing verbal messages. Practicing Empathetic Communication (00:17:40)Understanding emotions behind messages fosters trust and improves communication quality. Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free  Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

About the Episode:Neville Medhora is known as the Copywriting guy. He has been creating content on the internet for almost 20 years. His earlier works include NevBlog, one of the first financial blogs online. Currently, he serves as a Copywriting Advisor for companies like Appsumo and The Hustle. He is also the owner of CopywritingCourse.com and SwipeFile.com, two leading resources for anyone looking to master the art of copywriting. In this episode of "Uploading…,” we explore what it means and what it takes to write good copy, how to write stuff that people will want to read, and how online content is evolving with AI. Neville shares essential copywriting techniques like the AIDA framework, the role of stories in content, and the importance of conciseness.Today, we'll cover:- How AI is reshaping copywriting and where human creativity still reigns supreme- Tips for creating viral, high-performing copy based on the AIDA framework- The importance of conciseness and working backward in copywritingWhat You'll Learn1. Characteristics of High-Performing Copy2. Tone of Voice and Audience Understanding3. Role of AI in Copywriting4. Storytelling and Content Effectiveness5. AIDA Framework for Better Copy6. Conciseness and Clarity in CopywritingTimestamps01:23 From learning how to write copy and training others to do the same to investing in Copy.ai04:49 Strategies for writing copy for different companies, different audiences10:25 Three levels of copywriting and the impact of AI on each15:30 The inevitability of AI involvement in content creation, how AI-human dichotomy in content will dissolve over time18:41 Writing copy for short-form video21:36 Storytelling frameworks for short-form and long-form content23:58 How to write a sales copy that converts, why a good copy does not necessarily tell a story30:10 AIDA copywriting formula — how it helps writers weave a proper argument for people to take action33:52 The essence of “kopywriting,” getting information from one brain to another37:09 What novice copywriters get wrong and how to avoid them41:32 Why good copywriting means simplifying complex ideasThe Future of Content Creation: "I think for the most part, for most content, people are just going to assume some AI was involved and it'll just be like, not a thing. Like, no one's going to care." — Neville Medhora [00:16:05 → 00:16:59]AIDA Framework for Better Copy: “Using the AIDA form is just a way to at least get, um, a properly done argument for whatever you're selling, whether it be an idea, whether it be a product, that's, that's what the AIDA is. And it's extremely powerful. People try to do all sorts of variations, but it's basically built off of that same framework, same attention, interest, desire, action. Simple.  — Neville Medhora [00:33:04 → 00:33:22]On Going Beyond Traditional Copywriting: “If you're a copywriter that could just write words, that's. That is powerful. But if you could also generate your own custom images and thanks to AI and stuff, it's a lot easier. And then if you also put all those thoughts into videos and make it compelling, you could probably get in front of a lot more people. And whatever tools that come out, I'm willing to use them. So copywriting is not just like putting pen to paper all the time. And yes, there's, like, scripts behind certain things, but also it's like, let's use any tool available to us to transmit information from one brain to another.” — Neville Medhora [00:35:02 → 00:36:08]Show notes powered by Castmagic---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.Follow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!Castmagic InstagramCastmagic TwitterCastmagic LinkedIn  ---Blaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of CastmagicNeville Medhora - Owner of Kopy Group, LLC (CopywritingCourse.com / SwipeFile.com)

Be clear, concise, charismatic, and curious. Fantastic advice from my guest, Sony Das. Sony is the Vice President of Learning and Organizational Development at Lionsgate Entertainment. In this episode we talk about humility, empowering people, and getting your key message “above the fold”.Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Sony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonymdas/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com

In this episode of The PR Maven® Podcast, host Nancy Marshall speaks with Stephen Church from Copywriter Pro, covering a wide array of topics from Stephen's background in psycholinguistics and his journey from teaching English globally to entering the family retail business and eventually founding Copywriter Pro. They delve into the significance of Freelance Writers Appreciation Week, Stephen's deep dive into SEO and commercial copywriting and their collaboration on the PR for the commemorative china for Prince William and Kate's royal wedding. The conversation navigates through Stephen's perspectives on the British Monarchy, the evolution of SEO, and the nuanced challenges of copywriting. Stephen emphasizes the importance of clarity, conciseness and compelling content, highlighting the indispensable role of understanding and communicating the benefits of products or services. They also explore the potential impacts and utilities of AI in copywriting, stressing the need for authenticity and human touch in creating engaging and effective copy. The discussion concludes with Stephen's recommendations for aspiring writers and a reminder of the essence of continual learning through reading.    00:00 Welcome to The PR Maven® Podcast with Stephen Church  00:51 Stephen Church: A Journey from Language Lover to Copywriting Pro  02:16 The Royal Wedding China: A PR Success Story  05:41 Stephen's Take on the Royal Family and The Crown  11:26 Diving into the World of Copywriting with Copywriter Pro  13:28 The Art and Challenges of SEO and Copywriting  21:44 The Power of Copywriting: Insights from Maya Angelou  23:32 Local Business Success: Leveraging Nancy's Marketing Techniques  25:14 Back to the Podcast: Continuing the Conversation with Stephen Church  25:41 The Royal Connection: From Weddings to Speech Writing  26:37 The Art of Letter Writing and Its Personal Touch  27:35 AI in Copywriting: Threat or Tool?  32:56 Maximizing LinkedIn: Strategies for Effective Networking  36:56 The Essence of Effective Copywriting: Clarity, Conciseness and Compelling Content  41:50 The Importance of Reading for Aspiring Copywriters  44:05 Connecting with Stephen Church and Wrapping Up  Mentioned Episode 20: Michael Katz, Chief Penguin at Blue Penguin Development Episode 222: Will You Really Make Money by Doing What You Love? With Michael Katz, Chief Penguin at Blue Penguin Infographics 15 Copywriting Tips 11 LinkedIn Profile Tips 6-point recipe for SEO success   About Stephen Stephen Church is a seasoned copywriter and the founder of Copywriter Pro, a company dedicated to helping growth-minded businesses attain more and better-quality clients through clear, concise and compelling words for their websites. Church's profound love for language and its impact on behavior steered his educational path toward psycholinguistics at university. Prior to his venture into the corporate world, Stephen had an extensive career as an English language tutor across various countries, including Madrid, Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and London. In the early 1980s, he returned to the UK to join his family's long-established retail business, where he quickly adapted to the digital era by launching a pioneering e-commerce site. However, it was Copywriter Pro that truly allowed Stephen to merge his passion for language with professional pursuits. Beyond his professional achievements, Stephen maintains a keen interest in the royal family and significant events, despite his candid stance on the institution itself. His connections and endeavors, from promoting commemorative china for royal weddings to engaging in thoughtful discourse on modern monarchy, reflect a multifaceted individual with a deep appreciation for both history and the evolution of communication. 

“I apologize for such a long letter - I didn't have time to write a short one.” ― Mark Twain “I apologize for such a long podcast - I didn't have time to record a short one.” ― Rob Morgan www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/catechismofconciseness

In this episode, Andrew and Julie chat with guest John Crepezzi, a veteran in the Ruby community, founder of All Aboard Bootcamp, and currently a Software Engineer at Jane Street.  Today, they discuss John's experience running a coding bootcamp, share insights on teaching programming, and emphasize the importance of community in learning.  Additionally, they explore functional programming in OCaml, highlighting how functional programming can be implemented in Ruby.  Also, John dives into the potential impact of AI, particularly language models like ChatGPT, on education and software development, and there's a discussion on resume writing for new coders and future trends in AI and automation. Hit download now to hear more! [00:01:08] Julie introduces John, her former bootcamp instructor, and he tells us about himself and his extensive experience on the Ruby community. [00:02:14] Andrew asks John about the gem he is most proud of creating, and he explains his pride in the “ice_cube gem” for recurring date math. [00:04:30] John discusses the technical challenges and community contributions to ice_cube. [00:05:25] Julie discusses her positive experience with All Aboard Bootcamp and how the bootcamp helped her connect different programming concepts.  [00:07:26] John describes his teaching philosophy for covering a broad amount of material quickly and he stresses the importance of learning to ask the right questions. He uses a metaphor from the movie “Tommy Boy” to emphasize teaching practical skills.[00:11:26] John relates the approach to teaching with the usefulness of ChatGPT and Julie expresses her preference for receiving explanations in small chunks and using bullet points for clarity. John discusses how LLMs can assist in refining questions before providing answers. [00:12:49] Andrew asks about AI's role in teaching and its potential impact. John, an AI professional,  offers his perspective on AI in the short and term, specifically its ability to understand and respond to human language. He speculates on the future of human computer interaction, where structured systems may become unnecessary as LLMs bridge the communication gap. [00:16:03] Andrew agrees with John's vision of the future, acknowledging the inefficiencies in current user flows. John compares the evolution from programming VCRs to using DVRs to the potential of LLMs simplifying interaction with technology. [00:16:55] John describes the motivation behind starting a bootcamp and the realization of the industry's selection bias towards already skilled programmers. He shares the story of how the high cost of bootcamps and their screening processes inspired him to teach a more accessible camp. [00:21:10] Julie is impressed by John's ability to manage the bootcamp alongside his full-time job, family responsibilities, and other commitments. She also talks about the final project of the bootcamp, where John acted as a project manager and provided structure and guidance. [00:23:31] Andrew inquires about what John thinks is the number one mistake new programmers make on their resume.  John emphasizes the importance of highlighting projects on a resume, especially for those transitioning from another industry, and advises focusing on the outcomes and transferable skills gained from previous experiences.[00:25:35] John considers formatting critical for resumes, suggesting less content with more white space and a clear hierarchy can be more effective than too much information.[00:26:44] Another thing John advises is keeping resumes to one page unless there's a compelling reason for more, like academic positions or extensive project work.[00:27:18] Reflecting on the bootcamp, John wishes he had sought more assistance with grading and feedback to reduce the workload. [00:28:34] John praises the students, particularly Julie, for fostering a supportive community outside of the classroom.[00:31:07] Discussing programming languages, John expresses his favor for OCaml and functional programming, arguing that functional patterns can be beneficial even in languages like Ruby. [00:32:13] Find out where you can follow John online. [00:32:58] We end with John reaffirming his love for Ruby and expresses enthusiasm for its future and mentioning his work with Eileen on Active Record and Rails' influence on web frameworks in other languages. Panelists:Andrew MasonJulie J.Guest:John CrepezziSponsors:GoRailsHoneybadgerLinks:Andrew Mason X/TwitterAndrew Mason WebsiteJulie J. X/TwitterJulie J. WebsiteJohn Crepezzi X/TwitterJohn Crepezzi GitHubice_cube 0.16.4All Aboard BootcampAbout the bootcamp (John's story)RailsConf 2023-Functional Patterns in Ruby by John Crepezzi (YouTube)OCaml (00:00) - Introduction to the Episode (01:08) - Meet John Crepezzi: Ruby Community Veteran and Bootcamp Founder (02:14) - John's Pride in Creating the "ice_cube gem" for Date Math (04:30) - Technical Challenges and Community Role in Developing ice_cube (05:25) - Julie's Transformative Experience at All Aboard Bootcamp (07:26) - John's Teaching Philosophy: Quick Learning and Practical Skills (11:26) - ChatGPT's Role in Teaching: Enhancing Question Refinement (12:49) - AI in Education: John's Perspective on Future Trends (16:03) - From VCRs to AI: Evolution of User-Technology Interaction (16:55) - The Genesis of John's Bootcamp: Addressing Industry Biases (21:10) - John's Journey: Balancing Bootcamp with Personal Life (23:31) - Common Resume Mistakes for New Programmers (25:35) - John's Tips on Effective Resume Formatting (26:44) - Importance of Conciseness in Resumes (27:18) - John Reflects on Bootcamp Challenges and Workload Management (28:34) - Fostering a Supportive Community in the Bootcamp (31:07) - John's Advocacy for OCaml and Functional Programming in Ruby (32:13) - Discover Where to Follow John Online (32:58) - John's Ongoing Passion for Ruby and Its Evolving Impact

In this thought-provoking episode, the podcast delves into various themes, juxtaposing seemingly unrelated topics like Subway and Jimmy Johns sandwiches, historical references to Hitler and the Luftwaffe, and the joy and challenges of romantic comedies. The central theme revolves around the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, emphasizing the importance of logical and accurate analysis in spiritual growth and the dangers of assigning moral values to external events.Key points discussed include:Seeing Reality Objectively: The episode stresses the importance of simplicity and honesty as direct paths to truth. Decatastrophizing: The concept of "decatastrophizing" is explored through examples like invoices, breakups, and minor annoyances, emphasizing the distortion caused by labeling situations as catastrophic.Seneca's Wisdom: A powerful quote from Seneca urges listeners to approach life's universal challenges with equanimity, underlining that ease is a matter of perception and attitude.Speaking Objectively: The difference between Stoics, who value truth and reason, and Sophists, who appeal to emotions, is discussed. Common communication pitfalls like the use of emotive words, exaggeration, catastrophizing, and lying are highlighted.Conciseness and Objectivity: The episode shares a personal story about a road trip to Denver, illustrating the necessity of concise and objective communication, especially in challenging situations like car troubles.Throughout, the podcast intertwines philosophical insights with everyday examples, encouraging listeners to adopt a more objective, truthful, and straightforward approach to life and communication.

On the docket today, we delve into the critical principles that underpin effective legal writing. Whether you're a seasoned attorney seeking a refresher or a legal novice, these fundamentals are the cornerstone of success. Discover why legal writing is the unsung hero of the legal profession, the powerful tool that can persuade judges, sway cases, and safeguard your clients' rights. We explore the five pillars of legal writing: Clarity, Conciseness, Precision, Organization, and Persuasiveness, offering insights into each. Alongside these essential principles, we uncover common pitfalls to avoid and practical tips for improvement. Join us on this journey to enhance your legal writing skills and unlock the true potential of your legal English.For the show notes for this episode, go here. Comment below the show notes if you have any questions about this episode.For more about this podcast, go here. For ways to improve your Legal English, go here.For the Intro To Legal English Course, go here. This is a free course!Have you watched our YouTube Channel? Go here.Willing to support the show? Buy Me a Coffee.---Check out our NEW website: 4 Business-EnglishImprove Your Communication SkillsIn the modern business world, communication is key to success. Often, communication is conducted in English. Whether you are dealing with native-English speakers, or English as a Second Language speakers, you need to communicate effectively in the lingua franca of the 21st Century: English. There are many common business terms that you need to understand, and some you need to master. Often, academic English courses do not teach these business phrases or lexicon. That is where 4 Business English can help.This site is designed with business professionals in mind. People who need to improve their professional English skills - reading, writing, conversational, or even public speaking and giving formal presentations. ---Discover Our Writing Journal - Unlock the power of effective Business English writing with our new book: 4 Business English Writing Journal: 365 Daily Prompts for Global ProfessionalsElevate your communication skills as a global professional with 365 daily prompts tailored to enhance your language proficiency. Join us on a transformative journey towards mastering Business English.To read more about or to purchase, go to the Amazon page here or read more Here.What do I know with Isaac Carrollsearching for truth and meaning in scripture.Support the show

Focus on your audience and use stories. That is the key advice from my guest, Rob Lauber. Rob is a career learning and development executive for brands such as McDonald's, YUM!, and Cingular Wireless. He is also the Founder and CEO of XLO Global where he helps learning teams drive more business value. In this episode we talk about the importance of focusing on your audience, how to use stories to convey your message, and being confident that you don't know something. I hope you enjoy. Key Points:Importance of Focusing on the Audience [00:01:01] Rob Lauber talks about his 30-year career in learning and development, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the audience and understanding their sentiment.The Power of Storytelling [00:03:43] Rob Lauber and Scott D'Amico discuss the importance of storytelling in communication, and how it can help connect with the audience and convey complex ideas.Using Examples to Connect with the Audience [00:06:00] Scott D'Amico and Rob Lauber discuss how using examples and simple stories can help connect with the audience and convey complex ideas in a relatable way.Importance of relatability in storytelling [00:07:24] Rob and Scott discuss the importance of relatability in storytelling and how it can help connect with the audience.Soft skills in the workplace [00:08:12] Rob shares his insights on the importance of soft skills in the workplace, particularly in the digital communication space.Impact of video in business communication [00:11:54] Scott and Rob discuss the acceleration of people being willing to do business without having met face-to-face, and the impact of video in business communication.Importance of Audience Understanding [00:14:25] The speakers discuss the importance of understanding the audience when communicating, especially in a multi-generational workforce, and how to anticipate pushback.Providing Context during Times of Change [00:15:52] The speakers emphasize the importance of providing context during times of change to avoid lost productivity and uncertainty.Direct Communication and Confidence [00:18:48] The speakers discuss the importance of being concise and direct in communication, as well as being confident in admitting when one does not know something.Leadership and Communication [00:21:45] Scott and Rob discuss the importance of leaders being willing to admit when they don't know something and the benefits of creating a culture where team members can learn from each other.Learning from Communication Experts [00:23:55] Rob shares how he has learned from communication experts throughout his career, and the importance of seeking feedback from them to improve communication skills.Reading for Communication Improvement [00:27:56] Scott and Rob emphasize the importance of reading to improve communication skills, whether it's reading internal company messaging or press releases from other companies.Importance of Face-to-Face and Verbal Communications [00:28:56] Rob Lauber discusses the importance of face-to-face and verbal communications, especially for those coming out of school, and how it is a skill that needs to be honed to be an effective communicator.Adapting to Digital Communication [00:29:47] Rob Lauber talks about the challenge of adapting to digital communication and how it is important to build skills in blogging, writing good posts, and leveraging communication channels like LinkedIn to build customers.Encouraging Face-to-Face Communication [00:31:53] Scott D'Amico and Rob Lauber discuss the importance of face-to-face communication and how it is a skill that needs to be practiced, especially for kids who are often buried in their phones. They encourage taking opportunities to communicate face-to-face with people in higher positions to build communication skills.Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-lauber/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com► Download the ProSpeak® app. Providing users with instant feedback on presentation and communication skills. - Apple: https://apple.co/3jTJbqe 

What if I told you that you can communicate your business ideas more effectively with fewer words? In this episode, you will learn how to write concisely without losing any meaning.Read all the tips on our blog: https://blog.talaera.com/concise-writing- Business English Training- Free communication webinars- hello@talaera.com

In this episode, I am talking with Ben Higgins. Ben has had such an amazing journey: Working in Fin-Tech. Star of hit reality TV show "The Bachelor". Podcast Host. Investor. And now co-founder of Generous Coffee Company which invests 100% of its profits from coffee and apparel into life-changing partner organizations that create jobs, feed children, improve education, and empower communities to eliminate poverty.Check out the episode to hear Ben's take on what he looks for when hiring people, why listening is so important, and how being an only child shaped his communication skills.  I hope you enjoy. Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Ben Higgins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebenhiggins/► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Download the ProSpeak® app. Providing users with instant feedback on presentation and communication skills.- Apple: https://apple.co/3jTJbqe

Conciseness is a mystery but life is beautiful with many ups and downs. There's no limit to the ups but there is an absolute certain end --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joshua-timothy-bryan/support

In this episode I break down the different types of Imposter Syndrome and how I suffer from them. I speak on my childhood because I had to dig deep to see where these feelings stemmed from. And some of these feelings came from there.  4 of the 5 types I feel I suffer from came from me thinking about younger me. The Perfectionist. Feeling like everything has to be perfect and if it isn't, then I'm a failure. The Individualist. Feeling like I have to do everything myself, and If I receive help it somehow takes away from my success. The Hero. Feeling Like I have to be there for everybody and the moment I let someone down I'm less of a person. These are some of the examples. I give a few ways to combat imposter syndrome. My favorite one is not comparing your story to anyone else's. Your own journey is special. focus on that. I speak on some of the work I had to put in over the years to get me here and I have to accept that and own it. I have to stop shrinking myself and journey. I speak on all of this and much more. Tune in! Follow Me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrts_son/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyrtsSonFollow the Podcast:Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/talkswithmyrt/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkswithmyrt/

Don't we all love talking? That's wonderful. But that's when we get a challenge - how to be concise. Tune in and learn three ways you can make your speech concise. It will bring more clarity and effectiveness to your message. Want to learn more about Public Speaking? DM me on FB, IG or LI Website: https://natashabazilevych.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/nbazilevich/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/natbazilevych/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashabazilevych/

In this episode Myrts speak about facing fears and how fear can stop you from seeing your blessings and growth. Fear will keep you from seeing your true potential and dreams come true. He speaks on and acknowledges his growth, but put in perspective that there is so much more to do. Myrts talk about how working a 9-5 out of fear of being on his own has in a sense stunted his growth. He speaks on how being alone is not always a bad thing. That is where you find yourself. Lately he has been feeling overwhelmed and anxiety. And those feelings are there because of lack of preparation.  When you are not prepared, it leaves rooms for those feelings. Better preparation will help you battle fear and those other feeling that come on your journey. He goes in detail about how he has built on the routine that he already had, in order to better his situation. Tune in with Myrts as he breaks it all down in this episode. Follow Me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrts_son/FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/MyrtsSonFollow the Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkswithmyrt/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkswithmyrt/ 

Today on the show: 33 Years Old with 16k in Debt, Pike's Toilet Phone, and Elon's Multiplanetary Conciseness! Become an ELEVATED COMMITTEE MEMBER! It's only a dollar! https://www.patreon.com/SparksRadio Watch and SUBSCRIBE to this episode here: https://youtu.be/AFp1JqY3PJQ?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the CRYPTO RANT VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/vJR5LPv1j1s?sub_confirmation=1 SHOP THE SHOP! SparksRadio.com/Shop The Sparks Show is put out LIVE every weekday at 8am ET! Subscribe and get it everyday! Tell a friend you enjoyed it! Follow and DM your address on INSTAGRAM @SPARKSRADIO for a free Sparks Radio sticker and I'll mail you one! Thanks for hanging! The following are Amazon Affiliate links, so we'll make a little bit if you do end up buying them: Electric toothbrush link: https://amzn.to/33kDx8L Pike's Cheap Ass toothbrush link: https://amzn.to/3lhIMwj (Sparks recommendation) THE BEST TOILET PAPER: https://amzn.to/33lECwZ _______________

Troy is my best friend of 10 years who currently resides in Philadelphia. We discuss religion, existence and other spiritual various topics. Support the show

This week Myrt was speaking on how the holidays has been different for him since losing his family. He speaks on how he fights through these feelings and emotions when this time of year comes around. Myrt discusses how isolation during depression helped him realize how important it is to say no during holidays if he wasn't up for it. He speaks on how difficult this time of year is, so taking time to grieve is ok if you need to. Allowing your self that time is important. He speaks about starting new traditions and how he's finding balance with his feelings about the old ones. Myrt talk about how he had to pick and choose when to share his energy during depression  and how he does the same thing during the holidays now. All of this on this week's episode. Follow Me :Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrts_son/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyrtsSonFollow the Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkswithmyrt/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkswithmyrt/

On this episode of The Wednesday Call podcast, your host Andy Albright comes to you live from his home in Treasure Island, Fla. to talk about "The Art of Persuasion according to Aristotle." How do we begin to define such a broad topic? "If there are two definitive features of ancient Greek Civilization, they are loquacity (articulate talk) and competition (self-worth's edge)." – Aristotle The Art of Persuasion To become a master of persuasion yourself and successfully sell your own ideas, try using these FIVE rhetorical devices that Aristotle identified: Ethos or "Character"2. Logos or "Reason"3. Pathos or "Emotion"4. Metaphor or "Analogy" 5. Brevity or "Conciseness" 1) Ethos or "Character" Ethos represents the part of the sales presentation when your client gains some insight into your credibility. Aristotle believed that if a speaker's actions didn't back their words, they would lose credibility, and ultimately, weaken a chance at a sale. A simple reminder to the client that you are committed to the welfare of others, will build your credibility before you lay out your sales pitch. Here are two ingredients that make up instant credibility: Transparency and Sincerity Transparency Transparency is needed to produce trust and open dialogue. Its lack of hidden agendas and evidence of full disclosure defeats insecurity. The key to a transparent culture is openness. Three factors produce an open environment: a) Accessibility (easily available information) example: your relationship with the carriers b) Predictability (consistent repetition) example: your track record selling insurance c) Legitimacy (acceptable to the law) example: your license to sell insurance Sincerity It is important to remember before establishing your sincerity status, you have to be viewed as genuine. This is simple to do, but many people fail at seeming to be real. When you are being real, you are behaving exactly how you would normally behave and you are not altering your behavior in any way. While being transparent will gain you trust, being sincere will gain you respect. And sincerity is best evidenced in your passion for what you are selling. 2) Logos or "Reason" Once ethos is established, it's time to make a logical appeal to reason. Why should your audience care about what you are selling? The following are TWO logical appeals that will help you gain their support: Data or Content (factual information such as statistics which supports the credibility of the product). Evidence or Context (relevant information that furnishes proof which supports the conclusion to purchase). 3) Pathos or "Emotion" According to Aristotle, persuasion cannot occur in the absence of emotion. People are moved to action by how a seller makes them feel. Aristotle believed the best way to transfer emotion from one person to another is through the rhetorical device of storytelling. More then 2,000 years later, neuroscientists have found his thesis accurate. Studies have found that narratives trigger a rush of neurochemicals in the brain, notably oxytocin, the "moral molecule" that connects people on a deeper, emotional level. Research has found that a winning formula for making a sale is: 65% Pathos or Emotional Stories 25% Logos or Logical Reasons 10% Ethos or Credibility The stories that can generate the best connection are stories about you personally or about people close to you. Tales of failure, awkwardness, misfortune, danger or loss, told authentically, create deep engagement. The most personal content is the most relatable. 4) Metaphor or Analogy Aristotle believed that metaphor gives language its verbal beauty. "To be a master of metaphor is the greatest thing by far," he wrote. When you use a metaphor or analogy to compare a new idea to something that is familiar to your client, it clarifies your sales pitch by turning the abstract into something concrete. Those who master the metaphor have the ability to turn words into images that help others gain a clearer understanding of their message -- but more importantly, remember and share them with future clients. It is a powerful tool to have. Example of statement without and with a metaphor: "You can get hurt financially without an insurance policy" vs. "Going through life without a policy is like playing Russian Roulette." Metaphors carry emotional associations that resonate instantly with listeners because: Our brains are wired for images. Metaphors are images in words. Metaphors paint pictures in the listener's mind. Information and Data tell, but Metaphors SELL because: Images are processed 60,000 times faster than 90% of information transmitted to the brain is Transmission rate of information to the eyes is 10,000,000 bits per second and to the ears 100,000 bits per second. 5) Brevity or "Conciseness" Here again, Aristotle was ahead of his time. Aristotle had discovered that there are fairly universal limits to the amount of information which any human can absorb and retain. When it comes to persuasion, less is always more. Brevity is a crucial element in making a persuasive pitch. An argument or selling point, Aristotle said, should be expressed "as compactly and in as few words as possible." He also observed that the opening of a person's pitch is the most important, since "attention slackens everywhere else rather than at the beginning." The lesson here is: start with your strongest point. The case for brevity or conciseness are for the following reasons: People are drowning in information. People have too many choices among similar sounding products, services, ideas, etc. People fear making a change. People have shorter and shorter attention spans. For example: 12 seconds in 2000 vs. 8 seconds in 2019. www.AndyAlbright.com @AndySAlbright www.NAALeads.com @NationalAgentsAlliance @NAALeadsTheWay #TheAlliance #DoTheDo #N247RU

Welcome.We're glad you've joined us! The Witz Podcast is all about Making Humans Better Humans - Through uncloaking the world of relationships, communications, and emotions. In essence, it's a study of life including our shared responsibility to shine brighter today than we did yesterday.As well as interviewing thought-provoking guests, we'll tackle everything from Self Awareness to Conciseness, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Parenting – and their impact on business and personal relationships. Listen – act – repeat..Today we are joined by the incredible Limore Twena. Limore has captured and inspired the hearts and minds of our community with her special brand of “Aggressive Positivity™”, book launching this month!  She performed at galas, recorded an album and several videos through her struggle to heal from intense treatments for an aggressive breast cancer. Her album Alive went viral, triggering newspaper and TV coverage. In this episode Limore sits down to talk about how she used aggressive positivity to beat cancer as well as her story of resilience and passion for life. 

Welcome.We're glad you've joined us! The Witz Podcast is all about Making Humans Better Humans - Through uncloaking the world of relationships, communications, and emotions. In essence, it's a study of life including our shared responsibility to shine brighter today than we did yesterday.As well as interviewing thought-provoking guests, we'll tackle everything from Self Awareness to Conciseness, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Parenting – and their impact on business and personal relationships. Listen – act – repeat..Today we are joined by the amazing twin brothers Jian and Page Magen. Magen Boys Entertainment (MBE) started out as a two-man disc jockey team. Today, MBE is now Canada's #1 Event Production and Entertainment Company with close to 100 staff. And does over a thousand events a year. They will be siting down with Greg Witz to talk about immigrating from Iran as children not knowing any English to grinding and hustling their way through life to become one of Canada's biggest entertainment companies. Sit back enjoy his fascinating discussion as they reveal their roots as entrepreneurs, what it takes to truly overcome adversity and how they apply the lessons they learned growing up to give back to their community and what advice they have for young entrepreneurs today.  

Welcome.We're glad you've joined us! The Witz Podcast is all about Making Humans Better Humans - Through uncloaking the world of relationships, communications, and emotions. In essence, it's a study of life including our shared responsibility to shine brighter today than we did yesterday.As well as interviewing thought-provoking guests, we'll tackle everything from Self Awareness to Conciseness, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Parenting – and their impact on business and personal relationships. Listen – act – repeat..Today we are joined again by the fascinating Stephen Friedman to talk all about anxiety and stress in today's world and coping mechinisims to help you better deal with today's challenges as well as meditation and mindfulness and how by making small changes in our every day life we can help to achieve more peace of mind. 

Welcome.We're glad you've joined us! The Witz Podcast is all about Making Humans Better Humans - Through uncloaking the world of relationships, communications, and emotions. In essence, it's a study of life including our shared responsibility to shine brighter today than we did yesterday.As well as interviewing thought-provoking guests, we'll tackle everything from Self Awareness to Conciseness, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Parenting – and their impact on business and personal relationships. Listen – act – repeat..Today we are joined again by the incredible Brent Wagner to talk all about SALES and what his thoughts are regrading the best sales strategies and the future of sales. Sit back and enjoy this fascinating coversation.  

Welcome.We're glad you've joined us! The Witz Podcast is all about Making Humans Better Humans - Through uncloaking the world of relationships, communications, and emotions. In essence, it's a study of life including our shared responsibility to shine brighter today than we did yesterday.As well as interviewing thought-provoking guests, we'll tackle everything from Self Awareness to Conciseness, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Parenting – and their impact on business and personal relationships. Today we are joined by Onika Green who specializes in the training and development of mental skills including confidence, communication, focus, mindfulness, resilience, team work, and stress management. She works with athletes at the grassroots level all the way up to the pros. She is the owner of the Hidden Hundred and is currently working with Basketball Canada and the Canadian Soccer Association. Listen – act – repeat..Today we are joined by

Welcome.We're glad you've joined us! The Witz Podcast is all about Making Humans Better Humans - Through uncloaking the world of relationships, communications, and emotions. In essence, it's a study of life including our shared responsibility to shine brighter today than we did yesterday.As well as interviewing thought-provoking guests, we'll tackle everything from Self Awareness to Conciseness, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Parenting – and their impact on business and personal relationships. Listen – act – repeat..Today we are joined by Eric and Eli of Speaker Labs. Eric and Eli started their business in 2016 with the goal of teaching people the art of captivating storytelling, unlocking their unique public speaking style and discovering true communication confidence. They are communication training company focused on helping professionals see their true public speaking potential.  

Welcome.We're glad you've joined us! The Witz Podcast is all about Making Humans Better Humans - Through uncloaking the world of relationships, communications, and emotions. In essence, it's a study of life including our shared responsibility to shine brighter today than we did yesterday.As well as interviewing thought-provoking guests, we'll tackle everything from Self Awareness to Conciseness, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Parenting – and their impact on business and personal relationships. Today we are joined by Carol Schulte of The BRĀV Institute. To talk about what does it mean to be truly brave, her journey to becoming brave and about giving yourself permission to take on new challenges. Listen – act – repeat..

Welcome.We're glad you've joined us! The Witz Podcast is all about Making Humans Better Humans - Through uncloaking the world of relationships, communications, and emotions. In essence, it's a study of life including our shared responsibility to shine brighter today than we did yesterday.As well as interviewing thought-provoking guests, we'll tackle everything from Self Awareness to Conciseness, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Parenting – and their impact on business and personal relationships. Today we are joined by Julie Fotheringham, Partner, HAGEMAN: Coaching-Training-Events.Join us for this fascinating discussion, hosted by Jadine Cleary where these two Thought Leaders discuss the concept of Liminal Space, Earthquake Events in our personal lives as well as what to do when you've been "Cracked Open". Listen – act – repeat.

GSoC 2018 Projects announced, tutorial FreeBSD jails with iocage, new Code of Conduct for FreeBSD, libhijack, and fancy monitoring for OpenSMTPD This episode was brought to you by Headlines Google Summer of Code 2018 (https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/organizations/?sp-page=5) FreeBSD (https://www.freebsd.org/projects/summerofcode.html) FreeBSD Google Summer oF Code Ideas (https://wiki.freebsd.org/SummerOfCodeIdeas) You can join #freebsd-soc on the efnet IRC network to chat with FreeBSD developers interested in mentoring student proposals and projects, past FreeBSD/GSoC students, and other students applying to FreeBSD/GSoC this year. NetBSD (https://mail-index.netbsd.org/netbsd-advocacy/2018/02/12/msg000765.html) You can get a stipend (paid for by Google) and spend a few months getting to know and improving the insides of NetBSD or pkgsrc. ``` The schedule is: 12-27 March Applying 23 April Find out if you were accepted 14 May - 22 August Do the project! We have some suggestions for suitable projects: - ARM EFI bootloader - Using libFuzzer on base tools - Refactoring ALTQ (QoS implementation) and integrating with NPF - Testsuite for libcurses - Improve pkgin Other suggestions and details are at: https://wiki.netbsd.org/projects/gsoc/ ``` These projects are suggestions; you can come up with your own. Suggestions for other suitable projects are welcome. Feel free to contact, or chat around on IRC: irc.freenode.org #netbsd #netbsd-code #pkgsrc Haiku (https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/organizations/4821756754264064/) Students: How to Apply for a Haiku Idea (https://www.haiku-os.org/community/gsoc/2018/students) Project Ideas (https://www.haiku-os.org/community/gsoc/2018/ideas) > If you have questions you can contact the devs on IRC: irc.freenode.org #haiku FreeBSD Jails with iocage (http://norrist.devio.us/iocage_freebsd.html) Introduction FreeBSD jails allow users to run multiple, isolated instances of FreeBSD on a single server. Iocage simplifies the management of FreeBSD Jails. Following this tutorial, the jails will be configured to bind to an IP address on the jail host's internal network, and the host OS will pass traffic from the external network to the jail. The jails will be managed with Iocage. Iocage uses ZFS properties to store configuration data for each jail, so a ZFS file system is required. Network setup These steps will: Set up the internal network. Enable the pf packet filter Configure pf pass internet traffic to and from the jail. PF is full featured firewall, and can do more than just pass traffic to an internal network. Refer to the PF documentation for additional configuration options. Run the following to configure the internal network and enable pf. sysrc cloned_interfaces+="lo1" sysrc ifconfig_lo1="inet 192.0.2.1/24" sysrc pf_enable="YES" Put the following in /etc/pf.conf ``` Variables ext_if should be set to the hosts external NIC extif = "vtnet0" jailif = "lo1" jailnet = $jailif:network NAT allows the jails to access the external network nat on $extif from $jailnet to any -> ($ext_if) Redirect traffic on port 80 to the web server jail Add similar rules for additional jails rdr pass on $ext_if inet proto tcp to port 80 -> 192.0.2.10 ``` Reboot to activate the network changes ZFS The best way to use ZFS on a VPS is to attach block storage as a new disk. If block storage is not available, you can optionally use a file as the ZFS device. Enable and start ZFS. sysrc zfs_enable="YES" service zfs start ZFS using Block storage List the available disks. If you are using a VPS, the block store will probably be the second disk. geom disk list Create a ZFS pool named jailstore. zpool create jailstore /dev/vtbd1 ZFS using a file Create the ZFS file. dd if=/dev/zero of=/zfsfile bs=1M count=4096 Create a ZFS pool named jailstore. zpool create jailstore /zfsfile Install iocage the easy way pkg install py36-iocage Skip to "Using iocage" Install iocage the hard way Swap file Smaller servers may not have enough RAM to build iocage. If needed, create a swap file and reboot. dd if=/dev/zero of=/swapfile bs=1M count=1024 echo 'swapfile="/swapfile"' >> /etc/rc.conf reboot Install some build dependencies pkg install subversion python36 git-lite libgit2 py36-pip Building iocage requires the FreeBSD source. svn checkout https://svn.freebsd.org/base/releng/11.1 /usr/src Get the latest FreeBSD ports tree. ``` portsnap fetch portsnap extract ``` + build iocage. cd /usr/ports/sysutils/iocage/ make install Using iocage ``` iocage activate jailstore iocage fetch iocage create -n www ip4_addr="lo1|192.0.2.10/24" -r 11.1-RELEASE iocage start www iocage console www ``` Once you have a shell inside the jail, install and start Apache. pkg install apache24 sysrc apache24_enable="yes" service apache24 start Port 80 on the jail will now be accessible on the hosts IP address. Multiple jails. Additional jails can be installed using the example above. Install the new jail with the iocage create command , but use a different IP address Expose the new jail to the network by adding additional rules to pf.conf. iXsystems SNIA Persistent Memory Summit 2018 Report (https://www.ixsystems.com/blog/snia-report-2018/) New FreeBSD Code of Conduct (https://www.freebsd.org/internal/code-of-conduct.html) The FreeBSD Project is inclusive. We want the FreeBSD Project to be a venue where people of all backgrounds can work together to make the best operating system, built by a strong community. These values extend beyond just development to all aspects of the Project. All those given recognition as members of the Project in whatever form are seen as ambassadors of the Project. Diversity is a huge strength and is critical to the long term success of the Project. To that end we have a few ground rules that we ask people to adhere to. This code applies equally to everyone representing the FreeBSD Project in any way, from new members, to committers, to the core team itself. These rules are intended to ensure a safe, harassment-free environment for all and to ensure that everyone feels welcome both working within, and interacting with, the Project. This document is not an exhaustive list of things that you should not do. Rather, consider it a guide to make it easier to enrich all of us and the technical communities in which we participate. This code of conduct applies to all spaces used by the FreeBSD Project, including our mailing lists, IRC channels, and social media, both online and off. Anyone who is found to violate this code of conduct may be sanctioned or expelled from FreeBSD Project controlled spaces at the discretion of the FreeBSD Code of Conduct Committee. Some FreeBSD Project spaces may have additional rules in place, which will be made clearly available to participants. Participants are responsible for knowing and abiding by these rules. Harassment includes but is not limited to: + Comments that reinforce systemic oppression related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, age, race, or religion. + Unwelcome comments regarding a person's lifestyle choices and practices, including those related to food, health, parenting, drugs, and employment. + Deliberate misgendering. + Deliberate use of "dead" or rejected names. + Gratuitous or off-topic sexual images or behaviour in spaces where they're not appropriate. + Physical contact and simulated physical contact (e.g., textual descriptions like "hug" or "backrub") without consent or after a request to stop. + Threats of violence. + Incitement of violence towards any individual, including encouraging a person to commit suicide or to engage in self-harm. + Deliberate intimidation. + Stalking or following. + Harassing photography or recording, including logging online activity for harassment purposes. + Sustained disruption of discussion. + Unwelcome sexual attention. + Pattern of inappropriate social contact, such as requesting/assuming inappropriate levels of intimacy with others. + Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease. + Deliberate "outing" of any private aspect of a person's identity without their consent except as necessary to protect vulnerable people from intentional abuse. + Publication of non-harassing private communication without consent. + Publication of non-harassing private communication with consent but in a way that intentionally misrepresents the communication (e.g., removes context that changes the meaning). + Knowingly making harmful false claims about a person. Interview - Benno Rice - benno@freebsd.org (mailto:benno@freebsd.org) / @jeamland (https://twitter.com/jeamland) News Roundup libhijack in PoC||GTFO 0x17! (https://www.soldierx.com/news/libhijack-PoCGTFO-0x17) Hijacking Your Free Beasties In the land of red devils known as Beasties exists a system devoid of meaningful exploit mitigations. As we explore this vast land of opportunity, we will meet our ELFish friends, [p]tracing their very moves in order to hijack them. Since unprivileged process debugging is enabled by default on FreeBSD, we can abuse PTrace to create anonymous memory mappings, inject code into them, and overwrite PLT/GOT entries. We will revive a tool called libhijack to make our nefarious activities of hijacking ELFs via PTrace relatively easy. Nothing presented here is technically new. However, this type of work has not been documented in this much detail, tying it all into one cohesive work. In Phrack 56, Silvio Cesare taught us ELF research enthusiasts how to hook the PLT/GOT. The Phrack 59 article on Runtime Process Infection briefly introduces the concept of injecting shared objects by injecting shellcode via PTrace that calls dlopen(). No other piece of research, however, has discovered the joys of forcing the application to create anonymous memory mappings in which to inject Code. This is only part one of a series of planned articles that will follow libhijack's development. The end goal is to be able to anonymously inject shared objects. The libhijack project is maintained by the SoldierX community. Previous Research All prior work injects code into the stack, the heap, or existing executable code. All three methods create issues on today's systems. On amd64 and arm64, the two architectures libhijack cares about, the stack is non-executable by default. jemalloc, the heap implementation on FreeBSD, creates non-executable mappings. Obviously overwriting existing executable code destroys a part of the executable image. The Role of ELF > FreeBSD provides a nifty API for inspecting the entire virtual memory space of an application. The results returned from the API tells us the protection flags (readable, writable, executable) of each mapping. If FreeBSD provides such a rich API, why would we need to parse the ELF headers? PLT/GOT hijacking requires parsing ELF headers. One would not be able to find the PLT/GOT without iterating through the Process Headers to find the Dynamic Headers, eventually ending up with the DT_PLTGOT entry. With FreeBSD's libprocstat API, we don't have a need for parsing ELF headers until we get to the PLT/GOT stage, but doing so early makes it easier for the attacker using libhijack The Future of libhijack Writing devious code in assembly is cumbersome. Assembly doesn't scale well to multiple architectures. Instead, we would like to write our devious code in C, compiling to a shared object that gets injected anonymously. This requires writing a remote RTLD within libhijack and is in progress. Writing a remote RTLD will take a while as doing so is not an easy task. Additionally, creation of a general-purpose helper library that gets injected would be helpful. It could aid in PLT/GOT redirection attacks, possibly storing the addresses of functions we've previously hijacked. This work is dependent on the remote RTLD. libhijack currently lacks documentation. Once the ABI and API stabilize, formal documentation will be written. Conclusion Using libhijack, we can easily create anonymous memory mappings, inject into them arbitrary code, and hijack the PLT/GOT on FreeBSD. On HardenedBSD, a hardened derivative of FreeBSD, libhijack is fully mitigated through PaX NOEXEC. We've demonstrated that wrapper-style Capsicum is ineffective on FreeBSD. Through the use of libhijack, we emulate a control flow hijack in which the application is forced to call sandbox_open and fdlopen on the resulting file descriptor. Further work to support anonymous injection of full shared objects, along with their dependencies, will be supported in the future. Imagine injecting libpcap into Apache to sniff traffic whenever "GET /pcap" is sent. In order to prevent abuse of PTrace, FreeBSD should set the security.bsd.unprivilegedprocdebug to 0 by default. In order to prevent process manipulation, FreeBSD should implement PaX NOEXEC. libhijack can be found at https://github.com/SoldierX/libhijack Introduction to POSIX shell (https://sircmpwn.github.io/2018/02/05/Introduction-to-POSIX-shell.html) What the heck is the POSIX shell anyway? Well, the POSIX (the Portable Operating System Interface) shell is the standard Unix shell - standard meaning it was formally defined and shipped in a published standard. This makes shell scripts written for it portable, something no other shell can lay claim to. The POSIX shell is basically a formalized version of the venerable Bourne shell, and on your system it lives at /bin/sh, unless you're one of the unlucky masses for whom this is a symlink to bash. Why use POSIX shell? The “Bourne Again shell”, aka bash, is not standardized. Its grammar, features, and behavior aren't formally written up anywhere, and only one implementation of bash exists. Without a standard, bash is defined by its implementation. POSIX shell, on the other hand, has many competing implementations on many different operating systems - all of which are compatible with each other because they conform to the standard. Any shell that utilizes features specific to Bash are not portable, which means you cannot take them with you to any other system. Many Linux-based systems do not use Bash or GNU coreutils. Outside of Linux, pretty much everyone but Hurd does not ship GNU tools, including bash1. On any of these systems, scripts using “bashisms” will not work. This is bad if your users wish to utilize your software anywhere other than GNU/Linux. If your build tooling utilizes bashisms, your software will not build on anything but GNU/Linux. If you ship runtime scripts that use bashisms, your software will not run on anything but GNU/Linux. The case for sticking to POSIX shell in shipping software is compelling, but I argue that you should stick to POSIX shell for your personal scripts, too. You might not care now, but when you feel like flirting with other Unicies you'll thank me when all of your scripts work. One place where POSIX shell does not shine is for interactive use - a place where I think bash sucks, too. Any shell you want to use for your day-to-day command line work is okay in my book. I use fish. Use whatever you like interactively, but stick to POSIX sh for your scripts. How do I use POSIX shell? At the top of your scripts, put #!/bin/sh. You don't have to worry about using env here like you might have been trained to do with bash: /bin/sh is the standardized location for the POSIX shell, and any standards-conforming system will either put it there or make your script work anyway. The next step is to avoid bashisms. There are many, but here are a few that might trip you up: [[ condition ]] does not work; use [ condition ] Arrays do not work; use IFS Local variables do not work; use a subshell The easiest way to learn about POSIX shell is to read the standard - it's not too dry and shorter than you think. Using standard coreutils The last step to writing portable scripts is to use portable tools. Your system may have GNU coreutils installed, which provides tools like grep and cut. Unfortunately, GNU has extended these tools with its own non-portable flags and tools. It's important that you avoid these. One dead giveaway of a non-portable flag is long flags, e.g. grep --file=FILE as opposed to grep -f. The POSIX standard only defines the getopt function - not the proprietary GNU getopt_long function that's used to interpret long options. As a result, no long flags are standardized. You might worry that this will make your scripts difficult to understand, but I think that on the whole it will not. Shell scripts are already pretty alien and require some knowledge to understand. Is knowledge of what the magic word grep means much different from knowledge of what grep -E means? I also like that short flags allow you to make more concise command lines. Which is better: ps --all --format=user --without-tty, or ps -aux? If you are inclined to think the former, do you also prefer function(a, b, c) { return a + b + c; } over (a, b, c) => a + b + c? Conciseness matters, and POSIX shell supports comments if necessary! Some tips for using short flags: They can be collapsed: cmd -a -b -c is equivalent to cmd -abc If they take additional arguments, either a space or no separation is acceptable: cmd -f"hello world" or cmd -f "hello world" A good reference for learning about standardized commands is, once again, the standard. From this page, search for the command you want, or navigate through “Shell & Utilities” -> “Utilities” for a list. If you have man-pages installed, you will also find POSIX man pages installed on your system with the p postfix, such as man 1p grep. Note: at the time of writing, the POSIX man pages do not use dashes if your locale is UTF-8, which makes searching for flags with / difficult. Use env LC_ALL=POSIX man 1p grep if you need to search for flags, and I'll speak to the maintainer of man-pages about this. FreeBSD Broadcom Wi-Fi Improvements (http://landonf.org/code/freebsd/Broadcom_WiFi_Improvements.20180122.html) Introduction Since 2015, I've been working on improving FreeBSD support for Broadcom Wi-Fi devices and SoCs, including authoring the bhnd(4) driver family, which provides a unified bus and driver programming interface for these devices. First committed in early 2016, bhnd(4) allowed us to quickly bring up FreeBSD/MIPS on Broadcom SoCs, but it has taken much longer to implement the full set of features required to support modern Broadcom SoftMAC Wi-Fi hardware. Thanks to the generosity of the FreeBSD Foundation, I've recently finished implementing the necessary improvements to the bhnd(4) driver family. With these changes in place, I was finally able to port the existing bwn(4) Broadcom SoftMAC Wi-Fi driver to the bhnd(4) bus, and implement initial support for the BCM43224 and BCM43225 chipsets, with additional hardware support to be forthcoming. Now that my efforts on FreeBSD/Broadcom Wi-Fi support have progressed far enough to be generally useful, I wanted to take some time to provide a brief overview of Broadcom's Wi-Fi hardware, and explain how my work provides a foundation for further FreeBSD Broadcom Wi-Fi/SoC improvements. A Brief Background on Broadcom Wi-Fi Hardware Broadcom's Wi-Fi devices are members of the Broadcom Home Networking Division (BHND) device family; other BHND devices include MIPS/ARM SoCs (including Wi-Fi SoCs commonly found in consumer access points), as well as a large variety of related networking hardware. BHND devices utilize a common set of Broadcom IP cores (or "functional blocks") connected via one of two on-chip bus architectures: Hardware designed prior to 2009 used Broadcom's “SSB” backplane architecture, based on Sonics Silicon's interconnect IP. Subsequent hardware adopted Broadcom's “BCMA” backplane, based on ARM's AMBA IP. The IP cores used in earlier SSB-based devices were adapted for compatibility with the new backplane. When BHND hardware is used in a PCI Wi-Fi card, or a SDIO Wi-Fi module, the device's dual-mode peripheral controller is configured to operate as an endpoint device on the host's peripheral bus, bridging access to the SoC hardware: Host access to SoC address space is provided via a set of register windows (e.g., a set of configurable windows into SoC address space mapped via PCI BARs) DMA is supported by the bridge core's sparse mapping of host address space into the backplane address space. These address regions may be used as a target for the on-chip DMA engines. Any backplane interrupt vectors routed to the bridge core may be mapped by the bridge to host interrupts (e.g., PCI INTx/MSI/MSI-X). The host is generally expected to provide drivers for the IP cores found on the SoC backplane; since these cores are found in both BHND SoCs and BHND Wi-Fi devices, it is advantageous to share driver and platform code between the two targets. Modernizing FreeBSD's Broadcom SoftMAC Wi-Fi Support FreeBSD support for Broadcom SoftMAC Wi-Fi adapters is provided by two partially overlapping PCI/CardBus drivers: Legacy Wi-Fi adapters are supported by bwi(4). This driver remains in-tree to support devices incompatible with v4 or later firmware (e.g. BCM4301, BCM4302, BCM4306 rev 1-2), all of which were released prior to December 2002. Modern Wi-Fi adapters are supported by bwn(4), with access to on-chip cores mediated by bhnd(4). Prior to my work porting bwn(4) to bhnd(4), access to on-chip cores was mediated by sibabwn, a PCI/WiFi-specific derivative of the legacy siba(4) SSB bus driver. There were two major limitations to sibabwn that have long blocked adding support for newer SoftMAC Wi-Fi chipsets: the newer BCMA interconnect found in post-2009 hardware was not supported by siba(4), and siba_bwn assumed a PCI/PCIe bridge, preventing its use on FreeBSD/MIPS Broadcom SoCs with interconnect-attached D11 cores. The new bhnd(4) driver family, written as a replacement for siba(4) and siba_bwn, provides: A unified bus driver interface for both SSB and BCMA on-chip interconnects A generic BHND bridge driver framework for host-connected BHND devices (e.g. Wi-Fi adapters, etc) A PCI/PCIe bridge core driver, for PCI-attached BHND devices. An abstract BHND NVRAM API, with support for the varied NVRAM formats found in BHND Wi-Fi adapters and SoCs. Drivers for common BHND platform peripherals (UARTs, SPROM/flash, PMUs, etc) By porting bwn(4) to bhnd(4), we are now able to support existing BCMA devices with MAC/PHY/Radio combinations readily supported by bwn(4), as was the case with the BCM43224 and BCM43225 chipsets. This also opens the door to porting additional PHY support from Broadcom's ISC-licensed Linux drivers, and will allow us to bring up bwn(4) on Broadcom WiSoCs supported by FreeBSD/MIPS. Monitor OpenSMTPD using Logstash and Grafana (https://www.tumfatig.net/20180129/monitor-opensmtpd-using-logstash-grafana/) Logs are usefull. Graphs are sexy. Here's a way to get a view on what happens to your OpenSMTPD traffic, using Web v2.0 tools ; namely Logstash & Grafana. For those who would not be aware of those tools, logstash is some kind of log-parser that can eat syslog formatted logs and write them into elasticsearch ; in “document” format. Grafana is a Web frontend that can dig into various databases and render graphics from requests. I won't go into the whole “how to install” process here. Installation is quite straight forward and online documentation is quite clear. What you need OpenSMTPD deals with emails and logs its activity via Syslog. Syslog is configured to send the logs to Logstash. Logstash has a set of rules configured to transform the text-oriented information into searchable document-oriented data. The transformed data is stored into Elasticsearch. Elasticsearch provides Web API to search and find stuff. Grafana connects to ELS to get data and draw the graphs. Beastie Bits CharmBUG Presentation - Writing FreeBSD Malware (https://www.meetup.com/CharmBUG/events/247995596/) March London *BSD meeting 13/03/18 (http://mailman.uk.freebsd.org/pipermail/ukfreebsd/2018-February/014180.html) FreBSD Ports Workshop (https://wiki.freebsd.org/MateuszPiotrowski/Ports/Workshop) The history of NetBSD/atari and support for ATARI compatible Milan / OSC2018Osaka (https://speakerdeck.com/tsutsui/osc2018osaka) SSH Mastery, 2nd Edition (https://www.tiltedwindmillpress.com/?product=ssh-mastery-2nd-edition) *** Feedback/Questions Stephen - Viewer Interview Question (http://dpaste.com/06WTRB9#wrap) pb - trust expanding your 280TB pool (http://dpaste.com/0TZV6CM#wrap) Tim - ZFS questions for the ZFS Man (http://dpaste.com/0759X1E#wrap) Daniel - ZFS full backup question (http://dpaste.com/1SJXSBQ#wrap) ***

For the 4th episode of Darling in the FranXX we ramble on for 40 minutes about innuendos, psyche, and incompetent leadership. Conciseness clearly isn't our strong suit, so obviously we could make shorter viewcasts, but when we get started we are too lazy to stop. Karsten seems to be quite pleased with this one :3