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If you've ever had a potential client tell you, “I don't even know what we would shoot,” because they sit at a computer all day, this episode is for you. It's also for the photographers who secretly aren't sure what they'd do with a lawyer, accountant, banker, or coach on their calendar.The truth is, these are some of the most overlooked brand photography clients out there, and they often need brand photography more than anyone! In this episode, I'm sharing why photographers are sleeping on these businesses, how to stop relying on laptops and headshots, and what it really takes to create strategic brand sessions for clients whose work lives mostly inside their brain.We're talking:• Why “boring” businesses are actually incredible brand photography clients• The huge mistake photographers make when marketing their services• Moving beyond headshots, laptops, and office photos• How to uncover visual storytelling ideas through discovery calls• Translating abstract concepts like growth, communication, and leadership into imagery• Becoming a strategic partner instead of “just” a photographerLinks & Resources

Many people have some turning point in their lives. For followers of Jesus, one of those moments is simply: ‘And then I met Jesus.' In this series, we'll hear testimonies from people in our church about how their encounter with Jesus has changed their lives. Together, we'll look at how Jesus calls ordinary people to participate in His mission. It's not about pressure or perfect answers but compassion, presence, prayer, and simple invitations. Whether you've followed Jesus for years or are still exploring faith yourself, this series is an invitation to consider how God might work through your story too. The Prayer Team would love to pray for you, let them know how by using this link: https://chathamchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/914476 Announcements Hello Card: https://chathamchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/976297 Online Giving: https://www.chathamchurch.org/give Looking for a Small Group?: https://www.chathamchurch.org/small-groups Interested in volunteering for a serving team? Contact Jessica: jessica.waldstein@chathamchurch.org Highlighted Events Upcoming events: https://www.chathamchurch.org/events Learn more about our Worship Multiplied here: https://www.chathamchurch.org/worship-multiplied New Service Times this Summer: Services at 9 and 10:30am (livestream will also be at 9am) until August 30th. Connect Website: https://www.chathamchurch.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chathamchurch Take-WITH's from Luke 15 -Jesus comes to rescue us out of soul-sucking isolation and vicious tribalism by rescuing us for himself, his virtues, and his mission to seek after the lost. -This parable invites us to enter into his story: -Heart work: to share in the LONGING Prayer: "Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours." -Search work: to share in the LOOKING Prayer. Relationship. Spiritual Conversations. Invitation. Repeat. - Rejoicing work: to share in CELEBRATING with him over those who are found Prayer: "Lord, may my heart rejoice over what you rejoice over." Discussion/Reflection Questions 1. Think about the name you wrote on the card. What is one step you can take this week to regularly pray for them? 2. What's a step you could take to invest in that relationship? 3. Is there a step you could take to engage them with spiritual conversation? 4. Is there an invitation you could extend to come to church? 5. Which of the three “works” (heart, search, or rejoicing) feels most challenging for you right now? What is one practical way to grow in that area?

What if I told you that the reason a client chooses you over another photographer has nothing to do with your portfolio, and everything to do with the questions you ask?In this episode, we're diving into one of the most underrated tools in your brand photography business: the discovery call. Most photographers treat it like a quick formality before booking, but I see it as one of the most powerful sales and positioning tools you have.The inquiry process isn't separate from the client experience—it is the client experience!When done well, a discovery call builds trust, uncovers what your client actually needs, and makes it a whole lot easier for them to say yes.We're talking:• Why the discovery call is part of the client experience• Questions that shift you from photographer to strategic partner• Helping clients clarify goals before they invest• Identifying marketing gaps and creating stronger ROI• Red flags to watch for before a client books• How asking better questions can increase your booking rateLinks & Resources

What happens when your water breaks is one of the most common questions we get as doulas, and the answer rarely matches the Hollywood version.In this episode, we're talking through both sides of the water breaking conversation. The one where your water releases on its own at home, and the one where your provider suggests breaking it for you. Both come with options, and both deserve real information instead of the rush-to-the-hospital panic we've been taught to expect.What you'll hear:What to actually do if your water breaks at home, including how to assess the fluid and when to call your providerThe 24-hour clock conversation, why it's evolved since our parents' generation, and what evidence-based birth has to say about itHow we protect physiological birth after your water releases, from limiting vaginal exams to building oxytocinWhen a provider may suggest breaking your water (called AROM, or artificial rupture of membranes), and the real risks and benefits to weigh before saying yesThe BRAIN acronym we walk every How2Mom client through when they're making a decision in the momentMentioned in this episode:Evidence-Based Birth article on Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM): PROM-Handout.pdf  Our recent episode on oxytocin: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3l790j5k4WVmffMdG1CzS0?si=d0f608c6ee2641f2 Childbirth Education Course: https://www.how2mom.com/courses-and-events/childbirth-class-online-and-in-person/Birth Doula Services — How2Mom | Birth Doula Services in the Twin CitiesChildbirth Ed Course — How2Mom | Birth Support, Online Birthing Classes, Resources for New MomsThank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we're so happy to have you!Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE! Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe! xoxo, StephanieLet's Connect:Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom)Facebook (@how2mom)TikTok (@how.2.mom)Twitter (@how_2_mom)Linkedin (@how2mom)Pinterest (@how2mom)YouTube (@how2mom)

Destroy What Destroys YouIn this audio message, I explained that while God is willing to remember our sins no more, when we repent,   He will expose the flaws in our character that causes us to sin so that we can eliminate them from our lives.   He loves us so much that He will not allow us to remain as we are. He will show us our flaws so that people will not be able to use them against us, and so that they will not lead us to sin anymore. He wants us to destroy what destroys us.  Visit and Connect:Website: http://www.dodongcacanando.com/   Attend Our Events : https://www.facebook.com/dodongcacanando/eventsFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dodongcacanando   SUBSCRIBE for MORE!  Podcast Details: Season 1, Episode 11. Language: English, Filipino.  Dodong Cacanando     Categories: Philippines, Business, Life ,Christian, Mindanao Farm, Keynote Speaker ,Agriculture, Character, Bible, Farm

What if you are more spiritually gifted than you realize? Scripture tells us that every believer is uniquely empowered by the Holy Spirit — not for personal status, but for the good of others and the building up of the Church. In this series, we'll explore how God distributes diverse gifts, calls us to humble service, shapes us into a unified body, and sends us out on mission for His Kingdom— equipping ordinary people for extraordinary impact. Join us as we discover and step boldly into the gifts God has given you. The Prayer Team would love to pray for you, let them know how by using this link: https://chathamchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/914476 Announcements Hello Card: https://chathamchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/976297 Online Giving: https://www.chathamchurch.org/give Looking for a Small Group?: https://www.chathamchurch.org/small-groups Interested in volunteering for a serving team? Contact Jessica: jessica.waldstein@chathamchurch.org Highlighted Events Upcoming events: https://www.chathamchurch.org/events Learn more about our Worship Multiplied here: https://www.chathamchurch.org/worship-multiplied Proposed Budget 2026-2027: Find more about our budget here - https://www.chathamchurch.org/budget New Service Times this Summer: Services at 9 and 10:30am (livestream will also be at 9am) Become a partner at our church: https://chathamchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3600830 Salvation Army Support Drive: Learn how you can help, click here - https://www.chathamchurch.org/events/event/414/salvation-army-support-drive/2026-05-24 Summer Better Courses: Find a way to grow, connect, and make the most of your summer - https://www.chathamchurch.org/summer-better Connect Website: https://www.chathamchurch.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chathamchurch Empowered: Spiritual Gifts for Kingdom Good Assessment that Covers General Skills, Gifts, and Talents: https://everygift.org/index.html Spiritual Gifts Assessments/Inventories: https://www.healthygrowingleaders.com/spiritual-gifts https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/ https://uniquelyyou.org/catalog/online-profiles/spiritual-gifts ($10 Fee)

Everybody wants to talk about how to get more clients. Hi, same. But what if your biggest growth lever actually isn't your marketing? What if the thing you're overlooking is what happens after someone books you?In this episode, I'm talking about why your client experience might actually be your best marketing strategy — and why the clients currently in front of your lens are probably the reason your next clients will book you. Because yes, your branding and marketing matter. But if your process isn't creating raving fans, referrals, reviews, and return clients… you're pouring into a leaky bucket.We're diving into how to create a brand photography experience people genuinely cannot stop talking about — from inquiry to delivery — and how small, strategic shifts can completely change the way clients see you (and sell you to everyone they know).We're talking:Why referrals + return clients are still your best leadsStrategic discovery call questions that instantly position you as the expertTurning “non-visual” businesses into purposeful brand imageryCreating an on-set experience clients rave about later at happy hourWhy client comfort matters just as much as the photosUnderpromising, overdelivering, and building repeat business naturallyLinks & Resources

In this episode of the Independent Dealer Podcast, Jeff Watson and Luke Godwin get real about one of the most pressing challenges facing independent dealers in 2026 — building and keeping the right team. From sales to collections to the shop, they break down how AI is reshaping every position on your lot, which roles are disappearing, which ones matter more than ever, and what it actually takes to hire and retain people worth keeping.What You'll Learn:Why the BDC agent as you know it is going away — and what kind of salesperson you actually need to replace them in an AI-driven dealershipThe debate: human-led lead management vs. full AI automation, and where the real closing magic still has to happen in personHow the collector-to-account ratio has nearly doubled and what that means for who you hire, how you train them, and what you pay themWhy hiring mechanics without experience and training them up beats poaching experienced techs — and how to run a working interview that cuts through the noise fastHow the Blytz and Ituran integration is eliminating after-hours headaches and cutting down the busywork your collectors shouldn't be doing anymoreWhy every dealer needs a numbers person — and what happens to your business when the person running gut instinct finally meets a spreadsheetIf you're a buy here pay here or independent dealer trying to figure out how to staff smarter, hold people accountable, and stop letting good be the enemy of great, this episode is for you.Support the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk Services - Reinsurance and wealth strategies for independent dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/buckeyeBlytz - BHPH payment processing with fast funding and text-to-pay. https://theindependentdealer.com/blytzpay/Ituran GPS - Asset protection and customer management for BHPH and retail dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/ituranFollow & Connect: Website: www.theindependentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroup Luke Godwin: @lukegodwin Jeff Watson: /sendtojeffwLike, subscribe, and share this with a dealer who needs to hear it.

Here are the real life stories of women who have completed the Cancer Freedom Program (with Dr Amy Morris).   Book your complimentary discovery call with Dr Amy Morris (Cancer Freedom Program) here: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/call-booking-page You've heard about the Cancer Freedom Program and you are wondering if it is the right fit for you.  Of course it's hard to trust things on the internet.  Is this a scam? Is Dr Amy Morris a real person?  You want to be sure before you take the next step.  So here it is.  Real reviews of the Cancer Freedom Program.  Real women. Real Cancer Survivors. Let's dig in. Join the Cancer Freedom Program Click HERE https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_content=cancer_freedom_podcast   Learn more about Dr Amy Morris  Click HERE: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/about-dr-amy #cancerfighter #cancersurvivor #breastcancer #breastcancersurvivors #cancerrecovery  #cancernutrition #mastectomy #tamoxifen #anastrozole #letrozole #exemestane    ***PS - Whenever you're ready, here are the 2 best ways I can help you… 1) "Your A-Z Guide to Staying Cancer Free" **FREE** Click HERE https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/azcancerfree   2) Join the Cancer Freedom Program Click HERE https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_content=cancer_freedom_podcast   ***Let's Connect: Website: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_content=cancer_freedom_podcast    

In this episode, we reflect on Ephesians 3:7–9 and the beauty of God's grace—a free and undeserved gift made possible through the complete and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus. Paul points all glory to Christ, the true Grace-Giver, while also remembering how deeply his own life was transformed by grace. His words remind us that none of us can earn God's favor through striving or good works; grace is freely given even to the very least of us and is meant to be received with gratitude. When was the last time you truly marveled at God's grace? This week, may we lay down our striving, rest in the finished work of Jesus, and receive the gift of grace with open hands as we learn to steward it well.  EPISODE LINKSAwake O Sleeper WorkbookAwake O Sleeper Video TeachingEp. 26 | Intro to PaulEp. 27 | Intro to EphesiansWHAT IS NEUE THING?Neue Thing is a non-profit ministry, founded by Cherie Wagner, that exists to equip women with the Word of God. Cherie's life-long passion is two-fold: knowing Jesus Christ and making Him known. Author of Found On My Knees, Awake O Sleeper, Rest, Hope, Psalms for Life, and Knowing Your Name, Cherie writes Bible studies for women that will encourage them to know and believe God's Word, equip them to live it, and empower them to take it and transform this generation for Jesus Christ.CONNECT Website: https://neuething.org/Email Subscription link:https://neuething.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuethinginc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neuethingGive to Neue Thing: https://neuething.org/give/RESOURCESProverbs: The Wise, The Fool, The WickedKnowing Your NameFound On My Knees: The Journey from Brokenness to BlessingAwake O Sleeper: EphesiansRest: 30 Days of Exploring God's Invitation to RestHope: Tethered to an Unwavering GodPsalms for Life 

I sat down with David, co-founder and president of Mangrove.ai, live at Consensus Miami. David's journey is one of the most unexpected paths into Web3 I've come across — starting with Snoop Dogg tickets in India and ending up building one of the most interesting risk-compliant trading infrastructure platforms in the space. We talked about why traditional financial advisors are losing clients to Robinhood, how AI agents will force global crypto adoption whether banks like it or not, and how Mangrove is bridging TradFi and DeFi with a suite of tools built for the messy, brackish world we're all living in right now. If you care about where institutional crypto adoption is really heading, this one is worth your time. Disclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/Connect:Website: https://www.mangrove.ai Keypoints with timestamps:• [00:00] David shares his background producing large-scale music festivals globally and how fans asking to buy Snoop Dogg tickets with Bitcoin in India first sparked his interest in crypto• [05:30] How David's technical co-founder Tim, who built AI systems for NASA and the Department of Defense, started building algorithmic trading tools and the two eventually joined forces• [09:00] The pivot from launching a hedge fund to building Mangrove.ai after hedge fund mentors told them the trading desk technology itself was the real business opportunity• [13:00] Why registered investment advisors (RIAs) are losing assets under management to Robinhood and how the largest wealth transfer in human history creates a huge opportunity for digital asset onboarding• [18:00] The Mangrove product suite explained — API, agentic trading, institutional tools, and retail — and how the platform is non-custodial and built around transparency• [23:00] Why Mangrove open-sourced their trading signal library (228 signals, 1000+ downloads in under 30 days) and how their Stripe-like API model works• [27:00] The risk and compliance guardrails built into every strategy — circuit breakers, max drawdown limits, and daily loss caps — and why that matters for institutional clients• [31:00] How Mangrove is approaching distribution through software companies (TAMPs) that already service hundreds of RIAs rather than going client by client• [35:00] David's take on the three-year industry outlook — consolidation, institutional adoption as a multi-year macro trend, and why AI agents will force global crypto adoption• [40:00] Mangrove's near-term plans — flipping to revenue in six weeks, launching a seed round after announcing an institutional partnership, and hiring a VP of Engineering

AI is getting better. Like…a lot better. If you've been side-eyeing AI headshots lately wondering what this means for photographers, you're definitely not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing why I don't actually think photographers are losing to AI - I think they're losing to boring marketing.Here's the thing: if all you're selling is a gallery of images, yes, that's going to become easier to replace. But brand photography was never just about the photos. It's about the confidence shift, the visibility, the experience, the strategy, and the way your clients feel when they finally see themselves as the expert they already are.We're talking:• Why “book a headshot session” marketing isn't working anymore• The difference between selling deliverables vs. transformation• What AI can replicate - and what it absolutely cannot• Why client experience matters more than ever• How to create marketing that feels like you're “inside your client's head”• Why case studies and behind-the-scenes content are more powerful than photo dumpsLinks & Resources

In this special episode of the Independent Dealer Podcast, recorded live on location at Buy Here Pay Here United 2026, Jeff Watson and Luke Godwin flip the script with a first-of-its-kind vendor panel. Instead of the traditional dealer open forum, six of the industry's top service providers take the stage to share what they see from their side of the glass — the blind spots, pain points, and opportunities that dealers are missing right now. Featuring Steve Levine (Ignite Dealer Compliance Group), Mike Downey (Auto Master Systems), Bill Neylan (Tax Max), Jason Gosnell (Buckeye Risk Services), Ariad Sommer (Ituran USA), and Terry MacCauley (Big Time Advertising), this panel pulls back the curtain on AI, automation, compliance, disaster planning, parts sourcing, and where the BHPH industry is headed next.What You'll Learn:-Why AI in your dealership can be a compliance time bomb — and why every store needs a written AI policy-How dealers are "doing more with less" using data warehouses (BigQuery, Snowflake) instead of dumping PII into ChatGPT-The heated debate over AI replacing employees — and why some 40-year dealers refuse to use it at all-Why most dealers have NO contingency plan to operate when an ice storm, hurricane, or outage shuts the doors during tax season-The backup systems every dealer needs: power, internet (Starlink), VOIP phones, and remote-ready staff-How starter interrupt and GPS integration can collect a late payment automatically — without you ever picking up the phone-Why you're probably paying for features your current vendors already offer but never turned on-How automotive recyclers became the "Amazon fulfillment center" of parts — and how it's lowering recon costs-The massive shift in search: customers now treat Google like ChatGPT, and organic traffic is down 20–30%-How to get your dealership to show up in AI Overviews (and why the top 10% of your website is everything)-What vendors wish dealers would do: communicate your pain points, stop ghosting, and never cancel over cost alone-Where six industry insiders see Buy Here Pay Here heading over the next 10 yearsIf you're a buy here pay here or independent dealer trying to navigate AI, automation, compliance, and an industry that's changing faster than ever, this vendor panel is packed with insider perspective you won't hear anywhere else. These are the people who touch hundreds of dealers every month — and they're telling you exactly what's working, what's coming, and what's quietly costing you money.Support the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk Services - Reinsurance and wealth strategies for independent dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/buckeyeBlytz - BHPH payment processing with fast funding and text-to-pay. https://theindependentdealer.com/blytzpayIturan GPS - Asset protection and customer management for BHPH and retail dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/ituranFollow & Connect:Website: www.theindependentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroupLuke Godwin: @lukegodwinJeff Watson: /sendtojeffwLike, subscribe, and share this with a dealer who needs to hear it.

Are your AI agents truly safe to deploy at scale? In this episode, two founders come together to tackle one of the most urgent questions for every AI startup and enterprise today: how do you build AI systems you can actually trust? Hosted by Preethy Padmanabhan and the 10x Growth Strategies community, this panel brings together Tatyana Mamut (WayFound) and Prukalpa Sankar (Atlan) - two founders redefining how enterprises govern, monitor, and scale AI responsibly. In this episode, we discuss: How supervisor/guardian agents help enterprises reach 3-nines and 5-nines reliability Real-world example: a customer service AI agent secretly offering refunds with perfect guardrails in place Why sampling logs isn't enough and why 100% monitoring is now a legal requirement How the OpenAI and Workday lawsuits are reshaping enterprise AI accountability How to architect AI-ready data systems with lineage, traceability, and explainability built in How enterprises across the US, Germany, and Australia are navigating evolving AI regulation Hybrid deterministic + AI system design for production-grade agents Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate executive, or a venture capital investor evaluating AI startup opportunities - this conversation on 10x growth, scaling up, and responsible AI is unmissable. 10X Growth Strategies is a community co-founded by Preethy Padmanabhan, built to bring together founders, investors, and executives for meaningful connection and growth. With thousands of members across LinkedIn, Luma, and Partiful, the community hosts monthly events on timely topics in tech, AI, and entrepreneurship. Chapters 0:00 - 3:32 - Introduction 3:32 - 7:59 - Understanding Enterprise Trust in AI 7:59 - 13:47 - Legal Challenges and Compliance in AI 13:47 - 19:00 - Architecting AI systems for Compliance 19:00 - 21:52 - Benefits of Working with this New Technology 21:25 - 25:21 - Proactive vs Reactive Compliance Strategies 25:21 - 41:35 - Audience Interactions 41:35 - 44:04 - What is your Leadership Principle? Connect:  Website: https://grow10x.podbean.com/ Luma: https://lu.ma/10xgrowthstrategies

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Get your FREE copy of the "A-Z Guide to Staying Cancer Free" here: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/azcancerfree Finishing chemo is one of the biggest milestones of your cancer journey — but what you do on Day 1 matters more than most people realize. Most people leave their last chemo appointment with no roadmap for what comes next. The days right after chemo are a critical window that can shape your long-term recovery — and there are 5 things you need to do immediately that most oncologists never tell you about. So let me show you how it's done. Join the Cancer Freedom Program Apply HERE: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=instagram&utm_content=5_things_chemo #cancerfighter #cancersurvivor #breastcancer #breastcancersurvivors #cancerrecovery #cancernutrition #mastectomy #tamoxifen #anastrozole #letrozole #exemestane PS - Whenever you're ready, here are the 2 best ways I can help you… Get your FREE copy of the "A-Z Guide to Staying Cancer Free" here: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/azcancerfree Join the Cancer Freedom Program Apply HERE: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=instagram&utm_content=5_things_chemo Let's Connect: Website: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=instagram&utm_content=5_things_chemo  

Your baby is here, and in a lot of ways that moment can feel like the finish line. But the story of how they got here, how it felt, what it asked of you, lives on long after the birth. This is why your birth story matters.In this episode, we're talking about the full weight of a birth experience. The pride. The grief. The moments that surprised you. The comments that landed wrong. The pieces you're still making sense of weeks, months, or years later. And we're making space for all of it, because every story deserves to be heard.We're walking through:Why a birth story shapes you long past the day it happenedHow both pride and grief can live in the same storyWhy "at least the baby is healthy" misses what a mom is actually asking forWhat trauma can look like in a birth that "went fine" on paperHow to hold space for a friend who is sharing her story with youDifferent ways to process your own story, from journaling to sharing in communityWhether your story is one you've told a hundred times or one you've never said out loud, you deserve the space to process it however you need to. If you want to share yours with us, we'd be honored to hear it. You can email us anytime.Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we're so happy to have you!Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE! Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe! xoxo, StephanieLet's Connect:Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom)Facebook (@how2mom)TikTok (@how.2.mom)Twitter (@how_2_mom)Linkedin (@how2mom)Pinterest (@how2mom)YouTube (@how2mom)

Today, I'm talking with Tom Patterson, founder of Tommy John, the underwear brand that turned a frustrating problem into a 9-figure business. Tom started the company after getting tired of undershirts constantly coming untucked while working in medical sales. What began as a simple fix turned into one of the biggest direct-to-consumer apparel success stories of the last 15 years. In this conversation, we break down how Tommy John bootstrapped its way to over $100M in revenue before taking meaningful outside capital, why Howard Stern and Kevin Hart became game-changing growth channels, and what founders misunderstand about building premium consumer brands today. Tom also shares lessons on raising capital, balancing wholesale with direct-to-consumer, building a company with your spouse, and why experience can actually become a disadvantage in fast-changing markets.   Key Takeaways (01:27) Leveraging Howard Stern's Audience (03:08) Pioneering Podcast/Radio Marketing (04:25) Starting Tommy John with $100 and a Sketch (07:27) How Useful is a Patent? (11:12) Evolve and Innovate (13:49) AI's Future In Product Development (15:04) How to Defend Against Knockoffs  (18:01) Wholesale Vs DTC Margins Explained (21:33) Why Women Became 30% of Sales (26:26) How Tommy John Financed Growth (30:47) Kevin Hart's Unexpected Partnership (33:08) The Kobe Bryant Deal That Fell Apart (36:05) Selling A Minority Stake (38:20) Running A Business With Your Spouse (42:36) Experience Can Be Your Worst Enemy (44:38) Handing Off The CEO Role (46:53) Avoiding The Post-Exit Crisis (48:24) Lifestyle Businesses Are Changing (50:23) The Truth About Raising Venture Capital (52:06) Advice For New Entrepreneurs   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/879q12wejtw     Let's Connect: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook

Getting ghosted by potential clients? I'm here to tell you what you likely don't want to hear: it's (probably) not your pricing.

In this episode of the Independent Dealer Podcast, Jeff Watson takes the conversation to the floor of BHPH United Summit for a raw discussion on the future of EVs in buy here pay here and lease here pay here. Joined by Trygg Waldbillig — an independent indirect leasing operator who has gone nearly all-in on Teslas — they break down what it actually takes to put subprime customers in electric vehicles, and when the economics finally start to make sense.What You'll Learn:-Why EV supply is surging at auction and what half a million off-lease units hitting the market over the next 2-4 years means for BHPH pricing-How to check battery health before you buy — and the quick math dealers can run right on the lot-Which EVs belong on your buy list (and which early-gen models to avoid at all costs)-Why knowing your customer's charging situation is make-or-break before you put them in an EV-How lower fuel and maintenance costs can actually improve your customer's ability to pay — even if the payment stays the same-What the battery warranty landscape looks like in 2026, and why building your own reinsurance product may be the smartest move in the EV spaceIf you're a buy here pay here or lease here pay here dealer trying to figure out when and how to get into EVs, this is the most practical, operator-to-operator conversation on the topic you'll find anywhere.Support the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk Services - Reinsurance and wealth strategies for independent dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/buckeyeBlytz - The fintech powering collections and text-to-pay for BHPH dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/blytzpay/Ituran GPS - Asset protection and customer management for BHPH and retail dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/ituranFollow & Connect:Website: www.theindependentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroupJeff Watson: /sendtojeffwLike, subscribe, and share this with a dealer who needs to hear it.

I sat down with Mehow, founder of American Fortress, right here in Miami during Consensus week, and this conversation genuinely blew my mind. Michal has been a hacker since age 15 and has spent four and a half years and 13 patents building something the crypto industry has never had before — a universal identity and privacy protocol that makes sending crypto as simple as typing a name. We go deep on why crypto addresses are still the root cause of most theft and fraud, how stealth addresses and zero-knowledge proofs work together to give you PayPal-style usability without sacrificing privacy, why institutions like Brinks are already on board, and what wrench attacks and kidnappings in France have to do with on-chain transparency. We also talk quantum computing, the confidentiality machine, and why perseverance is the only real entrepreneurial lesson that matters. This one is packed.--- CONNECT ---Website: https://americanfortress.io Twitter/X: https://x.com/Americanfort_io Web3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz --- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [00:01:32] Michal shares his background as a hacker since age 15 and what drove him to build American Fortress• [00:03:14] The core problem: crypto addresses are confusing and exploitable, leading to rampant theft and fraud• [00:06:09] User journey walkthrough — how Fortress Knok lets you send crypto by name, like PayPal, with no address interaction• [00:08:00] How stealth addresses work and why only sender and recipient ever know where funds went• [00:09:00] Zero-knowledge proofs running through encrypted chat to confirm sender identity and defeat address poisoning• [00:10:00] How cryptographic KYC via Sumsub is tied directly to transactions, the first protocol to do this• [00:14:00] Why on-chain transparency is a physical safety risk, kidnappings in France and the Ledger executive story• [00:15:44] The confidentiality machine, one button to hide your balance while still proving your identity to the recipient• [00:17:39] Quantum resistance built in automatically when you use the privacy shield, with no extra steps for the user• [00:26:15] MetaMask integration as a Snap, you don't need the American Fortress wallet to use Fortress names• [00:29:00] Four and a half years of grinding on $9 million raised, 15 engineers, launching on 12 chains simultaneously• [00:34:10] What's next, Austin office, token launch in 4–6 weeks, Brinks as a customer, and a potential Series ADisclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Apply to work with me inside the Cancer Freedom Program. Apply HERE: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_content=cancer_freedom_podcast Cancer symptoms don't always look dramatic — sometimes they look like "normal" heartburn, anxiety, or just being tired… and that's exactly what I completely missed. I'm sharing the obvious cancer symptoms I ignored — not because I was careless, but because they were subtle, common, and easy to dismiss.  This isn't about fear. It's about awareness. Because the earlier you recognize patterns, the more power you have. So let me show you how it's done. Join the Cancer Freedom Program Apply HERE: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_content=cancer_freedom_podcast #cancerfighter #cancersurvivor #breastcancer #breastcancersurvivors #cancerrecovery #cancernutrition #mastectomy #tamoxifen #anastrozole #letrozole #exemestane PS - Whenever you're ready, here are the 2 best ways I can help you… "Your A-Z Guide to Staying Cancer Free" FREE Click HERE https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/azcancerfree Join the Cancer Freedom Program Apply HERE: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_content=cancer_freedom_podcast Let's Connect: Website: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_content=cancer_freedom_podcast

In today's episode, I'm walking through the story of King Josiah and what happened when he finally heard the Word of God read aloud. What struck me most is that Josiah immediately recognized how far the people had drifted from God's commands—and he responded with humility, repentance, and action. As I studied these passages in 2 Kings 22–23 and 2 Chronicles 34–35, I couldn't help but reflect on how easy it is for us to follow traditions, culture, or even inspirational messages without truly knowing what God's Word says for ourselves. This episode is a challenge for all of us to examine whether we are living according to Scripture or simply following the patterns around us. In this episode, you'll hear: - Why King Josiah's response to God's Word still matters today - The danger of replacing sound doctrine with inspiration alone - What it really means to walk without turning “to the right or the left” - How conviction from the Holy Spirit leads us back to freedom - Why true repentance changes the way we live - The difference between following God's Word and following tradition - How to stay spiritually focused in a distracted world Where to Dive In: 0:00 — Have We Been Doing It Wrong All Along? 3:10 — Who Was King Josiah? 11:05 — Why Josiah Was Different from Other Kings 21:50 — Discovering the Book of the Law 39:20 — Inspiration vs. Real Discipleship 50:45 — Why Sound Doctrine Confronts Us 1:03:00 — Josiah's Tragic Final Decision 1:12:30 — What True Repentance Really Looks Like 1:17:30 — Final Challenge and Prayer Scriptures Referenced: * 2 Kings 22–23 * 2 Chronicles 34–35 * Isaiah 29:13 * Matthew 15:8 * Mark 7:6–7 * John 14:15 * Revelation 19:7–8 About your host: Jaime Luce' testimony has daunting personal mountains and treacherous financial valleys. She was trapped in day-to-day stress and couldn't see a way forward. But how she started is not how she finished! And she wants you to know God has a plan for your life too, no matter how tough it seems. Today, Jaime has been married to the love of her life for almost three decades, owns two companies, and has become an author and podcaster. God's way is always the blessed way! Free chapter of Jaime's new book: You Don't Need Money, You Just Need God: https://jaimeluce.com/book/ Connect: - Website: https://jaimeluce.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.luces.page - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaime_luce/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-luce-00395691/

EASE OS™: The Human Skills · Episode 2 Most people are navigating their health by filling the gaps between disciplines without realizing that is what they are doing. The acupuncture, the functional medicine, the physical therapy, the nutrition protocol — each one skilled, none of them in conversation with each other. And the burden of figuring out how it all connects has been placed quietly on you. In this episode Dr. Connie names the invisible labor of fragmented care, explains why it produces consistently incomplete results at the physiological level, and shares the story of a patient who resolved four years of chronic pain in a month — not because any individual treatment was better, but because the sequence was finally right. What you will take away: • Why skilled individual practitioners consistently produce partial results when working in isolation • How the burden of integration was transferred silently to the patient  • What fragmented care actually does to the body physiologically • The story of a four-year pain journey resolved in one month through sequence • The map exercise — seeing your own fragmented care picture clearly for the first time • The closing question to carry into the week Apply for the Clinical Diagnostic Intensive — link below ↓ https://www.drconniecheung.com/Clinical-Diagnostic-Intensive Four spots this month. Dr. Connie reviews every application personally. New episodes every Tuesday. Each one builds on the last. WORK WITH DR. CONNIE Clinical Diagnostic Intensive — Private multi-hour session: drconniecheung.com LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ease-os-with-dr-connie-cheung/id1297924924 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35dvMqbXWTpzhNYTf7C4hs?si=f405aec447e94d55 CONNECT Website: drconniecheung.com Instagram: @drconniecheung LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/conniejeon #EASEOS #HumanSkills #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealth #ChronicIllness #NervousSystemHealth #GutHealth #SomaticHealing #YogaMedicine #DrConnieCheung

Dan Brisse won back-to-back X Games gold medals as one of the most dangerous urban snowboarders on the planet—jumping off parking garages, rooftops, and rails for a living. But while he was at the peak of his career, he was watching his heroes lose their homes, their wives, and their minds. So he did something different. He started investing. In this episode, Dan breaks down how he went from living on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to co-founding Granite Towers—a real estate company that manages nearly $500M across 3,300+ apartment units. We get into how he protects downside in every deal, why multifamily real estate quietly compounds wealth, and what his exact investing criteria looks like today. We also get into hiring on core values, why urgency is a red flag in any investment, and the one piece of advice he's giving his 13-year-old son about building wealth.   Key Takeaways with Dan Brisse (00:00) Intro (02:25) From Gold Medals to $500M AUM (02:41) The Snowboard Lesson That Saves Him Millions (03:40) His Mental Checklist Before a Crazy Jump (06:10) How Risk in Sports Translates to Real Estate (9:15) Why Most Pro Athletes Go Broke (14:19) Why Losing Is the Best Motivator (16:51) The Passive Income Mindset Shift (20:10) From Duplex to Real Estate Empire (24:39) Lessons in Real Estate Investing (35:56) Understanding Cap Rates & NOI (41:43) Criteria for Evaluating Real Estate Deals (49:40) Analyzing Real Estate Submarkets (53:45) What to Look for in a General Partner (58:43) How to Attract A-Players (01:04:47) Business With a Purpose (01:07:12) The #1 Habit Every Pro Athlete Needs (1:08:26) Advice to New Entrepreneurs (1:09:32) Would He Do It All Over Again?   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5E1FQNZDPWM     Let's Connect: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook

Picture this: You just got an inquiry from a brand photography client you are so excited to work with. You spend 45 minutes building a custom proposal...tweaking image counts, session length, adding options, and you hit send feeling good. And then? Silence. Or worse, they come back asking what they can remove to make it cheaper.Here's the thing: it's not your pricing. It's how you're pricing.In this episode, I'm breaking down why custom packages are quietly killing your conversions and what to do instead. If you've been defaulting to “build-your-own” proposals because you want to serve your clients well, this is your sign to stop overcomplicating it. Your clients don't need more options. They need a clear, confident expert to guide them!We're talking:Why “custom everything” creates confusion (not flexibility)How too many options leads to ghosting and price shoppingThe real reason clients push back on pricingWhy features don't sell (and what actually does)What an expert-level package structure actually looks likeHow to position your offer so clients trust you without questioning every detailLinks & Resources✨Join Behind the Shot - my self-paced course for brand photographers who want to confidently plan, shoot, and deliver brand sessions that get results—for their clients and for their business. Learn more here!

In this episode of the Independent Dealer Podcast, Jeff Watson and Luke Godwin sit down with Patrick O'Brien, Director of Government Relations and Compliance at NIADA, for a straight-shooting breakdown of the FTC's 97 warning letters to dealerships — what they mean, why they were sent, and what every dealer needs to do right now. From the vacated CARS rule to out-the-door pricing, Patrick pulls back the curtain on what Washington is actually doing to police market conduct in 2026.What You'll Learn:Why the FTC issued 97 warning letters to dealerships — and what happens next if they don't clean up their actHow the Lindsay Auto Group consent agreement is a preview of what enforcement actually looks likeWhat "out-the-door price" really means under Section 5 of the FTC Act — and why doc fees can no longer be hiddenWhether independent dealers can (or should) report franchise stores that are still doing it wrongHow NIADA and NADA are working together — and where they disagree — on right to repair and safety recall legislationWhy the NIADA Convention in Denver (June 21–24) is the place to get compliant and get aheadIf you're an independent or BHPH dealer trying to navigate the FTC's crackdown on deceptive pricing, this episode is required listening.Support the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk Services - Reinsurance and wealth strategies for independent dealers.https://theindependentdealer.com/buckeyeBlytz - BHPH payment processing with fast funding and text-to-pay. https://theindependentdealer.com/blytzpay/Ituran GPS - Asset protection and customer management for BHPH and retail dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/ituranFollow & Connect: Website: www.theindependentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroupLuke Godwin: @lukegodwinJeff Watson: /sendtojeffwLike, subscribe, and share this with a dealer who needs to hear it.

There's an invisible pressure pushing you to not be yourself. It doesn't show up as a dramatic moment. It's death by a thousand paper cuts. The meeting where you stayed quiet. The conversation where you chose what they'd want to hear. The thing you didn't say. The version of you that doesn't quite get to come out. In this first episode of Authentic Confidence, Dr. Aziz introduces the show, the framework, and what's actually running underneath the chronic feeling of not being fully yourself. You'll discover the false choice most people don't realize they're caught inside, the difference between the social anxiety cage and the "nice cage" Dr. Aziz lived in for years after escaping the first one, why authentic confidence isn't a personality trait but a practice, and a preview of the four approval patterns coming next week. Next Steps: 1. Discover your approval type. Take the 2-minute quiz to find out which of the four patterns is running your work, dating, and social life:www.draziz.com 2. Apply for the Unstoppable Confidence Mastermind. Dr. Aziz's flagship year-long program for serious work on confidence, authenticity, and freedom from self-doubt:https://www.socialconfidencecenter.com/ucmv3 3. Watch on YouTube. This episode is also available as a video, plus additional content not on the podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@DrAzizGazipura 4. Read Dr. Aziz's books: Not NiceThe Art of Extraordinary ConfidenceDoubtlessOn My Own SideLess Nice, More YouThe Solution to Social Anxiety 5. Connect:Website: www.draziz.comFacebook: facebook.com/DrAzizGazipuraInstagram: @drazizconfidencecoachTikTok: @drazizgazipuraLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drazizgazipura

Get your FREE copy of "The Ultimate AntiCancer Food Guide" here: https://cancerfreedomprogram.com/ultimateanticancer What you eat the night before chemo could be the difference between suffering through side effects and sailing through treatment. Newly diagnosed or currently in treatment — most women show up to chemo with no idea that what's on their plate the night before directly impacts how their body responds. The right food primes your body to handle chemo better, protect healthy cells, and recover faster. The wrong food makes everything harder. So let me show you how it's done. Join the Cancer Freedom Program Apply HERE: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/ #cancerfighter #cancersurvivor #breastcancer #breastcancersurvivors #cancerrecovery #cancernutrition #mastectomy #tamoxifen #anastrozole #letrozole #exemestane PS - Whenever you're ready, here are the 2 best ways I can help you… Get your FREE copy of "The Ultimate AntiCancer Food Guide" here: https://cancerfreedomprogram.com/ultimateanticancer Join the Cancer Freedom Program Apply HERE: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/ Let's Connect: Website: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/

What happens when the “messy middle” of short-term rental hosting gets so chaotic that you decide to build the software you wish already existed? Most hosts just keep duct-taping systems together; my guest today decided to build a better way.In this episode, I sit down with Beth Turner, the non-technical founder of Simpli Host. We're talking about the unfiltered reality of operating multiple short-term rentals while working a demanding full-time job, and how that operational anxiety pushed her to create an all-in-one platform designed for the hands-on host.We dive into:The "messy middle" of juggling seven different apps and the constant anxiety of wondering if the cleaner showed up or the hot tub is actually hot.Practical tools for reclaiming your peace—from the power of a deep breath to reframing yourself as a true business owner rather than a "side-hustle" host.How repeated requests for help led to a platform with unified messaging, integrated locks, and seasonal maintenance reminders.The hard lessons of hiring and firing dev teams, trusting the experts, and resisting the urge to "just learn to code."Why establishing firm policies and guardrails around things like pets and trash days is the only way to protect both your profit and your sanity.But this isn't just about software. It's about buying back your time. We pull back the curtain on the importance of quiet time, journaling, and surrounding yourself with a community that understands the unique weight of this industry. You'll hear about the power of a daily gratitude practice and a vision for building a business that serves your life, rather than one that consumes it.If you've ever felt like you're drowning in notifications and logistics, this conversation will offer you a roadmap to systems, support, and a more aligned way of hosting. Get ready to move out of the chaos and into a more intentional way of leading.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:47] A short introduction about our guest Beth Turner, her accidental journey into short-term rentals, and how she started Simpli Host[02:52] Beth describes the chaotic behind-the-scenes reality that quietly overwhelms hosts before they realize something has to change [05:13] Beth and I challenge the “passive income” myth and highlight the hands-on reality of running short-term rentals[06:51] Beth shares how the “messy middle” actually begins earlier, when juggling a full-time job, constant travel, and nonstop guest demands[09:40] Beth reveals how simple mental shifts, not complex systems, helped her regain control in high-stress hosting moments[12:18] How separating identity from the business helps operators lead more objectively, improve standards, and make stronger operational decisions[16:44] How documenting processes, especially through simple repeatable methods, prevents knowledge from being siloed and ensures business continuity and consistency[20:41] How using policies as a neutral authority helps operators remove emotion from guest decisions and maintain consistency, even when running solo[21:54] Beth explains how fragmented systems and operational overload led her to create Simpli Host as a unified solution for short-term rental management[25:37] Beth describes how the software functions as a centralized system that brings together the core operational layers of short-term rental management[31:58] Beth explains how building Simpli Host forced her to delegate, stop coding herself, and shifting from frustration and control to empowerment and trust in her team[34:36] Beth and I explore how clarity, creativity, and business insight emerge through quiet reflection, self-awareness, and intentional disconnection from noise[43:56] The importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive network of women and operators at different stages of their short-term rental journeys[47:26] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“One thing that people don't realize is, STRs are not passive.”“You feel that rising and you know that you're no longer in a good mental space to make good choices. And even if you do make good choices, you're rolling the dice on that choice when you're in that state. So one of those is taking, taking that deep breath.”“I think it is so important that we learn as business owners to separate ourselves from the business.”“Having good people in your business is 100% essential. However, I will say, you know, I learned a huge lesson. Yeah, along with those good people, we have to make sure that if they're smarter than you about something, they're helping you build your policies, your processes and procedures. So that if they ever got hit by a bus, you know you would still operate without them.”“Exploit your strengths and hide your weaknesses.”“Having a network of other women around us who have experienced different things that are in all different stages of their businesses, I will tell you, I have mastermind programs. I have mentorships, I learn as much from the folks that I have the opportunity to support in their journeys as they learn from me.”“All of these masterminds, all these beautiful women, all of these smart, ambitious people that I've been around have gotten me where I am today. I carry a little bit of them everywhere I go.”Let's Connect:Website : https://simplihost.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/simplihostinc/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/simplihostincEnjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

In this episode, we walk through the life of King Hezekiah and uncover a sobering truth: even the most faithful can fall when pride quietly takes root. Through Scripture in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, we see how success, influence, and blessing can become dangerous if we stop giving God the glory. But this isn't just a warning, it's an invitation. God always provides a remedy. If you've been given a second chance, the question is: what are you doing with it? Where to dive in: 0:00 – The hidden sin that follows success 2:15 – Hezekiah's faith, victory, and miraculous deliverance 9:30 – When blessing turns into pride 14:45 – Why God allowed affliction (and what it revealed) 21:00 – The danger of not giving God the glory 29:30 – What are you doing with your second chance? 38:30 – Hezekiah vs. Manasseh: two very different responses 50:00 – God's justice, mercy, and the real consequence of sin 1:02:00 – The remedy: humility, repentance, and returning to God 1:09:00 – The power and greatness of God (Isaiah 40) 1:12:00 – Final encouragement and prayer About your host: Jaime Luce' testimony has daunting personal mountains and treacherous financial valleys. She was trapped in day-to-day stress and couldn't see a way forward. But how she started is not how she finished! And she wants you to know God has a plan for your life too, no matter how tough it seems. Today, Jaime has been married to the love of her life for almost three decades, owns two companies, and has become an author and podcaster. God's way is always the blessed way! Free chapter of Jaime's new book: You Don't Need Money, You Just Need God: https://jaimeluce.com/book/ Connect: - Website: https://jaimeluce.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.luces.page - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaime_luce/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-luce-00395691/

EASE OS™: The Human Skills ·Episode 1 of 8 ·The Overview Most of us have spent years trying to get healthier. The diets. The supplements. The protocols. And most of it has helped partially. Nothing has held completely. In this opening episode of EASE OS™: The Human Skills, Dr. Connie Cheung names what has been missing — not another tool, but the sequence that makes all the tools finally receivable. She introduces the difference between big T and small t experience, explains why small t accumulation is one of the most significant and least acknowledged drivers of chronic physical symptoms, and walks through the complete physiological cascade from unprocessed life experience to chronic disease. This is the episode that finally explains why. And it is the foundation for everything that follows. In this episode you will learn:· • Why the tools you have tried have helped partially but never fully held • The difference between big T trauma and small t experience — and why small t is not small to the nervous system  • Why individual tolerance for change and variability differs — and why that is not weakness • The complete physiological cascade from life load to chronic disease explained in plain language • The EASE OS™ four pillars and why coherence must come before any intervention can land  • Why yoga is the laboratory — and what honest inward attention has to do with all of it  • The closing question to sit with this week EASE OS™ stands for Enteric · Autonomic · Somatic · Empowered Psychology. It is the framework that integrates the four systems every body runs on — in the sequence that makes everything else finally land. Built by Dr. Connie Cheung across twenty-five years of clinical practice and twenty-five years as a complex patient living with lupus, kidney failure, and transplant. New episodes every Tuesday. Each one builds on the last. WORK WITH DR. CONNIE Clinical Diagnostic Intensive — Private multi-hour session: drconniecheung.com → https://www.drconniecheung.com/Clinical-Diagnostic-Intensive LISTEN ON PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ease-os-with-dr-connie-cheung/id1297924924 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35dvMqbXWTpzhNYTf7C4hs?si=f405aec447e94d55 CONNECT Website: drconniecheung.com Instagram: @drconniecheung LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/conniejeon #EASEOS #HumanSkills #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealth #ChronicIllness #NervousSystemHealth #GutHealth #SomaticHealing #YogaMedicine #DrConnieCheung

In this episode, I sit down with Tom, co-founder of Ratehopper.ai, to dig into one of the most underrated problems in DeFi — people are overpaying on their loans and leaving yield on the table. Tom walks me through the journey from mining ETH in 2015, to building APY Vision with 70,000 users, to now launching an AI agent platform that automatically deploys borrowed funds into liquidity pools to pay off your loan. We talk about how the agents work, what signals they use, how they handle risk, and why the self-repaying loan concept is resonating with users. Tom also shares how they are keeping funds secure, what the Ratehopper agent competition looks like, and where they see the platform going next. If you are curious about DeFi, AI agents, or just want your money to work harder without the manual work, this episode is for you. Connect:Website: https://ratehopper.ai/X: https://x.com/RatehopperAITelegram: https://t.me/RatehopperPortalWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/Key points with time stamps• [01:00] Tom shares his background — mining ETH in 2015, learning the EVM, and building a paper trading game• [02:39] Tom discovers DeFi farming in 2020 and builds APY Vision, a portfolio and P&L tracker for DeFi users• [03:47] APY Vision reaches 70,000 users but faces monetisation challenges without an execution layer• [06:08] The core problem Ratehopper solves — people are paying too much on DeFi loans and not optimising rate differentials• [07:20] The rich person strategy — borrow against your assets instead of selling, then use borrowed funds to generate yield• [08:37] Beta launch update — nearly 1,000 users and 450 agents deployed in the first month• [09:01] Real user example — depositing collateral, setting up an agent, providing liquidity to earn fees that pay off the loan• [09:55] How liquidity range settings affect APY and how the agent uses the options market to set optimal ranges• [11:06] How risk tolerance settings shape the agent — 25 signals analysed hourly, tuned to the user's preference• [12:26] The hardest technical challenge — building and back-testing the risk versus reward signal matrix• [13:42] Early Ratehopper iteration focused only on refinancing and saving on borrowing costs• [15:11] Market feedback — users wanted higher returns, leading to the self-repaying loan concept• [17:00] User demographics — early adopters and experimenters who want to test if the product actually works• [19:50] How Ratehopper handles trust and security — segregated multi-sig wallets, Zodiac module, no fund transfers to unknown addresses• [21:37] Tom shares experience using other financial agents and why most still require too much manual input• [24:25] Future scaling challenges — agent interoperability and fragmented wallet standards• [25:45] DeFi infrastructure parallels — just as it took five years from Ethereum launch to mainstream DeFi, AI on-chain will take time• [27:01] DeFi TVL discussion — one hack every 26 hours in the last 30 days, and 93% of losses from infrastructure and private key hacks, not smart contract exploits• [28:23] Will AI make DeFi safer or more dangerous — Tom argues AI will help defenders more than attackers• [30:09] Upcoming Ratehopper agent contest — 10-day competition, NFT-represented agents, prize for most loan repaid• [31:54] Community question — can users copy a winning agent instead of building their own? Tom hints at a future vault model• [33:24] The ask — try the product, give feedback, and consider depositing more if confidence grows• [34:32] Experimenting with Polymarket decaying odds markets as a future agent use caseDisclaimer:Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

When people hear the word Pitocin, it often gets described as "synthetic oxytocin," so it's easy to assume the two are basically the same thing. They're not, and that distinction matters more than most of us realize.In this episode, we're walking through what oxytocin actually does during labor, why it's so much more than the "love hormone" nickname, and how Pitocin works differently in the body even though it's chemically similar. We talk about the labor feedback loop, why environment plays such a huge role in how things progress, and why induced labor can sometimes feel more intense than spontaneous labor.We also cover the postpartum side of Pitocin, which can feel a little confusing at first. Why is the same medication used to start contractions also given to stop bleeding after birth? We break it down so it actually makes sense.This isn't about judging birth choices or saying one path is better than another. It's about understanding what's happening in your body so you can feel more grounded in whatever your birth looks like.Stephanie also shares the story of how her daughter Mackenzie helped move her from early labor into active labor with the twins, a real-life example of oxytocin in action.Birth Doula Services - How2Mom | Birth Doula Services in the Twin CitiesChildbirth Ed Course - How2Mom | Birth Support, Online Birthing Classes, Resources for New MomsThank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we're so happy to have you!Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE! Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe! xoxo, StephanieLet's Connect:Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom)Facebook (@how2mom)TikTok (@how.2.mom)Twitter (@how_2_mom)Linkedin (@how2mom)Pinterest (@how2mom)YouTube (@how2mom)

Beautiful work today with questioning beliefs about tax amendments, invasive people, those who are getting away with something, personal needs, mates. Listen and follow along with your own self-inquiry. Who are you without your story?

I'm sitting down with Jonathan Ronzio, who scaled Trainual from an idea to $30M ARR—while building a company known for its culture and still finding time to climb mountains, run marathons, and live a full life outside of work. What stood out to me in this conversation is how intentional he's been about building systems—not just in the business, but in his life. We talk about why most founders document the wrong things early, how structure actually creates freedom, and how AI is completely reshaping how companies build, sell, and operate. We also get into how he thinks about balance versus alignment, what changes (and what doesn't) after raising capital, and why the most defining moments in business are usually the ones you never planned for. If you're trying to scale without becoming consumed by your business, there's a lot here worth paying attention to. Key Takeaways  (00:00) Introduction (01:28) Summiting Aconcagua vs Closing a Series B (03:01) What Is Trainual and Why It Exists (03:52) The #1 Thing SaaS Founders Document Too Late (04:59) When to Create Company Core Values? (06:48) Why Structure Actually Creates Freedom (09:57) Which Processes Deserve SOPs? (11:43) How AI Transformed Trainual's Product Roadmap (15:16) Will AI Kill SaaS? His Honest Take (18:49) Figure Out How to Disrupt Your Business (20:38) Agentic AI and the New Outbound Playbook (22:34) The Exact AI Tech Stack His Team Uses (26:05) Data Security in the Age of AI (30:11) $400K in Credit Card Debt for FB Ads  (32:27) Balance vs. Alignment  (34:31) Why Daymond John Joined the Cap Table (38:05) Cultural Practices That Actually Work (39:48) Project Management & Communication Tools (43:36) How to Define Culture at Scale (46:30) Mountaineering Lessons That Made Him a Better Leader (53:08) Living an Adventurous Life  (58:50) Obsessive Compulsive Creative Disorder (59:43) Advice for Founders Torn Between Focus and Exploration   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q17qPXHSEC0     Let's Connect: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook

You've decided you're offering mini sessions. You picked the date, the location, the pricing...you're ready! You hit publish, fully expecting your Stripe account to light up - and then *crickets*.If your mini sessions aren't selling the way you thought they would, this episode is your reality check (in the best way). Because most of the time? Nothing has actually gone wrong.We're getting into what's really happening when your launch feels quiet, and why your nervous system might be the thing pulling you out too early. I'm also walking you through the actual timeline and strategy behind a successful mini session launch so you can stop guessing and start selling with intention.We're talking:Why “crickets” doesn't mean failureThe nervous system spiral (and how to coach yourself through it)A realistic mini session launch timeline (60, 30, 14 days out)Building demand vs. expecting it to existHow more may be better than less when it comes to sellingSelling every day without feeling “annoying”Links & Resources✨ Join Rebrand: My 12 month transformative brand program for photographers who want to attract and book more brand photography clients. Learn more here!

Jeff Watson and Luke Godwin hit the floor at the 2026 BHPH United Summit in Las Vegas to ask dealers one simple question: what's your biggest problem right now? The answers? Honest, unfiltered, and exactly what you'd expect from a room full of operators who've seen it all.What You'll Hear:-The challenges keeping BHPH dealers up at night in 2026-How operators are responding to tighter credit, rising repos, and shifting customer behavior-Real talk on compliance, collections, and customer retention-Why BHPH United has become a must-attend event for serious independent dealersIf you couldn't make it to Vegas, this is the next best thing.Support the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk Services - Reinsurance and wealth strategies for independent dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/buckeyeBlytz - BHPH payment processing with fast funding and text-to-pay. https://theindependentdealer.com/blytzpay Ituran GPS - Asset protection and customer management for BHPH and retail dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/ituranFollow & Connect:Website: www.theindependentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroupLuke Godwin: @lukegodwinJeff Watson: /sendtojeffwLike, subscribe, and share this with a dealer who needs to hear it.

Get your FREE copy of "Ultimate AntiCancer Food Guide" here: https://cancerfreedomprogram.com/ultimateanticancer  Most people eat garlic for flavor — but what it does to cancer cells inside your body will completely change how you see this ingredient. Science has known for years that garlic contains powerful compounds that directly target cancer cells, but most women going through cancer recovery have never been told how to use it the right way. Whether you are newly diagnosed, a long term survivor or high risk for developing cancer, the everyday foods on your plate have more power than you think. So let me show you how it's done. Join the Cancer Freedom Program Apply HERE:https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=instagram&utm_content=garlic_stops_cancer  #cancerfighter #cancersurvivor #breastcancer #breastcancersurvivors #cancerrecovery #cancernutrition #mastectomy #tamoxifen #anastrozole #letrozole #exemestane PS - Whenever you're ready, here are the 2 best ways I can help you…  Get your FREE copy of "Ultimate AntiCancer Food Guide" here: https://cancerfreedomprogram.com/ultimateanticancer  Join the Cancer Freedom Program Apply HERE: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=instagram&utm_content=garlic_stops_cancer  Let's Connect: Website: https://www.cancerfreedomprogram.com/?utm_source=instagram&utm_content=garlic_stops_cancer 

This week the mileage is going up. More running. More lifting. A midweek double. Early mornings when it would be easier to stay in bed. And if I'm being honest… it's inconvenient. That's the part most people don't talk about. We all like the idea of big goals—running your first ultra, pushing further than you ever have, proving something to yourself. But what those goals actually require? That's where most people hesitate. In this episode, I break down what it really looks like to train when life is already full—and why waiting for the “right time” is usually what keeps people stuck. If you've been thinking about going after something big but aren't sure how it fits into your life… this one is for you. What You'll Learn: Why inconvenience—not ability—is what holds most runners back The difference between “fitting training in” vs building life around a goal How to stay consistent when your schedule is already full Why big goals require uncomfortable adjustments A mindset shift that changes how you approach hard days Key Takeaways Big goals demand intentional structure—not leftover time Your life won't clear space for your training—you have to create it Discipline shows up when it's inconvenient Growth is built through repeated, consistent effort The work you don't feel like doing is often the most important Faith Focus: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10 Faithfulness in the small, unseen moments builds the foundation for bigger things. Coaching: If you're ready to: Run your first or furthest ultra Stop guessing and follow a real plan Stay consistent when training gets hard Check out coaching:https://www.theriot.run/coaching-services/ Connect: Website: https://www.theriot.run Share: Know someone waiting for the “right time” to start? Send this to them. Closing Thought: The goal doesn't adjust to your comfort. You adjust to the goal. Take one more step.

Do you react… or do you respond? When life hits hard, when fear creeps in, or when the enemy attacks your mind, most people react without thinking. But Scripture shows us a better way. In this episode, we walk through a powerful biblical strategy from the life of King Hezekiah that teaches you how to respond with faith, clarity, and authority instead of fear and emotion. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, under pressure, or spiritually attacked, this episode will give you practical steps you can actually follow. Where to dive in: 00:00 – React vs. Respond: Why It Matters 02:00 – What a Spiritual Attack Really Looks Like 06:30 – The Enemy's Strategy: Fear, Lies, and Doubt 13:00 – The Hezekiah Story: When Pressure Hits Hard 21:30 – Step 1: Stop Dialoguing with the Enemy 28:30 – Step 2: Humble Yourself Before God 35:00 – Step 3: Get Into God's Presence 44:00 – Step 4: Don't Assume—Seek God's Will 53:00 – Step 5: Get a Word from the Lord 1:01:00 – Step 6: Find Faith-Filled Agreement 1:04:00 – Final Prayer + Encouragement What You'll Learn - How to tell if you're under a spiritual attack - Why reacting gives the enemy more power - A 6-step biblical strategy to respond with faith - How to hear God clearly in the middle of pressure - What it looks like to trust God when you don't see the outcome yet

Send us Fan MailEpisode Description: Class of 1983 – Synthesizers, Speeders, and the Dark SideBuckle up and prepare for immediate transport to the golden era! This week, the Back in Time Brothers, Lou and DJ Paulie, are cracking open the vault on 1983—a year that redefined FM radio and brought us some of the most iconic pop culture moments of all time. From the birth of the Macintosh to the debut of Chicken McNuggets, 1983 was a massive year for innovation and "great cuisine." We're diving deep into the random facts, the box office smashes, and the TV hits that kept us glued to the screen. Inside This Episode:The Top 10 Movies: We revisit the year Ewoks ruled the galaxy in Return of the Jedi, Tom Cruise slid into legend in Risky Business, and Eddie Murphy took us to the streets in Trading Places. The TV Landscape: A look back at the era of nighttime soaps like Dallas and Dynasty, the high-octane action of The A-Team, and why everyone was talking about Magnum P.I. The Rips of '83: We pay tribute to the legends we lost, from the velvety voice of Karen Carpenter to the "Spirit of the Beach Boys," Dennis Wilson. Rock Talk – The Dark Side: Todd Snyder joins us for a gritty look at the shadows of the stage. Hear the wild stories of Ozzy Osbourne's bat incident fallout, the one-way bus ticket that led to the birth of Megadeth, and the tragic final days of Marvin Gaye. The 1983 Countdown with DJ Britt:DJ Britt spins two tracks each from five banger albums that defined the sound of the early '80s: The Police – Synchronicity Def Leppard – Pyromania Huey Lewis & The News – Sports David Bowie – Let's Dance Journey – Frontiers Whether you're nostalgic for 96-cent gas or just want to remember where you were when Thriller premiered, this episode has it all. Turn off the radio and let the brothers take control—it's time to go back in time! Listen & Connect:Website: www.backintimebros.com Catch us live every Monday at 1:00 PM Central! Support the showThanks for listening.  Join us each Monday at 1pm Central at www.urlradio.net and follow us on Facebook!

You don't need to create demand if demand is mandated. That's the insight Will Caldwell used to build and sell his company. Will discovered that inside the mortgage industry, banks are legally required to buy flood certificates on every loan. So, he started Snap — a platform that makes it faster and cheaper for banks to do exactly that. Then he partnered with Intercontinental Exchange, the $95 billion company that owns the New York Stock Exchange, plugged into their existing infrastructure, scaled quickly, and eventually sold 51% of the company for 10x. In this episode, we break down how to build within regulated industries, tap into existing demand, and scale without chasing customers. Key Takeaways (00:00) Small Teams Beat Large Companies (01:52) Why "Fat Cats Don't Hunt" (03:13) Starting His First Tech Company (06:09) Knowing When to Shut Down a Business (06:51) Turning a $100 Compliance Headache Into a Startup (09:03) Finding Opportunity in Regulated Industries (16:58) AI Underwriting  (21:09) Scaling via Strategic Partnerships (24:00) Selling 45 Banks in One Month (30:56) Selling to  Intercontinental Exchange for 10x  (32:31) Why He Sold Only 51% of the Company (36:10) Don't Build the Tech Until You Have THIS (37:44) What Post-Exit Life is Like (38:41) What Will is Investing In Right Now (40:00) Advice for Entrepreneurs Starting Today (40:27) Books That Have Shaped His Thinking   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UmihuBdZByU     Let's Connect: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook

I love the traveling, conference attending, and speaking part of my job, but I'm a homebody at heart. As I jump back into real-time content creation this week, it had me thinking about something that kept coming up everywhere I went: AI.And honestly? I have a lot of thoughts.This episode is a very real look at how I'm using AI in my business right now and how I truly feel about it. On one hand, it's an incredible tool. On the other, I've got ethical concerns, environmental questions, and a strong resistance to losing the human side of what we do. So instead of pretending I have the “right” answer, I'm walking you through what I'm actually doing - especially when it comes to content, and how I'm trying to use AI without losing my voice (or my mind).We're talking:The pressure to “keep up” with AI (and the guilt that comes with it)Ethical + environmental concerns no one's really answeringAI tools I actually use in my photography businessWhy original thought has to come first (always)My exact workflow for turning one podcast into emails + social contentThe difference between using AI well vs. sounding like a robotLinks & Resources✨ Join Rebrand: My 12 month transformative brand program for photographers who want to attract and book more brand photography clients. Learn more here!AI tools mentioned: Evoto, Imagen, Descript, Fathom

In this episode of the Independent Dealer Podcast, Jeff Watson and Luke Godwin sit down with Cesar Stark, CEO of S&S Motors and President of the El Paso Independent Automobile Dealers Association, for a deep dive into what it's like to run a buy here pay here dealership on the U.S.-Mexico border. Cesar shares how growing up across the border shaped his business, how the Mexican government's vehicle legalization program started costing him cars — and his liens — and why slow, disciplined growth has been the key to his 20+ year run in the industry.What You'll Learn:-How Cesar got his start in the car business after a career in insurance — and how that background led him to reinsurance-Why the Mexican government's vehicle legalization program became a major threat to BHPH dealers on the border-How selling notes early on kept the doors open — and why he hasn- t sold one in 6 years-The reinsurance strategy he wishes he'd started sooner-Why being deeply involved in TIADA and NIADA has been one of his biggest competitive advantages-What Cesar sees coming for the BHPH industry over the next 5-10 years — and why he's being careful about how fast he growsIf you're a buy here pay here or independent dealer navigating a unique market, thinking about reinsurance, or trying to figure out how to grow without outrunning your capital, this episode is full of hard-won lessons from a dealer who's been in the trenches for over two decades.Support the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk Services - Reinsurance and wealth strategies for independent dealers.https://theindependentdealer.com/buckeyeBlytzPay - BHPH payment processing with fast funding and text-to-pay.https://theindependentdealer.com/blytzpayIturan GPS - Asset protection and customer management for BHPH and retail dealers.https://theindependentdealer.com/ituranFollow & Connect:Website: www.theindependentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroupLuke Godwin: @lukegodwinJeff Watson: /sendtojeffwLike, subscribe, and share this with a dealer who needs to hear it.

Beautiful work today with questioning beliefs about unexpected guests, estranged daughters, getting laid off, co-workers who waste our time, no reply from a text. What happens when we believe stories that feel painful and stressful? Who are we without our stories? 

Are you shaping the world around you… or being shaped by it? In this episode, we look at the powerful story of King Hezekiah—a man who rose from a corrupt environment and used his influence to transform an entire nation. If you've ever wondered whether your voice, your faith, or your choices really matter, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. You'll learn what it means to carry true influence, how to stand firm in a culture pulling you in every direction, and how one life aligned with God can create lasting impact. What You'll Learn: 1) The difference between cultural influence and godly influence 2) How Hezekiah overcame a toxic legacy 3) Why your influence matters more than you realize 4) The 7 values that create lasting spiritual impact 5) How to stay strong when opposition comes Where to dive in: 00:00 – Are you influencing or being influenced? 02:15 – Why influence matters more than you think 06:45 – Hezekiah vs. his father: breaking negative cycles 12:30 – What shaped Hezekiah's faith (the hidden influence) 18:50 – How one leader changed an entire nation 27:10 – Rebuilding what was broken: returning to God 36:20 – When people reject the message (and why it still matters) 44:10 – The 7 values that defined Hezekiah's influence 58:30 – Standing strong when the enemy pushes back 01:06:40 – Trusting God instead of the “arm of the flesh” 01:14:30 – What are you valuing right now? (self-check) 01:18:20 – Prayer: stepping into your role as an influencer About your host: Jaime Luce' testimony has daunting personal mountains and treacherous financial valleys. She was trapped in day-to-day stress and couldn't see a way forward. But how she started is not how she finished! And she wants you to know God has a plan for your life too, no matter how tough it seems. Today, Jaime has been married to the love of her life for almost three decades, owns two companies, and has become an author and podcaster. God's way is always the blessed way! Free chapter of Jaime's new book: You Don't Need Money, You Just Need God: https://jaimeluce.com/book/ Connect: - Website: https://jaimeluce.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.luces.page - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaime_luce/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-luce-00395691/

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Masha Merkulova, founder of CLUB Z, a national organization dedicated to educating and empowering Jewish teens to become articulate, knowledgeable leaders and advocates for themselves, Israel, and the Jewish people. Masha shares her remarkable personal journey from discovering her Jewish identity at age 16 in the Soviet Union to founding an organization that now serves over 200 students across the San Francisco Bay area, Boston, the tri-state area, and beyond.   Who Is CLUB Z? CLUB Z is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a network of educated, articulate Jewish teen activists with a commitment to Zionism. CLUB Z's mission is to raise modern-day Zionists who are knowledgeable leaders, equipped to advocate for themselves, Israel, and the Jewish people while addressing issues of bigotry and antisemitism head-on. The organization operates two primary programs. Basic Training is an entry-level monthly session covering foundational knowledge: Jewish peoplehood, Jewish indigeneity, Jewish rights, and Jewish power. There are zero prerequisites—students simply need to show up once a month and learn. These sessions are separated by age group, with eighth and ninth graders together, and tenth through twelfth graders together, allowing for appropriate peer bonding and connection across different schools in the area. For students ready to go deeper, CLUB Z offers Sacred, a formalized two-year advanced program that combines rigorous academic study with practical leadership development. Participants meet every other week for three-hour sessions where they build on foundational knowledge while developing debate skills, presentation abilities, public speaking confidence, and personal writing proficiency. The curriculum covers Jewish history, Israel history, and professional development—skills that have largely disappeared from traditional schools but remain essential for navigating the world. Masha's Origin Story Masha Merkulova's journey to founding CLUB Z began in the Soviet Union, where Jewish identity wasn't something you could openly celebrate. Born to a Jewish mother and Russian father, Masha discovered she was Jewish at age 16 when a passport office bureaucrat casually informed her that despite her Russian nationality on every school roster, her mother's name—Riva, daughter of Levi—made her Jewish. The revelation was stunning but detached. She knew it as a nationality, nothing more, with no concept that Jewish people faced discrimination or persecution. When she encountered antisemitism, she simply gave it back. It ended there. Everyone moved on. What Masha inherited instead was her Soviet upbringing's deep commitment to justice and her mother's quiet, unwavering knowledge of who she was. When the Soviet Union began to crumble, she explored Christianity out of curiosity rather than conviction, but that exploration revealed how disconnected she was from any spiritual identity. It wasn't until Masha moved to America and her son began attending a Jewish day school that she started genuinely learning what it meant to be Jewish. Then came 2005. While living in California, Masha began watching YouTube videos of Israel's Gaza disengagement—something that would forever change her trajectory. She watched Jews in blue hats dragging out Jews in orange hats or regular clothes. Both were crying. And Masha recognized something that stopped her cold: "What I am watching is a pogrom." Her Soviet identity, trained to recognize injustice and respond, clicked into place. She dove into education—every event, every book, everything she could access about Israel and Jewish history. And once you learn the story of Israel and how miraculous it is, Masha explains, you can't look back. For her, Zionism wasn't a slogan or a political buzzword. It was a movement of justice, a response to centuries of exclusion and persecution, a restoration of balance. Something happened to the Jewish people 2,000 years ago, and they never gave up. They never agreed to disappear. And now, with the restoration of Israel, the justice had been restored. Why CLUB Z Exists Years of volunteering in the San Francisco Bay Area, funding pro-Israel events on college campuses, gave Masha a front-row seat to a troubling pattern. She kept encountering bright Jewish students—kids who had attended Jewish high schools, gone to Israel, been part of youth groups and summer camps, received extensive Jewish education. And yet they didn't know basic facts. They couldn't explain the difference between the Independence War and the Six-Day War. They didn't understand what Zionism actually was. They had no foundational history. At the same time, Masha was watching something worse: these same educated Jewish students were being turned into anti-Israel advocates. Their reasoning was heartbreaking in its simplicity: "I didn't know Palestinians were suffering. I didn't know there were all these people." They had been given no context, no counter-narrative, no inoculation against the compelling stories being told to them on campus. Masha realized the solution wasn't to react after the damage was done. Prevention was cheaper and more effective. Why weren't we telling young Jews what the other side was saying? Why weren't we preparing them with information, context, and historical understanding? Why weren't we teaching them about the Palestinian narrative itself so they could understand what others believed and why? She began looking around the Jewish community in San Francisco for an organization doing this work. Federation. JCC. Hebrew schools. Nobody was having these conversations. The status quo was simply accepting that Hebrew schools would hire whoever was willing to take the job for minimum pay—no standards, no accountability, no meaningful education. Masha decided she couldn't accept that anymore. From Three Boys to 200 Students It started with her son bringing three of his friends together. Three boys. Masha began teaching them using a curriculum called "Israel and Jewish Identity" that she'd come into possession of—a framework that literally connected Jewish identity, Jewish peoplehood, and Zionism as three interconnected pillars. This became the foundation of everything CLUB Z would build. Word of mouth spread. Kids wanted more. They asked to meet bi-weekly instead of monthly. Then more frequently. Masha worked with a local JCC that had a beautiful Teen Center with no programming, and they welcomed CLUB Z to use the space. What started as an informal gathering evolved into something more intentional and structured. Today, CLUB Z operates across multiple cities with approximately 200 students currently enrolled (numbers fluctuate—last year they served over 400). The organization has grown because it fills a void that no other institution is addressing: the need for comprehensive, honest Jewish education that equips teens not just with information, but with confidence, community, and the tools to stand tall in their identity. What Makes It Gutsy CLUB Z is gutsy because it goes against the grain of everything in the current Jewish institutional landscape. Its very existence is a reminder that what we have right now doesn't work. By design, the organization is pushing back against systems that have failed to prepare Jewish youth, against narratives that have been allowed to go unchallenged, against the idea that teens should shrink from their identity instead of claiming it with pride. But CLUB Z is also gutsy in how it trusts young people. The organization believes that teens can handle complexity, nuance, and difficult conversations. They can learn about Palestinian narratives while maintaining their own. They can understand historical grievances and moral arguments. They can debate respectfully without compromising their beliefs. They can recognize propaganda without becoming cynical. And they can do all of this while maintaining their humanity and sense of humor. Perhaps most gutsy of all is CLUB Z's commitment to showing up for students when it matters most. When a student calls with a problem at school, CLUB Z doesn't just offer advice—they strategize with parents, connect families to legal resources if needed, and stay involved through resolution. When alumni face antisemitism on college campuses, CLUB Z is there. When a resolution against Israel comes up for a student government vote, CLUB Z has trained students to be in those spaces ahead of time, ready to speak up. The organization has built a safety net, and students know it exists. Teaching in a World of Misinformation One of CLUB Z's most critical functions is teaching students to recognize and counter propaganda. In a world saturated with misinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmically-driven content, young people need media literacy skills that go far beyond any single issue. CLUB Z teaches students to ask: Who are the reliable sources? How do you fact-check? What makes something intellectually dishonest? For example, when a student encounters an AP exam question asking them to calculate how Israeli bombing has affected global warming in Gaza, they need more than outrage. They need to articulate exactly why that framing is intellectually dishonest, why it's propaganda, and what the actual facts are. They need to respond professionally and factually, not emotionally. The organization partners with CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis) and maintains connections to sources in Israel and international media. In sessions, educators help students evaluate what's real and what's not. Students can post questions in private groups and get immediate feedback from educators and peers. And every single session opens with "what's happening in the news," allowing older students to help younger ones develop critical thinking skills in real time. The Power of Intentional Community One of the biggest surprises Masha has encountered is how little it takes to help a young person rise up—but how essential it is that the support be intentional. CLUB Z isn't just "come learn, go do." It's a community that says: we have your back. If you call us, we will be there to catch you. This matters immensely during the vulnerable teenage years. When a student faces an incident at school, they often call CLUB Z educators before they call their parents. Educators then work with families to make a plan before escalating to the school or other authorities. For college-aged alumni, the support continues. Students know they can reach out to their regional educator when they need guidance, when they face antisemitism, or when they need to make a strategic move. Masha is clear about why this matters: if you know you're going to stick your neck out, you don't want to be left hanging by a thread. Young people need to know that taking a risk doesn't mean being abandoned. Building Trust Through Transparency CLUB Z has also discovered the power of keeping parents informed and engaged. After each session, parents receive a detailed email summarizing everything discussed, including links to all videos shown and a series of 3-5 discussion questions designed to spark conversation at home. This seemingly simple practice has profound effects. Parents aren't left wondering what their teens are learning. They can have informed conversations at the dinner table. They understand the context and nuance their teens are being taught. If a teen comes home with questions or concerns, parents are equipped to respond thoughtfully. And if parents need support, they know they can call an educator to discuss how to handle a situation together. Dr. Laura notes during the episode that this creates a beautiful feedback loop: teens can go home knowing their parents understand what they're learning. They don't have to fear that their parent will overreact or dismiss their concerns. And that open communication, that sense of being supported at home and in the organization, fundamentally changes how young people navigate their identity and advocacy. Looking Forward When asked what's at the top of her wish list for CLUB Z, Masha doesn't say funding (though like all nonprofits, they need resources). She says people. She needs educators who are articulate, educated, and willing to invest their souls into these teens. It's not a typical teaching job. It requires presence, commitment, and a genuine belief in the work. She also wants the broader Jewish community—the legacy organizations, the philanthropists, the adult leaders—to wield their power on behalf of the next generation. Instead of allowing others to define Jewish terms and Jewish identity, instead of remaining silent while narratives go unchallenged, Masha wants to see adults step up and protect the space for young Jews to claim their identity with pride. But perhaps the most poignant wish Masha articulates is simpler: she wants American Jews to understand that no matter how assimilated or hidden you are, eventually somebody will ask you questions about who you are. You might as well know the answers. You might as well be grounded in your identity, connected to your people, and equipped with the knowledge and confidence to stand tall. How to Connect Website: clubz.org Instagram: @zionismforteens Email:masha@clubz.org YouTube Channel: CLUB Z has extensive educational content available on their YouTube channel Partner Organizations: - CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis): camera.org Small & Gutsy Mission Small & Gutsy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit podcast spotlighting nonprofits and social enterprises with budgets under $10 million. The show elevates the visibility of small but mighty changemakers doing bold, passionate, and impactful work. Small & Gutsy has been ranked #8 on FeedSpot's Top 30 Social Impact Podcasts and #9 by Million Podcasts for Youth Empowerment episodes. Do you know a nonprofit doing incredible work? If you know of a nonprofit or social enterprise making real impact, nominate them to be featured on Small & Gutsy. Contact Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff at laura@smallandgutsy.org. Check out other episodes of Small & Gutsy at SmallAndGutsy.org.

What if the secret to a standout short-term rental isn't just great design, but a fully cohesive experience that starts the moment a guest clicks on your listing? In this episode, I'm joined by sisters Ashlyn and Olivia, the creative powerhouses behind Abideaway. We're diving into how a simple idea shared over a Marco Polo video evolved into a full-service studio that helps hosts build standout stays through the perfect marriage of design and strategy.We talk about:How interior design, branding, and web presence work together to create a seamless narrative for your propertyMoving beyond "who" your guest is to what they are worrying about, and how to solve those fears through intentional layout and amenitiesWhy custom art is more than just a "photo op" and how it can be used to stop the scroll and reinforce your property's storyPractical, high-impact advice on where to spend a limited budget in your kitchen, living room, or outdoor space for maximum ROIHow to mine architecture, local history, and personal passions to guide every design decision you makeBut this isn't just about aesthetics. It's about intentionality. Ashlyn and Olivia pull back the curtain on their creative process, from using Procreate mockups to ensure owner confidence to scoping mural projects that actually last. You'll hear their "design hotline" wisdom on how to avoid the "I wish they'd thought of that" moments that kill guest reviews, and how to create a space that feels custom, memorable, and deeply resonant.If you've been looking for the bridge between "just a rental" and a "cohesive brand," this conversation is your roadmap. Get ready to stop guessing and start designing with a clear, story-driven purpose.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:59] A short introduction about our guests, Ashlyn Feller and Olivia Gerber from Abideaway, and shares how the idea started organically between them as sisters with complementary creative skill sets[04:31] Ashlyn and Olivia emphasize defining the ideal guest and starting with priorities to build a cohesive STR brand[07:45] Olivia explains starting with the ideal guest avatar and using a phased approach to build a cohesive STR brand experience[11:35] Olivia shares her philosophy of designing with intentionality and uncovering the story of a property[13:27] Olivia describes ways for hosts who are bootstrapping their STR design to uncover and build the story of their property[16:04] Ashlyn and Olivia explain when themed properties make sense and the role of data in decision-making [17:44] Olivia shares why engaging a designer early in the acquisition process is beneficial [18:45] Olivia and Ashlyn talk about what to consider in design before closing on a property and explain that designers can also refresh or elevate underperforming properties[20:37] Ashlyn shares why murals are a powerful design tool for short-term rentals and describes how hosts can budget for them based on size, complexity, and customization [24:16] Ashlyn describes her mural creation process from concept to installation, including design mockups, painting techniques, and care, and [27:26] Ashlyn shares creative ideas for placing murals in both large and smaller spaces and introduces the STR Sisterhood Design Hotline as a resource for hosts seeking design guidance[29:21] Ashlyn and Olivia describe the STR Sisterhood Design Hotline and what folks can expect if they've never been to a design hotline[32:39] Ashlyn and Olivia explain how even a modest $1,000 budget can meaningfully improve different areas of a short-term rental when spent strategically[34:01] Ashlyn explains how to approach branding with a limited budget by focusing on defining the overall guest experience and building a cohesive brand beyond just a logo[37:44] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“We have to go deeper and understand what that person is thinking when they're looking at properties, what that person is thinking when they are making a booking decision, what that person is stressed out about, what they're afraid of, what they're concerned about if they book the wrong property, because those are the things that ideal guest is not actually telling anyone that's a conversation he or she is having with themselves.”“Pull some piece of the puzzle and use that as, like a seed of inspiration.”“I am a huge believer that we are all in business to, not only, you know, improve our own lives. But isn't it great that we can proactively help each other like that just makes us all go to bed at night feeling that much better, right?”“Build your network and build it strong.”“If we're not aware, number one of things we need to tackle in our businesses, or things that may need improvement in our businesses, if we don't dedicate focused thinking time, which is that white space, we can go for months and even years without having those problems solved or those new ideas generated.”Let's Connect:Website : https://www.abideaway.com/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090299230620Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/abideaway/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!