Podcasts about Consolidation

Send us a textThis video explores the often-overlooked world of logistics warehousing within an "ecommerce business", showing how many brand owners start with home-based inventory before scaling to a "fulfillment warehouse". We discuss the benefits of engaging a "3pl provider" and how a "logistics company" can streamline your operations. Understanding "warehousing services" is crucial for growth.Fulfillment strategy affects costs, delivery speed, inventory flow, and customer trust for growing ecommerce brands. This conversation with  @thenewwarehouse breaks down 3PL services, in-house warehousing, order volume signals, and seasonality risks. Learn how logistics decisions impact profit margins, scalability, labor planning, and long-term operational stability.The New Warehouse Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQnQ6b7-u5I&list=PLDWO0QNzzM494k6v4RgzvGRRPm6TePuC1Vist their website: https://thenewwarehouse.com/Get a fulfillment and growth plan built for your real order volume before logistics mistakes start draining profit: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#EcommerceFulfillment #3PLLogistics #WarehouseStrategy #EcommerceOperations #supplychainmanagement --------------------------------------------------------------------------Want free resources? Dowload our Free Amazon guides here:Amazon PPC Guide 2026 is here!: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXAmazon SEO Toolkit 2026: https://bit.ly/4oC2ClTAmazon Seller Strategy Report 2026: https://bit.ly/3YN1RME2026 Ecommerce Website & SEO Readiness Checklist: https://hubs.ly/Q040Jg0M0Q4 Selling Playbook: https://bit.ly/46Wqkm3Amazon Crisis Kit: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Timestamps:00:44 – Why warehousing expectations keep rising02:13 – How logistics education gaps hurt founders03:57 – Why most brands ignore fulfillment until it hurts05:24 – When self-fulfillment stops making sense06:51 – Order volume signals that trigger a 3PL move07:59 – Seasonal demand and labor planning risks08:54 – Why brands leave 3PLs and go in-house10:51 – True cost comparison of 3PL vs self-fulfillment11:52 – How big platforms changed fulfillment standards13:27 – Why robots and warehouse tech are often just for show14:22 – Customer demand for real-time order visibility15:35 – Consolidation and specialization in 3PL services16:49 – Why boutique warehouses still win for some brands18:19 – How fast shipping reshaped logistics expectations20:14 – The hidden cost behind instant delivery21:54 – Why founders must understand the full fulfillment process22:40 – Why operations experience matters before scaling________________________________Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast:My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

1. Entertainment as National Security American film and television are portrayed as a strategic asset that shapes global perceptions of freedom, democracy, and U.S. values. Weakening U.S. media companies allow authoritarian nations, particularly China, to fill the cultural vacuum with propaganda. 2. China as the Primary Adversary China is repeatedly the main threat due to: State control over media Global investment in influence campaigns Censorship of American films (e.g., Top Gun: Maverick being blocked over a Taiwan patch). TikTok is an example of why foreign ownership of media platforms is viewed as dangerous. 3. Merger Framed as Pro‑American Jobs The entertainment industry is supporting hundreds of thousands of middle‑class American jobs across multiple states. Netflix’s $1 billion New Jersey studio investment is used as evidence that large, stable companies create domestic employment. The argument asserts that scale = stability, and stability prevents layoffs. 4. Pro‑Consolidation Argument Unlike traditional antitrust concerns, the author claims this merger: Does not reduce competition Actually protects U.S. production from outsourcing Helps resist foreign-backed acquisitions Consolidation is defensive, not monopolistic. 5. Opposition to Foreign Capital in Media Strong concern is raised over foreign government money (Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Qatar) potentially entering U.S. media. Such investments are not neutral and are intended to influence narratives and public opinion. 6. Historical Framing Ronald Reagan is cited: Culture and storytelling were weapons in the Cold War Media independence is essential to freedom The merger is consistent with Reagan-era American leadership principles. 7. Call to Action Share the op-ed Contact lawmakers Support the merger publicly Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The current wave of managed service provider (MSP) consolidation and rollups is being distinguished by the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) expertise, particularly among entities such as SHIELD and Titan. As discussed by Rich Freeman and Jessica Davis, these newer rollups are acquiring not just MSPs but also Silicon Valley AI talent and developing proprietary AI-driven services, a marked shift from earlier private equity-backed consolidators. Rich Freeman highlighted SHIELD's recent leadership hires from Palantir and direct collaboration agreements with OpenAI, signaling an intent to embed AI at the operational core rather than simply as a tool for optimization.The structure and access to data is central to these developments. As Rich Freeman elaborated, large rollups possess a scale-driven “AI flywheel” advantage: broader customer bases provide larger datasets, which in turn drive better AI performance, operational efficiency, and profitability. This concentration creates risks for smaller MSPs that lack equivalent data pools and resources for internal AI development. Jessica Davis noted that while tool vendors and platform companies such as ConnectWise and Kaseya are enhancing AI within their offerings, their efforts are not yet matching the focused investments of the largest rollups, and are simultaneously being pressured to accelerate innovation.Commercial and operational pressures are increasing throughout the MSP ecosystem. Jessica Davis cited indications of slowing managed services revenue growth projections (potentially below 10%), alongside potential cost-cutting or workforce reductions within large rollups as private equity owners seek AI-driven returns. Divergent rollup models are also emerging—with distinctions between platform centralization (e.g., retiring acquired brands) and decentralized, founder-friendly approaches (e.g., preserving local brands and founder involvement). Decisions around acquisition, platform engagement, and specialization are increasingly nuanced as founders and owners evaluate their options under new market dynamics.For MSPs and IT service leaders, these trends necessitate a measured response. The competitive risk posed by the AI-fueled scale of consolidated rollups underscores the importance of specialization, operational focus, and alignment with platform partners committed to democratizing AI resources. Community collaboration, best-practice sharing, and strategic use of vendor tools are positioned as potential mitigants to the structural disadvantages faced by smaller organizations. Governance, due diligence, and clear assessment of vendor or acquirer incentives should be prioritized, especially as service models and influencer dynamics continue to fragment. Remaining adaptable, resource-aware, and critically informed about the changing power landscape will be vital for sustainable operations.

We are living through a historic turning point. I sit down with generational historian and economist Neil Howe, co-author of The Fourth Turning, to unpack what's actually happening beneath the surface of today's economic, political, and cultural instability. Rather than forecasting fear, Neil provides context—explaining why long periods of stability breed complacency, why trust in institutions breaks down, and why agency and community suddenly matter again during crisis eras. From inflation as a policy tool to the return of community, authority, and shared purpose, this conversation challenges listeners to stop outsourcing responsibility and start preparing intentionally. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #572 - An Argument For DSOs – Compliance, Consolidation & the Future of Dental Practice – Brian Colao Ep #567 - Rewriting The American Dream in a Stagflation World – Dr. David Phelps Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you're tired of running on the hamster wheel, and are looking for a proven blueprint to create more freedom and reduce dependency on your practice income, schedule a call with my team to learn more. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

This week's show covers investment account consolidation, more about municipal bonds, earning more on your cash, and lots of listener questions!

In this episode of The Liquidity Event, AJ is joined by Caitlin, Brooklyn Fi's Director of Financial Planning, to unpack why the math of modern life feels so broken. They start with the true cost of having a stay-at-home parent, breaking down why headlines claiming it only takes $90,000 a year fall apart once you factor in taxes, housing, childcare backups, and real-world spending. From there, the conversation turns to how private equity is quietly reshaping essential services — from volunteer fire departments and hospitals to fertility clinics and Toys "R" Us — and why consolidation often leads to higher costs and worse outcomes. The episode wraps with a lighter discussion on sleep chronotypes and early mornings, listener questions on Botox tipping etiquette, inheritance planning and startup risk, and why holding more cash (in a high-yield savings account) can actually make investors feel more confident in uncertain markets. Key Timestamps (00:00) Welcome to Episode 174 and what's on deck (01:15) Introducing Caitlin and her role at Brooklyn Fi (03:09) How much it really costs to have a stay-at-home parent (04:18) The K-shaped economy and why middle-class math doesn't work (06:41) Private equity and volunteer fire departments (08:15) Consolidation, monopolies, and rising fire truck costs (10:32) Toys "R" Us, hospitals, and private equity fallout (12:04) Fertility clinics, healthcare consolidation, and service breakdowns (14:34) Sleep chronotypes, early risers, and waking up at 5 a.m. (19:18) Botox tipping etiquette and the med spa economy (22:46) Inheritance planning, startup risk, and how much is okay to invest (26:04) Market fear, cash cushions, and why high-yield savings matter  

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Rob and Greg are joined by Jack Miller (President & CEO of T3 Sixty) for a wide-ranging discussion on the SP 200, changes to T3's ranking methodology, brokerage business models, agent economics, consolidation, and the future of the MLS as a comprehensive marketplace. Key Takeaways SP 200 methodology update: Rankings now factor in future impact, not just past performance, leading to notable shifts in the Top 10. Agent economics by model: Traditional brokerages show higher average agent income, while fee-based and capped models emphasize unit economics. Brokerage costs: The critical metric is cost per transaction and cost per agent—not just GAAP net income. Teams vs. platforms: High-producing agents increasingly partner with platforms (Compass, Place, Side) instead of building large internal teams. MLS under pressure: Preserving a comprehensive marketplace is the key challenge as private and delayed listings increase. Consolidation continues: Industry consolidation is ongoing, but not near an end-state oligopoly. Portals vs. brokerages: Compass and Zillow are shaping industry direction in different ways, with contrasting strengths and strategies. Links Consulting Trends Industry Rankings Sp200 Rankings Industry News Connect with Rob and Greg Rob's Website  Greg's Website    Watch us on YouTube   Our Sponsors: Cotality  Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board    Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios  

In this episode of Next in Media, I sit down with Kiri Masters, host of the Retail Media Breakfast Club podcast, to explore the biggest shifts happening in retail media advertising. We dive into the recent announcement about ads coming to ChatGPT and what that means for brands trying to meet consumers where they are. Kiri shares her perspective on whether AI-powered shopping will truly disrupt the retail media landscape - and why she's optimistic that LLM-based ads could actually be more relevant and less annoying than traditional formats. We also unpack the Walmart-Google partnership and discuss what it signals about the future of conversational commerce.Beyond the AI conversation, we tackle some of the industry's most pressing questions. Will we see consolidation in retail media networks this year? Can shoppable TV finally gain traction? And what happens when offsite retail media faces competition from platforms with their own transactional data? Kiri brings both historical context - including a fascinating story about Piggly Wiggly's self-service revolution - and forward-looking insights about how brands and retailers need to collaborate differently. Whether you're a marketer navigating this space or just curious about where AI and commerce intersect, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what's real, what's hype, and what's coming next._______________________________________________Key Highlights 

Vermont's state legislators remain divided on the need for mandated district consolidation.

Selling your practice can look like a financial win—and still feel like a personal loss if you choose the wrong partner. In this episode, Brian Colao, one of the earliest architects of the DSO legal framework, unpacks what most dentists misunderstand about consolidation, private equity, and the true risks hiding behind "fair value" offers. With nearly three decades advising DSOs and representing more than 780 dental organizations, Brian brings rare clarity to a space filled with noise, fear, and half-truths. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #571 - When The Practice Doesn't Need You Anymore – Dr. Dylan & Kelsey Everett Ep #550 - Every Dentist Must Master Leadership, Exit Strategies and Burnout – Dr. John Meis Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you're tired of running on the hamster wheel, and are looking for a proven blueprint to create more freedom and reduce dependency on your practice income, schedule a call with my team to learn more. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

 In Episode 123 of DC EKG, Joe Grogan sits down with Jackson Hammond (Senior Policy Analyst, Paragon Health Institute) to unpack what the latest CMS National Health Expenditure (NHE) data says about where U.S. health care is headed. They break down the June 2025 NHE release, compare it to Jackson's earlier “Paragon Prognosis” analysis, and explain what changed, what didn't, and what it means for affordability, Medicare, Medicaid, and long-run fiscal pressure. They also connect the spending outlook to Jackson's paper, “How to Reform the CMS Innovation Center with a Choice and Competition Approach,” and debate whether CMMI is bending the cost curve or just adding bureaucracy without accountability. Jackson argues we should aim for health care so affordable you barely need insurance. Chapters / Timestamps  00:00 – Intro + welcome  00:55 – Jackson's background: how he got into health policy  03:39 – Focus areas: Medicare, hospitals, drug pricing, PBMs, 340B  05:14 – What the NHE report is showing  06:14 – $5.2T → $5.6T → $8.6T: why the trajectory matters  08:00 – Why health spending isn't really “optional”  10:11 – Where the money is going: payer mix + per-enrollee costs  12:23 – Medicaid costs, provider taxes, and state financing tactics  15:58 – Medicare spending pressure and fiscal risk  21:06 – Misconception: “coverage = care”  26:18 – Why provider payments keep rising (post-COVID demand + consolidation)  33:01 – Rural care, consolidation, and the REH / hub-and-spoke model  40:08 – Drug pricing: retrospective vs prospective MFN  49:20 – 2026 outlook + closing thanks In This Conversation  • NHE 2025: what the June 2025 data confirms about spending growth and the federal share.  • Rising prices, flat health: why prices climb while outcomes lag.  • Medicare and Medicaid: why they remain major budget drivers.  • Coverage vs access: why an insurance card doesn't guarantee care or better health.  • Hospitals and consolidation: what's driving higher payments and fewer choices.  • Rural vs urban: why patients bypass local hospitals and what a better model could look like.  • Drug pricing: what MFN approaches might mean for costs and innovation.  • 2026: what Jackson expects next and what reform could realistically look like. Key Takeaways  • NHE data points to continued, unsustainable spending growth.  • Medicare and Medicaid drive long-term budget pressure.  • Consolidation and payment incentives shape prices as much as utilization.  • CMMI reform hinges on accountability, choice, and competition.  • Smarter drug pricing policy should lower costs without undermining innovation. About Our Guest  Jackson Hammond is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Paragon Health Institute focused on health spending, CMS policy, and reforms centered on choice, competition, and patient-centered care. He authors Paragon's “Paragon Prognosis” analyses and wrote “How to Reform the CMS Innovation Center with a Choice and Competition Approach.”

If you want to play the game on hard mode… randomly pick an industry and hope it works.In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Jack Carr break down exactly how they'd build a home service business in 2026—and why the old 2016–2020 playbook is dead. They go deep on research-first market selection, avoiding late-stage consolidation traps, picking “boring” services with clean SKUs, and building a business that can win even when weather, competition, and ad platforms don't cooperate.In this episode, we cover:Research, Research, Research: Why “randomly picking a trade” is hard mode—and how to find unmet demand in a specific market.The 2016–2020 Playbook Is Irrelevant: Why advice from the late 2010s doesn't match today's competitive reality.Consolidation & Multiples: How consolidation changes outcomes—and why “gold mine” industries can cool off before you're big enough.Pick the Right Industry (Fragmented + Big TAM): What to look for in a winning service category in 2026.Boring Businesses Win: Drain cleaning, duct cleaning, leak detection, jetting, water filtration, septic, turf—simple offerings, repeatable operations.

Public School District Consolidation is a current issue. The Vermont Legislature has debated school consolidation for more than 150 years. Brattleboro's Vermont Governor Levi Fuller weighed in on the issue back in 1892...here's the story...

We wrap Jonathan's debut, run through some of the best chat comments from the “house of slabs” discussion, and one line stops the show: “A PSA 10 transforms a sports card into a financial instrument.” From there, the conversation sharpens into what grading really does, how speed impacts accuracy, and why some collectors are starting to sober up from slab worship. Jonathan gets a proper community welcome and we bring on Chris HOJ, followed by Josh Adams. Then the episode pivots hard into a collector dilemma that hits every nerve in the hobby: a major Michael Jordan 90s 1 of 1 is headed to auction, and Chris is considering a seismic consolidation to chase it. We debate what you gain, what you lose, and whether “nuking” a carefully curated collection is ever worth one apex card. Jeremy argues the memories, stories, and future content pipeline matter more than the trophy. Josh says do it and never look back. Joe lands in the middle: the 1 of 1 stamp matters, it's probably financially defensible, but you still need a number and a plan because deeper pockets exist. Chris explains the real point of talking it out: dialogue changes how you see everything, and collectors make versions of this decision every day, including the decision to do nothing. In this part, we cover: The chat's best lines on grading, consistency, and “too big to fail” thinking “PSA 10 as a financial instrument” and why that framing is so accurate Jonathan's official welcome into the community Chris HOJ and Josh Adams join, and the MJ 1 of 1 auction dilemma kicks off One card vs a whole collection, and what “replaceable” really means Consolidation as sacrifice, strategy, and identity, not just money Why talking it out changes decisions, and why inaction is still a decision Follow Sports Cards Live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube for full episodes and live shows Leave a rating and review to help more collectors find the show Drop a comment: would you consolidate your collection for one apex grail, or never? Follow @jlee_sportscardslive on Instagram for clips and updates Take the Hobby Spectrum assessment and request your access code at TheHobbySpectrum.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandon and Dave cover this week's resurgence of the AI trade, bank earnings, and consolidation in the mining industry.

Kevin Green notes that the Russell 2000 is outperforming the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow, driven by a rotation into value and risk-on sentiment in certain market pockets. He discusses the frothy valuations in memory chip stocks like Micron Technology (MU) and Western Digital (WDC), attributing their rise to high demand and increased pricing power. Green also analyzes JB Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) earnings, highlighting expense management but noting revenue deceleration. Finally, he touches on a recent U.S. trade deal with Taiwan, which could incentivize domestic production and reduce tariffs, potentially benefiting companies like Intel (INTC). ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Get to know Daniel Newman, board game designer and owner of New Mill Industries. We discuss the indie game markets that have been popping up at conventions over the last couple of years. They are a wonderful place to find unique games that only have very small print runs. And you get some insights on what the Tokyo Game market is like. We then talk about trick taking games that stood out to us from Japan and America. Some games might be hard to get but they might be interesting enough to you that you will want to hunt down. Then we talk about the mahjong resurgence and how Daniel connects to his son through Pokemon.00:00:00 Intro00:00:23 Getting to know Daniel Newman00:02:27 The Journey of a Game Designer00:04:35 The Indie Game Market Phenomenon00:09:25 Defining Indie Games and Their Market00:12:08 Criteria for Indie Game Market Participation00:19:45 5 Trick Takers that Stood out to usSkull King and Mythical Dice baseline00:24:01 Where to buy Japanese Games       https://trickyimports.com/       Tanoki games       UK - travel-games.co.uk      Amazon.jp      booth.jp      Consolidation services: Buyee00:28:58 Bid Coin00:32:09 No Loose Ends00:34:45 Karaoke Trick00:36:50 Cat in the Box00:39:08 Recurrring00:41:21 Mu and More      Zoo and More - Taylor Reiner - Seers catalog00:45:47 Sumida River00:48:04 Mystery Tricks00:53:24 I'm the CEO00:56:41 The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Trick-Taking Game00:58:56 Vegeterrors01:00:12 Tezuma Trick      The Six of VIII01:03:36 Honorable Mentions01:03:54 Rebel Princess (Zombie Princess)      Spring Cleaning / Haunted Mouse01:05:02 Rascally Rabbits01:08:07 Moment of Positivity: The Resurgence of Mahjong01:12:07 Connecting Generations Through Pokemon01:13:38 Where to find Daniel & New Mill Industries      Daniel Newman on Bluesky     New Mill Industries Website01:14:58 Outro(Please note that these time stamps might not be accurate due to the use of dynamic ads.) BGG Store: https://boardgamegeekstore.com/ Web: https://boardgamegeek.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boardgamegeekTwitter: https://twitter.com/BoardGameGeekEmail: podcast@boardgamegeek.com

Polygon buys Sequence, Animoca buys SOMO, Cartridge buys Playmint. Consolidation?[0:28] Today's theme is consolidation.[1:15] Is this the trend for blockchain games companies in 2026 or something more nuanced?[2:00] Why didn't we see more consolidation in 2025?[3:46] Playmint has been bought by Cartridge. This is likely more of an R&D rollup or acquihire deal.[5:53] Playmint worked on fully decentralized games and Cartridge has an onchain game engine.[7:05] Both companies also have a shared investor Bitkraft to enable the deal. [8:40] Sequence has been acquired by Polygon Labs. It's more of a classic consolidation deal. [10:50] Polygon is repositioning itself as a payments and stablecoin infrastructure. [12:13] Sequence's focus has always been cross-chain dev tools for blockchain games.[14:59] Investors like tools. Sequence raised around $50 million.[18:50] Polygon is buying Sequence because it's a proper business with real tech and users.[22:20] Will Sequence focus less on games in future? [23:06] Animoca Brands has acquired web3 gameco SOMO. It's unclear why.[29:31] Delabs Games is shutting down idle RPG Ragnarok Libre. [35:15] Delabs Games is now an AI-first game developer so it's looking to the future.

Today's episode begins with the fatal shooting of Renee Good last week at the hands of an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Mary and Andrew break down the frame by frame of the tragedy and its fallout — pointing to the Trump administration's deflective response, the Civil Rights Division's decision not to investigate, and the inflammatory language used by the Vice President and Trump himself. Joining the conversation next for a deep dive into Trump's actions in Venezuela is international law expert Rebecca Ingber, who explains how the incursion has no clear legal justification under international law. Last on the agenda, the co-hosts turn to news out of D.C. where the U.S. Attorney launched a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, sparking questions about the Fed's independence and government sanctioned retribution campaigns. A Note: In this episode, Mary and Andrew talk about top DOJ officials quitting over their division's refusal to investigate the Minnesota shooting. After recording, the New York Times among others reported the following: Six Prosecutors Quit Over Push to Investigate ICE Shooting Victim's WidowFurther Reading: Here is the Federal Reserve's explanation of the renovations: Federal Reserve's Renovation of Two Historic Buildings Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Mining Stock Education, host Brian Leni interviews Brian Dalton, CEO of Altius Minerals, to discuss the current state of the mining royalty sector. They delve into various topics including the competitive edge among royalty companies, contrarian opportunities in the market, and Altius's recent acquisition of Lithium Royalty Corp. Dalton shares his perspective on the importance of royalty and streaming financing, the impact of new entrants like Tether in the market, and how geopolitical factors and deglobalization are shaping the sector. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities in asset selection, the implications of market overshoots, and the future of the mining industry. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to think like a CEO of a royalty company and make informed investment decisions. 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Current State of the Mining Royalty Sector 01:12 Consolidation and New Entrants in the Royalty Space 01:39 The Role of Royalties in Mining Financing 04:27 Tether's Entry into the Royalty Space 07:42 Investor Perspectives and Market Dynamics 22:08 Contrarian Opportunities in the Mining Sector 28:08 The Commitment of a Royalty Investor 28:53 Investor vs. Businessman: Key Differences 29:28 The Importance of Market Valuation 30:13 Navigating Emotions in Investment 30:52 Discussing the Lithium Royalty Corp Acquisition 31:46 Lithium Market Dynamics and Growth 40:16 The Role of Geopolitics in Resource Investment 44:17 Balancing Cash and Shares in Deals 46:34 Ranking Opportunities in the Metals Market 51:24 Altius's Market Presence and Future Plans Altius Minerals: https://altiusminerals.com/ Sign up for our free newsletter and receive interview transcripts, stock profiles and investment ideas: http://eepurl.com/cHxJ39 This interview was NOT sponsored. Mining Stock Education offers informational content based on available data but it does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. It may not be appropriate for all situations or objectives. Readers and listeners should seek professional advice, make independent investigations and assessments before investing. MSE does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of its content and should not be solely relied upon for investment decisions. MSE and its owner may hold financial interests in the companies discussed and can trade such securities without notice. MSE is biased towards its advertising sponsors which make this platform possible. MSE is not liable for representations, warranties, or omissions in its content. By accessing MSE content, users agree that MSE and its affiliates bear no liability related to the information provided or the investment decisions you make. Full disclaimer: https://www.miningstockeducation.com/disclaimer/

This episode examines why growing concern over AI-driven skills obsolescence is less about workforce displacement and more about authority, accountability, and liability for MSPs. As AI systems increasingly triage tickets, remediate issues, and shape outcomes, MSPs are absorbing responsibility for decisions made by tools they did not design and cannot fully audit. The mismatch between AI-driven operations and pre-AI contracts, SLAs, and pricing models creates a widening risk gap that directly threatens margins and client trust. The show then turns to AI infrastructure, focusing on Microsoft's response to rising power and water costs tied to data center expansion. While public commitments emphasize cost control and community investment, the underlying reality for IT service providers is continued volatility. AI workloads remain energy-intensive and politically sensitive, and those costs are likely to be passed downstream. MSPs that price AI-dependent services on today's assumptions risk margin erosion when infrastructure costs shift faster than contracts can be updated.Next, the episode explores how workplace AI tools from Anthropic and Slack are moving beyond assistance into shaping finished work. By summarizing conversations, organizing files, and producing artifacts that become the default record, these tools quietly define “what happened.” For MSPs, this pulls them deeper into advisory territory, as AI-generated outputs influence decisions, accountability, and client understanding—often without clear acknowledgment of what context or nuance was lost. Finally, the episode connects a wave of AI-driven acquisitions to a single strategic thread: vendors racing to own not just insight, but action. As platforms consolidate signals across usage, identity, cost, and observability, the pause between insight and execution disappears. For MSPs, the risk is not being replaced outright, but being sidelined as platforms decide faster than humans can intervene. The path forward is not resisting consolidation, but asserting value where judgment, context, and governance still matter.Four things to know today00:00 Report Warns 40 Percent of IT Skills May Become Obsolete as AI Reshapes Work04:42 Microsoft's AI Data Center Commitments Highlight the Growing Cost and Governance Risks of AI Infrastructure07:16 Anthropic and Slack Expand AI From Assistance to Shaping Finished Work11:00 AI-Driven Acquisitions Show Vendors Consolidating Signals to Move Faster From Insight to Action Supported by: https://cometbackup.com/

Erez Druk, CEO of Freed, was motivated to bring technology to the healthcare environment based on his wife's experience as a family medicine doctor.  Freed was founded to alleviate the provider's administrative burdens by leveraging AI to streamline pre-visit preparation, billing, and EHR maintenance.  The focus is on small and rural private practices, giving them tools to save time, reduce costs, and maintain their independence. Erez explains, "So the need that I identified, together with my wife Gabi, was that clinicians need more time in their lives. They want to spend less time on this admin work and more time again with their patients and families. And that was it, thinking about how we can use these new technologies and feel better products that really take care of that, help clinicians be happier and freer, hence the name Freed. Yes, super proud now to be supporting more than 25,000 clinicians who will use Freed to do a lot of this work for them. So that's how the need was identified for years of watching the pain, let's say."   "But my background is, so I studied mathematics and computer science back in Israel. So I'm originally from Israel. In the Technion, we like to think of Technion as the MIT of Israel. So I studied there as an undergrad, and then I moved to the Bay Area to work for Facebook as an engineer. I was very lucky to start on the same day on the same team with this guy named Andrey, who, 10 years later, after lots of convincing, is my co-founder and CTO. So he is the real technical brain behind what we're doing here. So I worked as an engineer and tech lead at Facebook, and then I started working in my first startup called UrbanLeap." "And with EHR integration- I'm going a bit into the weeds here- but EHR integration is a big problem in healthcare that is mostly unsolved. So, we built an agent, which we call "EHR Push," that goes into the EHR and, like a human, finds the right fields, navigates to the right places, and puts the note and everything in the EHR for the clinician. And it's working amazingly. It saves clinicians a lot of time. And that's another example of how we apply this agentic AI to solve more and more complex problems for the clinician, keep it simple, and just save as much time as we can for clinicians." #FreedAI  #AIscribes #HealthcareAI #ClinicianBurnout #HealthTech #AIinHealthcare #HealthcareAI #MedicalDocumentation #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #PhysicianWellness #HealthcareEfficiency #MedTech GetFreed.AI Download the transcript here  

Erez Druk, CEO of Freed, was motivated to bring technology to the healthcare environment based on his wife's experience as a family medicine doctor.  Freed was founded to alleviate the provider's administrative burdens by leveraging AI to streamline pre-visit preparation, billing, and EHR maintenance.  The focus is on small and rural private practices, giving them tools to save time, reduce costs, and maintain their independence. Erez explains, "So the need that I identified, together with my wife Gabi, was that clinicians need more time in their lives. They want to spend less time on this admin work and more time again with their patients and families. And that was it, thinking about how we can use these new technologies and feel better products that really take care of that, help clinicians be happier and freer, hence the name Freed. Yes, super proud now to be supporting more than 25,000 clinicians who will use Freed to do a lot of this work for them. So that's how the need was identified for years of watching the pain, let's say."   "But my background is, so I studied mathematics and computer science back in Israel. So I'm originally from Israel. In the Technion, we like to think of Technion as the MIT of Israel. So I studied there as an undergrad, and then I moved to the Bay Area to work for Facebook as an engineer. I was very lucky to start on the same day on the same team with this guy named Andrey, who, 10 years later, after lots of convincing, is my co-founder and CTO. So he is the real technical brain behind what we're doing here. So I worked as an engineer and tech lead at Facebook, and then I started working in my first startup called UrbanLeap." "And with EHR integration- I'm going a bit into the weeds here- but EHR integration is a big problem in healthcare that is mostly unsolved. So, we built an agent, which we call "EHR Push," that goes into the EHR and, like a human, finds the right fields, navigates to the right places, and puts the note and everything in the EHR for the clinician. And it's working amazingly. It saves clinicians a lot of time. And that's another example of how we apply this agentic AI to solve more and more complex problems for the clinician, keep it simple, and just save as much time as we can for clinicians." #FreedAI  #AIscribes #HealthcareAI #ClinicianBurnout #HealthTech #AIinHealthcare #HealthcareAI #MedicalDocumentation #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #PhysicianWellness #HealthcareEfficiency #MedTech GetFreed.AI Listen to the podcast here  

Bitcoin is evolving from an asset into financial infrastructure. Allard Peng joins Pierre Rochard to explain how digital capital, perpetual preferreds, and Bitcoin-based credit are transforming corporate finance. From treasury strategies to banking stability, this episode reveals how bitcoin is reshaping the global capital system. Allard also breaks down the coming transformation of banking, with bitcoin becoming the world's most valuable form of collateral and the foundation of next-generation financial markets.

SummaryIn this episode, the host discusses various themes surrounding black culture, media representation, and the reactions to award shows. He reflects on the growth of his podcast audience, critiques the lack of support for black content in mainstream award shows, and questions the effectiveness of current representation in media. The conversation also delves into the need for new award shows that better reflect black achievements and the consolidation of power within the entertainment industry. The host shares his thoughts on the movie 'Sinners', emphasizing the importance of community empowerment and the need for sustainable solutions rather than transactional ones.TakeawaysThe host expresses gratitude for new subscribers to his podcast.He questions the ongoing reactions of black audiences to award show outcomes.The lack of support for black-created content in mainstream media is highlighted.The host suggests the need for new award shows that reflect black achievements.He critiques the portrayal of black empowerment in media, particularly in films.The concept of consolidation of power in the entertainment industry is discussed.The host shares his thoughts on the movie 'Sinners' and its themes.He emphasizes the importance of community empowerment and sustainable solutions.The host reflects on the challenges faced by young black individuals in pursuing careers in entertainment.He concludes with a positive note on the artistic quality of 'Sinners' despite his critiques.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Subscriber Growth02:31 Reactions to Award Shows and Black Content05:43 The Need for New Award Shows06:24 Critique of Black Representation in Media13:20 Consolidation of Power in Entertainment14:01 Discussion on the Movie 'Sinners'25:08 Reflections on Black Empowerment and Community33:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKeywordspodcast, black culture, award shows, entertainment, media critique, community empowerment, film analysis, social commentary, black representation, cultural discussion

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode The automotive industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. In this episode, Cavan Robinson, VP  of Operations for the Aftermarket at Vehlo, and Tony Mercury, VP of Revenue at Auto Shop Solutions, break down what shop owners need to understand—and act on—right now. The conversation explores the rapid consolidation reshaping the aftermarket, from independent shops being absorbed into MSOs (multi-shop ownership) to major software platforms merging at an unprecedented pace. The discussion then shifts to how marketing is evolving beyond traditional SEO into Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), where a shop's website—especially its FAQ content—becomes the trusted source AI tools use to deliver zero-click search results. On the people side of the business, the episode addresses shop owner burnout, technician ghosting, and a critical reality: younger technicians increasingly view a shop's technology, systems, and online presence as a measure of professionalism before deciding to apply. Key takeaway: A successful modern shop is like a smart home—built on strong behind-the-scenes infrastructure, a polished and accessible front end, and leadership that understands the data driving the entire system. Cavan Robinson, VP  of Operations for the Aftermarket at Vehlo Tony Mercury, VP of Revenue at Auto Shop Solutions Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI's integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty You're probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:

Markets wrapped up the year with solid gains, finishing roughly 17% higher, but momentum has cooled as stocks consolidate near recent highs. Despite briefly setting a new all-time high in late December, markets spent the final weeks of the year moving sideways, reflecting growing fatigue after an extended rally. In this pre-market update, we review why the market's two-month consolidation range matters, how staying above the 20-day moving average supports the broader trend, and why recent momentum sell signals do not necessarily signal a major downturn. With markets up eight consecutive months, short-term pullbacks or mild corrections would be a normal and healthy way to relieve overbought conditions. As traders return for the first full week of the new year, futures are pointing higher—but volatility may increase as we move into the first quarter. We discuss what investors should watch in January and February, how to think about near-term weakness, and why disciplined risk management remains critical after a long run of gains. Hosted by RIA Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch the Video version of this report on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeEA-JQBKEA&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- Articles mentioned in this report: 2026 Market Outlook Based On Valuations https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/2026-market-outlook-based-on-valuations/ "Fed's Soft Landing Narrative Meets Economic Data" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/feds-soft-landing-narrative-meets-economic-data/ ------- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ ------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MarketOutlook #StockMarketUpdate #MarketVolatility #TechnicalAnalysis #PreMarketUpdate

Send us a textShow Notes: If you've been paying attention to collision industry news lately, it can feel like every headline is yelling at you to brace for impact.

Send us a textHenry Motte de la Motte is the Founder and CEO of EDGE Tutor, a global tutor outsourcing company supporting over 50 leading education and training organizations. Under his leadership, EDGE Tutor has scaled to 1,000+ teachers across 30+ countries, delivering millions of live tutoring sessions with a focus on quality, reliability, and human-centered learning.

The latest PMI manufacturing print shows "slowing demand" in an overall "mixed" report, says Kevin Green. He takes investors though the economic data and explains how it applies to the stock market. As for commodity movers, KG highlight the silver and gold trade and talks about how short-term consolidation signals another push higher. He taps into the crude oil trade as futures continue to show pricing weakness. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

In this final episode of 2025, Drew Brucker and Rory Flynn zoom out to dissect what actually mattered this year across Midjourney, Nano Banana Pro, ChatGPT Image 1.5, Weavy, video models, workflows, and the uncomfortable truth about how fast all of this is moving.They unpack the real inflection points no one labeled at the time. Why March quietly changed everything. Why Nano Banana Pro rewired image editing expectations. Why Veo 3 reset video. Why Midjourney still feels magicalWhy workflows (not models) are becoming the real creative advantage.Along the way, they spiral into mood boards, personalization hacks, node-based systems, AI video limitations, why Hollywood feels creatively bankrupt, how Grok quietly became a research weapon, and why Midjourney's next move might determine whether it stays an artist's playground or becomes a professional tool.It's opinionated. It's nerdy. It's honest. It's occasionally unhinged.And it's the clearest snapshot of where AI creativity actually stands heading into 2026.If you're trying to keep up, slow down, or figure out where to place your bets next year, this episode is your unfair advantage.---⏱️ Midjourney Fast Hour00:00 – Episode 60 kickoff and end-of-year reflections01:50 – From niche experiment to mainstream behavior04:00 – AI finally reaches non-technical families06:18 – Why working solo in AI can feel isolating09:03 – Music, creativity, and early signs of AI music adoption11:02 – How fast AI actually shipped in 202512:14 – 100+ major releases and why that number matters13:01 – The real start of image editing workflows14:46 – March 2025 was the quiet inflection point16:06 – Multi-modal chat changed prompting forever19:20 – Veo 3 and why video suddenly jumped ahead21:41 – Why Google quietly dominated 202523:00 – Why hype cycles now last 48 hours23:51 – Nano Banana Pro and precision image control26:02 – Grok as a real-time research engine27:49 – Why physics in AI video finally started working29:12 – Nodes, workflows, and why visualization matters30:26 – Why Nano Banana Pro felt like “AGI for images”31:26 – Will 2026 move even faster?32:25 – Release cadence, VC pressure, and reality checks34:03 – Images vs video: who's actually ahead36:18 – Why Grok might be the sleeper winner38:36 – Data, platforms, and why distribution matters41:28 – Consolidation and acquisitions are coming44:14 – What Midjourney must do next45:23 – Image editing as the make-or-break feature48:43 – Workflow fatigue and creative burnout52:50 – Personalization, mood boards, and creative joy56:44 – Why mood boards drove the best work of 202559:12 – Personalization profiles vs mood boards01:00:43 – Why Midjourney still feels different01:02:27 – Scale, permutations, and professional use cases01:06:36 – Resolution, editing, and real production constraints01:10:22 – Why small failures still matter01:13:00 – Hollywood, creativity, and AI backlash01:17:17 – Why creators beat platforms01:22:25 – Audio and voice as the next bottleneck01:23:55 – Constraint-driven prompting in 202601:30:14 – Looking back at January vs now01:38:23 – Final predictions and advice for 202601:42:34 – Season two wrap and sign-off

David Hoffman sits down with Mike Ippolito to unpack why 2025 felt brutal despite new all-time highs and why that tension matters for 2026. They argue crypto is entering its “2002 internet” phase, where speculation fades, fundamentals matter, and consolidation accelerates. The conversation covers why Ethereum may see a renaissance, why Bitcoin sentiment could struggle, how prediction markets and equity perps actually play out, and what builders and investors should focus on as crypto matures from hype into real value creation. ------

Free Press & Free Press Action's Craig Aaron: CBS Political Censorship of '60 Minutes': Another Victim of Corporate Media ConsolidationMedia critic Parker Molloy: Trump, RFK Jr. Impose Ban on Trans Youth Gender Affirming Care NationwideThe Labor Force Coordinator Maeg Yosef: 'The Labor Force' Working to Strengthen America's Rising Union MovementBob Nixon's Under-reported News Summary• SCOTUS Voting Rights Act ruling could eliminate dozens of Black & Latino congressional seats• Libyan oil corruption is hurting international investors• Trump claims to fight urban crime in National Guard deployment to citiesVisit our website at BTLonline.org for more information, in-depth interviews, related links and transcripts and to sign up for our BTL Weekly Summary. New episodes every Wednesday at 12 noon ET, website updated Wednesdays after 4 p.m. ETProduced by Squeaky Wheel Productions: Scott Harris, Melinda Tuhus, Bob Nixon, Anna Manzo, Susan Bramhall, Jeff Yates and Mary Hunt. Theme music by Richard Hill and Mikata.

The 20-day SMA is in focus for Kevin Green on Tuesday's session. After Monday's weakness on a low volume trading day, KG says a push below the trend line can open a trap door to further selling action. On commodities, he highlights the rebound in silver and gold following steep selling. KG highlights the "metal trade war" with China that he believes is behind some of the price action and whether the trade moved "too far, too fast." ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

In this episode of The Daily, we explore why Transport Capacity Services is betting on Monterrey to manage the surge in nearshoring activity and cross-border complexity. As manufacturing investment floods northern Mexico, stricter customs enforcement and driver regulations threaten to tighten freight capacity significantly by 2026. To support these long-term trade flows, Union Pacific is developing a massive industrial park near Houston, while developers repurpose facilities like a former Waco bottling plant for distribution. Meanwhile, market distress has forced Standard Forwarding Freight to cease operations after 91 years, signaling how the downturn is punishing leveraged operators. Consolidation continues to reshape the rail sector as GATX and Brookfield complete their acquisition of Wells Fargo's rail leasing portfolio in a multibillion-dollar joint venture. On the technology front, telematics provider Motive has filed for an IPO, underscoring how software is becoming core infrastructure for fleets facing thin margins. Severe weather is also impacting operations, with Winter Storm Ezra triggering FMCSA hours-of-service waivers across 20 states and prompting warnings for truckers east of I-35 to stay off the roads. Finally, we discuss unconfirmed reports that China may be converting a cargo ship into a missile launcher, a development that could fundamentally alter global supply chain security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Farnoosh tackles three timeless money crossroads: getting out from under high-interest credit card debt, taking a career break without losing financial footing, and deciding whether an early retirement package is a smart (and safe) next move. Questions Include: How to manage credit card debt at 30% interest? Consolidation options, reputable nonprofit credit counseling, negotiating APR, and a realistic payoff plan Burnt out breadwinner considering a 6-month break? Exploring a “middle path” (sabbatical/reduced hours), runway math, and navigating the fear of financial dependence Take an early retirement package? Evaluating the offer, retirement readiness checks, when to consult a planner, and why buyouts can signal future layoffs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin, Ben Kornell, Michael Horn and Dhawal Shah as they break down major moves in online learning, AI, and higher education shaping the end of 2025.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] Coursera and Udemy announce a $2.5B all-stock merger forming a 175M-learner platform[00:00:30] Michael Horn on Coursera's growing leverage over university partners[00:02:08] Ben Kornell explores Coursera's potential to become a global university [00:05:40] Dhawal Shah explains the financial motivations behind the merger [00:09:54] Michael Horn compares the deal to the 2U–edX acquisition [00:11:54] The hosts discuss channel power and aggregation in edtech [00:16:49] Debate on Coursera's acquisition strategy and platform future [00:21:43] Dhawal Shah on why these businesses may perform better as private companies [00:22:33] Ben Kornell outlines Coursera's two paths: efficiency or AI-led reinvention [00:30:24] Gaps in online learning around mentorship and advanced skills [00:35:29] OpenAI's latest release and rising competition with Google Gemini [00:38:55] Why content and IP still matter in the AI era [00:48:36] Purdue introduces an AI competency requirement for graduatesPlus, special guests: [00:52:54] Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, on human-centered and social AI in education 

In this episode of the Boostly Podcast, I'm joined by voices from across the industry to break down what's coming next and what hosts and property managers need to prepare for now.Drawing on insights from operators, tech leaders, consultants, and founders, we cover the biggest shifts already happening beneath the surface, including:• AI moving from hype to table stakes• Direct bookings becoming a survival strategy, not a nice-to-have• Automation reshaping guest communication, marketing, and operations• Rising guest expectations and the return of high-touch experiences• Consolidation across software and management companies• Regulation, tourist taxes, and what they could mean for supply• Longer stays, digital nomads, and stronger shoulder seasons• Why revenue management and marketing are finally mergingI also share my own prediction for 2026 and why I believe this is the year the industry fully crosses into a new operating model.If you're a host or property manager who wants to stay profitable, future-proof your business, and reduce reliance on OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com, this episode will help you see what's coming before it hits.Listen now and decide which side of the change you want to be on.

Brandon Schuh sits down with Dean Hildebrandt, President and CEO of Assurex Global, to explore how mega-broker consolidation is reshaping the insurance brokerage landscape. As consolidation accelerates in 2025, with mega-brokers absorbing smaller firms through billion-dollar acquisitions, including Willis Towers Watson's $1.3 billion purchase of Newfront and Baldwin Group's $1 billion acquisition of CAC Group, the conversation reveals how private equity is driving transactions that, while profitable for financial sponsors, leave clients, carriers, and employees bearing the costs. Dean brings two decades of expertise from his leadership at Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting and his pivotal role at Ahmann-Martin before joining Assurex.Dean challenges the prevailing narrative around these mega-deals, arguing that the real winners aren't clients or carriers but private equity firms extracting value through EBITDA portfolio plays. Throughout the episode, he details how consolidation is accelerating talent acquisitions and market share gains for independent, regionally-focused brokers like those in the Assurex network, firms that prioritize relationships, client service, and stability over spreadsheet metrics. The discussion also highlights Assurex's structural innovation: the launch of AG London, a first-of-its-kind London wholesale broker owned by 30 Assurex firms that operates under perpetual independence and cannot be acquired or sold.As the industry looks ahead to 2026-2027, Dean and Brandon examine how technology and AI will reshape brokerage operations while emphasizing that true competitive advantage lies in understanding the full value chain. The episode underscores a fundamental tension in modern insurance. Whether consolidation will create better client outcomes or simply enrich financial sponsors while destabilizing the very firms and relationships that hold the industry together. For independent brokers navigating this landscape, the conversation offers both cautionary lessons and a compelling vision of an alternative future.Chapters02:30 – Wine recommendations and AI tool comparisons07:00 – Introduction to Dean Hildebrandt and his background10:00 – Dean's entry into brokerage and early career with Ahmann-Martin14:00 – Overview of 2025 consolidation trends and mega-broker activity16:30 – Willis Towers Watson acquires Newfront for $1.3 billion19:00 – Baldwin Group purchases CAC Group for $1 billion22:00 – Private equity's role in driving M&A transactions26:00 – How consolidation impacts clients, carriers, and employees31:00 – The absence of client perspective in private equity discussions35:00 – Deal sizing and EBITDA economics in mega-acquisitions39:00 – Why independent brokers are thriving amid consolidation42:00 – Introduction to Howden's US market entry strategy46:00 – Assurex's strategic response: AG London launch and structure51:00 – Dean's journey to Assurex Global leadership54:00 – Technology, AI, and automation in brokerage operations58:00 – How carriers are adapting to industry transformation61:00 – Conclusion and future outlook for independent brokerageConnect with RiskCellar:Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/Brandon Schuh:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/Nick Hartmann:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/ Dean Hildebrandt - President & CEO, Assurex GlobalWebsite: https://www.assurexglobal.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-hildebrandt-09810baAbout Assurex Global:Founded in 1954, Assurex Global is the world's largest privately held commercial insurance, risk management, and employee benefits brokerage group, combining local expertise with global reach across more than 600 partner office

On this lively Saturday morning, the Van Wie Financial Hour team delved into the intricacies of recent financial market trends, holiday broadcasting schedules, and the curious effects of AI in the job market. Amusing banter interspersed the discussion as they examined economic reports, market corrections, and fiscal policies, while listener Greg chimed in with insights on LNG and AI energy demands. With a blend of humor and expertise, the episode wrapped up with reflections on long-term care planning and cheerful holiday wishes.

Survive & Advance: Win-Now Dynasty Decisions This is survival season. Welcome back to the All Gas Trade Show (AGTS) with Gabe (@iGabe_FF) and Ty (@TyDeclare44). With dynasty and fantasy semifinals here, we're breaking down real trades from the DDFFB community that show what it actually takes to advance right now. Injuries don't care about long-term value — and neither should you if you're chasing a title. Topics include: Moving off injured assets during a playoff run Win-now pivots that maximize points, not projections When future value matters — and when it doesn't Consolidation vs. flexibility in semifinal matchups Every trade sourced directly from the DDFFB community Thank you for checking out the Podcast, be sure to follow and comment if you have any questions, we are always happy to answer any. For Access to our Premium Tools (Trinity, WAR & More) & Discord Community https://ddfantasyfootball.com/subscriptions/ Subscribe to the Youtube Channel DDFFB https://www.youtube.com/@DDFFB Subscribe to Ray's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RayGQue Check out All of Ray's Articles at Yahoo!: https://sports.yahoo.com/author/ray-garvin/ Follow Ray on Bleacher Report: https://br.app.link/7ExIDsWfHVb Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/destinationdevy Become a Member on Youtube for access to the Dynasty Deal Show Live, Destination Chill and other member benefits, like priority reply to comments and unique badges and emojis: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV84gHvtBMXxzN9ZPI9XHfg/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker's Healthcare, discusses consolidation across the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, rising friction between payers and providers over coding and denials, and how AI and upcoming CMS prior authorization rules are reshaping the payer landscape.

Send us a textOn this extended edition of Dishin' Dirt, I examine the contentious topic of whether South Carolina should adopt a statewide MLS or maintain its current multiple local MLSs. I am joined by MLS current and former board members, Craig Summerall, Matthew Thrift, and Brad Allen. Our conversation delves into the pros and cons of both systems, the ethical implications for real estate agents, and the challenges posed by having multiple MLSs in the upstate region. My guests share their insights on the importance of local expertise, the technical challenges of a statewide MLS, and the potential for consolidation among existing MLSs. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of MLS in South Carolina and the need for improved standards and practices in the real estate industry.Guest emails:Brad Allen-Brad@theartteam.netCraig Summerall- Craig@CraigSummerall.comMatthew Thrift-MThrift@CDanJoyner.comDon't forget to like us and share us!Gary* Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor in Chief of Becker's Healthcare, shares insights on the 2026 outlook for healthcare providers, including policy shifts, Medicaid changes, consolidation trends, and financial pressures. She discusses why leaders are balancing near term challenges with cautious optimism as they plan for stability, access, and long term transformation.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor in Chief at Becker's Healthcare, breaks down key healthcare financial stories including a closely watched Indiana hospital merger, evolving antitrust dynamics, and accelerating consolidation. He also discusses strong performance from major for profit systems like HCA and Tenet Health as outpatient growth and portfolio transformation reshape the sector.

This episode of MSD features a conversation with Rob Sinn about market psychology and key themes heading into 2026. The Trevor and Rob analyze the recent consolidation mode in precious metals, noting that gold has been consolidating below the $4,400 resistance level after a correction back in October. A major topic of speculation is the appointment of the next Federal Reserve Chairman, with the choice between Warsh and Hassett expected to significantly impact the trajectory of metals and mining markets, potentially leading to varied levels of rate cuts and market corrections. The conversation also covers investment themes like the projected loss of Federal Reserve autonomy and the quiet nature of tax-loss selling in 2025, while highlighting specific mining stocks like Ramp, Aztec, and Talon Metals that possess strong potential catalysts for the new year.

Lindsey Burke returns to Freedom to Learn to discuss the Trump administration's plans to “return education to the states.” Lindsey, who serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs at the U.S. Department of Education (ED), discusses the Department's origin story, what it does and does not do, and the pernicious impact of […]

In this third installment in the Anglo-American Conservative Book Series, Jon covers John Taylor of Caroline's 1823 work, "New Views of the Constitution of the United States," which critiques the shift from a federation of sovereign states to a consolidated national government. Taylor, a Revolutionary War veteran, Virginia politician, and friend of Jefferson and Madison, argued that the Constitution preserved state autonomy and rejected nationalist interpretations like those in Joseph Story's Commentaries or The Federalist Papers. He highlighted previously secret Convention debates, rejected proposals for federal supremacy over state laws, and warned against encroachments like federal assumption of debts, national banks, tariffs, and judicial overreach. Taylor emphasized federalism as key to American exceptionalism and cautioned that abandoning it would lead to despotism, drawing parallels to Rome, France, and England.PowerPoint: https://www.patreon.com/posts/145194421Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy