Podcasts about crafting

Discover the five craft techniques that make morally gray characters impossible to put down—so you can write complex, compelling figures readers will argue about, defend, and love despite everything.Morally gray characters are some of the most memorable in fiction. Think Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones), Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows), Severus Snape (Harry Potter), or Amy Dunne (Gone Girl). These are the characters readers can't stop thinking about long after the book is finished.But what actually makes them work? It's not randomness or shock value. And it's definitely not just "bad person with a sad backstory." It's intentional craft.In this episode, I'm breaking down five tips for writing morally gray characters that feel authentic, nuanced, and impossible to look away from—whether you're writing fantasy, thriller, romance, or any other genre.You'll hear me talk about things like:[02:45] What "morally gray" actually means and how it differs from the antihero—so you can stop conflating the two and start building true moral complexity.[04:25] How to create a character worldview that justifies their actions, including the role of backstory, goals, and the personal code that reveals what they truly value.[07:51] Why lose-lose dilemmas are essential for morally gray characters—and how to construct impossible choices that test your character and keep readers emotionally invested.[10:05] The importance of letting your character make questionable choices with real consequences—and why softening the gray undermines everything you've built.[12:50] How to keep readers invested in a morally gray character even when their choices are hard to stomach (hint: it's not about making them likable).[14:54] The redemption arc trap most writers fall into—and why the best morally gray characters don't get "fixed" by the end of the story.If you've ever struggled to write a complex antagonist, a flawed protagonist, or a love interest readers can't quite root for but can't look away from either, this episode will give you the tools to craft morally gray characters with confidence and intention.

Text me!In today's episode, I pop off about best practices when it comes to recruiting. I  share my extensive experience in headhunting, discussing the challenges and strategies involved in finding top talent. I reflect on my journey from a novice recruiter during the recession to successfully placing high-level executives. We talk about the importance of emotional intelligence, candidate energy, and professionalism in the recruitment process, while also critiquing popular recruiting platforms.takeawaysI transitioned from fundraising to headhunting during the recession.The recruitment industry is worth 200 billion dollars due to its challenges.Traditional platforms like Indeed are often ineffective for finding quality candidates.Paying attention to a candidate's energy can indicate their suitability.Professionalism and soft skills are crucial in the hiring process.The follow-up process must be handled delicately to avoid appearing desperate.TOP TALENT has HIGH EQTemporary staffing solutions can be beneficial during economic downturns.Crafting intentional messages to candidates increases response rates.Recruiting is about understanding both the candidate and the employer's needs.Start a podcast today!Riverside is the BEST podcast studio to record!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLINKS TO FREEBIES BELOW: WEEKLY NEWSLETTER where I share all the tips and tricks on how to grow organically online HERE If you are interested in sponsoring the show, send me a DM ABOUT THE HOST: Former Executive Recruiter turned Digital Marketing Expert & Entrepreneur. I'm here to show you that you can do it too! I help women to start, grow and scale their personal brand and business online through social media. In 2021 I launched ChilledVino, my patented wine product and in 2023 I launched The Feminine Founder Podcast and in 2025 I launched my Digital Marketing Agency called The Feminine Founder Marketing. I live in South Carolina with my husband Gary and 2 Weimrarners, Zena & Zara. This podcast is a supportive and inclusive community where I interview and bring women together that are fellow entrepreneurs and workplace experts. We believe in sharing our stories, unpacking exactly how we did it and talking through the mindset shifts needed to achieve great things.Connect with me on LinkedIn HERE IG @cpennington55 FB HERE Follow the podcast page HERE ChilledVino ...

On this episode of CFO at Home, Vince·s guest is Scott MacKenzie, author of The Lobster League, A Fable About Personal Finance. Scott and Vince dive into the concept of the book, which is designed as a fable to teach personal financial lessons through relatable stories, inspired by Scott·s extensive experience in the area of behavioral finance. They discuss how the human tendencies of herding and overconfidence can impact our investing. Scott also emphasizes the importance of having a clear set of personal priorities and goals, specifically by creating a bucket list to guide financial decisions. Like the book, our conversation offers valuable insights into personal finance for both money enthusiasts and those not as financially inclined. To learn more about Scott and The Lobster League, go the thelobsterleague.com Key Topics: 01:10 The Story Behind 'The Lobster League' 04:00 Crafting a Financial Fable 05:54 Behavioral Finance Insights 08:56 Herding and Market Trends 21:22 Overconfidence and Fear in Investing 27:48 Creating a Personal Financial Vision 33:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Key Links thelobsterleague.com Scott MacKenzie, MBA, CFP®, CIMA® | LinkedIn  Contact the Host - vince@thecfoathome.com  Want to be a guest on CFO at Home? Send Vince a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628643039567x840793309030672500  

Our guest this week is Ruth Cartwright of Craft with Cartwright. The show is sponsored by the Embroiderer’s Guild of America at egausa.org. In our conversation, we learn about Ruth’s business, her Friday free designs, and her 2026 365 Days of Crafting challenge. Our main focus is discussing topics Ruth has posted on her Instagram account. Among those are copyright infringement, granny crafts, why cross stitch is viewed as needlework’s “poor cousin,” organizing floss by color or number, and those magic moments when the house is empty and you’re left to stitch in peace. We hope these topics will get you thinking and invite you to offer your reactions in the comment section.–Beth and Gary Listen to the podcast: Watch the video You can listen by using the player above or you can subscribe to Fiber Talk through iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Audible, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Podbay, and Podbean. To receive e-mail notification of new podcasts, provide your name and e-mail address below. We do not sell/share e-mail addresses. Here are some links: Embroiderer’s Guild of America website Craft with Cartwright website Ruth Cartwright on Instagram Ruth Cartwright on Facebook Ruth Cartwright on YouTube We hope you enjoy this week’s conversation with Ruth Cartwright. We’re always looking for guests, so let me know if there is someone you’d like me to have on the show.–Gary To add yourself to our mailing list and be notified whenever we post a new podcast, provide your name and email address below. You won’t get spam and we won’t share your address.

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, a leadership expert who blends corporate acumen with spiritual and emotional intelligence. Originally from Germany, Sylvia has navigated through various European cultures, refining her expertise in leadership and organizational change over decades. Together, they explore the transformation in leadership styles, shifting from traditional command-and-control models to more holistic, human-centered approaches. Mary and Sylvia dive into the core themes of Sylvia's book, "Who's in Charge?," examining the interconnectedness of personal well-being, leadership, and effective team dynamics. The conversation highlights the evolution of corporate structures towards enhancing individual health as a pathway to greater organizational success. Sylvia shares her insights on being a 'possibilist,' encouraging leaders to embrace change and unlock their potential. They also discuss the practice of meditation and its pivotal role in aligning leaders with their purpose, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and impactful life. About the Guest: Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau is a renowned leadership coach and author, known for her profound insights into leadership development and organizational health. With an international background, she has lived and worked across Europe, bringing a wealth of diverse cultural and professional perspectives. Sylvia holds a PhD and has extensive experience in consulting, career advising, and leadership development, having worked with esteemed organizations like the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. She is an advocate for integrating mindfulness and self-leadership into corporate structures, evidenced by her book, "Who's in Charge?" Key Takearies: The shift from traditional leadership to modern, holistic approaches focuses on individual well-being as a foundation for organizational success. Embracing the concept of 'possibilism' empowers leaders to pursue ambitious goals and create meaningful change. The integration of spiritual energy in leadership fosters a sense of interconnectedness and purpose-driven actions. Meditation and mindfulness are essential for leaders to maintain focus, manage their energy, and facilitate personal and professional growth. Legacy is about creating value not just through achievements but also through meaningful contributions to others' lives.   Resources: Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau Website "Who's in Charge?" by Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau (Available on Amazon) Discover the profound insights shared by Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau by tuning into the full episode, and learn how to craft a meaningful life through self-leadership and mindfulness. Stay connected for more inspiring conversations with thought leaders from around the world.

In this episode, Jeff Mains sits down with Radhika Dutt, author of Radical Product Thinking, to challenge the conventional wisdom around goal-setting, KPIs, and OKRs. Radhika reveals why chasing metrics can actually distort behavior and undermine long-term growth, introducing a powerful alternative: treating growth like a puzzle rather than a scorecard.The conversation explores how well-intentioned targets create perverse incentives, why measures should be tools for insight rather than evaluation, and how a curiosity-driven approach—using the OHLA framework (Observe, Hypothesize, Learn, Adapt)—helps teams make smarter decisions in real-world conditions. Radhika shares compelling examples from OpenAI, maritime SaaS platforms, and robotics companies to illustrate how puzzle-solving beats goal-setting for sustainable growth.Whether you're drowning in dashboards or hitting targets while feeling like something's off, this episode offers a refreshing lens on progress, leadership, and building momentum without the performance theater.Key Takeaways[0:00] - Episode introduction and overview of why goal-setting may be backfiring[4:48] - The fundamental problem with KPIs and OKRs: Goodhart's Law and Campbell's Law explained[6:28] - Dutt's Law: "A measure is only useful as a tool for insight, not a yardstick for evaluation"[7:16] - Real-world example: How OpenAI's user engagement targets led to dangerous "sycophantic AI"[10:37] - The hidden dangers of hitting targets while ignoring negative indicators[11:44] - Introduction to puzzle-setting vs. goal-setting mindset[12:09] - The OHLA framework explained: Observe, Hypothesize, Learn, Adapt[17:51] - Case study: Why improving filters wouldn't have solved the real problem[28:47] - The performance theater trap: Why jumping to solutions feels comfortable but fails[30:28] - How to get customer meetings when people say "you should already know this"[33:00] - Why in-person observation matters more when mental models differ[36:27] - Growth comes from matching user mental models, not forcing adoption of yours[37:47] - The Tesla UI example: When "cool" design ignores user mental models[37:47] - Top-down vs. bottom-up: How to introduce puzzle-solving in organizations[39:27] - Why leaders fear losing control and how to address it[43:01] - Vision-driven vs. iteration-led: Crafting a detailed, actionable vision statement[45:41] - Example vision statement that tells the whole story without mentioning the product[48:03] - Why detailed visions create ownership better than memorable slogans[50:01] - One mindset shift founders can make this week to reduce performance theaterTweetable Quotes"When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure. We've known this since 1975, yet we keep setting goals for metrics.""A measure is only useful as a tool for insight, not a yardstick for evaluation. That's the critical mindset shift.""When you set targets, everyone's incentive is to show you they've hit that target. You don't look at the negative numbers to see what's actually happening.""Puzzles trigger curiosity and questioning. If you already know the answers, there's no puzzle. That's the...

Preparing the next session of my Patron DnD campaign, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.HUGE SPOILERS! No players allowed!Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlShop for tabletop games, CCGs, miniatures, RPG supplies and more at our sponsor, Noble Knight Games, using my affiliate link: https://www.nobleknight.com?awid=1553Chat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson

Sick of seeing pin impressions, but no Pinterest traffic? Let's talk about the 2 red flags I see with pin creation, and how to edit them to craft value-packed pins that drive results, Pinterest traffic, and grow your online business. Facebook GroupPower Hour

This episode of The Edge of Show was recorded live at the Future of Money, Governance, and the Law (FOMGL) 2025 event in Washington, D.C. In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of government policy and decentralization, featuring a panel of experts discussing the future of digital assets, blockchain, and the regulatory landscape.Join our moderator, Dan Spuller, alongside distinguished panelists including Dr. Lisa Cameron, , Representative Bill Huizenga and Baroness Manzila Uddin. Together, they explore the opportunities and challenges faced by the UK and the U.S. in establishing effective regulatory frameworks for the digital economy.Key topics include:The importance of light-touch regulation to foster innovationThe role of education in bridging the knowledge gap in ParliamentThe significance of collaboration between the UK and U.S. in the digital asset spaceInsights into the future of digital currencies and the democratization of financeDon't miss this engaging discussion that highlights the critical need for dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers.Tune in now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of Web3!Support us through our Sponsors! ☕ Want to make content like ours? Sign up with Castmagic to make your creative process easy: https://bit.ly/CastmagicReferral Work smarter, grow faster. Automate your SEO, get AI insights, and manage all your clients in one place with Helm. Start today at helmseo.comAre you a content creator, podcaster or interested in your business getting its voice out there? Then reserve a .podcast domain by paying just one-time as little as $10 for a lifetime of benefits! Check out the details and snag your .podcast domain today! https://get.unstoppabledomains.com/podcast/

Helderburg joins us on the podcast to talk re-crafting Land Rovers! Founder Paul Potratz tells us about creating the company, a unique ownership experience, TDI diesel engines, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what really goes into a full rebrand? In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my own rebrand with my designer and friend Cassie Pannier from Gatherie Creative. We dive deep into the emotional and strategic layers of brand evolution—from the initial messy consultation call to finding clarity through chaos.Cassie doesn't just do “pretty.” She leads with identity, messaging, and a deep understanding of what makes a brand aligned. You'll hear us unpack what needed to change, what we preserved, and how this rebrand has completely shifted the energy and clarity in my business.The Shoot It Straight Podcast is brought to you by Sabrina Gebhardt, photographer and educator. Join us each week as we discuss what it's like to be a female creative entrepreneur while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. If you're trying to find balance in this exciting place you're in, yet willing to talk about the hard stuff too, Shoot It Straight Podcast is here to share practical and tangible takeaways to help you shoot it straight. Review the Show Notes:01:04 - Meet Cassie: The Mastermind Behind the Rebrand03:40 - The Emotional Journey of Rebranding08:00 - Crafting the Brand Guide: Core Identity and Messaging17:17 - Visual Transformation: From Soft to Bold23:04 - Website Overhaul: Streamlining User Experience27:51 - Final Thoughts and Reflections29:18 - When to Consider a RebrandConnect with Cassie:Website: gatheriecreative.comInstagram: instagram.com/gatheriecreativeConnect with Sabrina:Instagram: instagram.com/xo.sabrinagebhardtWebsite: sabrinagebhardt.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sweet Excess: Crafting Mishti in Bengal (Routledge, 2025) by Ishita Dey is an ethnographic work on excess. Based on a decade-long fieldwork of a single food substance – sweets – it follows sweet-making in sweetshops, domestic spaces, fairs, festivals and its representation in recipe books to understand how caste, religion, science and law inform the life of a food item with an extremely short shelf life. It shows how food items of conspicuous consumption find a meaning in everyday lives of people through its socio-cultural meanings – ritual, pride of craftsmanship, heritage and cultural identity. It also shows how sweets continue to be a ubiquitous part of ‘Bengali' diet in a geography that has been witness to acute hunger, starvation, food movements and social welfare programmes to ensure food security. As a multi-sited ethnography on sweetness in diverse settings and its associated meanings in West Bengal and Bangladesh, this book explores everyday workplace hierarchies between artisans that reveal how caste and religion inform the choice of who is hired into this line of work. It also highlights how discourses on food safety and the overpowering presence of World Trade Organization have affected the life of the Bengali mishti. The volume will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of ethnography, sociology, history and South Asian studies. And if you, dear reader, love mishti, you will love this, too!Satyaki Barua is a PhD student in Political Science at the University of Hyderabad. His research focuses on party organisation, party institutionalisation, and political mobilisation, particularly examining the interactions between the state, society, and political parties in India and South Asia. Outside of academia, Satyaki enjoys watching and discussing movies, as well as practising Hindustani classical music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate the merits of using social media as a book marketing tool in 2026. Short answer? Yes, social still plays an important role! Long answer? Listen to learn about: Why social platforms should be used for discovery, not as the home base for your entire brand.How to show up with content that adds value and supports your long-term goals.Common mistakes that turn social media into a black hole time vortex. Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.Blood doesn't just happen on camera; it's engineered, tested, and coaxed into place under brutal lighting and tighter timelines. We bring SFX artist Danielle Lanoux into the studio to explore how a New Orleans special effects and makeup artist turns scripts into convincing wounds, old-age transformations, and head-turning practical effects without breaking budgets or skin barriers. Her journey from respiratory therapy to film gives her a calm, clinical edge—safety first with illusion a close second.Voiced by Brian Plaideau Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999, specializing in personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously. If you have been injured, Jana is offering a free consultation AND a reduced fee for fellow members of the Lousiana film industry, and she will handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at janamccaffery@gmail.com or 504-837-1234. Tell Her NOLA Film Scene sent youSupport the showFollow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U . & check out our website: nolafilmscene.com

Sweet Excess: Crafting Mishti in Bengal (Routledge, 2025) by Ishita Dey is an ethnographic work on excess. Based on a decade-long fieldwork of a single food substance – sweets – it follows sweet-making in sweetshops, domestic spaces, fairs, festivals and its representation in recipe books to understand how caste, religion, science and law inform the life of a food item with an extremely short shelf life. It shows how food items of conspicuous consumption find a meaning in everyday lives of people through its socio-cultural meanings – ritual, pride of craftsmanship, heritage and cultural identity. It also shows how sweets continue to be a ubiquitous part of ‘Bengali' diet in a geography that has been witness to acute hunger, starvation, food movements and social welfare programmes to ensure food security. As a multi-sited ethnography on sweetness in diverse settings and its associated meanings in West Bengal and Bangladesh, this book explores everyday workplace hierarchies between artisans that reveal how caste and religion inform the choice of who is hired into this line of work. It also highlights how discourses on food safety and the overpowering presence of World Trade Organization have affected the life of the Bengali mishti. The volume will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of ethnography, sociology, history and South Asian studies. And if you, dear reader, love mishti, you will love this, too!Satyaki Barua is a PhD student in Political Science at the University of Hyderabad. His research focuses on party organisation, party institutionalisation, and political mobilisation, particularly examining the interactions between the state, society, and political parties in India and South Asia. Outside of academia, Satyaki enjoys watching and discussing movies, as well as practising Hindustani classical music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/food

Sweet Excess: Crafting Mishti in Bengal (Routledge, 2025) by Ishita Dey is an ethnographic work on excess. Based on a decade-long fieldwork of a single food substance – sweets – it follows sweet-making in sweetshops, domestic spaces, fairs, festivals and its representation in recipe books to understand how caste, religion, science and law inform the life of a food item with an extremely short shelf life. It shows how food items of conspicuous consumption find a meaning in everyday lives of people through its socio-cultural meanings – ritual, pride of craftsmanship, heritage and cultural identity. It also shows how sweets continue to be a ubiquitous part of ‘Bengali' diet in a geography that has been witness to acute hunger, starvation, food movements and social welfare programmes to ensure food security. As a multi-sited ethnography on sweetness in diverse settings and its associated meanings in West Bengal and Bangladesh, this book explores everyday workplace hierarchies between artisans that reveal how caste and religion inform the choice of who is hired into this line of work. It also highlights how discourses on food safety and the overpowering presence of World Trade Organization have affected the life of the Bengali mishti. The volume will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of ethnography, sociology, history and South Asian studies. And if you, dear reader, love mishti, you will love this, too!Satyaki Barua is a PhD student in Political Science at the University of Hyderabad. His research focuses on party organisation, party institutionalisation, and political mobilisation, particularly examining the interactions between the state, society, and political parties in India and South Asia. Outside of academia, Satyaki enjoys watching and discussing movies, as well as practising Hindustani classical music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies

In this engaging conversation, a panel of Seattle chefs and mixologists discusses the evolving food scene in Seattle, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. They share their experiences of the Seattle Culinary Scene and navigating challenges such as rising food costs and minimum wage, while also highlighting the innovative spirit that has emerged, with many pop-ups transitioning into successful restaurants. The chefs emphasize the importance of local ingredients and seasonal menus, showcasing how they adapt their offerings to reflect the unique bounty of the Pacific Northwest. They also touch on the competitive landscape of the culinary world, particularly in the sandwich and pastry sectors, and how they strive to maintain authenticity while appealing to a diverse clientele. The chefs delve into their personal journeys, discussing how their cultural backgrounds influence their culinary creations. They share insights on the significance of community and connection through food, as well as the creative processes behind their menus. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the importance of experimentation and iteration in crafting cocktails, with a focus on balancing flavors and ensuring that each drink resonates with patrons. Overall, the episode paints a vibrant picture of Seattle culinary scene, marked by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to quality. Emmanuel Laroche and Christina Wood discuss the challenges of introducing unconventional ingredients, such as fermented items, and the reactions they receive from patrons. Melissa Miranda shares her personal inspirations, rooted in family and cultural heritage, which shape her approach to menu development. The group reflects on the evolving trends in the culinary world, particularly the resurgence of tropical flavors and the integration of savory elements into cocktails. They also explore the role of social media in shaping food trends, with a nod to the growing popularity of unique flavor combinations that challenge traditional expectations. In this engaging conversation, the panelists discuss the evolving trends in the food and beverage industry, particularly focusing on the rise of non-alcoholic cocktails and the enduring popularity of espresso martinis.  Christina Wood highlights the coffee culture in Seattle, emphasizing the city’s preference for coffee-driven drinks. The discussion then shifts to the creative process behind crafting non-alcoholic cocktails, with Emmanuel Laroche and Kyton Blair sharing insights on the increasing variety of options available today compared to just a few years ago. The discussion culminates in a heartfelt exchange about self-care, the pressures of the culinary world, and the value of collaboration and support among peers, emphasizing the need for balance and understanding in a demanding profession. What you’ll learn from this panel discussion 00:00 Introduction to Seattle’s Culinary Scene04:25 Challenges and Evolution Post-Pandemic06:57 The Rise of Pop-Ups and New Trends09:40 Seasonality and Local Ingredients in Cooking12:26 Cultural Influences and Culinary Identity15:06 Innovative Uses of Local Produce17:44 The Role of Community and Tradition in Cuisine21:43 Preserving Local Flavors22:58 The Art of Seasonal Menus23:53 Innovative Cocktails and Cultural Influences27:00 Sources of Culinary Inspiration29:26 Balancing Tradition and Innovation32:10 Menu Evolution and Customer Engagement34:22 The Role of Community in Culinary Creativity37:03 Seasonal Adjustments and Customer Preferences38:41 Pushing Boundaries in Sandwich Making40:40 Creative Pastry Innovations42:16 Exploring Savory Donuts and Unique Pastries44:21 Seasonal Menu Inspirations and Collaborations47:17 Crafting Cocktails: Flavor Pairing and Trends49:57 The Challenge of Unpopular Flavor Combinations51:59 Emerging Trends in Flavors and Ingredients54:46 The Coffee Culture: Trends and Preferences01:00:36 Crafting the Perfect Sandwich01:01:29 Culinary Inspirations and Personal Favorites01:03:19 Menu Challenges and Customer Education01:04:38 Navigating Competition in the Culinary World01:06:10 Mental Health and Self-Care in the Restaurant Industry01:08:08 Lessons Learned from Experience01:09:39 The Importance of Teamwork and Support01:12:08 Finding Balance and Managing Stress01:13:41 Advice for Future Chefs01:18:06 Final Thoughts and Reflection Beyond the Mic: My Stories in Print A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island invites readers to join me on his unforgettable journey across the island of Madagascar, where a vibrant culture and stunning ecosystem intertwine to create an extraordinary culinary experience. Explore the unique ingredients and traditions that define Madagascar and discover their profound impact on the global culinary landscape. Alongside the captivating stories, the book presents a collection of exciting recipes that showcase the incredible flavors and ingredients of Madagascar. Publication date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Pre-order the book here! “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door” is my debut book, published in Fall 2022. It features insights from chefs and culinary leaders interviewed on the Flavors Unknown podcast, offering a behind-the-scenes look at creativity, culture, and the future of the hospitality industry. Get the book here! Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode) Chef Sheldon Simeon Chef Andy Doubrava Chef Nina Compton Chef Jacques Pepin Social media Melissa Miranda Instagram Social media Avery Hardin Instagram Social media Janet Becerra Instagram Social media Christina Wood Instagram Social media Kyton Blair Instagram Links mentioned in this episode Musang restaurant Kilig restaurant Pancita restaurant Layers Green Lake restaurant Pastry Temple bakery Roquette Bar SUBSCRIBE TO THE ‘FLAVORS UNKNOWN' NEWSLETTER

In this compelling two-part episode, author Laura Buchwald joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation centered on her book, The Book of Reservations, and the deeper spiritual themes that define her work. Laura shares her journey as a writer and how The Book of Reservations fits into the broader vision of her acclaimed Ghost Table Trilogy, a series rooted in grief, love, and communication beyond the physical world.The discussion explores Laura's beliefs in the afterlife, spirituality, and the role of mediums, weaving together personal experiences with loss and her reflections on maintaining meaningful connections with departed loved ones. She offers insight into her creative and character development process, revealing how spiritual inquiry and lived experience shape her storytelling.In Part One, the conversation also dives into the craft of writing—examining the challenges of building a trilogy, the distinctions between fiction and memoir, and the evolving role of AI in the modern writing process. Throughout both episodes, The Book of Reservations serves as the foundation for a broader discussion on belief, creativity, and the unseen forces that influence how stories are written and received.This episode is a must-listen for readers, writers, and anyone drawn to conversations about spirituality, the afterlife, and the enduring bonds we share with those who have passed.Visit: www.LauraBuchwald.comVisit: www.TheRawVibe.comRead a sample: https://amzn.to/4r1EpXO00:00 Beliefs in the Afterlife and Spirituality05:23 Inspiration Behind the Ghost Table Trilogy08:10 Character Development and Protagonist's Journey11:24 Exploring Themes of Communication with Spirits14:12 The Role of Mediums and Personal Experiences16:50 Interpreting Signs from the Afterlife20:03 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections on Loss21:43 The Spiritual Journey of Writing22:29 Crafting a Trilogy: The Writer's Process26:23 Fiction vs. Memoir: The Writer's Dilemma32:32 AI in Writing: A Double-Edged Sword

Preparing the next session of our Keys from the Golden Vault D&D campaignHUGE SPOILERS! No players allowed!Shop for your tabletop games, CCGs, miniatures, RPG supplies, and help support the channel by shopping at Noble Knight Games: https://www.nobleknight.com?awid=1553Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlChat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson

Preparing the next session of our Keys from the Golden Vault D&D campaignHUGE SPOILERS! No players allowed!Shop for your tabletop games, CCGs, miniatures, RPG supplies, and help support the channel by shopping at Noble Knight Games: https://www.nobleknight.com?awid=1553Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlChat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson

Mark Bluestein of Alamo Drafthouse St. Louis returns to Mostly Superheroes to talk cult classics, repertory programming, and why older films often outperform new releases. From Twin Peaks and The Evil Dead to D&D nights, Kevin Smith stories, and the power of moviegoing community, this episode pulls back the curtain on modern cinema culture.   00:00:00 – Studio intro, honorific jokes, Alamo schedule setup 00:05:00 – Repertory titles outperforming new releases, Twin Peaks sellout surge 00:10:00 – David Lynch deep dive, Twin Peaks theatrical history 00:15:00 – January lineup wrap‑up: Hard Boiled, Twilight parties, movie‑party culture 00:20:00 – Transition into February preview, Elvis tease, rep‑title strategy 00:25:00 – February lineup planning, Big Show concept, early blockbuster hints 00:30:00 – Crafting‑and‑movies series, Phantom of the Opera, reptile joke, Interview With the Vampire 00:35:00 – Big Show blockbusters revealed: There Will Be Blood, The Shining, Gladiator, The Dark Knight 00:40:00 – Interstellar, summer movie ramp‑up, Marvel slate, Endgame rerelease + Doomsday setup 00:45:00 – Trailer philosophy, avoiding spoilers, Marvel marketing critique 00:50:00 – Community events, trivia nights, charity taps, Alamo as community hub 00:51:00 – Closing reflections on Alamo experience, theater quality, programming philosophy Subscribe and support our indie podcast at www.mostlysuperheroes.com

Send us a textEpisode SummaryWhat does it actually take to get a non-fiction book published in today's market? In this episode, literary agent and author Alia Hanna Habib pulls back the curtain on the publishing industry. Alia shares insights from her new book, Take It From Me, a practical guide for writers looking to navigate the complex journey from idea to bookshelf. Whether you are a debut author or a seasoned writer, this conversation explores the essential elements of a successful non-fiction proposal, the evolving role of a literary agent, and how to stay resilient in a competitive market.Key Takeaways & Timestamps[00:00] Introduction: Meet Alia Hanna Habib, literary agent at The Gernert Company for acclaimed writers like Nicole Hannah-Jones and Clint Smith.[02:15] The "Why" Behind the Book: Alia discusses what inspired her to write Take It From Me and why transparency in the publishing process is more important than ever.[07:40] Crafting a Winning Proposal: The non-negotiable elements every non-fiction writer needs to include to catch an agent's eye.[15:20] Delivery & Acceptance: Insight into Alia's Substack newsletter and how she uses it to share candid, behind-the-scenes industry advice.[22:10] The Author-Agent Partnership: How the relationship works and what authors should realistically expect during the publishing cycle.[30:05] Closing Thoughts: Practical steps for writers who are just starting their non-fiction journey.About the Guest: Alia Hanna HabibAlia Hanna Habib is a veteran literary agent and the author of Take It From Me: A Practical, Behind-the-Scenes Guide to Getting a Non-Fiction Book Published. Named one of New York Magazine's "most powerful New Yorkers you've never heard of," she represents leading voices in journalism, history, and literature. She also writes the popular Substack newsletter, Delivery and Acceptance.Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeBook: Take It From Me by Alia Hanna Habib (Available January 28th)Newsletter: Delivery and Acceptance SubstackWebsite: Writers with Wrinkles Official SiteConnect with UsFollow the Podcast: Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!Ask a Question: Have a question for Beth and Lisa? Send it our way for a future "Ask Beth and Lisa" episode.Visit the Blog: Find more show notes and author resources at writerswithwrinkles.net. Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

On today's Legally Speaking Podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Niki Avraam. Niki is an employment lawyer and law firm founder. She is also the Head of WORKWELL Europe, leading the transformation of workplace culture across the UK and Europe. With 2 decades' expertise in law, leadership and culture change, Niki is passionate about preparing people for the future of work. Niki's mission goes beyond the legal landscape–she believes individuals should have profound satisfaction in their work. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Niki discussing:- The Importance of Embracing Discomfort in the Workplace- Building Invigorated and Engaged Workforces- The Role of Authenticity in Leadership- Operationalising Ownership Culture in Organisations- Unlocking Potential Through Adaptability and LearningConnect with Niki Avraam here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nikiavraam

Join Lynn Hoffman for an inspiring conversation with Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Sam Hollander, the creative force behind some of the biggest hits in modern rock and pop music. From Panic! At The Disco’s “High Hopes” to Weezer’s “Beverly Hills” and Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister,” Sam Hollander has shaped the sound of multiple generations. In this compelling episode, Sam Hollander shares his journey from playing in bands to becoming one of the music industry’s most sought-after hitmakers. Discover how he developed his distinctive approach to songwriting, the collaborative process behind creating chart-topping anthems, and the personal struggles and triumphs that have fueled his creativity throughout his career. Sam opens up about the transformative power of music and resilience in his own life, discussing the moments when music became his salvation and how those experiences inform his work with artists today. He reveals insider stories about crafting memorable hooks, working with diverse artists across genres, and navigating the evolution of the music business from the early 2000s to the streaming era. Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter, music industry professional, or simply fascinated by the creative process behind the songs that define our lives, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the art and craft of hit songwriting. Sam’s candid reflections on perseverance, artistic integrity, and the healing nature of music make this a must-listen episode. Tune in to hear how music saved Sam Hollander—and how his songs continue to save countless others around the world. Support the show: https://musicsavedme.net/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Support the show: https://musicsavedme.net/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textIn this solo episode of Mentoring Matters, Dr. Stephanie Hansen shares how she approaches the start of a new semester with plans that actually survive reality. Instead of chasing perfection, she focuses on building sustainable systems: protecting time for deep thinking work, stress-testing your calendar, and breaking big goals into small, repeatable processes.She also tackles common faculty pain points, from mentoring high-achieving grad students who struggle with perfectionism to setting realistic thesis and dissertation timelines before panic season hits. Along the way, she shares practical tools she uses to keep projects moving when the semester gets chaotic, including a Kanban approach and structured accountability.Finally, she talks attention and technology: reducing social media and phone distraction, and helping students become AI-capable without cognitively offloading their education. The goal isn't flawless performance — it's growth, resilience, and progress you can sustain.If you are interested in having Steph or Mary do a workshop on graduate mentoring at your institution please reach out to Steph at slhansen@iastate.eduFor actionable tips and strategies for mentoring please check out The Graduate Mentor's Trail Map available in paperback and ebook now! If you are enjoying this podcast please leave a rating or review, and join us over on Twitter to let us know what topics you'd like to hear more about.

Send us a textDr. Farah shares the real story behind her pivot from ER nurse to nurse career coach and business owner. You'll learn how your personal story can fuel your brand identity, the importance of visibility in business, and how to stand out in a saturated market—even as a nurse writer. This episode is packed with tangible advice for nurses ready to build something of their own.About Dr. Farah LaurentNurse entrepreneur and founder of Nurses Making Business Moves Conference! Nurse career coach who's coached over 200 nurses to land their dream role making 6 figures! Author, podcaster, and keynote speaker!Key TakeawaysThe early resistance Farah faced—and how it fueled her purpose and missionWhy personal brand is your reputation and how to actively manage itHow to turn your story into a brand that builds trust and attracts clientsThe value of niching down to speak directly to your ideal audienceVisibility strategies: showing up on video, creating educational content, and networkingWhy testimonials and referrals are powerful tools for growing your credibilityThe difference between a business idea and a real business opportunityThe must-have elements before launching your brand and businessPractical tips for nurse writers: building authority, creating content, and connecting authenticallyWhy consistency matters more than perfectionWelcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNESAnd if you love it, can I ask for a

We'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts and questions?In this conversation, Rick Peck discusses the deeper meaning of philanthropy, emphasizing that true generosity is rooted in values and personal fulfillment rather than mere financial transactions. He shares insights on how to guide individuals and families in crafting intentional giving plans that align with their values and desired impact. The discussion also highlights the importance of collaboration among financial advisors, estate attorneys, and philanthropic advisors to create a holistic approach to philanthropy. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the significance of meaningful conversations and self-reflection in the journey of giving.Main Points:Generosity is about meaning, not just money.Fulfillment often comes from making an impact.Understanding personal values is crucial in philanthropy.Crafting a giving plan requires thoughtful reflection.Advisors should facilitate intentional conversations about values.Philanthropy involves a holistic ecosystem of support.The five T's of giving can enhance impact.It's important to know what impact looks like for you.Legacy planning should include family discussions.Meaningful conversations can strengthen generational bonds.Connect with Rick Peck:thephilanthropyguy@gmail.comhttps://www.thephilanthropyguy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-peck/https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Philanthropy-Guy/61550822280346/#https://www.instagram.com/rick_peck_the_philanthropy_guy/https://www.youtube.com/@ThePhilanthropyGuy

In this episode, we welcome Sofía Subercaseaux, editor of the critically-acclaimed film, The Testament of Ann Lee. Over the years, she has edited projects such as Maria, El Conde, Christine, The Devil All the Time, and “The Staircase”. In our chat, Sofía shares on her roots, pathway into editing, and working on this period piece. She also offers insights into her creative process, about working with director Mona Fastvold, and lends recommendations for the next generation of filmmakers.The Making Of is presented by AJA:ICYMI: AJA's biggest product releases in 2025From multi-channel HD and 4K/UltraHD IP video solutions, to Mini-Converters for bridging between resolutions, connectivity types, protocols, and codecs, a Mini-Converter frame, and a high-capacity 12G-SDI router, AJA announced several new products in 2025 that address emerging workflow needs across broadcast, production, post, and proAV.Get the full rundown hereNetflix to Keep Warner Bros. Movies in Theaters for 45-Day Window, Says Ted Sarandos: ‘I Want to Win the Box Office'Ted Sarandos keeps insisting that Netflix has come to make money from Warner Bros.' theatrical movie business — not to bury it.Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, reiterated in an interview with the New York Times published Friday the company's stance that should it close the megadeal with Warner Bros. Discovery to buy WB's studios and streaming businesses, it will continue to release the studio's films theatrically. And, specifically, he said that Netflix would keep a 45-day window for theatrical runs of Warner Bros. movies.Read more hereShoot. Store. Secure. Smile.The OWC Guardian is a bus‑powered, portable NVMe SSD featuring 256‑bit AES OPAL hardware encryption and a color touch‑screen for intuitive, secure access. With up to 1,000 MB/s real‑world transfer speeds, platform‑agnostic operation (Mac, PC, iPad Pro), and a rugged anodized aluminum enclosure, it's built to protect audit‑sensitive media and projects anytime, anywhere.Browse hereMeet LiveU Solo PRO:Deliver an outstanding live video experience with the LiveU Solo PRO. Designed for creators and professionals alike, the Solo PRO video encoder provides one-touch, wireless live streaming directly from your camera to popular online platforms and any web destination. Stream with confidence using bonded 4G/5G connectivity and enjoy superior reliability and image quality up to 4K resolution. To learn more, contact Videoguys at 800-323-2325.Learn more hereZEISS Special:Save 25% on ZEISS Nano PrimesThere's a whole world of exceptional moments to be captured out there. Make sure you are prepared and save big during this ZEISS special event! Save up to $6,400 off the list price on select ZEISS Nano Prime lenses.Explore hereREDUCATION® Hosted by AbelCine & REDJanuary 27-29, 2026 | NYCREDUCATION® is a 3-day workshop focused on hands-on learning with the latest RED Digital Cinema camera systems.Read more herePodcast Rewind:Jan. 2026 - Ep. 113.Advertise in this newsletter and reach 252,000 filmmakers, broadcast production pros, and content creators each week. For more info, email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

Paul Mobley and Ian Spanier have much in common: from starting their respective careers in New York City before relocating to the West Coast, to their knack for forging a human bond with portrait subjects, to an unrelenting drive to generate ambitious commercial assignments while being equally dedicated to complex personal projects.  In today's podcast, Paul and Ian compare notes on their photographic journeys from coast to coast, while discussing their shared inspiration for 20th century portrait masters such as Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, and in Ian's case, Harry Benson. A few of the key points covered: Secrets to becoming invaluable as a photo assistant; how no one can ever out hustle a New York photographer; and while great gear is important for reliability, what's more essential is to engage with your subject and shoot for feeling And, when it comes to surviving as an artist amid the latest media challenges, Paul adds a heartening note to the end of our chat: "You know, if we go back to what we started talking about: these pictures are made with our hearts and our minds, AI can never replace that. And if people want to hire us, they really want to know what's inside of us, so for that reason alone, I'm not worried." Guests: Paul Mobley & Ian Spanier Episode Timeline: 3:50: Paul's decision to move from Detroit to New York City after college and his early years as a photo assistant. 7:44: Ian's early photo journey through high school, college, and working as a photo editor in the publishing industry. 10:28: The influence of 20th century master portraitists such as Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, and Harry Benson.  15:28: Comparing the photo industry vibes of New York and Los Angeles. 22:11: The business of being a professional photographer: 10% taking pictures, 90% putting out fires and taking care of business. 28:40: The importance of gear in developing a style—equipment is secondary to what comes out of your heart, your mind, and your eye.  36:44: Episode Break 37:20: Preparation for a portrait shoot, getting the keywords for what a client needs and getting in front of a portrait subject.  43:32: Top challenge—Getting around the gatekeepers to get time with your subject. 49:35: The famous subjects at the top of Paul and Ian's bucket lists.  56:11: Personal projects and what this work lends to Paul and Ian's output.   1:01:44: Staying relevant in today's commercial marketplace, the value of past work, and the influence of hybrid media to getting new jobs. 1:06:38: The question of generative AI in today's creative economy—it's all about adapting, but AI can never replace what's in our hearts and our minds. Guest Bios: Paul Mobley is the quintessential portrait photographer, with a career that bridges high-profile commercial work and deeply human documentary projects. After formal photo training in college and years assisting top image-makers, he developed a clean, direct style rooted in precision and genuine engagement with his subjects. Paul's commercial portfolio includes celebrities, athletes, and major brands, yet his approach remains consistent across both commercial and personal projects: Build trust, find authenticity, and create portraits that capture the soul of his subjects by combining technical clarity with emotional depth. Additionally, he is widely recognized for his long-form documentary books, projects that have taken him across the United States to photograph ordinary people—farmers, centenarians, firefighters, and community heroes—whose stories often go unseen.  Paul splits his time between New York and Los Angeles, where he lives with his wife, Suzanne, and their rescued shar-pei, Jessie. In his spare time, he loves traveling, especially to Mexico, sampling tequila; and visiting Michigan to eat his mother's Italian cooking. In March 2026, Paul will be the first photographer ever to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree by his alma mater, The College of Creative Studies in Detroit. Website: https://www.paulmobleystudio.com/  Ian Spanier began making photos at age six, with a point-and-shoot camera received from his parents. A photo major in college, he started out in publishing, where he worked as a photo editor for 13 years, but making pictures never left him. He taught himself to shoot with medium and large formats, in addition to learning lighting techniques. These methods did the trick because Ian has since established a long and distinguished client list within editorial, corporate and entertainment industries.  He has also published several books, including Playboy, A Guide to Cigars, Arturo Fuente: From 1912, Local Heroes: America's Volunteer Fire Fighters and, most recently, Cigars: A Biography, featuring nearly two decades of his work in the cigar industry.  Ian is a brand ambassador for Westcott Lighting, Spider Holster, Tether Tools, ThinkTank, Evoto AI, and several other brands. Additionally, he regularly lectures and creates video content for Canon, B&H Photo, and PP of A.  Previously a New York resident, Ian now lives with his family in sunny California, although his work still takes him around the world. Website: https://www.ianspanier.com/  Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens  

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 312 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming Knitting in Passing From the Armchair KAL News Events Contest, News & Notes Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Sheri's Christmas Socks Yarn: Gusto Wool Echos in Colorway 1515 (blue to purple gradient in 2-50g skeins) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Gus the Dino Pattern: Gus the Dino by KP Crochet Patterns. $8.50 US Pattern on Etsy (on sale right now) Yarn: Bernat Blanket in Misty Green & Parfait Chunky in White Hook: J (6.0 mm) Ravelry Project Page I got 35 mm eyes from Amazon   Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks Yarn: Teal Torch Knits Splendid Sock (100% SW Merino) in the Emerald Colorway, Murky Depths Deep Sock in the Age of Aquarium Colorway & Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes in the Vanilla Bean colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2 Ravelry Project Page The first sock is a colorwork leg sock with things the Very Hungry Caterpillar I measured from another socks- 12 rounds per inch. Goal is a 5 inch leg (after cuff), so ~60 rounds Cast on 56 sts with US 1.5 for cuff. After cuff, knit a few rounds before doing 4 sets of increases (4 increases each time) to get to 72 sts. Then changed to US 2 needles and tested for stretchiness after first block of colorwork. Using that I plotted out the colorwork for one sock based on Pacific Knit Co's Garden Doodle set. The second sock is has 12 round stripes of the 2 green colorways with a red toe to look like the caterpillar.   Miles Penguin Pattern: Penguin by Lion Brand Yarn- free crochet pattern on the Lion Brand website Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted minis in Black, Clarity, White and Orange colorways Hook: C (2.75 mm) Ravelry Project Page For this one I used two black circles bordered by white so I could skip the safety eyes (Miles is under 2 years old).   Dirty Crayon Box Socks Yarn: Fiber Stash Strong Toes Sock (80% SW Merino/ 20% Nylon) in the Dirty Crayon Box Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page I started these socks in October 2024 and finished on January 5, 2026   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Woolens & Nosh 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Woolens & Nosh, 75/25 Superwash Wool/Nylon 2025 Advent Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   Kirby Wirby 2025 Advent Socks Yarn: Kirby Wirby 75/25 Superwash Merino/Nylon in the 2025 Advent Christmas Toys from the 80s 24 Stripe Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Yarn theme: Christmas Toys from the 80s   Traveler Sweater Pattern: The Traveler by Andrea Mowry ($9 pattern available on Ravelry & the designer's website) Yarn: Hazel Knits Small Batch Sport (90/10 SW/Nylon) in a sage green Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) & US 4 (3.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: finished the first sleeve and I'm at the cuff of the the second.   Pucker Brush Farm BFL Sweater Spin Fiber: 16 oz of multi colored BFL roving from Pucker Brush Farm (purchased at Rhinebeck 2025), 4 oz Merino in a mustard color Ravelry Project Page I am planning to knit a Traveler sweater inspired by Emily Curtis' handmade version- click here for her Ravelry Project Page. I was thrilled to see a recent post on Emily's Instagram that she made a YouTube video about this spin/knit. I found 4oz of Ironwood Hill Farm Roving- Finnsheep combed top that I purchased in April 2021. Unfortunately I can't find more of this on Cece's Wool site or Ironwood's etsy shop, but I think it will give me the idea for a tan/brown color plied with the colorful yarn, so I spun enough to make a sample yarn to swatch with.   Brainstorming Crochet Ski Helmet Balaclava available on Etsy for $7.36   Knitting in Passing Millie finished the hat she was knitting for her dad with yarn from Plied Yarn Co. Aila loved her goose purse! Her reaction was priceless Eme loved their Very Hungry Caterpillar socks My dad bought me a set of 2 organizers for socks. Each holds 30 pair. Great for my handknits. They sit on the shelf in our closet and are a gray cotton/linen that matches our hampers! Here's an Amazon Affiliate Link in case you're interested in checking them out.   From the Armchair The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Amazon Affiliate Link. Tilt by Emma Pattee. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   KAL News   Pigskin Party '25 Event Dates: KAL Dates- Thursday September 4, 2025- Monday February 9, 2026 Find everything you need in the Start Here Thread in the Ravelry Group Official Rules Registration Form  (you must be Registered to be eligible for prizes) Enter your projects using the Point Tally Form Find the full list of Sponsors in this Google Doc. Coupon Codes are listed in this Ravelry Thread Exclusive Items from our Pro Shop Sponsors are listed in this Ravelry Thread Questions-  ask them in this Ravelry Thread or email Jen at downcellarstudio @ gmail.com   Updates In This Episode Official Sponsor for Quarter 3 (December)- Suburban Stitcher Mini Maker's Merry Month See details in this Ravelry Thread. Winner announced Official Sponsor for Quarter 4 (January)- Yarnaceous Fibers. Check out this Ravelry Thread for  4th & Goal with Yarnaceous Fibers Challenge Details December Participation Winners Announced Wild Card WIP Bonus- check out this Ravelry thread for details   Commentator Update Happy new year pigskin partiers!  The January huddle is abuzz with conversation. Several players have posted a list of everything that they made in 2025. We have some really prolific players in the group! The best thing about the conversation is that no one is competitive about it. Just lots of celebrations!  I find it kind of inspiring to see what others have accomplished. For example, hikesandbikes finished 54 knitted knockers! What a great cause! It inspires me to try knitting some this year.  Come on over and join the chat if you want to get inspired too!  A few players have decided that they want to make sweaters in 2026. If you want to join in the fun, hop on over to a new Sweater MAL thread: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/down-cellar-studio-podcast/4390076/1-25 Another interesting topic of conversation in the January huddle stemmed from the unfortunate injury of one of our players. Sadly, she sprained her wrist. The group came through with lots of ideas for what to do when you can't knit and crochet, including needle felting, doing puzzles, watercolors, playing with art supplies, journaling and as MrsQuilt put it, "whining, reading, and actually paying attention to what is on the TV" I am wishing you all health, happiness, and strong crafting mojo in the new year! Mary   Events Farm Fiber Days at Russell's Garden Center- January 18th & March 8th in Wayland, MA Sunkissed Fiber Festival: January 24-25, 2026- just outside Tampa, FL New England Farm & Fiber Festival- Sunday February 8 from 10a-4p in Boston, MA Fiber Witch Festival- April 24-26th in Salem, MA   Contest, News & Notes Check out my Vlogmas videos if you haven't already- click here for the full playlist. Thanks to Nellsknitting for starting a thread in the Ravelry Group about a Sweater KAL 2026. (Danielle in MA)- great chatter about WIPs, planning etc. Want to cast on and need some encouragement? check it out.   Life in Focus   In this episode I reviewed my 2025 word of the year and 25 in 25 list.   My Word of the Year for 2025: Welcome   25 in 2025   Donate Blood at least 4 times (January, March, May, Sept) Go shopping for plants with Dan 4 times in the year (my Christmas gift from him) Buy new ski boots Go camping (scheduled for June) Kayak 2-5 times (Saco- 2 days) Do at least 5 walks with others (Megg 3/30)  bike riding with Dan twice in March. Walked with Megg (April), hike Mount Monument (Dan, Megg, Tom, Aila), Laura in 2 National Parks in Washington State  Take 2-5 yoga classes (outside of the house)--- option- https://balancestudiocohasset.com/book-a-class/ Do at least 30 lessons in Mondly (had 25 done in 2024)- does not include daily lessons Spend a day at Raffa Life-  September 21 with Laura and Megg Record 2-5 things I'm grateful for each day before bed (more days than not counts)- fallen off. Read all of Simple Abundance (ideally daily or close to)(10) Read at least 60 books- all books count (even poetry etc) Get at least 2 massages at Oasis (1 in April, 1 in June, 1 in September) See 2-5 movies in the theater (Paddington in Peru, The Long Walk, Blue Moon, Wicked for Good) Knit 2-5 garments for me (Aurealis - WIPs-Monsoonee Sweaters, granny stripe tank, Bayside tank) Granny tank, Bayside Shirt Finish and enjoy my Christmas Granny Square Blanket Crochet at least 5 toys (1: hedgehog 2& 3: Love Bugs, 4 pop-tart, 5 butterfly- another butterfly WIP, and TRex) Use my spinning wheel at least once a month (Jan, Feb & March, April,  July, August, September, Oct, Nov (forgot May & June) Have a crafty day with Emelie Knit a slouchy hat for myself Try out 3 new to me podcasts (Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, White Lotus official podcast, severance official podcast, Cramped) Watch White Christmas with Jenny & Kara (bringing the tradition back) Buy a firebox and put important papers inside (working with Dan on list of things to put in it) https://www.thenokbox.com (Debbie, deafelis recommended) Create a list of things to pack in case of an evacuation https://www.thenokbox.com/ -deafelis- Debbie told me about it Purge at least 20 items of clothing/accessories/shoes     On a Happy Note Dad's knee replacement was a big success! I stayed with him from December 5-21. Dad and I had a lovely visit from our friend Merry who came with an unexpected gift- a bracelet with beads made from my mom's funeral flowers in red (ruby slipper), yellow (yellow brick road) and white for home. Dan and I had a lovely double date night at the Irish pub with friends. I was able to see my 7 year old niece Hattie as Gretl in Sound of Music (twice!!!) Making Aunt Milly's cookies with Riley and Millie (and having a sleepover with them). Christmas Eve & Christmas Day were both lovely. Definitely different without my Mom and grandmother there but it was still a joy to be together. Our friend Gail joined us as she usually does and brought all sorts of fun games for us to play. The Sunday after Christmas, I was able to spend all afternoon with my grandmother, some of that alone. My friend Megg came over because she wanted to visit and say goodbye. We had dinner together after. My friend Laura came in for NYE. Small get together with friends at my Dad's turned into a real party, though most didn't stay until midnight. Megg wanted it to be a sparkly kind of night so Laura and I got outfits for the three of us at the consignment shop on the way over! Very silly fun. My cousin Mike and his husband Kyle came up from Florida. My grandmother's services were beautiful with contributions from lots of family members. While it was more stressful than mom's, and it was the worst form of deja vu having the same schedule for that exact same Thur/Fri two years in a row- my grandmother would be happy with how it all turned out.  Skiing on Saturday after the funeral. 7 of us, impromptu trip, icy conditions but we still had a blast.   Quote of the Week "Amidst the normal hard stuff is the abnormal hard stuff. You may be doing great, but no one great always had it great. At the end of each day, as you prepare for the next, I hope you take an inventory of your life, your thoughts and where you're headed. The wind can take you some cool places, but so can your paddle."   ― Richie Norton   ------   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

For nearly a century, the Mizrahi family has shaped western apparel through craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep commitment to retailers and manufacturers across the industry. In this episode, Lane Mizrahi reflects on his father Roland's legacy, the evolution of Sidran Inc., and the timeless values that continue to guide their family business.Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Lane Mizrahi, CEO Sidran Inc.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cripplecreekapparel/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cripplecreekapparel/

Our guest is Hideatsu Shibanuma who is the 18th-generation president of Shibanuma Soy Sauce, which was founded in 1688. Shibanuma Soy Sauce has specialized in producing barrel-aged soy sauce in Ibaraki Prefecture for about 370 years. Its products were so superior that they were served to Shoguns during the Edo period. Like many other craftsmen-based traditional businesses in Japan, soy sauce manufacturers have faced challenges due to reasons like a declining population and changes in people's diet. But Shibanuma Soy Sauce is doing well, thanks to its success in the export markets, with over 60 destinations worldwide. But it did not happen overnight. It is the result of Hideatsu's hard work. In this episode, we will discuss the key to successfully running the 377-year old soy sauce company, the unique taste of Hideatsu's barrel-aged soy sauce, why his products have been attracting the attention of top chefs all over the world and much, much more!!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the new year, 2026 edition of "Crafting a Meaningful Life" with Mary Crafts. This transformative episode dives deep into the world of health and wellness with esteemed bariatric surgeon Dr. Douglas Greer. Dr. Greer shares his unique insights on the evolving landscape of weight loss solutions, providing a holistic approach that combines surgery with lifestyle changes and continuous support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embark on a life-changing journey towards physical and emotional well-being in 2026. In this compelling discussion, Dr. Greer sheds light on the intricacies of bariatric surgery and the importance of addressing obesity as a medical condition rather than a willpower issue. He emphasizes that a sustainable weight-loss journey requires a multi-faceted approach, involving pre-surgery preparation, post-surgery care, and ongoing emotional and mental support. Dr. Greer also explores the growing trend of weight loss injections and their implications on society and his practice, highlighting the potential risks of unmonitored use. He advocates for personalized plans tailored to individual needs, urging listeners to seek professional guidance for successful weight management. About the Guest: Dr. Douglas Greer is a renowned bariatric surgeon specializing in health, wellness, fitness, and weight loss. With a medical degree and extensive training in general and bariatric surgery, Dr. Greer has dedicated his career to helping patients achieve sustained weight loss and improved health outcomes. His approach goes beyond conventional surgery, focusing on comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, including dietary changes, exercise programs, and emotional support to ensure long-term success for his patients. Episode Summary: Key Takeaways: Comprehensive Care: Successful weight loss requires a holistic approach that includes effective pre-surgery preparation, post-surgery follow-up, and continuous lifestyle support. Understanding Obesity: Recognize obesity as a complex medical condition that involves both genetic and environmental factors, rather than a simple lack of willpower. Risks of Unsupervised Medication: Exercising caution when considering weight loss injections, stressing the importance of medical supervision to avoid muscle loss and other health risks. Personalized Programs: Emphasize the need for tailored weight loss programs that fit individual lifestyles and preferences, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Greer's Personal Experience: Dr. Greer shares his transformative journey through weight loss surgery, providing a unique perspective as both a surgeon and a patient. Resources: Connect with Dr. Douglas Greer at his website for more information on his program and to explore surgical and non-surgical weight loss options. Discover how you can craft your ideal life by listening to the full episode and stay tuned for more inspiring content from "Crafting a Meaningful Life."

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman "A rule of life allows us to live with intention and purpose in the present moment." - Steve Macchia How do you actually begin crafting a Rule of Life? What steps can you take, and what tools can help you along the way? In this week's episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia and James Hauptman share practical insights and concrete guidance for getting started. They walk through five key areas of life that benefit from intentional and prayerful attention as you assess your current rhythms, relationships, and daily practices. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  

In this week's episode of Fully Booked, author Tricia Copeland joins Craig and Roland for an in-depth look at fantasy world-building and character-driven storytelling. Tricia shares how her initial story idea evolved into a four-book series of interconnected realms, and how that experience ultimately propelled her into the realm of YA fantasy. From hybrid vampire-witches navigating identity to anxiety-stricken fairy queens thrust into leadership, Tricia's characters are as layered as the richly imagined worlds they inhabit. By walking us through her creative process, Tricia reveals how she builds immersive fantasy realms around the emotional arcs of her characters. Rather than beginning with a map or magic system, she starts with internal conflict and personal stakes, allowing the world to take shape in response. Drawing from real-life experience and relatable struggles, she shows how moral complexity can be woven into speculative fiction through characters who break societal rules or challenge tradition. Whether you're blending genres or managing the continuity of a multi-series universe, today's episode offers valuable insight into crafting fantasy that feels both imaginative and deeply human.   Tricia Copeland www.triciacopeland.com   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

In this episode, we welcome Fabian Gamper. Fabian is the cinematographer of the feature film, “Sound of Falling,” that won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and is on the Oscar shortlists for Cinematography and International Feature Film. In our chat, we hear about his early days, education, and creative approach to shooting this award-winning feature. He also shares about the tools and technologies used to capture this story, and offers recommendations for filmmakers today. The Making Of is presented by AJA:ICYMI: AJA's biggest product releases in 2025From multi-channel HD and 4K/UltraHD IP video solutions, to Mini-Converters for bridging between resolutions, connectivity types, protocols, and codecs, a Mini-Converter frame, and a high-capacity 12G-SDI router, AJA announced several new products in 2025 that address emerging workflow needs across broadcast, production, post, and proAV.Get the full rundown hereGolden Globes 2026 Winners: ‘One Battle After Another' Earns 4 Awards, ‘Adolescence' Leads TV‘Hamnet' wins best drama, ‘The Pitt' and ‘The Studio' land top TV prizes.“One Battle After Another,” a blistering satire about radical politics, and “Hamnet,” a look at William Shakespeare's complicated domestic life, took top prizes at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. “The Studio,” a send-up of Hollywood, was named best TV series (musical or comedy) and “The Pitt,” which takes place in an over-stretched hospital, won best TV series (drama). Best limited or anthology series went to “Adolescence,” the story of a murder investigation that unfolds in one, continuous shot. Read more hereShoot. Store. Secure. Smile.The OWC Guardian is a bus‑powered, portable NVMe SSD featuring 256‑bit AES OPAL hardware encryption and a color touch‑screen for intuitive, secure access. With up to 1,000 MB/s real‑world transfer speeds, platform‑agnostic operation (Mac, PC, iPad Pro), and a rugged anodized aluminum enclosure, it's built to protect audit‑sensitive media and projects anytime, anywhere. Explore hereInsights on the Making of “A House of Dynamite”:ZEISS Special:Save 25% on ZEISS Nano PrimesThere's a whole world of exceptional moments to be captured out there. Make sure you are prepared and save big during this ZEISS special event! Save up to $6,400 off the list price on select ZEISS Nano Prime lenses. Explore hereREDUCATION® Hosted by AbelCine & REDJanuary 27-29, 2026 | NYCREDUCATION® is a 3-day workshop focused on hands-on learning with the latest RED Digital Cinema camera systems.Explore hereMeet LiveU Solo PRO:Deliver an outstanding live video experience with the LiveU Solo PRO. Designed for creators and professionals alike, the Solo PRO video encoder provides one-touch, wireless live streaming directly from your camera to popular online platforms and any web destination. Stream with confidence using bonded 4G/5G connectivity and enjoy superior reliability and image quality up to 4K resolution. To learn more, contact Videoguys at 800-323-2325.Learn more herePodcast Rewind:Jan. 2026 - Ep. 112.Advertise in this newsletter and reach 252K filmmakers, TV, broadcast pros, and content creators each week. For more information, email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

Preparing the next session of our Keys from the Golden Vault D&D campaignHUGE SPOILERS! No players allowed!Shop for your tabletop games, CCGs, miniatures, RPG supplies, and help support the channel by shopping at Noble Knight Games: https://www.nobleknight.com?awid=1553Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlChat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson

In this week's episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen tell the extraordinary story of Poon Lim—a Chinese sailor who survived 133 days alone on a life raft in the Atlantic Ocean, the longest solo life raft survival ever recorded. When a German U-boat torpedoes the SS Ben Lomond in 1942, Poon Lim becomes the ship's sole survivor. Adrift with minimal supplies, he battles dehydration, starvation, and despair. Using nothing but his wits and will to live, he catches fish with makeshift hooks, snares seabirds, collects rainwater, and even kills a shark with his bare hands. Discover how Poon Lim endured repeated near-rescues, brutal sun exposure, and complete isolation—and what it truly takes to survive when hope seems impossible. 00:00 Introduction  00:47 Meet the Hosts 01:11 Setting the Scene: Poon Lim's Ordeal Begins 02:39 The Sinking of SS Ben Lamond 06:18 Surviving the Open Ocean 09:39 Crafting a Survival Strategy 11:32 Near Rescues and Psychological Strain 17:08 Storms and Setbacks 18:48 Desperation and Determination 19:49 The Struggle for Survival 20:25 Desperation and Hard Measures 21:26 Sharks: A New Challenge 22:19 Catching a Shark 26:03 The Mental and Physical Toll 27:02 Near Rescue and Renewed Determination 29:19 Final Rescue and Recovery 34:57 Post-War Life and Legacy 37:39 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ SOURCES Wikipedia: "Poon Lim" Wikipedia: "SS Benlomond (1922)" War History Online: "Mess Steward Poon Lim Survived 133 Days Lost At Sea" History Defined: "Surviving 133 Days at Sea: The Remarkable Life of Poon Lim" Outdoor Revival: "Adrift - Poon Lim survived 133 days at sea on a wooden raft" Factinate: "The Unbelievable Survival Story Of Poon Lim" Today I Found Out: "The Man on the Raft: The Story of Poon Lim" RECOIL OFFGRID: "Survival at Sea" Ships Nostalgia: "Benlomond survivor WWII" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lorenzo Musetti joins for an exclusive chat about his breakout 2025, and why he will continue to push his own limits and chase the very best players in the game. The Italian opens up about his aggressive and flashy style of play, how his growing family continues to motivate him, and why winning an epic ATP Finals match over Alex De Minaur in Turin was a signature moment in his young career. The newly-minted Top 5 player also explains why he's always had an interest in fashion, and why he's extremely excited to take part in the MGM Slam in Las Vegas on March 1. And then Leif Shiras recaps the first week of the 2026 season, which featured some terrific action and drama. Shiras discusses Aryna Sabalenka's brilliance in Brisbane, Daniil Medvedev's successful start to the year, and Alexander Bublik finding his rightful place in the winner's circle yet again. The commentator also reflects on Poland's triumph at the United Cup, analyzes Coco Gauff notching another win over Iga Swiatek, and examines whether Novak Djokovic could be embarking on his final Australian Open in a few days. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SummaryIn this episode of the Tabletop SportCast, host James Cast interviews Mark Unger and Ron Juckett about their experiences in the sports gaming community and the exciting documentary project they are working on. They discuss the art of sports broadcasting, the importance of storytelling, and the human interest elements that make sports gaming a unique hobby. The conversation also touches on the role of technology, nostalgia, and community connection in enhancing the sports gaming experience. Have a story to tell? Email Marc Unger at thespianseries@gmail.comKeywordssports gaming, broadcasting, documentary, tabletop sports, community, storytelling, technology, human interest, nostalgia, sports historyTakeawaysThe importance of storytelling in sports documentaries.Ron Juckett's unique broadcasting experience despite physical limitations.Mark Unger's passion for sports gaming and its history.The role of technology in enhancing sports gaming experiences.Community connection is vital in the sports gaming hobby.The documentary aims to highlight human interest stories in sports gaming.Nostalgia plays a significant role in attracting new players to the hobby.The documentary will focus on high production values to engage a wider audience.Exploring the mental health aspects of sports gaming enthusiasts.The documentary seeks to bridge the gap between hobbyists and mainstream sports.TitlesCapturing the Essence of Sports GamingBehind the Scenes of Sports BroadcastingSound bites"This is the Tabletop Sportcast.""Ron Juckett's unique broadcasting experience.""The importance of storytelling in documentaries."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Guests03:32 Ron Juckett's Journey in Sports Gaming06:18 Mark Unger's Background and Passion for Sports09:23 The Concept of the Documentary12:18 Ron Juckett's Broadcasting Aspirations15:37 The Human Element in Sports Gaming18:34 Accessibility in Sports Gaming21:32 The Role of Technology in Sports Gaming24:30 Production Values and Storytelling in Documentaries33:41 Crafting a Compelling Documentary35:46 Exploring Personal Stories and Mental Health39:27 The Global Community of Gamers43:12 Nostalgia and Its Role in Gaming48:16 Understanding the Mechanics of Gaming50:04 The Power of Documentaries to Inspire54:50 Funding and Community Involvement01:01:51 The Broader Impact of the Hobby01:05:15 Future Projects and Engagements01:16:11 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode of Tell the Damn Story, Alex and Chris explore what it really means to commit to a creative path—not just in ambition, but in action.They dig into the often-overlooked realities of collaboration: working with partners, editors, and creative peers; learning how to listen to critique without taking it personally; and understanding the difference between feedback that strengthens your work and noise that distracts from it. Through personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and nearly 400 episodes' worth of perspective, Alex and Chris break down why professionalism, patience, and openness are essential tools for any serious creative.This episode is about showing up, doing the work, and learning how to grow—whether you're working solo or building something with others.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → ⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash sits down with Brendan Ruch, the innovative tier behind the Nut Job, to explore every dimension of this game-changing swim fly pattern. From its accidental birth on Logjam Live to its current status as a go-to predator pattern for serious smallmouth and trout anglers, Brendan walks through the complete evolution of the fly. The conversation covers Central Pennsylvania waters where the pattern has proven deadly on big smallmouth and trout, particularly during spring high water conditions. Brendan details his craft fur-based approach, explaining how the synthetic material provides superior castability and a distinctive glide bait action compared to traditional hen saddle patterns. The discussion moves from vise to water, covering everything from material selection and proportioning to advanced retrieve techniques that maximize the fly's strip-and-stall bite trigger, making this essential listening for any angler pursuing large predatory fish on the fly.Key TakeawaysHow to tie a swim fly with predictable glide bait action using craft fur instead of expensive hen saddles, resulting in easier casting and better material availabilityWhy positioning rubber legs on top of the shank rather than on the sides creates critical parachute action that allows the fly to suspend and trigger strikes during the pauseWhen to adjust tungsten bead weights between 3/16" and 7/32" based on current speed to keep the fly in the strike zone without losing the neutral buoyancy that makes the pattern effectiveHow introducing slack through rod tip manipulation and strategic mends maximizes the fly's side-to-side glide within a confined 12-inch zone where fish are holdingWhy dark colors like olive-and-black with copper flash outperform bright patterns in off-color spring water, while yellow-orange combinations excel as visibility improvesTechniques & Gear CoveredThe episode centers on Brendan's systematic approach to fishing articulated swim flies with emphasis on strip-and-stall retrieves that create glide bait action. He details using rod tip manipulation—upward jerks, downward strips, lateral movements combined with mends—to introduce slack that allows the Nut Job to kick side-to-side within a tight zone. Tying techniques focus on craft fur density and proportioning, including ripping tips rather than cutting to preserve bulk, using finesse chenille as a low-drag core and positioning 4-8 rubber legs to create suspending action. Brendan discusses hook configurations ranging from size 2 Trout Predator to 1/0 hooks paired with 15-25mm shanks connected via Maxima Chameleon 25lb, with tungsten bead options from 3/16" to 7/32" for varying current speeds. Line selection covers Type 3 sink tips for early season high water transitioning to intermediate lines as flows normalize, paired with fluoro leaders built from 30-35lb stepping down to 16-20lb tippet.Locations & SpeciesThe Nut Job has proven effective across East Coast waters, with Brendan's primary focus on Central Pennsylvania smallmouth fisheries where the pattern excels during high water conditions typical of March through May. He references success on the West Branch of the Delaware targeting trout with smaller versions of the pattern and discusses adaptations for musky fishing and striper applications along coastal waters. The fly's design addresses the challenges of fishing swollen spring rivers with off-color water, where heavy tungsten keeps...

Preparing the next session of my Patron DnD campaign, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.HUGE SPOILERS! No players allowed!Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.htmlShop for tabletop games, CCGs, miniatures, RPG supplies and more at our sponsor, Noble Knight Games, using my affiliate link: https://www.nobleknight.com?awid=1553Chat with us in the Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/AjvtemjSupport the channel at https://www.patreon.com/Roguewatson

The woman who lived to 118 years old had one remarkable characteristic that scientists couldn't ignore; her gut microbiome resembled that of a 35-year-old. I'm here today with Anders Corbett, CEO of Craft Microbiome, unpacking the science of banking your young bacteria before age-related decline sets in, and how specific bacterial strains are now being correlated to neurodegenerative diseases years before symptoms appear. Your genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's or Parkinson's may not be your destiny at all.  CLICK HERE TO BECOME GARYS VIP!: https://bit.ly/4ai0Xwg Check out Anders Products here: www.craftmicrobiome.com  Connect with Anders Corbett Website: https://bit.ly/495Viuq  Instagram: https://bit.ly/4qz2Uvd  Facebook: https://bit.ly/44XmbOH  LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44Xmjh9  Thank you to our partners H2TABS: “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4hMNdgg BODYHEALTH: “ULTIMATE20” FOR 20% OFF: http://bit.ly/4e5IjsV BAJA GOLD: "ULTIMATE10" FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/3WSBqUa COLD LIFE: THE ULTIMATE HUMAN PLUNGE: https://bit.ly/4eULUKp WHOOP: JOIN AND GET 1 FREE MONTH!: https://bit.ly/3VQ0nzW AION: “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4h6KHAD A-GAME: “ULTIMATE15” FOR 15% OFF: http://bit.ly/4kek1ij PEPTUAL: “TUH10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4mKxgcn CARAWAY: “ULTIMATE” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/3Q1VmkC HEALF: 10% OFF YOUR ORDER: https://bit.ly/41HJg6S RHO NUTRITION: “ULTIMATE15” FOR 15% OFF: https://bit.ly/44fFza0 GOPUFF: GET YOUR FAVORITE SNACK!: https://bit.ly/4obIFDC GENETIC METHYLATION TEST (UK ONLY): https://bit.ly/48QJJrk GENETIC TEST (USA ONLY): ⁠https://bit.ly/3Yg1Uk9 Watch  the “Ultimate Human Podcast” every Tuesday & Thursday at 9AM EST: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RPQYX8 Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RQftU0 Connect with Gary Brecka Instagram: https://bit.ly/3RPpnFs TikTok: https://bit.ly/4coJ8fo X: https://bit.ly/3Opc8tf Facebook: https://bit.ly/464VA1H LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4hH7Ri2 Website: https://bit.ly/4eLDbdU Merch: https://bit.ly/4aBpOM1 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/47ejrws Ask Gary: https://bit.ly/3PEAJuG Timestamps 00:00 Intro of Show 02:03 Anders Corbett's Background 09:27 How Does Your Gut Bacteria Make Your Muscles Stronger? 16:32 Analysing Gut Bacteria Procedure and Treatment 26:27 Addressing the Symptoms 30:38 Working with NBA and Elite Athletes 36:57 Crafting Your Microbiome (on Your Own Goals) 40:07 Where to Start (When You Have Gut Inflammation)? 48:49 Treating Children's Skin Diseases 57:09 Successful Patients' Cases 1:05:36 Mitigating the Risks of Neurodegenerative Diseases  1:08:44 What's Next for Craft Microbiome? 1:13:30 Restoring Healthy Physiology 1:18:26 Where to Start on Your Health Journey? 1:23:52 What does it mean to you to be an Ultimate Human? The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The Content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Niche Is Too Niche? Crafting a Story That Converts, Not Just Connects Most people stumble when asked, "What do you do?" But in today's crowded marketplace, a vague story doesn't sell—it stalls. In this episode, AJ and Rory Vaden break down how to clarify your story, define your audience, and convert conversations into clients. You'll learn how to: Identify your niche through your personal story—not the other way around Discern which version of your past self you're best positioned to serve Create a simple but powerful elevator pitch that moves people to action Use the "six-foot rule" to uncover hidden offline opportunities Avoid the trap of telling stories that connect but don't convert Whether you're speaking on stage, posting online, or standing in line at Starbucks—this episode will help you master the art of storyselling and turn everyday moments into meaningful business growth.

Nate The FUT Accountant joins Josh this week to discuss how to prepare for TOTY. Still reeling from Amorim's sacking, Ben is sitting this one out, but with Winter Wildcards to dissect, Time Warp to remember and more Evo's than we ever thought possible, there's plenty to get your teeth into. Get these episodes in your podcast app: bit.ly/podfeedhelpDiscord (for Gold & Icon) Supporters: bit.ly/poddiscordhelpImprove your connection: bit.ly/connectionspecial Thank you as always for making FUT Weekly possible! 00:00 Introduction 02:21 Pound for Pound Powerhouse 09:28 Time Warp Promo First Impressions 14:48 Have EA Tipped That TOTY Is Only 2 PS+? 18:35 Was Winter Wildcards The Best FC 26 Promo? 21:34 Player SBC Highlights from Winter Wildcards 23:15 Baby Icons and Silver Icons In the Same Game? 26:35 The Great Gullit Evolution Rush of FC 26 30:56 Can Evo's Continue Like This? 32:01 New MASS Repeatable Evo's, What Does Balance and Vision Do? 43:26 A Bronze Event, It's Fun Right?...Right? 48:43 What To Do With Your Coins Before TOTY 56:11 Investment Insights for Team of the Year 01:01:06 Crafting and Upgrades for Team of the Year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Samin Nosrat on taking back your life, overcoming overwhelm, and redefining success. A candid conversation about joy, grief, rebellion, rest, food, and what actually sustains us when achievement isn't enough.In this soul-stirring conversation about her new book "Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love," the Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat creator offers a masterclass in how small rituals can become profound acts of love, and why letting go of striving might be the key to finding what we're all really hungry for.You can find Samin at: Website | Instagram | Home Cooking podcast | a grain of salt substack | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you'll also love the conversations we had with Samin about her journey from anxiety and depression to finding joy through food, writing, and community at Chez Panisse. Her earlier visit also offers a wonderful complement to today's conversation.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  My guest today is Jill Lublin, a woman I've had the joy of knowing for many years and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in her field. Jill is a Media Magnet with more than 25 years of experience, a world-renowned publicity expert, an international speaker, and a four-time best-selling author.    Throughout her remarkable career, Jill has shared the stage with icons such as Tony Robbins, Barbara Corcoran, and Jack Canfield, and has helped over 100,000 clients amplify their visibility using her signature media and publicity formulas. Her work transforms how entrepreneurs are seen and heard, helping them attract the right opportunities, clients, and income with ease.    Jill's powerful teachings come to life in her Media Mastery Intensive and her monthly Kindness Circles, where she blends strategic wisdom with a heart-centered approach to business.    In our inspiring conversation, Jill and I explore:    - Why public relations is always happening, even when you're not aware of it   - How to gain media attention by identifying a real problem and positioning yourself as the solution   - Crafting messages that serve your audience's needs, rather than simply listing your achievements   - Using local media to grow visibility and why traditional publicity still matters in a digital world   - Measuring your ROI and understanding the true value of earned media versus paid advertising   - Connecting with the right audience as the key to authentic and effective publicity    This episode is filled with practical magic for entrepreneurs ready to become visible, expand their influence, and share their work with the world in bigger ways.    Subscribe now so you'll never miss an episode and leave us a review! It really helps us know which content resonates with you the most.    Join our Feminine Business Magic Facebook Group (https://tinyurl.com/ygdkw7ce)  with your host, Julie Foucht. This is a community of women dedicated to connecting, supporting, and celebrating each other in growing businesses that honor their Divine Feminine while filling their bank accounts abundantly.    Resources mentioned:    Take the Witchpreneur Quiz and discover which Feminine Magic is your Key to Financial Success. (https://bit.ly/witchpreneur-quiz)    Purchase Love-Based Feminine Marketing (https://tinyurl.com/ydmzb6qz)          Jill Lublin's Free Gift:  Download Jill's Publicity Action Guide for free at https://JillLublin.com/guide      **Contact Jill Lublin via Facebook or https://jilllublin.com/**    **Connect with Julie Foucht via Facebook (https://tinyurl.com/yeb82uuj) or email at https://juliefoucht.com/** 

Most podcasters think that landing a sponsor for their show is out of reach or that they don't qualify. This couldn't be further from the truth! In this episode, Justin Moore breaks down exactly how to write a pitch that brands can't ignore. He shares the four parts you need to include and how to stand out to decision-makers who control budgets. Get ready to start landing real sponsorships without needing to be famous!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/364Chapters00:00 Unlocking Sponsorship Opportunities05:22 Crafting the Perfect Pitch11:11 Building Long-Term Relationships with BrandsTakeawaysBrand sponsorships can turn creative visions into reality.Crafting a compelling pitch is essential for success.Relevant pitches increase the likelihood of brand collaboration.Organic content can illustrate audience affinity for brands.Proof of past success can strengthen your pitch.Building relationships with brands is a long-term strategy.Persistence is key in following up with brands.The pitch is about starting a conversation, not just closing a deal.You are not just a podcaster; you are a bridge to brands.77% of creators rely on brand collaborations for revenue.MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/364

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. My Guest: Brian Kelly is the founder of The Points Guy, which he built from a side hustle blog into a travel media empire that he sold for $28 million. At 42, he's now an angel investor in 15+ companies, including Bilt (valued at $11 billion). In this conversation, he shares lessons on manifestation, selling too early, building yourself into the brand, and why vulnerability beats wins in interviews. Key Learnings (in Brian's words) In 1995, I was 12 years old, and I was great with computers, so I started booking all of my dad's travel for work. He'd pay me $10 per booking. Then it turned into points, when my dad showed me all the American and US Air miles he had. "If you can figure out how to use all of them, we can go on a family trip."  And the rest is history. That was my first real, oh wait, this points thing is amazing. Points were a way for us to live a fabulous lifestyle.  I grew up thinking we were poor, but I really wanted to live a fabulous life. My parents were very humble and did not spend money lavishly. For me I always wanted to travel. When I was a kid, I would spin the globe and be like, This is where I'm going. I would actually research Oman. Somehow genetically, I got this gene of I need to be rich and travel the world. I used to call Mercedes, get all of their glossy pamphlets for all their new cars, and I would cut them out and stick them on my wall.  Manifesting alone won't make you wealthy, but visioning helps. I do believe being able to visualize what it looks like and taste it and get close to it helps you take the smaller steps to actually achieve it. When I think of my investments, I actually envision what they're gonna be. I envision that they're multi-billion-dollar companies. I believe it unlocks a level of pushing you to reach these mini steps that you can't see throughout the process. I started The Points Guy in 2010, but there were already Titan bloggers. I for sure felt imposter syndrome, but I saw that what they lacked was creativity. Points and miles are very clinical. Very few people were translating that for an audience. I knew I had an opportunity. I'm in my twenties, living in New York City. I'm gonna explain what everyday people need to know. Building a media brand became my moat. No one else in the points world was doing media. Doing media's frightening. While it was scary going on TV the first couple times (I almost fainted), I knew that each time I did it, I got better. That was the moat I would build. I would build The Points Guy into a brand more so than any of the others who had come before me. I saw from the beginning to double and triple down on that strategy of building something that's more than just a blog, but a lifestyle that people want to achieve. "I made a million bucks in my first six months of just blogging, but using affiliate links." In 2011, within six months of learning about affiliate marketing, I made six figures a month using the credit card links in my blog.  I was still working at Morgan Stanley. My mom was like, this sounds too good to be true. You can't leave Morgan Stanley. I was making like $300,000 a month in affiliate. Meanwhile, at Morgan Stanley, my salary is $70,000 a year. But it didn't pay right away. My parents actually lent me $10,000 just to pay my rent. I remember where I was in Madrid when that first Chase deposit of $490,000 hit from months of back pay on the blog. I sold for $28 million because I thought the industry would collapse. When Bankrate offered me $28 million in May 2012, I kind of had this negative mindset over where the industry was going. About a hundred blogs started when people knew they could make money on affiliates. Most bloggers have zero business sense. They were writing stuff like, "Cancel your Amex, cancel your Chase, cancel, cancel. Then get new cards." I saw this really bad business sense, very shortsighted greediness. I'm watching this thinking they're gonna pull the rug. Do I regret selling? Yes, the company is way more than what I sold it for. But at the time, you always have to remember what the landscape was. We're coming out of the recession. There were still a lot of weak indicators. Building myself into the brand gave me leverage. I had a three and a half year earnout. Over that time, the business really started to grow, but then I realized, well, I am also the business. So, the more press I did, when I negotiated with that parent company to stay on, they paid me a lot of money and still a cut of the business to grow it as CEO. It's kind of crazy to think 13 years after selling, I'm still here. But because I built myself as a core part of the business as The Points Guy, I've been able to stay on with less risk, getting paid well to do what I love. I'm more of the brand visionary, the consumer person. I'm very much an ideas person. When we're speaking with our longtime clients or pitching new ones, that's really where my special sauce is used and not in the day-to-day. People are not mind readers. In 2020, I had this breakdown where I thought I would actually leave. I went to the owners, and I was like, I just can't do it anymore. They said, "Brian, we've been waiting for you to say that. You don't need to be CEO. We have plenty of smart people." It was this aha moment. I think in life we often think polar, black or white. That's advice I give to people. Whether it's your parent company, your boss, your mentor, people are not mind readers. While there is risk to leveling with someone and saying, "Hey, this role is just killing me," more often than not in my career, the more vulnerable I was, the more it turned out to be such a blessing. Check Your Spam Email Frequently: In 2011, I was featured in the New York Times, but the email came to my spam email. At that time, the narrative that points were dead, blackout dates, etc. I was the only blogger putting a positive spin on points. And I tried to do it in an informative and fun way. I'm 6'7", so putting my personal angle on my travel reviews had a huge impact on being the face of this industry.  As a founder, I was a tough boss because it was so personal. If I look back at my time as CEO, I still took it very personally. I do take the integrity of this site. As we expand, we can't forego quality. In hindsight, I didn't highlight enough of the wins. I would focus too much on mistakes. That's advice I would give if I could do it all back over again, to just be much more positive reinforcement over negative. Founders need someone who can check them. You need to have someone around you, a leadership team, someone that can check you. I didn't have that for a very long time, and that's my fault. Making sure you have good people on your team that can be honest with you, and you create an environment of inviting that feedback and not freaking out when they give it to you, is important. I know I would be a much different CEO today if I did it again. Stop BSing in the interview process. Too many people take jobs not knowing what is going on whatsoever at the company. Far too many senior executives walk into positions and they're like, oh wait a minute. I like to be brutally honest in the interview process. Truth-telling is the beginning of having a great relationship because I want you to understand exactly what's in front of you. If you don't want to take it, that's so much better than hiring a senior exec and six months later, you just lost a year. Stop telling me the wins. In the interview process, stop telling me the wins because anyone can make their job look successful. "Oh, 200% ROI, this, that the other." In an interview, you're not gonna be able to fact-check any of this. We all know people can cherry-pick the data. It's really just diving deep into vulnerable moments about their leadership, the challenges as leaders they had with their teams. I'll tell them my challenges when I was CEO. I want people to be real and allow me to understand how they think, the type of leader they are. Charismatic people can trick you. The problem is that very charismatic people can trick you easily. I've been blinded by a great interview, especially when you're exhausted as a CEO and then someone's bantering with you. You're like, oh, that was fun. But I've hired plenty of people who are all talk.  I don't want personality hires. I'm the personality. My engineering team, I really need people to ship updates. I still wake up in the middle of the night asking if my bills are paid. I still have imposter syndrome about "is this crazy what I've built?" It's for sure not about the car, but I will say investing in a home that's beautiful and makes you feel really good is important. For a long time, I was traveling a lot. I never put roots down, and I always felt like I was in transit. Now I have this beautiful farm with animals and horses in New Hope, Pennsylvania. It takes my blood pressure down immediately. Angel investing has basically become an addiction. In 2020, I opened up a space where I decided I wanted to have kids even though I was single, and also started investing and advising in relevant companies. The first one was Encore Jane, who was building Built, a credit card loyalty platform for renters. I'd always thought, how cool would it be to earn points on rent? I said, You're crazy, but if it does work, it'll be massive. Built is now at $11 billion valuation. I'll make more money now, probably on Built than I will at The Points Guy, which is wild to me. I have probably about 15 other companies I put my personal money in. I love it because I can help advise founders on everything I've done, and help open doors. Using that to build wealth has become an addiction. Relentlessness is what I see in leaders who sustain excellence. I am amazed at Encore's ability to push. If he's got 10 major things impacting his business, most CEOs will start with one or two, put the others on the back burner. He will relentlessly push for excellence. I don't wanna work for Encore, but to be in the room and strategize, every time I leave a meeting with him it keeps me fresh and active.  Find mentors, not just companies. For recent college grads, find people, even at a company where you might not see your future. Find someone at that company that you connect with. If you're looking for a job, interview until you find that hiring manager that you feel is on an upward rise and that you can learn from. We often focus too much on the line of work or the company. Stop focusing on that and look at that manager or the CMO whose organization you would join. If they've done amazing things, get in right away and start networking. Put time on the CMO or CEO's calendar. Be bold. Every senior executive loves to see people come in with eagerness to learn. Show up and do extracurriculars at work. Go to the lunch and learn with the senior executive and actually get face time with them. Make sure they know your name. Those are the things that matter because when it comes time for compensation and reviews, the senior person may not work with you day-to-day, but they're like, oh yeah, that's the person I really like. They are a future leader. That's how you get ahead. Even if that boss leaves to another company, they might take you. Reflection Questions Brian says manifesting alone won't make you wealthy, but visioning what it looks like helps you take the smaller steps to achieve it. What specific vision do you have for your future that you could make more tangible (like his Mercedes pictures on the bedroom wall)? How might making it more concrete change your daily actions? He emphasizes that in interviews, he wants people to stop telling him the wins and instead dive deep into vulnerable moments about their leadership and challenges with their teams. If you were in an interview tomorrow, what's one vulnerable leadership moment you could share that would demonstrate how you think rather than just what you've accomplished? Brian realized he needed to tell his parent company, "I just can't do it anymore" as CEO, and they responded with relief, offering him a better role. What conversation are you avoiding right now because you assume the answer will be no, when the other person might actually be waiting for you to speak up? More Learning #525 - Frank Slootman: Hypergrowth Leadership #540 - Alex Hormozi: Let Go of the Need of Approval #510 - Ramit Sethi: Live Your Rich Life