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Cultural differences profoundly impact our ability to communicate in relationships, often leading to misunderstandings when interpreting nonverbal cues, directness of speech, or emotional expression. To have better conversations and foster a happy life, it's crucial to cultivate strong communication skills. To explore communication strategies to cultivate deeper relationships, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva, aka Dr. T, a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Advocate2Create. Dr. T shares communication strategies from her book, Why Are We Fighting?, and explains how her IAP and preamble models empower people to have better conversations and strengthen their relationships.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Nature's Sunshine—Offers modern herbal supplements backed by science and harvested from the earth. Visit https://www.naturessunshine.com/ and use promo code HHTR to get 20% off + free shipping on your 1st order.and Cozy Earth—Offers luxury loungewear, premium pajamas, and essential home goods. Visit http://cozyearth.com/and use promo code HHTR to get up to 40% off your order. Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.
A Remembrance Day conversation with Nate Wright, Dr. Michael Thiessen, and Dr. Joe Boot: why Christians have a duty to remember the fallen, what Scripture says about sacrifice and just war, and how a viral clip from 100-year-old veteran Alec Pennstone exposes the West’s moral drift. The guys contrast historic courage with today’s atonement-free guilt culture, trace how critical theories have weakened our institutions—including the military—and call men and churches to recover conviction, gratitude, and public faith. Get Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: Developing an Undivided Mind, today!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind Learn more about our soon-to-be-released small group curriculum, Foundations: https://ezramedia.tv/foundations/ Stay up to date with Ezra Event: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/
In this conversation, Stephan Livera interviews Gustavo Flores, the CEO and founder of Aureo, a Bitcoin startup in Mexico. They discuss Gustavo's journey in the Bitcoin space, the cultural differences he has observed while building in Mexico, and the unique financial landscape of the country. The conversation delves into the challenges of educating the Mexican population about Bitcoin and the various investment trends that are emerging in the region. Gustavo Flores also discusses the evolution of Aureo, a Bitcoin exchange in Mexico, and its mission to provide a premium, educational experience for investors. He highlights the regulatory landscape in Mexico and El Salvador, the differences between Aureo and crypto casinos, and the growing Bitcoin community in Mexico, including the establishment of La Casa de Satoshi. The conversation also touches on the challenges of raising capital and the importance of adapting to local cultures in the adoption of Bitcoin.Takeaways:
"You are the one your ancestors have been praying would come, to shift things for future generations." Have you ever wondered why certain patterns seem to repeat in your life, no matter how hard you try to change? Maybe you keep attracting the same relationships, struggling with the same fears, or feeling emotions that don't even seem like yours. In this episode of Soul Talk, I reveal the deeper truth about ancestral trauma, the invisible wounds passed down through generations, and how to finally free yourself from them. You'll learn how to recognize what you've inherited, release what no longer serves you, and create a new legacy of love and light for those who come after you. You'll discover how unprocessed emotions, beliefs, and pain can live in your DNA, shaping your patterns without your awareness. I'll guide you through powerful steps to acknowledge your lineage, honor your ancestors, and break the energetic "loyalty contracts" that have kept you small. We'll explore sacred wisdom from African, Japanese, and indigenous traditions that show us how to reconnect with our roots and invite the blessings of those who came before us. And you'll remember: you are not here to carry your ancestors' pain, you're here to transform it. Listen closely, and you'll awaken to this truth: you are the bridge between the past and the future. You are the one your ancestors prayed for. When you heal yourself, you heal generations before you, and those yet to come. Timestamps: (00:01:44) - What you carry might not be yours: the unseen roots of ancestral trauma. (00:06:02) - You are the bloodline breaker: understanding your sacred assignment. (00:07:55) - How ancestral energy flows through generations. (00:09:22) - Examples of inherited trauma patterns. (00:11:23) - Cultural traditions honoring ancestors. (Ghana, Japan, Mexico) (00:12:24) - First Step in healing ancestral trauma. (00:14:39) - Second Step in healing ancestral trauma. (00:17:10) - Third Step in healing ancestral trauma. (00:18:57) - Fourth Step in healing ancestral trauma. (00:20:50) - Fifth Step in healing ancestral trauma. (00:23:13) - You are not here to carry their pain, you are here to transform it. Some questions I ask: Why do we repeat certain emotional and relationship patterns across generations? How can ancestral trauma influence success, love, or self-worth? What are some signs that you might be carrying inherited energy? How do different cultures honor their ancestors? What practical steps can you take to begin healing your lineage? How do we transform inherited pain into freedom and blessing? In this episode, you will learn about: How to Recognize Generational Patterns That Hold You Back Understanding. How unresolved trauma from your parents, grandparents, and ancestors can shape your emotions. Five actionable practices that help you release inherited pain and step into emotional and spiritual freedom. Why Honoring Your Ancestors Unlocks Inner Peace and Power. Unconscious agreements that keep you repeating your family's limitations, and how to rewrite those contracts with love, courage, and authenticity. How to live Beyond Your Past and Step into your sacred role as the "bloodline breaker." Get in Touch: Email me at kuteblackson@kuteblackson.com Visit my website: www.kuteblackson.com Resources with Kute Blackson: Kute's Life-changing Path to Abundance & Miracles: https://www.8levelsofgratitude.com Free masterclass: Learn The Manifestation secret to Remove Mental Blocks & Invisible Barriers to Attract The Life of Abundance You Desire. REGISTER NOW: https://www.manifestationmasterclassonline.com
This episode is presented by Create A Video – The issue is never the issue. The issue is always the revolution. But, now, the revolutionaries are embedded in the political right, as well as the left. Their common goal is destruction of the current civilizational order that they all believe is a failure. Subscribe to the podcast at: https://ThePetePod.com/ All the links to Pete's Prep are free: https://patreon.com/petekalinershow Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code! Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com Get exclusive content here!: https://thepetekalinershow.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The storm that ravaged villages along Alaska's west coast may have washed away thousands of artifacts that promised to provide valuable insights into early Yup'ik settlements. The storm destroyed nearly 60 feet of shoreline near the village of Quinhagak. Along with it was a site that was the source of early masks, tools and other items that make up the world's largest collection of Yup'ik artifacts housed at the local museum. Researchers, who were already racing to recover the items threatened by thawing permafrost, say as many as 10,000 artifacts could be lost. In another blow, thieves made off with more than a thousand artifacts from the Oakland Museum of California's off-site storage facility. Oakland police and the FBI are working to find the culprits and recover the items. The early assessment by authorities suggest the heist may have been more of a crime of opportunity than a targeted operation. GUESTS Cody Groat (Kanyen'kehaka'), assistant professor at the Department of History and the Indigenous Studies Program at the University of Western Ontario Shannon O'Loughlin (Choctaw), chief executive and attorney at the Association on American Indian Affairs Lynn Marie Church (Yup'ik), CEO of Nalaquq, LLC Rick Knecht, emeritus senior lecturer in archaeology at the University of Aberdeen
How do you decide between a best-in-class tech stack and an all-in-one platform?I caught up with Bill Fanning, CRO of Stayntouch, and Klaus Kohlmayr, Chief Evangelist at IDeaS Revenue Solutions, to discuss the new NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality Technology Report, where 300+ hoteliers shared how they're making those crucial tech decisions. On hashtag#NoVacancyNews, we look at what's driving those hashtag#hoteltechnology choices, the cultural and operational challenges behind switching systems, and why more hotels than ever plan to replace their tech stack within the next 24 months. Key Insights:
Malin Pettersen is a Norwegian singer-songwriter and Spellemannprisen winner (Norwegian Grammy), who has released multiple solo records as well as records with her band, Lucky Lips, has toured extensively throughout Europe and America, and has been acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Forbes, No Depression, Paste and even Iris Dement is a fan. We talk with Malin about the illusion of success, cultural duality between Norway and America, the Norwegian government's support for artists, embracing uncertainty, doubt, and struggle, and so much more.Get more access and support this show by subscribing to our Patreon, right here.Links:Malin PettersonEp 123 - Dave HausDarling WestEp 69 - Lilly HiattJansen RecordsEp 128 - FlyteEzra Klein x Ta-Nehisi Coates conversation“Just Kids” - Patti SmithClick here to watch this conversation on YouTube.Social Media:The Other 22 Hours InstagramThe Other 22 Hours TikTokMichaela Anne InstagramAaron Shafer-Haiss InstagramAll music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more.
Every few years, conversations about education in the U.S. circle back to the same refrain: Why can't we be more like Finland?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chrishawn Finister from Your Joy Psychological, PLLC to unpack this comparison.We dig into the nuanced relationship between educational eligibility and clinical diagnosis, which often overlap but aren't interchangeable. From there, we widen the lens to explore the broader systems-level challenges that shape how students are identified, supported, and served.Some key themes we discuss:✅ Orthographic density and literacy: Why differences in written language systems matter when comparing reading outcomes across countries.✅ Population homogeneity and “education tracks”: When we look at instructional outcomes data, the students included in the education system and the numbers matter. Are the same individuals “counting” when we compare results across countries? ✅ Teacher pay and professional identity: What Finland's investment in teacher preparation and salary looks like compared to the U.S. (spoiler alert: Dr. Finister and I both think the US should be more like Finland on this one). ✅ Cultural perceptions of medicine vs. education: Why recommendations from evaluations are perceived differently depending on the setting and who is making decisions about services.✅ Housing instability and socioeconomic factors: We're educating students with complex needs in the US who have varying experiences outside of school. With this in mind, has the education system made more progress than what the media is saying? Rather than looking for a one-size-fits-all solution, we highlight why U.S. educators, policymakers, and clinicians need to understand the challenges and opportunities when designing systems of support.If you've ever wondered where the lines between clinical diagnosis and educational eligibility blur, this conversation will give you a grounded perspective.Dr. Chrishawn Finister is an Independent Practicing Licensed Psychological Associate and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, possessing over a decade of experience in the role of School Psychologist. Recognized as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, she is committed to utilizing diagnostically sound assessments to identify learning barriers and implementing research-based interventions to amend challenging behaviors effectively. Dr. Finister is an advocate of culturally competent practices and is dedicated to training future practitioners in the field. She received her foundational training in psychological pedagogy and assessments at Texas Woman's University, where she completed her Master's degree in 2010. While working in a prominent North Texas public school district, she advanced her education by earning a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2019. Her contributions to the field extend to academia, where she has served as a guest lecturer at the College of Education at Texas Christian University.Places to connect with Dr. Finister:Her private practice, Your Joy Psychological, PLLCWebsite: https://yourjoypsych.com/Business Instagram: @yourjoypsychHer NonProfit, Texas Psychological Hive: https://thetexaspsychhive.org/Non-profit Instagram: @texaxpsychhiveAdditional Resources Mentioned in this episode:Steven Pinker: https://stevenpinker.com/Mark Manson: https://markmanson.net/Dr. Tim Shanahan: https://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments
In this milestone 100th episode, Taryn and DeAndre Coke take listeners behind the scenes of their unforgettable destination wedding at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. From the Maldives proposal that started it all to the white beach party, site visit, and breathtaking amphitheater ceremony, they share the journey that made this celebration one for the books.The couple reflects on the planning process, resort experience, and moments that made their wedding a 10/10, offering inspiration and insider tips for anyone dreaming of a destination wedding. They also touch on their travel and points strategy, explaining how miles, flexibility, and attention to detail shaped their experience. It's a heartfelt, celebratory episode filled with love, travel, and gratitude for 100 episodes of shared adventures.Key Highlights:Maldives beginnings: From proposal to paradise wedding.Destination magic: Why Casa de Campo was the perfect choice.Planning insights: How early organization reduced stress.Resort experience: Exceptional service and unforgettable venues.Points & miles: How loyalty programs enhanced their trip.Cultural touch: Local details that made the celebration special.Guest perspective: Creating an experience for everyone attending.Wedding day magic: A perfect 10/10 moment to remember.Lessons learned: Flexibility and gratitude go a long way.100-episode milestone: Reflecting on love, growth, and community.Click here to enter the 100th episode giveaway or visit www.boldlygo.world/giveawayResources:Must-Have Tools to Plan, Book, and Organize Your Points & Miles (Ep. 69)FlightConnections.com ToolBook a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel Freely
What if the solution to our democracy's crisis isn't another white paper or study—but an artist running for office?In this episode, civic organizer and “public defender” Tom Tresser reveals why he feels America's nonprofit and creative sectors are missing in action when it comes to power, policy, and public trust. As arts funding shrinks and disinformation grows, Tom challenges creatives to stop “staying in their lane” and instead step up as leaders in civic life.In it we'll: • Learn how a small, unfunded coalition stopped the 2016 Olympics from coming to Chicago—and why that matters for creative change agents everwhere • We'll also Discover why Tom thinks creative people are uniquely qualified to solve society's most funky problems—and how artistic skills and political strategies are cut from the same clothAnd inspired by a radical, hopeful model for building civic power from the ground up, rooted in creative intelligence, story making, and community action.Notable MentionsThe 100K Project: Tom Tresser's initiative that seeks to train, and propel 100,000 people from the arts, nonprofit, social services, education, and science sectors (and their supporters) to run for local office or help those with our values run as champions of service, science, justice, equity, peace, creativity, and the public sector.PeopleBill Cleveland: Host of Art Is Change and long-time practitioner in arts-based community development and civic storytelling.Tom Tresser: Chicago civic organizer, public defender of the public sector, and co-founder of No Games Chicago.Richard M. Daley: Former Chicago mayor behind the 2016 Olympic bid effort.Barack Obama: Then–senator and later president who supported Chicago's Olympic bid.Sam Zell: Billionaire and owner of the Chicago Tribune, a supporter of the Olympic bid.Senator Jesse Helms: Conservative senator known for attacks on the NEA.Pat Robertson: Christian Coalition founder and major force in culture-war politics.Andres Serrano: Artist whose work Piss Christ became central to NEA controversies.The NEA Four: Performance artists whose denied NEA grants fueled national censorship debate.Frederick Douglass: Abolitionist and civic educator cited as a model for grassroots truth-telling.Paul Wellstone: U.S. senator whose “organize–advocate–run” triangle influences...
Hoy anunciamos el primero de los Premios El Ojo Crítico 2025, concretamente el de Proyecto a la innovación digital en el ámbito cultural. Ha recaído en Albert Barqué-Duran, más conocido en redes como Albert.DATA, por su aportación en el proyecto SYNAPTICON, que utiliza BCI (Brain Computer Interface) para manejar en vivo tecnología a través de las señales cerebrales. Con Pedro Torrijos descubrimos la historia del Santo Grial y qué tiene que ver con una ermita aragonesa... Y también rescatamos el taller literario de Sabina Urraca con los enjambres que hemos recibido de los oyentes. Escuchar audio
In this episode of the Talk My Credo podcast, hosts Donte and KT explore the complex relationship between Christianity and Black identity. They discuss the historical context of racism within Christianity, the challenges of navigating faith as a Black person, and the cultural narratives that shape perceptions of race and religion. The conversation delves into the intersectionality of faith and identity, emphasizing the importance of honoring ancestors while maintaining a personal relationship with God. The hosts also address the ongoing issues of white supremacy in religious contexts and the need for a nuanced understanding of cultural identity.------------------------*** CHAPTERS ***00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview02:29 Navigating Identity: Christian vs. Black04:58 The Role of Christianity in Black Culture07:45 Racism and Christianity: A Historical Context10:44 Cultural Narratives and Misconceptions12:15 The Impact of White Supremacy on Faith15:11 Deconstructing Racist Ideologies in Religion17:49 The Intersection of Faith and Black Identity21:00 Honoring Ancestors and Spirituality23:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts-------------------*** TAKEAWAYS ***-The podcast aims to explore the intersection of faith and culture.- Navigating life and podcasting challenges is a recurring theme.- Christianity and Black identity are complex and intertwined.- Racism continues to affect the perception of Christianity.- Cultural narratives often misrepresent Black identity.- White supremacy has historically influenced Christianity.- Understanding Black culture is essential in discussions of faith.- Honoring ancestors is important, but faith is personal.- The hosts emphasize the importance of self-identity.- The conversation highlights the need for nuanced discussions about race and faith.---------------
Right About Now with Ryan Alford Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential. Resources: Right About Now Newsletter | Free Podcast Monetization Course | Join The Network |Follow Us On Instagram | Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel | Vibe Science Media SUMMARY In this episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford interviews Ryan Stewman, the "hardcore closer," for a candid discussion on the harsh realities facing entrepreneurs today. Stewman shares personal experiences and sharp insights on how government policies, rising interest rates, taxation, and cultural shifts impact business success. He emphasizes the need for accountability, resilience, and embracing discomfort to break free from mediocrity. The conversation offers actionable advice and honest perspectives on navigating today’s challenging economic landscape, encouraging listeners to confront tough truths for real financial freedom. TAKEAWAYS Challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly regarding cash flow and economic conditions. Impact of government policies and regulations on business operations. The current state of the real estate market and its challenges. The effects of rising interest rates on property ownership and investment. Taxation issues affecting business cash flow and decision-making. Rising costs of goods and services, including fuel and health insurance. Cultural shifts impacting accountability and economic health. The relationship between economic indicators and government monetary policies. The importance of confronting uncomfortable truths for personal and business growth. The interplay between asset appreciation, financing costs, and tax implications.
Too many leaders still separate people and performance, as if caring about one cancels out the other. In this episode, Fringe CEO and co-founder Jordan Peace joins Karina Young to challenge that mindset. He explains how trust and genuine care empower people to do great work. Together, they explore what happens when organizations lose their sense of humanity, how fear and disconnection create cynicism, and why rebuilding culture starts with small acts of kindness. Jordan also shares how HR leaders can use data and storytelling to get executives to prioritize employee well-being as a key driver of an organization's long-term success. Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Jordan Peace (04:33) Why workplaces feel disconnected from people (08:34) Cultural warning signs: cynicism and blame (12:18) Relationships drive engagement and productivity (14:16) How to get the C-suite to care more (19:19) The impact of people-first leadership (26:06) Why events & activities can't fix culture (34:30) Healing workplace cynicism through genuine care Resources: For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player. Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/ Download 15Five's The HR Leader's Guide to Reducing Regrettable Turnover: https://www.15five.com/guide-to-reducing-regrettable-turnover?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Reducing Regrettable Turnover eBook For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo Jordan Peace's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-peace-fringe/
Send us a textWhen Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, the impact rippled far beyond the island. This episode explores “the middle place” — that emotional space between home and abroad — through the voices of Caribbean people across the diaspora.Through Lens 3 of the Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM): Cultural Anchors, Kerry-Ann reflects on how faith, music, sayings, and pride keep us grounded in times of uncertainty and loss.Episode Highlights:The emotional toll of watching home in crisis while abroadFinding strength through cultural anchors: music, prayer, proverbs, and national prideDiaspora coordination, empathy, and responsible giving during disaster recoveryHow resilience and cultural memory fuel the long work of rebuildingRe-examining “giving back” as a year-round cultural practiceMentioned & Related Episodes:Rethinking Caribbean Disaster Relief: A Call to ActionSupport the Caribbean Year-Round: Giving Before, During & After Disaster StrikesFrom Carriacou to Brooklyn: Building Sustainable Futures & Cultural Legacy. Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation. Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store. Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production
Saudações pessoas!A professora e multitarefas Ana Paula Salviatti - historiadora, economista, estudante de filosofia e manda-chuva do Kanal Marx - está conosco novamente, para falarmos da tendência para a primavera-verão 2025 que parece ser, ora vejam: o 'marxismo cultural'!De recuperações incessantes das lições marxianas e marxistas, passando pelo "comunismo" do "cara" do momento - o prefeito eleito de Nova Iorque, Zohran Mamdani - uma aula sobre defender questões básicas de humanidade e de economia não predatória pensando que esse, sim, poderia ser o normal da vida. Deve, aliás. Falando nisso, tinha um fera que pensou essas coisas, certa vez. **** E a BLACK FRIDAY da INSIDER que chega com TUDO, TUDO MESMO? Entre no site (AQUI) e aproveite a maior promoção da HISTÓRIA da Insider com o cupom VIRACASACAS! Possibilidades de soma de cupons e ofertas inacreditáveis! E, mais, claro: quer entrar nas Comunidades da Insider no Whatsapp para ficar sabendo no ato de promoções, flash promos e outras vantagens? É AQUI, então o seu lugar. #insiderstore
En ESTO NO TIENE NOMBRE, conversamos con el ministro de Cultura, Roberto Ángel Salcedo, sobre el Congreso Internacional de Innovación Cultural. El ministro detalla cómo se impulsará la transformación digital del sector cultural y creativo en República Dominicana, reuniendo a artistas, tecnólogos y expertos internacionales. Un evento clave para el futuro de la cultura en el país.
Hoodoo, Spirituality, African Traditions, Cultural Syncretism, Enslaved Africans, Folk Religion, Christianity.The conversation explores the origins and significance of Hoodoo as a spiritual tradition developed by enslaved Africans, highlighting its roots in West and Central African practices and its syncretism with Christianity.Hoodoo was created by enslaved Africans for protection.It is a blend of West African, Central African, and Christian practices.The tradition serves as a form of resistance against oppression.Hoodoo reflects the resilience and creativity of enslaved communities.Cultural syncretism is a key aspect of Hoodoo's development.The practice is deeply rooted in folk religion.Hoodoo provides a sense of identity and belonging.It is often misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture.The spiritual practices of Hoodoo are diverse and varied.Understanding Hoodoo requires acknowledging its historical context."Hoodoo is a spiritual tradition defined by folk religion""They mixed it with Christianity"Chapters00:00 The Invisible Church: Origins and Significance00:19 Hoodoo: Spiritual Practices and Syncretism
SUMMARY In this engaging conversation, Jeremy Lesniak is joined by Adam Kifer to explore his evolution of martial arts training, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, curriculum design, and setting high standards in martial arts schools. They discuss cultural shifts within the martial arts community, the significance of honest feedback, and the necessity of adapting to modern challenges. Adam shares his journey in martial arts, highlighting the impact of resistance and the value of cross-training. The discussion culminates in a call to action for martial arts school owners to empower themselves and their students, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. TAKEAWAYS Martial arts can provide life preparation and mental toughness. Cultural shifts in martial arts schools can enhance student engagement. Curriculum design should focus on quality over quantity. Personal growth is essential for effective leadership in martial arts. Resistance in training is a sign of growth and progress. Setting high standards can improve student performance and retention. Honest feedback is crucial for personal and professional development. Cross-training in different martial arts can enhance overall skill. Martial arts schools should adapt to modern challenges and student needs. The journey of martial arts is about continuous learning and improvement.
Bem amigos do Pelada na Net, chegamos em definitivo para o 8 e a faixa! E hoje o Príncipe Vidane expõe o machismo cultural através das declarações de Ramón Diaz e dos comentários de internautas por aí.ACOMPANHE AS LIVES EM kick.com/jovemnerdORIGINAIS DO FUT - Acesse www.originaisdofut.com, use o cupom PELADA10 para 10% de desconto! E siga a @originaisdofut_ no instagramSTAND-UP DO VITINHO EM SÃO PAULO - Compre o ingressosite https://peladananet.com.br | bsky @peladananet.com.br | twitter @PeladaNET | instagram @PeladaNaNet | grupo no telegram https://t.me/padegostosodemaisSiga os titulares:Maidana – Twitter / Instagram / BskyShow do Vitinho – Twitter / Instagram / BskyPríncipe Vidane – Twitter / Instagram / BskyProjetos paralelos:Dentro da Minha CabeçaReinaldo JaquelineFábrica de FilmesContribua com o Peladinha:Apoia.sePatreonChave pix: podcast@peladananet.com.br
E-427 | Inner Voice with Dr. Foojan Zeine & Dr. Coralina Chiriac — Exploring Sexuality, Trauma Healing & Intimacy Welcome to Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine — a transformative and deeply insightful conversation featuring Dr. Coralina Chiriac, Integrative Psychotherapist, Supervisor, Trainer, and Co-Founder of the Romanian Association of Integrative Psychotherapy. Together, they explore the psychology of sexuality, healing from trauma, and reconnecting with intimacy, desire, and self-love through a holistic lens.
Luis Herrero recuerda con José Luis Garci, Pedro García Cuartango y Noemí Guillermo las películas que les han hecho llorar en el cine.
Richard Francis-Jones is one of Australia's most distinguished contemporary architects. As Design Director of fjcstudio, he leads the design of the practice's most significant projects, recognized nationally and internationally for their architectural excellence and contribution to the public domain. Richard has been the recipient of numerous international architecture awards, including World Building of the Year (World Architecture Festival), multiple WAF Office and Exhibition awards, the AIA International Architecture Award, the RIBA International Award, the NZIA Architecture Medal, the International Public Library of the Year Award (Danish Agency of Culture), and multiple International Architecture Awards from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. Projects under his direction have been published widely in leading Australian and international architectural journals and books. In addition to his practice, Richard has contributed significantly to architectural discourse. He was editor of Content, a critical review of architecture published by UNSW Press, and Architecture Bulletin. He has written extensively on architectural theory, most recently publishing Truth and Lies in Architecture (2022). In 2008, he was Creative Director of the Australian Institute of Architects National Conference and has convened numerous architectural forums and events. Richard's leadership at fjcstudio is defined by a design philosophy grounded in site-specificity, cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to sustainability and the public good. Under his direction, the studio continues to shape some of the most thoughtful and impactful architecture in Australia and internationally.More form Richard Francis-Jones Website: https://fjcstudio.com/ YouTube: @francisjonescarpenterstudio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fjcstudio More from us: Website: www.adppodcast.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/adppod_ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/architecture-design-photography/id1447381737 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qTtT0lpXkVGyksEkN57VS
Bridgette Murugi, founder of Echopath Adventures, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about slow travel in Kenya that focuses cultural immersion and sustainable tourism over rushed safari itineraries. Murugi recommends spending a minimum of three nights at each destination to allow time for village visits, nature walks, cooking traditional meals and engaging with local communities rather than moving quickly between locations. For more information, visit www.ecopathadventures.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Dr. Kelly Casperson speaks with Dr. Rachel Boyle, a sex therapist specializing in perimenopause and menopause. They explore the complexities of women's sexual health, the impact of hormonal changes, and the importance of communication in relationships. Dr. Boyle shares her journey into understanding perimenopause, the effectiveness of EMDR therapy for trauma, and the cultural pressures women face regarding their bodies and sexuality. The conversation emphasizes the need for qualified therapists and the significance of creating safe spaces for women to explore their desires and experiences. Takeaways Low libido can be a message rather than a problem. Healing trauma doesn't require reliving it, but releasing it. Perimenopause can last for many years, affecting women's health. EMDR therapy helps process traumatic memories effectively. Women often bear the emotional labor in relationships, leading to stress. Communication about sex is crucial for healthy relationships. Desire for sex can be influenced by hormonal changes and emotional safety. Cultural attitudes towards women's bodies impact their sexual health. Consensual non-monogamy requires clear communication and boundaries. Therapists should be trained in women's sexual health issues. https://www.rachelboyle.com/ To my fellow clinicians: listen to this podcast on Pinnacle for FREE to earn CME credit Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.https://www.joinmidi.com To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com and get 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Providers can request patient materials or samples at hcp.solvwellness.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz-toXaMcyE Best Travel ESIM, that has been amazing for me: $27 a month, unlimited data, 100+ countries = pangia pass Use my link for 10% off: https://pangiapass.com/a/bold Find Me Here: https://linktr.ee/bold.perceptions Travel / Lifestyle Consultation, DM Me On Instagram: bold_perceptions Subscribe to win a free flight.... when I hit 5k subscribers I will buy a random person a one way flight to experience solo travel themselves. & I will help you plan the adventure. #travel #nomad #travelblogger #podcast #digitalnomad #sabbatical #expat #expatlife
Alternate Current Radio Presents - Boiler Room - Learn to protect yourself from predatory mass mediaIn this edition of Boiler Room, Hesher is joined by Ruckus and Mystical Pharaoh for a deep-dive into the shadows behind modern headlines. The crew dissects the passing of Dick Cheney and the end of Pelosi's congressional run, exploring what these political exits reveal about the shifting American power structure. The team also examines the UPS cargo plane crash and the increasing role of automation in transportation — leading into a conversation about “house robots,” digital surveillance, and the quiet normalization of cultural vampires feeding on convenience.Featuring: Bryan ‘Hesher' McClain, Adam ‘Ruckus' Clark and Mystical PharaohWebsite: https://alternatecurrentradio.comSupport: https://alternatecurrentradio.com/support/Merch: https://alternate-current-radio.creator-spring.com/
Sunday, 9 November 2025 But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Matthew 14:6 “And being Herod's birthday, she danced, the daughter of Herodias, in the midst. And she pleased Herod” (CG). In the previous verse, it was noted that although Herod wanted to put John the Immerser to death, he feared the multitude because they reckoned him to be a prophet. It next says, “And being Herod's birthday.” A new word is seen: genesia, birthday. It is the plural of genesis, which means birth, origin, and genealogy. It signifies one's recurring birthday or the ceremonies accompanying it. Despite being plural, rendering it in the singular is to accommodate the standard usage in English. On his birthday, “she danced, the daughter of Herodias.” This was Salome, the daughter of Herodias by her former husband. Victorian-era commentaries on this condemn the matter as if it were the most inappropriate event imaginable, remarking how sensual and voluptuous the scene must have been. Ellicott's comments reflect their general sentiment – “Dances in filmy garments that but half concealed the form, commonly of an impure or voluptuous nature, were common enough both at Eastern and Roman banquets, the guests being simply spectators. But the dancers were, for the most part, women who made it their calling, like the nautch-girls of India; and it was a new thing, at which every decent Jew would shudder, for the daughter of a kingly house to come-thus into a shameless publicity and expose herself to the gaze of the banqueters.” Charles Ellicott One must wonder what such scholars do with the contents of the Song of Songs! Dances have been common at public and private gatherings for all of human history. Cultural norms set the parameters for such things, and it is only the most prudish sort that would condemn such things without considering them in more than their own limited context. Of Salome's dancing, it next says it was “in the midst.” The meaning is that she would have been in the midst of the room, hall, etc., with those in attendance gathered around. When dances or performers came in, the people would direct their attention to the event. In the case of Salome's dancing, it next says, “And she pleased Herod.” Another new word is seen, areskó. It signifies to be agreeable and thus, to please. In Romans 8:8, Paul says that those who are in the flesh cannot please [areskó] God. Herod saw the dance and found it satisfying. Life application: One of the ridiculous standards set forth in the Jehovah's Witnesses is that they do not celebrate birthdays. Their reasoning is that only two birthday celebrations are noted in Scripture, and both are held by bad guys, Pharaoh and Herod. Therefore, they illogically deduce that God finds the celebration of birthdays unacceptable. Such a conclusion is based on several fallacies. One of them is what is known as an argument from silence. An argument from silence is when one makes a faulty conclusion based on it not being stated in a source. Yes, there are two examples of birthdays in the Bible, but they merely present the basis for what occurs in the surrounding narrative. There is no need to mention other birthdays, but because no other birthdays are mentioned, the supposedly obvious conclusion is that nobody else observed them, and those who did were bad people. Another fallacy that accompanies their inane logic is known as a slippery slope. There are various types of slippery slope fallacies, such as the causal, precedential, and conceptual. The conceptual argument is that because no clear line between two concepts on a spectrum exists, there is no meaningful difference between them. So if Pharaoh and Herod had birthdays and they resulted in negative events or had negative effects, then all birthdays must result in negative outcomes. This is also known as the fallacy of the beard. A person doesn't shave for 12 hours, and he develops a shadow on his face. By the next morning, he has stubble. In two days, he will have bristly hairs. At what point is it called a beard? The argument is ridiculous, whether it is based on a birthday or a beard. The thought process is unclear and has no basis in reality. Unfortunately, such fallacies are not limited to the Jehovah's Witnesses. They permeate the thinking of the people of the world, including those in the church. Because of this, all sorts of legalism creep into churches. That is as harmful as a liberal attitude toward Scripture. Whether adding in rules and regulations that have nothing to do with biblical intent, or ignoring things made explicit in Scripture because they don't suit personal mores, the results will always be unhealthy, even detrimental. Learn about fallacies and remember to think clearly and critically when evaluating the reasons why people come to conclusions. Quite often, you will see where the faulty thinking lies, and you will be able to avoid it. Lord God, may we learn to think clearly and critically about what Your word presents. Help us not get caught up in things that pull our hearts and minds away from focusing on You. At the same time, may we live our lives in the manner that will bring You glory while also enjoying the lives You have given us here in this world. Amen.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Bisa Lewis.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Bisa Lewis.
Rosalía, Taylor Swift o Bad Bunny son mucho más que artistas musicales, son también símbolos de una época en la que todo, incluida la cultura, puede ser también una forma de hacer política. Cada disco, videoclip o aparición pública desencadena debates sobre feminismo, identidad o clase. De la espiritualidad de Lux a la reivindicación de lo latino y la cultura puertorriqueña de Debí tirar más fotos, de Frida Kahlo a Dante Alighieri, de los discursos anti-trans de J.K. Rowling al impacto político de artistas del pop, cada obra se reinterpreta hoy desde nuevas trincheras ideológicas. En un contexto marcado por la polarización y la mercantilización de las luchas sociales, la cultura popular actúa como espejo de las tensiones contemporáneas. Cualquier gesto creativo se analiza y se discute pero: ¿podemos disfrutar del arte sin pensar en lo que representa? Algunas de las recomendaciones que encontrarás en el podcast: Lux, de Rosalía Debí tirar más fotos, de Bad Bunny FatherMotherSisterBrother, de Jim Jarmusch Divina Comedia, de Danti Alighieri CRÉDITOS: Realizan: Tommaso Koch, Ana Marcos y Jimena Marcos Con información de: María Porcel, Paola Nagovitch, Sergio C. Fanjul, Eneko Ruiz y Jorge Morla Presenta: Jimena Marcos Diseño de sonido: Nicolás Tsabertidis Edición: Ana Ribera Coordina: José Juan Morales Dirección Hoy en El País: Silvia Cruz Lapeña Sintonía: Nicolás Tsabertidis
Episode 192 begins with light-hearted banter about Wendy's new Frosty flavors and quickly transitions to nostalgic and detailed discussions of pop culture topics, especially the TV show The Dukes of Hazzard. The hosts analyze character relationships and casting changes, drawing connections to other shows like Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead, highlighting actor crossovers. They also dive into current TV series recommendations such as Animal Kingdom and The Waterfront, discussing the appeal of gritty, morally ambiguous characters.The episode then shifts to the final segment featuring a bracket competition for the best road trip snacks, debating between Doritos, Coke, chicken sandwiches, and M&M's. This leads to a humorous debate on snack etiquette, hidden food in the household, and quirky snack preferences.Brady leads the main segment that explores American customs that might be considered rude or unusual in other countries, including cultural differences in cab etiquette, gestures like the thumbs-up, punctuality, hand usage, eating habits, gift-opening, and sauna etiquette. The hosts share personal anecdotes and cultural observations, touching on topics such as how Americans' casual habits contrast with stricter traditions elsewhere, and the complexities of social cues like hugging and personal space. They discuss the impact of cultural differences on everyday behaviors like eating while walking, using the left hand, and public appearance.The episode concludes with Aric leading a music trivia game where the hosts guess band names from synonym clues, adding an engaging and playful note to the lengthy discussion. Throughout, the conversation is marked by humor, camaraderie, and a willingness to explore diverse topics with both depth and levity.Highlights[02:47]
Uptown Charlotte's cultural block is home to three museums that opened within months of each other, helping define the city's modern arts identity. Among them is the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, a compact, instantly recognizable building anchored by the mirrored “Firebird” sculpture — one of the most photographed artworks in North Carolina. Inside, the museum holds a world-class collection of European and American modernism, much of it acquired by the Swiss Bechtler family through personal relationships with artists.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn talks with Todd D. Smith, executive director of the Bechtler, about how the museum fits into Charlotte's artistic ecosystem, its partnership with neighbors like the Mint and the Gantt, and why modern art still matters in a world overflowing with images. Smith also discusses the museum's recent work to make art more accessible — from therapeutic “art on prescription” programs to collaborations with visually impaired artists that reimagine how we experience texture, sound and space.For more information on the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, visit Bechtler.org.This episode is sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated, Charlotte's local bottler and the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the US. Coca-Cola Consolidated demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting veterans and military families through initiatives like the Veterans Resource Group, Hiring Our Heroes partnerships, and community engagement events, recognizing the value of their service and skills. Learn more at www.cokeconsolidated.com/BehindtheBottle.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe
This week on Men of Steel, Case and Jmike are joined once again by Logan Crowley to dive into the back half of Alan Moore's Supreme saga — Supreme: The Return! We explore how Moore redefined heroism through metafiction, nostalgia, and some of the boldest Superman-adjacent storytelling of the '90s. Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia Men of Steel Full Episode Originally aired: November 8, 2025 Edited by Sophia Ricciardi Scored by Geoff Moonen Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4 PODCAST SHOWS: ▶ Men Of Steel - https://www.certainpov.com/men-of-steel FOLLOW US: ▶ Twitter: @certainpovmedia @menofsteelpod ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia Outline Introduction and Context Setting on Supreme Comic Series (00:00 - 10:00) Discussed the Alan Moore run on Supreme comics, focusing on the second volume, Supreme: The Return and its relation to the initial story, Supreme: The Story of the Year. Introduced guest Logan Crowley and recapped the original Story of the Year to bring listeners up to speed. Detailed Issue-by-Issue Breakdown and Analysis (10:18 - 01:56:09) Explored themes, characters, and narrative arcs of Supreme: The Return in granular detail. Noted meta-narrative techniques, cultural references, inconsistencies, tonal shifts, and artistic variations issue by issue. Art and Production Quality Discussions (15:36 - 01:24:50) Critiqued the inconsistent artwork across different issues and artists including Rick Veitch, Chris Sprouse, Jim Starlin, Ian Churchill, and Matt Smith. Noted the impact of publisher issues and artist changes on overall series cohesion and visual storytelling. Cultural and Social Commentary in the Comic (38:45 - 57:22) Discussed controversial storylines such as the Confederacy winning the Civil War due to Wild Bill Hickok's actions and its culturally sensitive implications. Analyzed dated humor and some problematic depictions reflecting 1990s sensibilities. Narrative and Thematic Observations (47:00 - 01:50:56) Discussed thematic motifs like closed time loops, meta-fictional elements, homage to classic Silver Age Superman narratives, and the contrast with other Alan Moore works like Tom Strong. Explored the balance between classic superhero optimism vs. cynicism leaking through the narrative. Discussion on Supporting Characters and Legacy (25:00 - 01:40:16) Elaborated on the roles of various supporting characters enhancing the Supreme mythos like Judy Jordan, Diana Dane, and Radar the canine hero. Highlighted the influence on later comics and the impact on the Superman archetype and analog characters. Guest Insights and Personal Reflections (00:00 - 02:30:00) Logan Crowley shared fresh perspectives, especially on the nostalgic value and unique features of Supreme. J. Mike and Case Aiken reflected on the series' strengths and weaknesses as longtime fans and comic enthusiasts. Promotions and Related Projects (02:28:00 - 02:36:00) Promoted related podcasts like Single Bound and Trade School and thanked Patreon supporters. Encouraged listeners to engage with the content and share their thoughts.
NYC's New Mayor: Sean and Scott discuss the election of progressive Muslim democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City's next mayor—exploring socialism's renewed appeal, the moral framework behind market economies, and biblical principles of work, property, and caring for the poorSurrogacy in Crisis: Troubling trends in the surrogacy industry—lack of oversight, exploitation of low-income women, legal gray areas, and moral implications of turning children and motherhood into commoditiesAI Erotica Launch: Sean and Scott react to ChatGPT's announced “erotica” feature, warning that it normalizes digital pornography and creates the illusion of emotional connection while eroding real-world relationshipsListener Questions:Coping with chronic pain and finding God's presence through suffering.Clarifying democratic socialism vs. authoritarian socialism.How Sean and Scott read and evaluate books differently depending on purpose and genre.==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love
In this illuminating episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony explore Jesus' parables of the mustard seed and leaven found in Matthew 13. These seemingly simple parables reveal profound truths about God's kingdom—how it begins imperceptibly, grows irresistibly, and transforms completely. The hosts delve into what these parables teach us about God's sovereign work in both our individual spiritual lives and the broader advance of His kingdom in the world. Believers can find hope in understanding that God intentionally works through what appears weak and insignificant to accomplish His purposes. This episode offers practical encouragement for Christians who may feel discouraged by the apparent smallness of their faith or ministry impact. Key Takeaways The kingdom of heaven begins in small, hidden, or seemingly insignificant ways, but grows powerfully through God's sovereign work. The mustard seed illustrates the kingdom's visible expansion (extensive growth), while the leaven highlights its internal transformative influence (intensive growth). Both parables emphasize that God's kingdom often appears to "disappear" initially but produces outsized results through His work, not our own. These parables provide encouragement for times when the church feels weak or our personal faith feels insufficient—God's power is made perfect in weakness. God's kingdom transforms both outwardly (extensive growth illustrated by the mustard seed) and inwardly (intensive growth shown by the leaven). Cultural transformation happens most effectively through ordinary Christian faithfulness rather than flashy or provocative engagement. Christians should not despise small beginnings, recognizing that faithfulness rather than visibility is the true measure of fruitfulness. Understanding Kingdom Growth: From Imperceptible to Unstoppable The parables of the mustard seed and leaven powerfully illustrate the paradoxical nature of God's kingdom. In both cases, something tiny and seemingly insignificant produces results far beyond what anyone would expect. As Tony noted in the discussion, what's critical is understanding the full comparison Jesus makes—the kingdom isn't simply like a seed or leaven in isolation, but like the entire process of planting and growth. Both parables involve something that initially "disappears" from sight (the seed buried in soil, the leaven mixed into dough) before producing its effect. This reflects the upside-down nature of God's kingdom work, where what appears weak becomes the channel of divine power. For first-century Jewish listeners expecting a triumphant, militaristic Messiah, Jesus' description of the kingdom as beginning small would have seemed offensive or disappointing. Yet this is precisely God's pattern—beginning with what appears weak to demonstrate His sovereign power. This same pattern is evident in the incarnation itself, where God's kingdom arrived not through military conquest but through a humble birth and ultimately through the cross. Finding Hope When Faith Feels Small One of the most practical applications from these parables is the encouragement they offer when we feel our faith is insufficient or when the church appears weak. As Jesse noted, "God is always working. Even when we don't feel or see that He is, He's always working." The kingdom of God advances not through human strength or visibility but through God's sovereign work. These parables remind us that spiritual growth often happens imperceptibly—like bread rising or a seed growing. We may go through seasons where our spiritual life feels dry or stagnant, yet God continues His sanctifying work. Just as a baker must be patient while bread rises, we must trust the invisible work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the church. When we feel discouraged by apparent lack of progress, these parables assure us that God's kingdom—both in our hearts and in the world—is advancing according to His perfect timing and plan. As Tony explained, "The fact that it feels and looks and may actually be very small does not rob it of its power...in actuality that smallness is its power." God deliberately works through weakness to display His glory, making these parables powerful reminders for believers in any era who may feel their impact is too small to matter. Memorable Quotes "We shouldn't despise small beginnings. Let's not despise whatever it is that you're doing in service to God, to your family, to your churches, especially in the proclamation of the gospel... Faithfulness and not visibility—that's the measure of fruitfulness." — Jesse Schwamb "The Kingdom of Heaven is at work not only in our midst as a corporate body, but in each of us as well. God's grace and His special providence and His spirit of sanctification, the Holy Spirit is the spirit of holiness and the one who makes us holy. He is doing that whether it feels like it or not, whether we see outward progress or not." — Tony Arsenal "What cultural transformation looks like is a man who gets married and loves his wife well, serves her and sacrifices for her, and makes a bunch of babies and brings them to church... We transform culture by being honest, having integrity, by working hard... without a lot of fanfare, without seeking a lot of accolades." — Tony Arsenal Full Transcript Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 468 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse. Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey brother. Jesse Schwamb: Hey, brother, you and I have said it over and over again. One of the incredible truths that the Bible conveys about the kingdom of God is that it's inaugurated in weakness. It's hidden. It advances irresistibly by the sovereign work of God through the Word and the Spirit. It transforms both individuals and nations until Christ's reign is fully revealed in glory. And so as we're about to talk about parables today, I can't help but think if that's one of the central positions of the Bible, and I think we both say it is how would you communicate that? And here we find Jesus, the son of God, our great savior, you know where he goes. He goes, mustard seeds and yeast. So that's what we're gonna talk about today. And if you're just joining us maybe for the first time or you're jumping into this little series, which is to say, we do know tiny series, this long series on parables, you, I go back to the last episode, which is kind of a two-parter because Tony and I tried this experiment where we basically each separately recorded our own thoughts and conversation, almost an inner monologue as we digested each of those parables, both the one of the mustard seed and then the leaven sequentially and separately. And now we're coming together in this episode to kind of talk about it together and to see what we thought of the individual work and to bring it all together in this grand conversation about the kingdom of God that's inaugurated and weakness and hiddenness. [00:02:31] Affirmations and Denials Explained Jesse Schwamb: So that's this episode, but it wouldn't be a episode without a little affirming. And a little denying it seems, 22, we should this, every now and again we pause to say why we do the affirmations and denials. Why, why do we do this? What, what is this whole thing? Why are we bringing it into our little conversation every time? Tony Arsenal: Yeah. I mean, it, it, at its core, it's kind of like a recommendation or an anti recommendation segment. We take something that we like or we don't like and we spend a little bit of time talking about it. Usually it ends up taking a little bit of a theological bent just 'cause that's who we are and that's what we do. And we use the language of affirmations and denials, uh, because that's classic, like reformed confessional language. Right? If you look at something like the, um. I dunno, like the Chicago statement on Biblical and Errancy, which was primarily written by RC sprawl, um, it usually has a, a statement, uh, of doctrine in the form of things that we affirm and things that we deny. Um, or you look at someone like Turin, a lot of times in his, uh, institutes of elected theology. He'll have something like, we affirm this with the Lutherans, or we affirm that or de deny that against the papus or something like that. So it's just a, a little bit of a fun gimmick that we've added on top of this to sort of give it a little bit of its own reformed flavor, uh, onto something that's otherwise somewhat, um, Baal or, or I don't know, sort of vanilla. So we like it. It's a good chance for us to chat, kind of timestamps the episode with where we are in time. And usually, usually, like I said, we end up with something sort of theological out of it. 'cause that's, that's just the nature of us and that's, that's the way it goes. That's, and that's what happens, like when we're talking about stuff we. Like when we're together at Christmas or at the beach, like things take that theological shift because that's just who, who we are, and that's what we're thinking about. Jesse Schwamb: By the way, that sounds like a new CBS drama coming this fall. The nature of us. Tony Arsenal: The nature of us? Yeah. Or like a, like a hallmark channel. Jesse Schwamb: It does, uh, Tony Arsenal: it's like a a, I'm picturing like the, the big city girl who moves out to take a job as a journalist in like Yosemite and falls in love with the park ranger and it's called The Nature of Us. Jesse Schwamb: The nature of us Yes. Coming this fall to CBS 9:00 PM on Thursdays. Yeah. I love it. Well, this is our homage to that great theological tradition of the affirming with, or the denying against. So what do you got this week? Are you affirming with something or you denying against something? [00:04:55] No Quarters November Tony Arsenal: I'm affirming. This is a little cheeky. I'm not gonna throw too much, much, uh, too much explanation. Uh, along with it. I'm affirming something. I'm calling no quarters, November. So, you know, normally I'm very careful to use quarters. I'm very careful to make sure that I'm, I'm saving them and using them appropriately. And for the month of November, I'm just not gonna use any quarters. So there'll be no 25 cent pieces in my banking inventory for the month. Oh. So I'm, I'm making a little bit of fun. Of course. Obviously no, quarter November is a tradition that Doug Wilson does, where he just is even more of a jerk than he usually is. Um, and he, he paints it in language that, like, normally I'm very careful and I qualify everything and I have all sorts of nuance. But in November, I'm just gonna be a bull in a China shop, um, as though he's not already just a bull in a China shop 95% of the time. So I'm affirming no corridors. November maybe. No corners November. Everything should be rounded. Jesse Schwamb: That's good too. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. No, no. Quatro November. Like we don't do anything in Spanish. No fours in Spanish. I don't know. Okay. I'm just making fun of that. I'm just making fun of the whole thing. It's such a silly, dumb enterprise. There's nothing I can do except to make fun of it. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I think that's fair. That's basically the response it deserves. This time, we, we brought it up for several years going, it's such a strange thing. [00:06:13] Critique of Doug Wilson's Approach Jesse Schwamb: It's hard not to see this thing as complete liberty to be sinful and then to acknowledge that. Yeah. As if somehow that gives you, reinforces that liberty that you're taking it, it's so strange. It's as if like, this is what is necessary and probably we'll get to this actually, but this is what is necessary for like the gospel or the kingdom of God to go forward is that kind of attitude at times. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I will say this, I do always look forward every year to seeing what he sets on fire. 'cause the, the videos are pretty great. I'm not gonna lie. Like the video quality is, is certainly compelling. Um, and you could say it's lit is another little punny way to get at it. Uh, I, I haven't seen it this year. I mean, that's, we're recording this on November 1st, so I'm sure that it's out. Uh, I just haven't seen it yet. But yeah, I mean, it's kind of, kind of ridiculous, uh, that anyone believes that Doug Wilson is restraining himself or engaging in lots of fine distinctions and nuance. You know, like the rest of the year and November is the time that he really like holds back, uh, or really doesn't hold back. That's, that's just a silly, it's just a silly gimmick. It's a silly, like, I dunno, it's a gimmick and it's dumb and so I'm gonna make fun of it 'cause that's what it deserves. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I think that's right. You know, I was thinking recently because as you said, the counter just rolled over. And generally this time of year I end up always watching that documentary that Ligonier put together on Martin Luther, which is quite good. And I think it does, has a fair treatment of him, including the fact that he was so bombastic and that he was very caustic with his language. And I think they treat that fairly by saying, oh, that some of the same things that we admire in somebody can be some of the very same things which pull them into sinful behavior. And there's no excuse for that. And, and, and if that's true for him, then it's true for all of us, of course. And it's definitely true for Luther. So I think this idea, we need to be guarding our tongues all the time and to just make up some excuse to say, I'm not gonna do that. And in some way implying that there's some kind of hidden. Piety in that is what I think is just so disturbing. And I think most of us see through that for what exactly it is. It's clickbaits. It's this idea of trying to draw attention by being bombastic and literally setting things on fire. Like the video where he sets the boat on fire is crazy because all I can think of is like, so if you judge me, one more thing on this, Tony, 'cause I, I, when you said that, I thought about this video, the boat video implicitly, and I've thought about this a lot since then. There's a clip of him, he sets the boat on fire and it's kind of like him sitting on the boat that is engulfed in flames looking out into the sea, so, so calmly as if it's like an embodiment of that mean this is fine, everything is fine, this is fine. Right? Yeah. And all I can think of is that was great for probably like the two seconds that somebody filmed that, but guess what happened immediately after that? Somebody rescued you by putting out the fire on the boat. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Jesse Schwamb: It's just like insanity to presume that, encapsulating that single moment and somehow conveying that he is a great champion, pioneer advocate of things of the gospel by essentially coming in and disrupting and being caustic and that him setting thing on fire makes everything better is a mockery, because that's not even exactly how that shoot took place. Yeah. So I, I just really struggle with that, with the perspective he is trying to bring forward. Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I mean, I'm dubious whether or not there was actually any fire involved. Well, that's, I think 95% of it is probably camera magic, which is fine. Like, I don't know. That's fine. Like, I don't want Doug Wilson to burn up. That's, that wouldn't be cool either. But, um, yeah, I mean, like the fruit of the spirit is love, joy piece patience, kindness, good as gentleness, setting things on fire and being a jerk in November, apparently. And I, I just don't, I, I've never fully understood the argument. Um, and this is coming from someone who can be sarcastic and can go over the top and go too far. And, and I recognize that about myself. I've just never understood the argument that like, it's okay to be a jerk sometimes. Or, or not even just, okay. It's necessary to be a jerk sometimes. Exactly. Um, there's a difference between boldness and being a jerk. And, you know, I think, um, the people who, who know me well are gonna like fall off their chairs. I say this like, Michael Foster is actually someone who I think. Does the boldness with a little bit of an edge. I think he actually does it really well. And just like all of us, I, you know, he, he probably goes over the line, uh, on occasion. Um, and, and, but I think he does the, I'm just going to be direct and straightforward and bold. And sometimes that might offend you because sometimes the truth is offensive. Um, I think he does that well. I think where we go sideways is when we try to couch everything in sort of this offensive posture, right? Where, where even the things that shouldn't be offensive, uh, somehow need to be made offensive. It, it's just, it's dumb. It's just, um, and I'm, I'm not saying we should be nice just for the sake of being nice. I think sometimes being nice is. When I say nice, I mean like saccharin sweet, like, like overly uh, I don't know, like sappy sweets. Like we don't have to be that. And uh, there are times where it's not even appropriate to be that. Um, but that's different than just, you know, it's almost like the same error in the wrong direction, right? To be, just to be a jerk all the time. Sometimes our words and our behavior and our actions have to have a hard edge. And sometimes that's going to offend people because sometimes the truth, especially the gospel truth is offensive. Um, but when what you're known for is being a jerk and being rude and just being offensive for the sake of being offensive. Um, right. And, and I'll even say this, and this will be the last thing I say. 'cause I didn't, I, I really intend this just to be like a, a jokey joke. No quarters, November. I'm not gonna spend any quarters. Um, I don't know why I was foolish enough to think we weren't gonna get into it, but, um. When your reputation is that you are a jerk just to be a jerk. Even if that isn't true, it tells you that something is wrong with the way you're doing things. Right. Because I think there are times where, and I'll say this to be charitable, there are times where Doug Wilson says something with a little bit of an edge, and people make way too big of a deal out of it. Like they, they go over the top and try to condemn it, and they, they make everything like the worst possible offense. And sometimes, sometimes it's, it's just not. Um, and there are even times where Doug says things that are winsome and they're helpful and, um, but, but when your reputation is that you are a jerk just to be a jerk, or that you are inflammatory just to get a reaction, um, there's something wrong with your approach. And then to top it off, when you claim that for November, like you explicitly claim that identity as though that's not already kind of your shtick the rest of the year. Um, and just, it's just. Frustrating and dumb and you know, this is the guy that like, is like planting a church in DC and is like going on cnn. It's just really frustrating to see that sort of the worst that the reformed world has to offer in terms of the way we interact with people sometimes is getting the most attention. So, right. Anyway, don't, don't be a pirate. N November is still my way. I celebrate and, uh, yeah, that's, that's that. Jesse Schwamb: That's well said. Again, all things we're thinking about because we all have tendency to be that person from time to time. So I think it's important for us to be reminded that the gospel doesn't belong to us. So that means like that sharp edge, that conviction belongs to Christ, not to our personalities. So if it's tilted toward our personalities, even toward our communication style, then it means that we are acting in sin. And so it's hard for us to see that sometimes. So it does take somebody to say, whoa. Back it down a little bit there and you may need to process. Well, I'm trying to communicate and convey this particular truth. Well, again, the objective that we had before us is always to do so in love and salt and light. So I agree with you that there is a way to be forthright and direct in a way that still communicates like loving compassion and concern for somebody. And so if really what you're trying to do is the equivalent of some kinda spiritual CPR, we'll know that you, you don't have to be a jerk while you're doing it. You don't have to cause the kind of destruction that's unnecessary in the process. Even though CPR is a traumatic and you know, can be a painful event by it's necessary nature, we administer it in such a way that makes sure that we are, we have fidelity to the essential process itself, to the essential truths that's worth standing up for. Yeah, it's not a worth being a jerk. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. [00:14:37] Practical Application of Parables Tony Arsenal: Jesse, let's, let's move along. What are you affirming or denying tonight Jesse Schwamb: and now for something much lighter? So, my, my affirmation I share at the risk of it being like so narrow that maybe nobody will actually want to use this, but I actually had you in mind. Tony, I've been sitting on this one for a little while 'cause I've been testing it. And so we're, we're just gonna run like an actual quick experiment 'cause I. I'm guessing you will find this affirmation useful and will come along with me and it and might even use it, but you and I are not always like representative of all the people in the world. I say that definitely tongue in cheek. So we're a little bit nerdy. We love our podcasts and so occasionally, I don't know if this happens to you, I'm guessing it does, but I want to capture like a moment that I heard while podcast is playing on my phone. Maybe somebody says something really interesting, it's great quotes, or it's mathematical nature and I wanna go back and process it. And so generally what I do is I, I don't know, I stop it. I try to go back and listen to it real quick if I can, or maybe I can't because running, driving, all that stuff. So. When I hear something now that I want to keep, I just cry out to my phone. I have an, I have an iPhone, so I say, Siri, you could do this with Google. Take a screenshot. What happens is the phone captures an image of my podcast app with a timestamp showing of course what's being played. Then I forward this image, this is the crazy affirmation part. When it's time to be alive, I forward this image to a certain email address and I get back the text transcript of the previous 90 seconds, which I can then either look at or file into my notes. What is this email address sent it to you. Well, here's the website so you can go check it out for yourself though. Website is actually called Podcast Magic App, and there's just three easy steps there, and this will explain to you how you actually get that image back to you in the format of a transcript. And the weird thing about this is it's, it's basically free, although if you use it a lot, they ask for like a one-time donation of $20, which you know me, I love. A one time fee. So I've been using this a lot recently, which is why I've been sitting on it, but it is super helpful for those of you who are out there listening to stuff. They're like, oh, I like that. I need to get that back. And of course, like you'll never get it back. So if you can create this method that I've done where you can train your phone to take a snapshot picture of what's on the screen, then you can send it to Podcast Magic at Sublime app, and they will literally send you a transcript of the previous 90 seconds no matter what it is. Tony Arsenal: That is pretty sweet. I'll have to check that out. Um, I don't listen to as many podcasts as I used to. How dare you? I just, the I know. It's, it's crazy. Where do we even do it Feels like heresy to say that on a podcast that I'm recording. Yes. Um, Jesse Schwamb: we've lost half the audience. Yeah. Tony Arsenal: Well, yeah. Well, the other half will come next. Um, no, I, I, I just don't have as much time as I used to. I, I live closer to work than I used to and um, I'm down to, we're down to one car now, so, um, your mother is graciously giving me a ride to work. Um, 'cause she, she drives right past our house on the, the way and right past my work on the way to her work. Um, but yeah, so I guess I say that to say like, the podcast that I do listen to are the ones that I really wanna make sure I'm, I am, uh, processing and consuming and, uh, making sure that I'm kinda like locking into the content. Jesse Schwamb: Right. Tony Arsenal: So this might be helpful for that when I do hear something and I do think, like, it's hard because I use matter, which is great, and you can forward a podcast to matter and it generates a whole transcript of the entire episode, which is great. Um, but I don't often go back and, you know, a lot of times, like I'll go through my matter, uh, queue and it'll be like three weeks after I listened to a podcast episode, I be like, why did I put this in here? Right? I get that. I don't wanna listen to the entire 60 minute episode again to try to remember what that special thing was. So I just end up archiving it. So this might be a good middle ground to kind of say like, I might set, I might still send it to matter to get the whole transcript, but then I can use this service to just capture where in the transcript actually was I looking for? Um. It's interesting. I'll have to look at it too, because you can, you can send, uh, through Apple Podcast, the Apple Podcast app and through most podcast apps, I think. Right? You can send the episode with the timestamp attached to it. Yes. So I wonder if you could just send that, that link. Okay. Instead of the screenshot. Um, you know, usually I'm, I'm not. Uh, I don't usually, I'm not driving anymore, so usually when I'm listening to a podcast I have, my hands are on my phone so I could actually send it. So yeah, I'll have to check that out. That's a good recommendation. Jesse Schwamb: Again, it's kind of nuanced, but listen, loved ones, you know what you get with us, you're gonna get some, it could be equally affirmation, denial that Doug involves Doug Wilson, and then some random little thing that's gonna help you transcribe podcasts you listen to, because life is so hard that we need to be able to instantly get the last 90 seconds of something we listen to so that we can put it into our note taping at note taking app and put it into our common notebook and keep it. Yeah, there you go. Tony Arsenal: There's a lot of apps. There was actually a, a fair number of apps that came out a while ago that were, they were trying to accomplish this. Where you could, as you were listening to the podcast, in that app, you could basically say, highlight that and it would, it would highlight whatever sentence you were on. But the problem is like by the time you say highlight that you're already onto the next sentence, you now you're going back trying to do it again. And I didn't find any of that worked really seamlessly. It was a lot of extra friction. So this might be kind of a good frictionless or less friction way to do it. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I'm totally with you. [00:20:08] The Kingdom of Heaven Parables Jesse Schwamb: I mean, speaking of like things that cause friction, there's no doubt that sometimes in Jesus' teaching on the parables that he himself brings the heat, he brings a little friction in his communication. And since you and I basically did go through each of these parables, we don't have do that again on this conversation. In fact, what I'm looking forward to is kind of us coming together and coalescing our conversation about these things, the themes that we both felt that we heard and uncovered in the course of talking through them. But I think as well ending with so what? So what is some real good shoe leather style, practical application of these ideas of understanding the kingdom of God to be like this mustard seed and like this lemon. So why don't I start by just reading. Again, these couple of verses, which we're gonna take right out of Matthew chapter 13. Of course, there are parallel passages in the other gospels as well, and I'd point you to those if you wanna be well-rounded, which you should be. And so we're gonna start in verse 31 of chapter 13. It's just a handful of verse verses. Here's what Matthew writes. Jesus puts another parable before them saying The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It's the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown, it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. He told them another parable. The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flower till it was all leavened. Alright? Yeah. So Tony, what do you think? Tony Arsenal: Uh, I mean, these are so like, straightforward. It was almost, it, it felt almost silly trying to like explain them. Yeah. One of the things that, that did strike me, that I think is worth commenting too, um, just as a, a general reminder for parables, we have to be careful to remember what the parable is saying, right? So I, I often hear, um. The smallness of the mustard seed emphasized. Mm-hmm. And I think your, your commentary, you did a good job of kind of pointing out that like there's a development in this parable like it, right? It's a progression and there's an eschatology to it, both in terms of the, the parable itself, but also it comments on the eschatology of the kingdom of heaven. But it's not just that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. It's the kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sewed in his field. Right? It's that whole clause that is the, the kingdom of heaven is like likewise, the kingdom of heaven is not just like leave, it's like leave that a woman took in hidden in three measures of flour till all was leavened. So when we're looking at these parables. Or when we're looking at really any parable, it's important to make sure that we get the second half of the, the comparison, right? What are we comparing the kingdom of heaven to? You know, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a sower who sowed seeds among, you know, in three types of four types of soil. This kingdom of Heaven is like, this is like that. We don't wanna miss part of the parable because we latch on to just like the first noun, and that follows the word like, um, but I think these are great, these are great little, um, parables that in some ways are almost like, uh, compliments or ex explanations of the other parables that we're looking at too. They, they explain to us something more about what the Kingdom of Heaven is using similar kinds of analogies that help us flesh out the parables that are surrounding them. So the Kingdom of Heaven. You know, again, we always want to caution against kind of like overinterpreting, the parables, but the, the parable of the sower is talking about the seed that is sewn into the field, right? And then there's the parable of the wheat and the tears, and there's seed again. And we, we might have a tendency to sort of miss the nature of the kingdom in a certain sort of dynamic. This fleshes this out. So we might think of like the parable of the sowers, like we don't know what, what proportion is of good soil, you know, good soil versus bad. We know that there's three types of soils that are bad soils or unproductive soils and one type, but we don't know like how much of the soil is, um, like what percentage of the field is that. Similarly, like we don't know what percentage of the field was wheat and what was weeds. This is kind of reminding us that the, the kingdom of heaven is not found primarily in the, um, the expansiveness of it. Right. It's not, it's not initially going to look like much. It's going to initially start out very small. Right. And in some ways, like in both of these, it appears to disappear entirely. Right? You sow a grain of mustard seed. I don't, I've never seen a mustard seed, so, but it's very small. Obviously you sow that into the ground. You're not gonna find it again, you're not gonna come back a week later and dig up that seed and figure out where you sewed it. Um, similarly, like you put a, you put a very small amount of yeast or lemon into a three measures of flour. You're not gonna be able to go in even probably, even with a microscope. You know, I suppose if you had infinite amount of time, you could pick a every single grain of flour, but you're not gonna be able to like go find that lemon. It's not gonna be obvious to the eye anymore, or even obvious to the careful searcher anymore. So that's what the kingdom of heaven is like in both of these. It's this very small, unassuming thing that is hidden away. Uh, it is not outwardly visible. It is not outwardly magnificent. It is not outwardly even effective. It disappears for all intents and purposes. And then it does this amazing thing. And that's where I really think these, these two parables kind of find their unity is this small, unassuming thing. That seems ineffectual actually is like abundantly effectual in ways that we don't even think about and can't even comprehend. Jesse Schwamb: Right? Yeah. I would say almost it's as if it's like, well, it's certainly intentionally, but almost like offensively imperceptible. And I think that's the friction that Jesus brings with him to the original audience when he explains it this way. So again, from the top, when we said this idea that the kingdom of God is imperceptible, it's hidden, it grows, it conquers, it brings eschatological resolution. And I'm just thinking again, in the minds of the hearers, what they would've been processing. I think you're spot on. I liked your treatment of that by focusing us to the fact that there is verb and noun and they go together. We often get stuck on the nouns, but this, that verb content means that all of this, of course, is by the superintendent will of God. It's volitional. His choice is to do it this way. It is again, where the curse becomes the blessing, where it's the theology of the cross or theology of glory, where it is what is small and imp, perceptible and normal by extraordinary means becomes that which conquers all things. And so I can. Picture, at least in my mind, because I'm a person and would, would wanna understand something of the kingdom of God. And if I were in a place, a place of oppression physically and spiritually living in darkness, to have this one who claims to be Messiah come and talk about the inauguration of this kingdom. My mind, of course, would immediately go to, well, God's kingdom must be greater than any other kingdom I could see on this earth. And I see it on the earth that the sun rises. And cast light across provinces and countries and territories in a grand way. And then we have this kingdom of God, which, you know, theory, the, the sun should never set on it and the sun should never be able to shine, but on a corner of it. And it doesn't have provinces or countries, it doesn't even have continence, but it has, it encapsulates worlds. And it doesn't stretch from like shore to shore or sea to shining sea, but from sun to sun or star to star from the heavens to the earth, its extent couldn't be surveyed. Its inhabitants couldn't be numbered. Its beginning, could never be calculated because from Tard past, it had no bounds. And so I'm just thinking of all these things and then like you said, Jesus says, let me tell you what it's really like. It's like somebody throwing a tiny seed into a garden. Or it's like a woman just making bread and she puts yeast into it. These seem like not just opposites, but almost offensive, I think, in the way that they portray this kingdom that's supposed to be of great power and sovereign growth, but it comes in perceptibly and how perfect, because the one who's delivering this message is the one who comes imperceptibly, the person of Christ preaching the gospel and the hearts of believers. But that grows into a vast and global proportion, and that of course, that aligns exactly with so many things you and I have talked about in process before. These doctrines are providence and sovereign grace, that God ordains the means that is the seed and ensures the outcome, which is the tree. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I think too, um, you know, I don't, I don't know of any affinity with mustard seed in like the Old Testament law, but there's, there's a sort of a reversal of expectation here too, because although Levin is not always associated with like impurity, um, I think most Jewish listeners would immediately have a negative connotation with Levin for sure. Right? So when, when all of a sudden he's comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to leaven it, it becomes sort of this, um, the reason Levin is so pernicious and the reason that in the Old Testament law, you know, they're, they're, they're not just not making their bread with leave for the, for the Passover. They have to like sweep out their whole house. They have to empty all their stores out. They have to clear everything out. And that's not just because like. In, in, in Old Testament, sort of like metaphors, leaven does get associated with sin, right? Uh, and that gets carried on into the New Testament, but just the actual physical properties of leaven is like, if there's any little bit of it left on the shelf or even in the air, like even on your hands, it's can spoil the whole batch. It can cause the entire batch to go a different direction than you want it to. And in a certain way, like the Kingdom of Heaven is like that, right? Um. [00:30:21] The Resilience of God's Kingdom Tony Arsenal: You hear about, um, you hear about situations where it seems like the presence of God's people and the, the kingdom of God is just, it's just eradicated. And then you find out that there's actually like a small group of believers who somehow survived and then like Christianity is thriving again like 50 years later. Um, you can't just wipe out the kingdom of heaven because it is like leaven and any small remaining remnant of it is going to work its way back through the entire batch in a way that is, uh, mysterious and is somewhat unpredictable and is certainly going to surprise people who are not expecting it to be there. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. [00:31:04] Understanding Theological Concepts Jesse Schwamb: One of the things I really picked up in your treatment of that, that kind of drew me in in a special way was, you know, we think of some theological terms. We have really, I think, strong. Rubric for processing them, and especially like their multifaceted nature. So for instance, when we think about sanctification, we often talk about positional and progressive. And those are really helpful ways to understand a concept that brings us into modeling where it's finite and precise to a degree that allows us to understand it and comprehend it with a greater degree of confidence. And knowing it's many parts, because it is many parted. [00:31:36] The Parable of the Leaven Jesse Schwamb: And I was thinking as you were talking about the leaven, how the kingdom of heaven here that is inaugurated by Christ, that comes by the power of the Holy Spirit is growth and always deny that. But what you drew out for me was I think we're definitely seeing in that this idea of the intensive growth and then of course in the. Parable of the mustard seed. It's more extensive growth and they're both important. So they're in consummate harmony. It's not just like one recapitulating the other. And what that made me think about was even as you were speaking now, this really interesting difference, you know, the woman is taking this, again, talking about the verb, there's two nouns here actually. There's like the, the proper pronoun of the woman there is the act which she's doing, which she's taking the leaven and working it as it were like into the flower. I just did like a weird motion here on the camera if you're watching on uh, YouTube. Sorry about that. [00:32:28] Practical Lessons from Bread Making Jesse Schwamb: Almost like I was giving CPR, but she's working it into this meal or this flower and the working it from within outwards and that working itself like changes the whole substance from the center to the surface of this meal. Now I was thinking about this 'cause you noted something about bed bread. Bread baking in yours. And I did actually just a couple weeks ago, make some bread and the recipe I was using came with this like huge warning. Some of the recipes are like this, where when you're using some kinda lemon, most of the time we're using yeast. You have to not only be careful, of course, about how much yeast you put in because you put in too much, it's gonna blow the whole thing up. You're gonna have serious problems. You're not gonna make the bread anymore, you're gonna make a bomb, so to speak, and it's gonna be horrible. You're not gonna want to eat it. But the second thing is the order in which you add the ingredients, or in this recipe in particular, had very explicit instructions for when you're creating the dry ingredients. When you have the flour, make a little well with your finger and delicately place. All of the yeast in there so that when you bring the dough together, when you start to shape it, you do it in a particular way that from the inside out changes the whole thing so that there's a thorough mixing. Because the beauty of this intensive change is that. As you know Tony, like there's so many things right now in my kitchen that are fermenting and I talked about before, fermenting the process of leavening something is a process of complete change. It's taking something that was before and making it something very different. But of course it retains some of the essential characteristics, but at the same time is a completely different thing. And so it's through a corresponding change that man goes to whom the spirit of God communicates His grace. It's hidden in the heart and chain begin, change begins there. You know, the outward reformation is not preparing a way for inward regeneration. It's the other way around that regeneration, that reformation on the outside springs from a regeneration that's on the inside, growing out of it as a tree grows from a seed as a stream flows from the spring or as leave, comes and takes over the entire lump of dough. [00:34:26] The Power of Small Beginnings Jesse Schwamb: It's amazing. This is how God works it. We again, on the one side we see the kingdom of heaven. That is like the manifestations of his rule in rain coming, like that seed being sown and growing into this mighty tree. It brings shade. The birds come nest in it. And that may be a reference Allah to like Ezekiel or Daniel, the Gentiles themselves. There's that inclusion. And then to be paired with this lovely sense that, you know what else, anywhere else, the power of the kingdom of heaven is made. Manifest is in every heart in life of the believer. And so the Christian has way more in religion in their outer expression than they do anybody else. Because the inner person, the identity has been changed. Now you and I, you and I harp all the time on this idea that we, we don't need some kind of, you know, restoration. We need regeneration. We don't need to be reformed merely on the outside by way of behaviors or clever life hacks. We need desperately to be changed from the inside out because otherwise we. Where it's just, I don't know, draping a dead cold statue with clothing, or all we're doing is trying to create for ourselves a pew in the house of God. What we really need is to be like this bread that is fully loving, that grows and rises into this delicious offering before the world and before God. Because if you were to cut into this outwardly looking freshly baked bread and find that as soon as you got through that delicious, hard, crispy crust on the outside, that in the inside all it was, was filled with like unprocessed, raw flour, you would of course say, that's not bread. I don't know what that is. But that's not bred. What a great blessing that the promise that God gives to us is that the kingdom of God is not like that. It lies in the heart by the power of God. And if it's not there, it's not anywhere. And that though the Christian May at times exhibit, as we've talked about before, some kinda hypocrisy, they are not essentially hypocrites. Why? Because the Kingdom of God is leavening us by the power of the Holy Spirit. That gospel message is constantly per permeating that yeast through all of who we are, so that it continues to change us. So that while the natural man still remains, we are in fact a new creation in Christ. So to start with, you know, bread and or not bread to end with bread, but to start with flour and water and yeast and salts, and to be transformed and changed is the intensive power of the growth of the gospel, which is with us all our lives, until we have that beautific vision. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I think, um, you know, to kind of take a, a pivot maybe to the practical, I think this is, this is not the point of the parable necessarily 'cause the parable. I think there's a lot that these parables have to say to us about like, personal, individual growth, but they really are about the growth of the kingdom or the, the, maybe necessarily the growth of the kingdom. I think that's there too. But really like the nature of the kingdom as this sort of like, hidden, hidden thing that then grows and creates big results. [00:37:34] Encouragement in Times of Darkness Tony Arsenal: I, I think this is a, this is a parable that should encourage us. Like absolutely for sure we should look to this and, and be encouraged because. It is not the case. Um, I know there are lots of people who wanna act as though like this is the worst time anyone has ever lived in, and everything is the worst as it's ever been. It's, this is not even close to the worst time that the church has ever existed in, um, there are, it's funny, um, we'll give a little plug. Some of our listeners have started their own new show called Over Theologizing, and, um, it, it was, it was funny listening to the second episode they had, um. Pete Smith was on there and they were saying, like, they were talking about like, how do you feel about the nature of the church? And Pete was like, it's fine. Like it's great out here. Like there's lots of churches, lots good. Like I, I think that there are pockets in our, in our world, um, particularly, you know, my, my former reference is Western World and in the United States and in some senses in, in Europe, um, there are certainly pockets of places where it's very dark and very difficult to be a Christian, but by and large it's not all that challenging. Like, we're not being actively persecuted. They're not feeding us to the lions. They're not stealing our businesses. They're not, um, murdering us. You know, like I said, there are exceptions. And even in the United States, there are places where things are moving that direction. But there are also times when the church is going to feel dark and small and, and like it's failing and, and like it's, it's weak. And we can look at these parables and say, the fact that it feels and looks and may actually be very small does not rob it of its power that does not rob the kingdom of heaven of its power. It in, in actuality that smallness is its power, right? Leave is so powerful of an ingredient in bread because you need so little of it, right? Because that it, you can use such a small quantity of lemon to create such a, a huge result in bread. That's the very nature of it. And it, its efficacy is in that smallness. And you know, I think the mustard seed is probably similar in that you, you don't need to have, um. Huge reaping of, of mustard seed in order to produce the, the crop that is necessary, the trees that are necessary to, to grow that. So when we look around us and we see the kingdom of heaven feeling and maybe actually even being very small in our midst, we should still be encouraged because it doesn't take a lot of leave to make the bread rise, so to speak. And it doesn't take a lot. And, and again, like of course it's not our power that's doing it, that's where maybe sort of like the second takeaway, the baker doesn't make the bread rise by his own like force of will, right? He does it by putting in this, this agent, you know, this ingredient that works in a sort of miraculous, mysterious way. It's obviously not actually miraculous. It's a very natural process. But I think for most of history. So that was a process that probably was not well understood, right? We, we, people didn't fully understand why Bread did what it did when you used lemon. They just knew that it did. And I think that's a good takeaway for us as well, is we can't always predict how the kingdom of heaven is gonna develop or is gonna operate in our midst. Um, sometimes it's gonna work in ways that seem to make a lot of sense, otherwise it's gonna seem like it's not doing anything. Um, and then all of a sudden it does. And that's, that's kind of where we're at. Jesse Schwamb: I like that. That's what a great reminder. Again, we all often come under this theme that God is always working. Even when we don't feel or see that he is, he's always working and even we've just come again on the calendar at least to celebrate something of the Reformation and its anniversary. Uh. What again, proof positive that God's kingdom will not fail. That even in the places where I thought the gospel was lost or was darkens, even in Israel's past in history, God always brings it forward. It cannot, it will not die. [00:41:26] Faithfulness Over Visibility Jesse Schwamb: So I wanna tack onto that by way of, I think some practical encouragement for ministry or for all believers. And that is, let's not despise small beginnings. Like let's not despise whatever it is that you're doing in service to God, to your family, to your churches, especially in the proclamation of the gospel. This is from um, Zacharia chapter four, beginning of verse eight. Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, the hands of the rebel have laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zabel. So I love this encouragement that is for all Christians. That's one. Again, God is doing all the verbs like just. For one last time for everybody in the back. God does all the verbs. Yeah, and in so doing, because he is doing all the verbs, he may, but he chooses to start with small things because again, he is always showing and exemplifying his glory and he does this in these normative ways. It's a beautiful expression of how majestic and powerful he is. So let's embrace those things with be encouraged by them. The gospel may appear weak or slow in bearing fruit, yet God guarantees its eventual triumph. God guarantees that he's already stamped it. It's faithfulness and not visibility. That's the measure of fruitfulness. So if you're feeling encouraged in whatever it is that you're doing in ministry, the formal or otherwise, I would say to you. Look to that faithfulness, continue to get up and do it, continue to labor at it, continue to seek strength through the Holy Spirit, and know that the measure of his fruitfulness will come, but maybe in a future time, but it will come because this is what God does. It's God doing all the work. He's the one, he's essentially the characters needs of these parables, sowing the seed, working in lemon. Yeah. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. And I think, you know, like I said, the, the parables are not necessarily about individual personal growth. Um, but I, I think the principle that is here applies to that as well is I think oftentimes we feel like, um. I'll speak for myself. There are have been many times in my walk as a Christian, um, where it just feels like nothing's happening. Right? Right. Like, you just feel like it's dry and like you, you're, you know, you're, you're not like you're falling into some great sin or like you've walking away from the faith, but it just feels sort of dry and stale and like God isn't doing anything. And, um, I've only ever tried to bake bread once and it was a, it was just a terrible, terrible failure. But, um, I think one of the things that I've. I've read about people who bake bread is that there is a level of patience that has to come with it, right? Because oftentimes it seems like the bread isn't rising. It seems like the, the lemon is not doing what it's supposed to do until it does. Right? And like, if you take the bread out of the oven every couple of minutes to check and see if it's rising, it's never going to rise. It's never going to do what it's supposed to do. And, um, you know, I think that is kind of like the Christian life in microcosm too, is we, we have these spiritual disciplines that we do. We pray, we read the scriptures, we attend faithfully to the Lord's Day service. And oftentimes it doesn't feel like that's doing anything right. But it is. The Kingdom of Heaven is at work in not only in our midst as a corporate body, but the kingdom of heaven is at work in each of us as well. That's right. God's, God's grace and his, uh, special providence and his spirit of, of sanctification, the Holy Spirit is the spirit of holiness and the one who makes us holy. Um, he is doing that whether it feels like it or not, whether we see, um, outward progress or not. If the spirit dwells within us, he is necessarily making us holy and necessarily sanctifying us. Um, and and so I want us to all think about that as we, we kind of wrap up a little bit here, is we shouldn't be. I, I don't wanna say we shouldn't be discouraged, um, because it's easy to get discouraged and I don't want people to feel like I'm like, you should never be discouraged. Like sometimes the world is discouraging and it's frustrating, and it's okay to feel that, but we should be able to be encouraged by this parable. When we look at it and we remember like, this is just. This is just the parable form of Paul saying like, God glories by using the weak to demonstrate his strength. Exactly right. He, he is, his power is shown in, in using the weak and frail things of this life and this world to accomplish his purposes. And so when we are weak, when we are feeling as though we are failing as Christians, we should be able to look at this and say, well, this is what the kingdom of heaven is like. It's like a tiny mustard seed, a tiny mustard seed of faith that grows into a large tree. It's, it's like this little little spark of leave that God puts in us and it's hidden in us and it leavens the whole loaf. And that's us, right? And that's the church, that's the kingdom. It's the world. Um, God is at work and he is doing it in ways that we would not ordinarily see. Even the person who has this sort of like explosive Christian growth. That's not usually sustained. I think most people when they first come to faith, especially if they come to faith, you know, as a teenager or a young adult, um, they come to faith and they have this like explosive period of growth where they're like really passionate about it and on fire. And then that, that passion just kind of like Peters out and you kind of get into like the, the day in, day out of Christianity, um, which is not, it's not flashy. It's not sexy, it's not super exciting. It's very boring in a lot of ways, like right, it's, it's basic bread, it's basic water. It's hearing a, a person speak and it's, it's reading words on a page. But when the Holy Spirit uses those things, he uses them faithfully to finish the work that he started. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I think that's exactly right. The spirit's work of leavening, it continues quietly, but it powerfully, yeah. And we shouldn't despise that quietness or that smallness that I think is altogether a gift of God. And again, we're talking about the one who embodies the perfect will of God, who came and condescended to his creation was like us in every eight, where every way without sin. This is the one who became, I think as Paul writes in Galatians, a curse for us. And so again, this blessedness arises out of, again, what I think is this offensive means. And if that is the model that Christ gives to us, we ourselves shouldn't despise that kinda small beginning or even despise the sacrifices we're often called to make. Or those again, I would say like offensively and auspicious kinds of beginnings. All of that is peace wise, what it means to be a follower of Jesus. And there's a beauty in that. And I would say, I want to add to what you said, Tony, 'cause I think it was right on, is this idea that's easy to be discouraged is. It doesn't require any explanation. I, I, I'm totally with you. If you were to pick up any, or go to any kind of website and just look at the headlines for their news reporting, you're going to find plenty of reasons to be discouraged and to feel melancholy. And yet at the same time when I think we, you and I talk about these things, what I'm prone to consider is what Paul writes elsewhere to the church in Corinth, where he says in two Corinthians chapter 10, we destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. Being ready to punish every disobedience when you're disobey, when you're obedience is complete. And so what I think that applies to us in this particular case is understanding that this is the promise of God. Like you're saying, you and I are saying. Discouragement happens. And yet the truth is that small inauspicious beginnings in the kingdom of heaven always result in outsized gains that God never ceases to work. That he's always with us, that he's always for us. Then we do have to take captive those thoughts that lead us into kind of a disproportionate melancholy that pull us away or distract us from this truth of God, the knowledge of God, which is that he is super intending, his sovereign will completely over every molecule in the universe because this is what the Kingdom of Heaven does. And so that gives us, I think as I said last week, hope and evangelism we're storming those gates of hell we're coming for you like because there is a triumphalism in Christ that will be manifested in the final day. It's the reformed understanding of the here but not quite yet. [00:49:57] Cultural Engagement as Christians Jesse Schwamb: And like the last place that Le that leads me to like some practical, I think application is, and I wanna be careful with this, so I'm curious for your opinion. It's cultural engagement. You know, if we're thinking about this, leave permeating this dough, this tiny seed growing to overtake the garden, then I think believers should labor to continue to bring biblical truth into every sphere. So your family, your vocation, arts, politics, everything under Christ's lordship. I think sometimes that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be. As we've talked about the top of the show, really outspoken in a provocative kind of way. I think sometimes, again, that same quiet though, consistent work that the Holy Spirit does that's powerful in leavening us is the same thing that we can do with just our attitudes at work or our attitudes in our family, or our willingness to serve or our kind words. Of course, it does require us to preach the gospel using words. It also means that the power of the leaven is that quiet power. It doesn't jump outta the bread. It doesn't boast, but it is present. So maybe I'm saying Christians, let's be present, and leavening means to be present with the attitude and the mind of Christ. What? What do you think? Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I think that's, um, I think that's right on, you know, um, it, it's not quite a parable, but Christ, Christ commands his people to be like salt and light and true. Um, and, and by saying that the kingdom of heaven is like leaven, you know, like a, a measure of leaven that was hidden away in three measures. Um, he's also commanding us to be like leaven, right? And he is commanding us to be like the, the mustard seed because that is what we are. And I think, um, we shouldn't think that we can cloister off or sequester off the kingdom of heaven from the rest of culture and create like, um, I'm not quite, uh, I'm not quite to the point where I'm, I'm a transformational in the sort of like Tim Keller sense, but I do think that. We, and I don't like this word, but I'm not sure of a better, a better way to say it, but like, we like to set up these little Christian ghettos where like we, we isolate ourselves culturally into these little subcultures and these little sort of cordoned off areas of culture. Um, where we, we actually then strive to look just like the culture that's around us, right? Right. We subsection off Christian music and although it's, you know, typically it's like a decade behind the curve in terms of what music is good, we're really just doing the same music as the rest of the world. We just baptize it with Christian language. Like, I remember my, my youth pastor in high school rewrote the song closing time to Be Quiet Time. And like that was like, that was like the most Christian thing he could do at the time, was rewrite the lyrics to a song. But like, that's, that's absolutely not what cultural transformation looks like. Right. Well, cultural transformation, and maybe I'm channeling a little bit of, of Michael Foster here, what cultural transformation looks like. Is is a man who gets married and loves his wife, well, serves her and sacrifices for her, and makes a bunch of babies and brings them to church, right? Like that's, that's cultural transformation. And in our culture, like that is a very counter-cultural way to do things. It's actually very counter-cultural. There have been times when that's not particularly countercultural and there probably will be times again where it is. And actually it seems like our broader American culture is moving away from the sort of like two kids, two kids and a dog is a, is a bygone era fantasy. And now it's like two single people living in a house together with a dog. Um, you know, and, and that's not to say that that's the only way to be, to transform culture, right? That's just one example of sort of the most mundane, natural thing is actually the way that we do it. Um. We transform culture by, um, by being honest, having integrity, yes. By, um, working hard, right? Yes. Going to work, doing your job well, uh, without a lot of fanfare, without seeking a lot of accolades, um, and just doing a good job because that's what God commands us to do when he tells us to honor our employers and to be good, faithful bond servants in the Lord. Um, that is also very, uh, that also will transform culture. Um, you know, I think we think of cultural transformation and we, I think we immediately go to, for better or worse, we go to like the Doug Wilsons of the world and we go like, that guy's engaging the culture. Well, yeah, I guess in a certain sense he is. Um, or we, or we go to. The Tim Keller's of the world where they are, they're engaging culture in a different way. But I think for most of us, for most Christians, our cultural engagement is very nor like very normal and very boring. It's living a very ordinary, quiet life. Um, you know, what does Paul say? Work quiet life. Mind your own business. Work with your hands, right? Like, don't be a busy body. Um, like that's, that's actually the way that culture is transformed. And that makes perfect sense. We will have to come back and do another episode on this sometimes, but like, that makes perfect sense. When you think about how God created Adam and what he was supposed to do to transform and cult, cultivate, right? The word cultivate and culture come from the same roots to transform and cultivate the entire world. What was he supposed to do? Plant a garden, tame the animals, right? You know, bake babies. Like, it's, it's not, um, it's not. Rocket science, it's not that difficult. And again, we are all called to different elements of that. And God providentially places us in situations and in, in life, you know, life circumstances, we're not all gonna be able to fulfill every element of that. But that's where this, that's where this becomes sort of the domain of the church, right? The church does all of these things in the culture, and I don't mean the church as institution. I mean like the people who are the church. They do all of these things in very ordinary, normal ways, and that will, that will transform the culture. Um, right. You, you show me a. And this is not, you know, by God's common grace, there are lots of really nice people out there who are more or less honest and have integrity and work hard at their jobs. So it's not as that, that's a uniquely Christian thing. But you show me a, a, a person who is known to be a Christian and works hard as honest is straightforward, is kind, is charitable, is self-sacrificial in, in all arenas of their life. Um, people will notice that and they will see it as different and they will associate it with Christianity. They will as
Tara exposes a series of shocking truths—from the Wuhan lab origins of COVID-19 and government censorship, to Chinese researchers smuggling weaponized pathogens into the U.S., to the infiltration of U.S. universities by foreign agents. She also explores alarming trends in American politics, crime glorification, economic sabotage, and workforce instability. This episode is a hard-hitting examination of threats to national security, public health, and everyday American life. Lies, cover-ups, bioweapons, and a country teetering on the edge—what you're not being told. In this explosive episode, Tara unpacks multiple crises facing the United States: 1. **COVID Origins and Cover-Ups:** UNC virologist Ralph Baric briefed U.S. intelligence agencies in January 2020 that COVID-19 originated in the Wuhan military lab, yet government agencies, social media platforms, and leading officials censored and misrepresented the facts for years. 2. **Funding Controversy:** Millions in U.S. taxpayer dollars from the Pentagon and USAID were sent to the Wuhan lab, raising questions about accountability and potential complicity in the pandemic's spread. 3. **Bioweapon Smuggling:** Chinese researchers at the University of Michigan have been caught attempting to smuggle genetically modified pathogens, including weaponized blight and ringworm, threatening American agriculture and public health. 4. **Political and Social Chaos:** Tara discusses alarming trends in U.S. politics, including crime glorification, illegal immigrant candidates, extremist political aspirants, and infiltration of government and defense agencies by foreign actors. 5. **Economic Instability:** October layoffs hit a 22-year high, while Federal Reserve actions, influenced by political agendas, are affecting job growth and economic stability. 6. **Cultural and Social Shifts:** Observations on early holiday displays, side hustles, and changing societal norms reflect a nation under stress and transition. This episode blends investigative reporting, national security concerns, and social commentary, warning listeners of the hidden forces shaping America's present and future. COVID-19, Wuhan lab, Ralph Baric, Anthony Fauci, deep state, censorship, Facebook, YouTube, U.S. defense funding, Pentagon, USAID, Chinese bioweapons, smuggling, University of Michigan, Gordon Chang, STEM espionage, food security, agricultural threats, revelation, crime glorification, Democratic politics, illegal immigration, extremist candidates, economic sabotage, Jerome Powell, layoffs, side hustles, Tara Show, national security
In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Dr. Payal Patel Ghayal sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Harita Raja to unpack how perimenopause and menopause uniquely affect South Asian women—physically, emotionally, and culturally. Together, they explore what it means to age with awareness, strength, and self-compassion while breaking generational cycles of silence around women's health. Dr. Harita explains how South Asian women tend to experience menopause earlier than Western counterparts and how hormonal changes can impact everything from mood to metabolism. Dr. Payal reflects on her own experiences in midlife—navigating divorce, motherhood, and self-discovery—and how the mind-body connection becomes even more vital in this season. The conversation also dives into topics like: Cultural conditioning around women's roles and reproductive health How perimenopause can start as early as your late 30s The link between hormones, sleep, anxiety, and mood Why community, nature, and strength training are essential to thriving midlife The importance of self-education and advocacy around hormone therapy and women's health Dr. Payal and Dr. Harita model vulnerability and courage as they redefine what it means to be Brown and Happy in midlife — choosing joy, movement, and authenticity over silence and shame. Dr. Harita Raja is a South Asian women's psychiatrist, mom of two, and advocate for open conversations around mental health, hormones, and holistic wellness. She's passionate about empowering women to understand their bodies and emotions through every life stage. Resources: IG: @drharitaraja LinkedIn: Dr. Harita Raja Website: www.bwmhc.com Others recommend by Dr. Raja-@drmaryclaire, @menopause_doctor, @heatherhirschmd
Zach joins Tim and Russ to catch up on life and culture and then pivot to a provocative conversation. Did death exist before the fall? If so, how? And were Adam and Eve the only people there? Together they sift through all of it and more.Check out the conversation.Subscribe to get the latest videos and live worship:https://www.youtube.com/xchurch Connect with X Church Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/theXchurch.ohInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/theX_church/ Helping people get on the path to God. This is the vision of X Church, led by Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH _ Stay Connected Website: www.thex.church#theXchurch
Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner welcomes Adria Thompson, a speech language pathologist and founder of Be Light Care. We go behind the scenes with Adria, who has created 400+ videos sharing specific hands on care tips for assisting someone who is living with dementia. Guiding 500,000+ caregivers across her platforms, she is changing the every day lives of individuals and trajectory of dementia care.Adria shares her journey in the field, the importance of understanding and advocating for individuals living with dementia, and the challenges caregivers face. They explore the impact of public perception on caregiving decisions, the need for empathy and support, and the significance of education in dementia care. Adria emphasizes the importance of listening to the experiences of those living with dementia and advocates for a more compassionate approach to caregiving.TakeawaysBe Light Care was founded to provide resources and training for caregivers.Understanding dementia requires empathy and effective communication strategies.Public perception can heavily influence caregiving decisions and experiences.Caregivers often face backlash for their choices regarding care placement.Education in dementia care should emphasize the human experience behind the condition.Listening to individuals living with dementia is crucial for effective care.Cultural differences impact how dementia care is approached and perceived.There is hope for a more compassionate society towards individuals with dementia.Caregivers should be acknowledged and supported for their dedication and hard work.Sound bites"Caregiving is a double-edged sword.""Trust caregivers, trust caregivers.""You're seen and you're not alone."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Adria Thompson and Be Like Care03:44 Adria's Journey as a Speech Language Pathologist06:27 Creating Accessible Dementia Care Content09:01 The Impact of Emma Heming Willis' Story12:05 Understanding Caregiver Decisions and Public Perception15:44 The Importance of Trusting Caregivers17:28 Innovations in Dementia Education20:35 Empathy in Dementia Care23:04 Research and Perspectives from People Living with Dementia26:14 Hope for the Future of Aging and Care29:09 Hogeweyk®Dementia Village & Cultural Differences in Dementia Care31:09 The Balance of Risk in Caregiving33:48 Final Thoughts and Messages for Caregivers46:06 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE -OUTRO).mp3Keywordsdementia care, caregiving, speech language pathology, BeLight Care, Adria Thompson, dementia resources, caregiver support, education in dementia, public perception of dementia, human experience in dementiaAdria's TedX "Why We Should Talk About Dementia" Follow Adria with Be Light Care on:Instagram Facebook TikTokWebsiteLinkedInInspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership to businesses to provide for the families they work with.Connect with Michele Magner:Website: www.InspiredCaring.comE-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
America Isn't Collapsing... It's Mutating. Michael Malice Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/ukOGFaOAKkQ?si=8oHaK77YdTDrkPpX Tom Bilyeu and Michael Malice 228,207 views Oct 14, 2025 Full Interviews of Impact Theory Shortform: Try Shortform free and get 20% off your annual subscription at http://shortform.com/tombilyeu Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Check us out wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1nARKz2... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Do you need my help? STARTING a business: join me here inside ZERO TO FOUNDER (https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder) SCALING a business: click here to see if you qualify (https://tombilyeu.com/scale) Get the exact systems, mindset shifts, and principles that built a $1B brand delivered straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free (https://tombilyeu.com) Check out our Video game - Project Kyzen: (https://projectkyzen.io/) Catch Me Streaming on Twitch - ( / tombilyeu ) Link to IT discord: / discord Tom's Favorite Things List: https://amzn.to/41Ftt7e On today's episode of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu sits down with author and provocateur Michael Malice for an unfiltered deep dive into America's current social and political turbulence. Are we living through an actual decline—or is that just a narrative fueled by polarization and economic anxiety? Tom and Michael clash over definitions, metrics, and the real-world symptoms of unrest, from “soft secession” among states to the creeping rise of populism and political violence. Together, they unpack the hidden costs of inflation, housing bubbles, and deficit spending, with Tom warning about a dangerous fork in the road ahead: revolution, civil war, or the quiet erosion into economic stagnation. Michael pushes back, claiming America is in “ascension” in some critical ways, but he doesn't shy away from calling out the breakdown in civic discourse and the silos fueling division. They dig into historical context, global comparisons, and the role of universities as modern indoctrination hubs. This conversation doesn't stop at politics—it veers into the future of AI, the meaning of tribalism, social credit scores, and how technological upheaval might drive us all into virtual worlds or leave millions behind. Buckle up for a wild ride through uncomfortable truths, dark humor, and some offbeat protein bar analogies—you're about to hear two radically different views not just of where America stands, but what could come next. 00:00 – Intro 00:34 – Michael Malice pushes back on “collapse” rhetoric 01:14 – America vs. the world: Perceptions of American power and value 04:16 – Political siloization and the shrinking space for dialogue 05:56 – Soft secession: State vs. federal power games 08:39 – Paths ahead: Civil War, Argentina, or revolution? 10:46 – Revolution mechanics: Is another 1860s-style war possible? 13:12 – Violence, political unrest, and expanding executive power 16:06 – Economic crushing of young people and the rise of populism 17:58 – Housing, inflation, and the struggle for the American Dream 20:08 – Currency as a store of value: Societal ruin and a lack of political will 23:10 – The Japan counterargument and the threshold for crisis 26:07 – What drives people to “blink” in political standoffs? 28:24 – Party priorities, empty rhetoric, and pivoting for power 32:00 – Economic disenfranchisement, the myth of moderate politics 36:56 – Populism vs. establishment: Energies within parties 39:03 – Political novelty, enthusiasm gaps, and voter turnout 41:38 – Global leftward drift: Authoritarianism in Canada, UK, and beyond 46:13 – “The time for talk is over”—what this actually means 47:27 – Universities as the “villains” and the creation of ruling elites 49:56 – Marxism, egalitarianism, and cultural bifurcation 52:02 – Cultural shifts, earnestness vs. revolution, and memory-holed leftism 54:00 – The dangers of social conformity and shifting the Overton window 56:29 – Can universities be reined in? 1:00:16 – Narrative control, new media chaos, and elite power after the Internet 1:06:49 – The politics of blame: Antisemitism, conspiracies, and populist rage 1:13:13 – Warning signs: Measuring society's health by its scapegoats 1:19:12 – Israel-Palestine, war, and the elusive search for peace 1:21:52 – The next stage: AI, algorithmic reality, and broken discourse 1:24:00 – Goal orientation, skills, and navigating “useful” beliefs 1:25:18 – Tribalism, isolation, and the dangers for moderates 1:26:46 – Alex Jones, Candace Owens, and why conspiracy theories persist 1:32:00 – First principles: How to actually challenge your beliefs 1:33:56 – A personal story: Sleep apnea, anxiety, and reclaiming clarity 1:37:21 – AI, automation, and the fate of surplus labor 1:40:08 – Brave New World, artificial difficulty, and the post-economic Matrix 1:48:56 – Hardwired for scarcity: The psychological cost of abundance 1:51:16 – Trade-offs, Thomas Sowell, and the “protein bar” thought experiment -------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out our ACU Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/ACUPodcast HELP ACU SPREAD THE WORD! Please go to Apple Podcasts and give ACU a 5 star rating. Apple canceled us and now we are clawing our way back to the top. Don't let the Leftist win. Do it now! Thanks. Also Rate us on any platform you follow us on. It helps a lot. Forward this show to friends. Ways to subscribe to the American Conservative University Podcast Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe via RSS You can also subscribe via Stitcher FM Player Podcast Addict Tune-in Podcasts Pandora Look us up on Amazon Prime …And Many Other Podcast Aggregators and sites ACU on Twitter- https://twitter.com/AmerConU . Warning- Explicit and Violent video content. Please help ACU by submitting your Show ideas. Email us at americanconservativeuniversity@americanconservativeuniversity.com Endorsed Charities -------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Born! Saving babies and Souls. https://preborn.org/ OUR MISSION To glorify Jesus Christ by leading and equipping pregnancy clinics to save more babies and souls. WHAT WE DO Pre-Born! partners with life-affirming pregnancy clinics all across the nation. We are designed to strategically impact the abortion industry through the following initiatives:… -------------------------------------------------------- Help CSI Stamp Out Slavery In Sudan Join us in our effort to free over 350 slaves. Listeners to the Eric Metaxas Show will remember our annual effort to free Christians who have been enslaved for simply acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Savior. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, join us in giving new life to brothers and sisters in Sudan who have enslaved as a result of their faith. https://csi-usa.org/metaxas https://csi-usa.org/slavery/ Typical Aid for the Enslaved A ration of sorghum, a local nutrient-rich staple food A dairy goat A “Sack of Hope,” a survival kit containing essential items such as tarp for shelter, a cooking pan, a water canister, a mosquito net, a blanket, a handheld sickle, and fishing hooks. Release celebrations include prayer and gathering for a meal, and medical care for those in need. The CSI team provides comfort, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on while they tell their stories and begin their new lives. Thank you for your compassion Giving the Gift of Freedom and Hope to the Enslaved South Sudanese -------------------------------------------------------- Food For the Poor https://foodforthepoor.org/ Help us serve the poorest of the poor Food For The Poor began in 1982 in Jamaica. Today, our interdenominational Christian ministry serves the poor in primarily 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Thanks to our faithful donors, we are able to provide food, housing, healthcare, education, fresh water, emergency relief, micro-enterprise solutions and much more. We are proud to have fed millions of people and provided more than 15.7 billion dollars in aid. Our faith inspires us to be an organization built on compassion, and motivated by love. Our mission is to bring relief to the poorest of the poor in the countries where we serve. We strive to reflect God's unconditional love. It's a sacrificial love that embraces all people regardless of race or religion. We believe that we can show His love by serving the “least of these” on this earth as Christ challenged us to do in Matthew 25. We pray that by God's grace, and with your support, we can continue to bring relief to the suffering and hope to the hopeless. Report on Food For the Poor by Charity Navigator https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/592174510 -------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer from ACU. We try to bring to our students and alumni the World's best Conservative thinkers. All views expressed belong solely to the author and not necessarily to ACU. In all issues and relations, we hope to follow the admonitions of Jesus Christ. While striving to expose, warn and contend with evil, we extend the love of God to all of his children. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation. www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.In this engaging conversation, TS Wright and Cassian Bellino explore Cassian's journey of faith, the challenges of understanding biblical teachings, and the importance of community in navigating doubts. Cassian shares her experiences leading to the creation of her podcast, 'Biblically Speaking,' aimed at making biblical scholarship accessible and relatable. They discuss the significance of understanding the cultural and historical context of scripture, the relational aspect of faith, and how to seek encouragement during times of doubt.TakeawaysCassian describes herself as curious and confused about faith.She struggled with her faith despite being raised in a religious environment.The idea of wanting to want God is a recurring theme in her journey.Community and accountability are crucial for maintaining faith.Doubts can be addressed through honest prayer and seeking God.Understanding biblical context can prevent misinterpretations of scripture.The relational aspect of faith is more important than transactional beliefs.Cassian's podcast aims to make biblical scholarship accessible to all.Cultural and historical contexts enrich the understanding of biblical stories.Faith is a lifelong journey of learning and growth.
In this episode, Donny explores the intersection of branding and politics, analyzing recent election outcomes and their implications for party identities. He discusses cultural trends in entertainment, corporate mergers, and lifestyle choices, while also touching on the ethical considerations surrounding pet cloning. The conversation highlights how branding influences perceptions in various sectors, from politics to personal lives. Takeaways: Recent elections show a shift in Democratic branding. Moderate candidates are overshadowed by more extreme figures. Corporate mergers often reflect individual CEO interests. Cultural trends influence consumer behavior and brand perception. Morning sex is linked to higher workplace productivity. The term 'six seven' reflects changing language trends. Cloning pets raises ethical questions about identity. Lifestyle choices are shifting towards dual-income, no kids. Public perception of brands can change rapidly based on events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 321 hosts Dr Rami Abadi (Dermatologist from Lebanon) This is the seventh chapter of our miniseries, 'The Beauty Of The World'. (Please also listen to episodes 102, 107, 109, 113, 118 and 224 for our other episodes and regions of the world) In these episodes we host globally-renowned key opinion leaders to discuss their own regions beauty standards, aesthetic trends and the injectable market in their part of the world. We'll aim to understand what people find attractive, what influences this and celebrate the similarities and amazing differences amongst peoples faces and skin tones. Rami is a globally-renowned dermatologist who consults in several countries across the Middle East. We comparing Western and Middle Eastern beauty standards, and the impact of culture and social media on aesthetic preferences. Rami shares his experiences treating diverse patient demographics across Lebanon, Qatar, Dubai and even in the Ivory Coast. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Meet Dr. Rami Abadi 02:44 Understanding Regional Beauty 05:29 Cultural and Social Influences on Beauty 06:47 Patient Profiles and Treatment Approaches 08:36 The Role of Social Media in Aesthetics 13:20 Differences in Facial Features and Treatments 15:55 Sun Exposure and Skin Care 18:01 Support Inside Aesthetics on Patreon 19:19 Regenerative Treatments and Exosomes 20:09 Patient Improvement and Polynucleotides 20:57 Exosomes: Plant vs. Human Sources 22:59 Korean Beauty Trends 24:54 Consultation and Treatment Strategies 32:29 Medical Tourism and Regional Influences 37:46 Future of Aesthetic Practices SIGN UP HERE: Alma Laser's AU workshop on 10th of November : 'The Aesthetic Playbook: How to build a business that lasts' by David Segal JOIN OUR PATREON FOR EXTRA EDUCATION & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE TO BROWSE OUR IA OFFERS FOR DISCOUNTS & SPECIALS CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE A BRAND OR COMPANY & WANT TO WORK WITH US CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO BE A GUEST ON OUR PODCAST CONTACT US
402-521-3080In this episode of Resilience and Relationships, hosts Stephanie Olson and Rebecca Saunders delve into the complexities of autonomy, boundaries, and the importance of allowing children to express their comfort levels in physical interactions. They discuss the backlash received from a controversial podcast episode, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue and understanding in discussions about consent and familial affection. The conversation highlights personal experiences, societal expectations, and the significance of teaching children about their rights to say no, ultimately aiming to foster a safer environment for all.TakeawaysThe backlash from the podcast highlighted societal discomfort with discussions on autonomy.Intrinsic value and human nature are central to understanding personal boundaries.Children should be taught they have the right to say no to unwanted affection.Healthy family dynamics include respecting children's comfort levels with physical touch.Online discourse can often devolve into hostility rather than constructive dialogue.Personal experiences shape our understanding of consent and boundaries.Teaching children about consent can prevent future trauma and abuse.Cultural differences influence perceptions of familial affection and respect.Respectful disagreement is essential for healthy discussions.The importance of emotional intelligence in navigating relationships. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Controversy01:24 The Impact of Social Media Feedback02:22 Understanding Boundaries and Consent05:45 The Importance of Dialogue12:20 Personal Stories and Their Impact18:43 Cultural Perspectives on Affection25:03 Conclusion and Call for Kindness27:54 R&R Outro.mp4Support the showEveryone has resilience, but what does that mean, and how do we use it in life and leadership? Join Stephanie Olson, an expert in resiliency and trauma, every week as she talks to other experts living lives of resilience. Stephanie also shares her own stories of addictions, disordered eating, domestic and sexual violence, abandonment, and trauma, and shares the everyday struggles and joys of everyday life. As a wife, mom, and CEO she gives commentaries and, sometimes, a few rants to shed light on what makes a person resilient. So, if you have experienced adversity in life in any way and want to learn how to better lead your family, your workplace, and, well, your life, this podcast is for you!https://setmefreeproject.net https://www.stephanieolson.com/
Visit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation. www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.In this engaging conversation, TS Wright and Cassian Bellino explore Cassian's journey of faith, the challenges of understanding biblical teachings, and the importance of community in navigating doubts. Cassian shares her experiences leading to the creation of her podcast, 'Biblically Speaking,' aimed at making biblical scholarship accessible and relatable. They discuss the significance of understanding the cultural and historical context of scripture, the relational aspect of faith, and how to seek encouragement during times of doubt.TakeawaysCassian describes herself as curious and confused about faith.She struggled with her faith despite being raised in a religious environment.The idea of wanting to want God is a recurring theme in her journey.Community and accountability are crucial for maintaining faith.Doubts can be addressed through honest prayer and seeking God.Understanding biblical context can prevent misinterpretations of scripture.The relational aspect of faith is more important than transactional beliefs.Cassian's podcast aims to make biblical scholarship accessible to all.Cultural and historical contexts enrich the understanding of biblical stories.Faith is a lifelong journey of learning and growth.
Michael Thiessen, Joe Boot, and Nate Wright unpack how Christians can practice genuine hospitality to immigrants without losing the cultural and legal unity of a nation. Drawing on Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Psalm 2, they argue for care for the sojourner, one law for native and foreigner, and real integration through shared public life—pushing back on church antinomianism and the “multiculturalism = virtue” assumption. They also address the “coercion” objection (every institution disciplines) and why rulers still owe public allegiance to Christ. Get Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: Developing an Undivided Mind, today!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind Stay up to date with Ezra Event: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/
Live from Porto: Philosophy—As a Weapon for Success With Yaron Brook, Tim Vieira, and Mário Amorim Lopes
Segment 1 • Everyone sees it: the West is in the midst of social, moral, and spiritual collapse • But darkened hearts can't be fixed by legislature or cultural movements. • Real change starts “at the bottom” - with hearts transformed by Christ's gospel. Segment 2 • The Reformation rebuilt a crumbling civilization through faith, not force. • Oz Guinness calls this our “civilizational moment”—we're losing the foundation that built the modern world. • We won't be saved by “making America great again”— but by preaching Christ again. Segment 3 • Dr. Greg Gifford exposes the truth about SSRIs and the “chemical imbalance” myth. • Pills can mute pain but can't renew your mind or restore your soul. • Real transformation comes from God's work in us, not sedation. Segment 4 • New studies link antidepressants to alarming risks—violence, mania, even suicide. • SSRIs offer comfort without cure, masking spiritual problems with medical language. • True healing happens when the soul is renewed, not when the mind is medicated. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!