Podcasts about Curate

You've become very good at being seen. You know how to read a room, how to offer just enough of your story to seem open while keeping the deepest thing safely out of view, how to hand the world a competent, admirable version of yourself. And still, underneath the feed and the applause and the performance you have perfected, there is an ache you can no longer explain away, because you are surrounded and you are not known. In this conversation, Ian Simkins joins me to name the quiet distance between the platform and the table, and to expose how much of our exhaustion is simply the cost of maintaining an image our bodies, our nervous systems, and our spirits were never built to sustain. About Ian Simkins Ian Simkins is the lead pastor of The Bridge Church just outside Nashville, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife, Katie, and their three sons. Shaped for years in ministry in the Chicagoland area before moving his family to Middle Tennessee, he writes and teaches out of the actual life of a local church rather than from theory. His new book, Every Table an Altar: Reclaiming Connection in a World of Division, Distraction, and Loneliness (Zondervan), was born from that community, and it makes the case that the antidote to our disconnection is not another program or platform but the ordinary, sacred practice of gathering at a table. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my book "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

As life progresses daily, some things fall into place, others we add as markers of success. Then there are the things that squeeze in there. Let's say it comes with the highs and lows of existing.Jeff Marshall, JD has built a life in more than one room. The courtroom he trained for. The media world he made his name in. The classroom. The stage. The boardroom. All while being impactful beyond the spreadsheet. All while holding down the house where he is a husband and a father before he is any of those titles. Every one of those rooms had to earn its place, and some of what he was carrying did not.This conversation is about the choosing. What stays, what goes, and who you become when you stop keeping everything just because it was handed to you.How do you divine CURATE?Send us Fan MailThank you for listening and for adding new dimensions to your definitions. Keep growing, keep exploring, and keep defining life on your terms.Explore the website: howdoyoudivine.comFollow the showInstagram: instagram.com/howdoyoudivineYouTube: youtube.com/@howdoyoudivineFacebook: facebook.com/howdoyoudivineMeet the founder and hostSanika is a founder, inventor, and strategist building at the intersection of culture, media, and technology. How Do You Divine?® is the anchor of HDV Media, a company built on one idea. The words we inherit quietly design the lives we lead.Every episode takes one word and examines it through culture, intellect, emotion, and lived experience. Definitions that were handed to you. Definitions you adopted. Definitions you assumed were just normal.New episode every Sunday.

Like an artist, you need to prepare for your next big showcase. Learn how to document visual proof of your awesomeness. #ThePitch #INICIVOX #VirtualMentorship

YouTube is giving users more control over what kind of content the platform recommends to them, using Gemini artificial intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Ricky Hodge, celebrity hairstylist, educator, content creator, and 19-year industry veteran, shares his perspective on what it really means to stand out as a hairdresser.Ricky talks about stepping out of the box, building a personal brand, curating the right clientele, raising prices with confidence, and understanding that the haircut is only one part of the client experience. He also opens up about starting later in the industry, dealing with salon toxicity, becoming an educator, and using his platform to speak honestly about the profession.For hairstylists, barbers, students, and beauty pros who want to build a career that feels more intentional, this conversation explores the voice of the hairdresser: the ambition, frustration, self-awareness, presentation, relationships, and client standards that shape success behind the chair.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:

Entering a new decade is always worth a little reflection. ☕️In today's episode, after our "this or that" about libraries and bookstores, we're chatting through how we've seen marketing change over the past 10 years, what Austin would go back and tell his former self before starting a business, what we've learned about building a personal brand, and much more.We can't wait to hear what you'd add to the conversation!//

We are thrilled to welcome back writer, designer, entrepreneur, and former model India Hicks to the podcast! As the daughter of legendary British interior designer David Hicks, India grew up surrounded by formal theatrical design, but her 30 years living in the Bahamas have distinctly softened her approach. She joins us to discuss her fourth book, Entertaining with a Side of Chaos, which serves as part memoir and part tablescaping guide. Embrace the Unexpected: Rather than stressing over a flawless evening, prioritize gathering, putting phones down, and fostering meaningful conversations. India once moved a fully set dining table for 30 people into a breezy lane at the last minute simply to escape the summer heat. Invest in Folding Furniture: To maintain flexibility in where you host, India highly recommends using inexpensive folding tables and folding bamboo chairs. This allows you to easily move your party to a new location on a whim. Forage and Improvise: When traditional floral centerpieces aren't an option, look to what you have in abundance. A basketful of tomatoes or a line of reclaimed glass jars acting as bud vases can create a dramatic and beautiful tablescape. Curate the Conversation: Using assigned seating isn't about stuffy hierarchy; it shows you have thoughtfully considered your guests. It saves everyone the awkwardness of finding a seat and allows the host to pair people who will spark fascinating discussions. Build the Table Foundation: Start your tablescape with the tablecloth to set the tone. If using an ugly folding table, cut a bolt of plain fabric to the floor to hide the legs, then layer your decorative tablecloth or runner on top. Mix and Match: Your crockery and glassware do not need to perfectly match. A collection of chipped blue-and-white plates sourced individually from antique stores brings wonderful character to a meal. Read her new book: Entertaining with a Side of Chaos. Follow her on Instagram: @indiahicksstyle. Subscribe to her weekly Substack newsletter. Shop her table linens collection with Pomegranate. What is the most chaotic moment you have ever experienced while hosting a dinner party? Please send in your decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the content you create talk AT your audience or connect WITH your audience? In today's episode, after some conversation about what we're watching, reading, and listening to lately, we discuss how to create content that connects with your audience on a human level. We dive into some real-world examples of content that meets people where they are and makes them want to stick around.We can't wait to hear what you'd add to the conversation!//

Step by Step Publishing & The Doctor of Digital PodcastStep-by-step process to attract an ideal publisherA Step-by-Step Process to Attract Your Ideal PublisherBy: Mick, The Doctor of DigitalAs an authority architect, I've walked with many writers from idea to final manuscript, and one of the most important decisions they'll make is how they want their book brought into the world.Whether your dream is a traditional publisher, a hybrid partnership, or full ownership through self-publishing, the process of attracting the right publishing path begins before your manuscript is even complete. It starts with clarity, intention, and positioning.Here's a straightforward, grounded process to help you draw in the publisher that aligns best with your goals and your book's unique value.Step 1: Clarify Your Author Goals and Book's PurposeStep 2: Define Your Ideal Reader and Market PositionStep 3: Build a Professional Author PlatformStep 4: Create a Competitive and Unique Book ProposalStep 5: Research and Curate a Targeted Publisher ListStep 6: Polish Your Manuscript and Pitch MaterialsStep 7: Engage with the IndustryStep 8: Decide with IntegrityFinal ThoughtsYou don't attract the right publisher by waiting. You do it by showing up as a serious author: prepared, clear, and focused. Whether you go traditional, hybrid, or indie, your journey is valid. What matters most is that the publishing path supports your vision, not the other way around.Let's move your idea toward the path that's right for you!G. Mick (The Doctor of Digital) Smith, PhDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/g-mick-smith-phd-24495127/Subscribe to my LI newsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-literary-cpr-playbook-7343709688632381440Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-doctor-of-digital-gmick-smith-phd--1279468/support.

Welcome to The Daily. Go ahead and pick up your 1 Peter Scripture Journal now. Our text today is 1 Peter 2:4-8: As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. — 1 Peter 2:4-8 Imagine spending the rest of your life answering questions about something Jesus said to you decades earlier. Jesus renamed Simon and called him Peter—"rock" (John 1:42). Then He made the remarkable statement, "On this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). Ever since, people have debated exactly what Jesus meant. What strikes me is how Peter responds. Years later, when Peter writes about stones and foundations, he never draws attention to himself. Instead, he points people away from the man called "Rock" and toward the true Stone. Toward Jesus. Peter writes, "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious." Christianity is not merely about embracing a set of beliefs or adopting religious practices. It is about coming to a Person. And that Person is Jesus Christ. Peter describes him as a Living Stone. That image would have caught the attention of both Jewish and Gentile readers. Stones were associated with permanence, strength, and stability. Yet Peter says this Stone is alive. Jesus was rejected, crucified, and buried, but death could not hold him. The cornerstone of God's kingdom still lives. Peter then reminds his readers that they, too, are "living stones" being built into a spiritual house. God is not simply saving isolated individuals. He is building a people. Each believer finds his place and purpose in relationship to Christ and to one another. But the cornerstone image is where Peter's point becomes unmistakable. A cornerstone was not decorative. It established the alignment of the entire structure. Every other stone was set in reference to it. If the cornerstone was off, the whole building would eventually be compromised. The same is true in our lives. Everyone is building something. Careers are built. Families are built. Reputations are built. Dreams are built. The question is not whether you are building. The question is what your life is built upon. Peter draws on two Old Testament texts, Isaiah and the Psalms, to show that this same Stone, chosen and precious to God, was rejected by many. To those who believe, Jesus is the cornerstone. To those who reject him, He becomes "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." The Stone does not change. The response to the Stone does. We live in a culture obsessed with self-construction. Build your platform. Curate your identity. Create your truth. Reinvent yourself. Peter offers a different vision in this text. You don't create your own foundation. You choose what foundation you trust. And eventually, every life reveals what it was built upon. Jesus will either become the foundation beneath your life or the obstacle in your path. You don't have to build a perfect life. But you do need the right foundation. Because storms have a way of exposing what we've been building on all along. So build on the cornerstone, don't stumble over it. DO THIS: Take inventory of the areas of your life that matter most—your relationships, work, finances, priorities, and ambitions. Ask yourself honestly whether they are aligned with Christ or merely built around your own desires. ASK THIS: What foundation am I trusting most right now? In what area of my life is Jesus shaping my decisions and priorities? Where might I be resisting Christ instead of aligning myself with Him? PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for giving me a foundation that cannot be shaken. Forgive me for the ways I build around my own plans and desires rather than aligning my life with Christ. Help me trust Jesus more deeply and shape every part of my life around Him. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Cornerstone."

Kelsie is here this week with a 6-minute solo episode with some great encouragement for you about making sure what you do is clear to your audience. As we get closer and closer to the end of the year, how can we make the best next steps simple for people? How can we balance value-centered content with clear offers?We hope you enjoy this episode!

Today we're diving into everything intentional living, and the opportunity to curate our own seasons.

We welcome Naz Perez, cultural conversationalist, Critics' Choice film critic, Forbes Trailblazer, and creator of the masterclass How to Curate a Killer Interview. With a deep focus on instant human connection, energy dynamics, and the art of conversation, she helps creators, hosts, and ambitious individuals break down walls, ditch their ego behind the mic, and build authentic relationships in life and media.In this deep-dive conversation, Naz reveals how to disarm anyone in the first 60 seconds, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from her sit-downs with Steven Spielberg, Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Margot Robbie and more. She shares actionable strategies, from the shift between giving versus taking energy to her unique "soaking" method for creative prep, and explains why embracing your full, authentic self and "living more French" unlocks ultimate confidence.Topics DiscussedGiving vs. Taking Energy: The subtle shift between seeking validation and offering true, magnetic presence.The 60-Second Disarm: How raw vulnerability and humor break down A-list walls instantly.Managing Live Performance Anxiety: Staying grounded and editing in real time under extreme pressure.The "Soaking" Method: Why stepping away in silence yields your best creative questions and downloads.Main Character Syndrome: Ditching self-centered narratives to meet people in their own reality.Leaving Your Ego at the Door: How setting clear spiritual intentions creates real-time connection.Embracing Your Multitudes: Refusing to be put in a box—even if it means leaving money on the table."Living More French": Dropping your masks, letting go of outcomes, and choosing love over fear.Connect with Naz on InstagramConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com

Preached by Curate, Nicole Kallsen, on August 16, 2026.

Preached by Curate, Nicole Kallsen, on August 16, 2026.

If you love the idea of beautiful pots that don't need replanting every five minutes, perennials in a container can be the perfect solution, and just as stunning as a bed or a border.Tom Stimpson returns to discuss trusted “banker” perennials for containers – from long-flowering hellebores and acers underplanted with geraniums, to hydrangeas, heucheras and beloved agapanthus. You'll hear exactly which combinations have stood the test of time in Tom's garden as well as at Perch Hill, and how to get colour from winter through to late autumn.In this episode, discover:How to design perennial pots that give you colour and structure from winter through to late autumn, without constant replantingWhich plants Sarah and Tom rely on most strongly for containers Practical planting combinations for small gardens, such as Pittosporum with hellebores and scabious, or an acer underplanted with Geranium ‘Rozanne'A realistic regime for watering, feeding and deadheading perennial pots so they stay sturdy rather than sappyProducts mentioned:Helleborus niger: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-nigerHelleborus orientalis: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-orientalis-pretty-ellen-spottedHelleborus ‘Ice n' Roses Red': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-x-glandorfensis-ice-n-roses-redPittosporum ‘Bannow Bay': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pittosporum-tenuifolium-bannow-bayScabiosa atropurpurea ‘Black Cat': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scabiosa-atropurpurea-black-catScabiosa ‘Kudo Pink': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scabiosa-incisa-kudo-pinkGeranium ‘Rozanne': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-rozanneGeranium ‘Dreamland': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-dreamlandHydrangea ‘Madame Emile Mouillère': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-macrophylla-madame-emile-mouillereHydrangea ‘Little Lime': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-limeHydrangea ‘Limelight': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelightHydrangea ‘Little Fresco': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-frescoHeuchera ‘Black Taffeta': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-black-taffetaGaura ‘The Bride': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/gaura-lindheimeri-the-brideGaura ‘Flamingo': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/gaura-collection-for-potsSalvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-nemorosa-caradonnaSalvia ‘Peach Melba': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-peach-melbaVerbena rigida: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-rigidaLinaria ‘Peachy': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/linaria-x-purpurea-peachyAgapanthus ‘Midnight Blue' / ‘Navy Blue': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/agapanthus-navy-blueSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/Order Sarah's latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

The Motoring Historian, Jon Summers, drives between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis on a museum tour, focusing on the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum housed in the remaining Auburn factory. He frames museums as “a bunch of stuff” versus curated stories, then seeks the Duesenberg creation myth, especially the engineering behind the Model J. He recounts Duesenberg history: self-taught brothers Fred and Augie from bicycles and racing; the Model A's four-wheel hydraulic brakes and inline eight; WWI aero-engine work including a V16; and E.L. Cord buying the company, keeping Fred as chief engineer, and commissioning the Model J, with styling contributions from Leaming. He praises the car quantity, Auburn evolution exhibits, hood ornaments, and Buehrig clay-modeling offices, but criticizes crowded displays, awkward mannequins, and intrusive volunteer “gallery hosting,” comparing lessons to the Studebaker Museum and Indiana's component-based auto industry. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 The Road Trip Museum Quest 01:08 What Makes a Museum? 02:37 ACD Origins and Myth, and Why Duesenberg Mattered 05:23 Showroom Vibes and Ornaments 06:42 Model J Design and Craft 09:19 Auburn Roots and Studebaker Link 09:58 Is the Museum Any Good? 12:07 Duesenberg Tech Breakthroughs 13:45 Did the Story Land? 20:21 Lifestyle Ads and Model J Styling 23:26 Docents and Interrupted Viewing 29:50 Studebaker Wagon Creation Myth 34:56 Indiana vs Detroit Making Cars 38:51 Baseball Hall of Fame Parallel 41:09 How to Curate the Magic: Storytelling vs Visual Aids 44:34 Credits and Network Outro ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram Jon Summers is the Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. On his show he gets together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, motoring travel. Copyright Jon Summers, The Motoring Historian. This content is also available via jonsummers.net. This episode is part of the Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.

The producers you want are watching you before they ever reply, and a rate sheet doesn't make anybody want to follow you. You know you need to be visible, but every time you show up, the only thing you know how to talk about is rates or products, and it isn't landing. Here's what I want you to walk away with today. You build authority by becoming the most valuable, most visible voice in your market, and you can do that without ever leading with a rate or a product. I'll give you a five-move framework to get there. Episode Breakdown [00:01:07] The Leader Who Got Louder When the Market Went Quiet I coached a leader whose market got wrecked by a hurricane. Homes gone, business frozen, and everybody in the industry went quiet and hunkered down. That's what most people do when things get hard, they disappear. I coached him to do the opposite, to become the single most visible person in that marketplace. He started a weekly webinar, not to pitch his company but to help, bringing in the people his market needed to hear from and answering the questions everybody was too scared to ask. He wasn't talking about his rates, he was talking about what his market needed. Within a few months he wasn't just another loan officer in a broken market, he was the authority everybody turned to. Authority doesn't come from selling. It comes from being the most valuable voice in the room. [00:02:03] Move 1: See Yourself as a Media Company First Most leaders think of themselves as a mortgage pro who happens to post online now and then. Flip that. You're a media company that happens to do mortgages, because attention is what earns the conversation, and content is how you earn attention. [00:02:32] Move 2: Talk to the People You Want to Recruit, Not the People You Want to Close This is the most common mistake I see. A leader's content speaks to consumers or to agents, the people he sells to, when the people he's trying to recruit are loan officers. If you want to attract producers, make content that speaks to producers, about leadership, about growth, about the things they lie awake thinking about. [00:03:00] Move 3: Give Value in Public The fastest way to build authority is to solve real problems out loud where everybody can see it. Answer the questions your market is afraid to ask, teach what you know. When you're the one consistently giving value away, you become the one people trust long before you ever make an ask. [00:03:23] Move 4: Feature Other People Authority isn't only about you talking. Some of the most powerful positioning comes from putting other respected voices on your platform, the way that leader did with his webinar. When you're the one convening the room, you're the authority in it, even when you aren't the one speaking. [00:03:43] Move 5: Curate, Don't Just Create You don't have to produce something brand new every single day. Knowing your market cold and pointing people to the three things that matter most this week is its own form of authority. Curation beats constant creation, because being the trusted filter is often worth more than being one more voice adding to the noise. [00:04:05] Why It Works Producers vet you before they ever reply, and a rate sheet tells them nothing about whether you're worth following. Value tells them everything. When you consistently give without asking, you flip the whole dynamic, and instead of chasing producers you become the person they seek out. That's the difference between visibility that's just noise and authority that recruits. One is about being seen, the other is about being trusted, and trust is what makes someone pick up the phone when you finally reach out. [00:04:45] Your Small Win Tonight Write down the three questions the producers in your market are quietly worried about right now. Not your customers, your future recruits. Just naming those three is your win, because that list is your content for the next month. [00:05:00] Three Bigger Moves This Week Publish one piece of content that answers one of those questions and mentions your rates and products nowhere, so your market starts seeing you as a leader instead of a lender. Invite one respected voice in your market onto something you host, a call, a webinar, a post, so you become the one convening the room. Then pick one thing you'll curate for your market every week, so you build the habit of being the trusted filter, and when you show up as the authority your whole team gets easier to recruit into because people already know who you are. Key Takeaways You build authority by becoming the most valuable, most visible voice in your market, and you can do it without ever leading with a rate or a product. When the market goes quiet, get louder. Visibility in a hard season is how you become the authority everybody turns to. You're not a mortgage pro who posts now and then. You're a media company that happens to do mortgages. Most leaders aim their content at the people they close, not the people they recruit. If you want producers, speak to producers. Give value in public and you become trusted long before you ever make an ask. When you convene the room, you're the authority in it, even when you're not the one speaking. Producers vet you before they reply. A rate sheet tells them nothing, value tells them everything. If you want help building authority in your market without leading with a rate, reach out. Visit bookrichardnow.com and grab time on my calendar, and I'd be glad to think it through with you. And if you'd rather build this kind of thing in real time, I host a biweekly working lunch where we do exactly that together. The next one's Friday, August 15th at 12:00 PM Eastern. You can add it, plus all of our other 4C live events, straight to your calendar here: http://cal.ae/suuaiiw

Send us Fan MailYou can't rise above your environment — and your environment isn't a building or a location. It's the people. In this "come to Jesus" episode, Dr. Una makes the case that your business is a precious thing (think: wearing white in a room full of wet paint, or a newborn you won't let just anyone hold), and that guarding it means being ruthlessly intentional about who gets close to you.Every win you create, every skill you build, every dollar you earn can be quietly undone by the wrong inner circle. So this episode is a challenge: audit the people around you. Because relationships shouldn't just happen to you — you choose them. You play offense and defense.Dr. Una breaks down the 7 kinds of people to keep out of your inner circle — the traits that rub off on you whether you notice or not — and how to intentionally insert yourself into the rooms that pull you up instead.Key TakeawaysYou cannot rise above your environment — and your environment is the people in it.Your vision, calling, and business are precious. Guard them like you'd guard a newborn.This isn't about eliminating people or being unkind — it's about reducing the proximity of these traits to you and the amount of time you're exposed to them.You will encounter these seven people. Sometimes you are one of them. The work is awareness, not judgment.Curate your inner circle on purpose: intentionally avoid certain people, and intentionally insert yourself into the rooms that stretch you.Memorable Quotes"The starting point of radical transformation is radical ownership.""Leaders are readers. The end.""This is your one life. This is not the rehearsal.""You wear white and you're hugging somebody with mud on them — the mud is going to get on you."Let's ConnectWhich of these 7 do you have in your inner circle right now? And who should you intentionally add? DM Dr. Una and let her know how this episode landed — all social links are in the show notes.If this helped you, share it with another physician entrepreneur. It might just save their business.Ready to Curate Your Circle?The EntreMD Business School is the room built for exactly this — a community of physician entrepreneurs who see 7-figures as the floor. Come forcefully insert yourself into it.Additional Resources:Learn more about my 12-month program. Interested in 1-on-1 coaching? Apply here.Grab a copy of the "The 7-Figure Physician CEO" book. When you are ready to work with us, here are three ways: The Profitable Private Practice Movement - If you want to build a thriving private practice that serves a lot of patients, while creating time and financial freedom for you, come join us here. EntreMD Business School Grow - This is our year-long program with a track record of producing physician entrepreneurs who are building 6, 7 and 7+ figure businesses. They do this while building their dream lives!EntreMD Business School Scale - This is our high-level mastermind for physicians who have crossed the seven figure milestone and want to build their businesses to be well oiled machines that can run without them.To get on a call with my team to determine your next best step, go here ...

If you've ever felt like AI is something that's happening to your organisation rather than something you're steering, this episode is for you. James Drury spent a decade rising through the ranks of one of the Middle East's original e-commerce agencies, eventually running operations and AI strategy end to end. What he brings to this conversation is rare - a genuine understanding of how AI works at the enterprise level, and an equally sharp eye for how solo operators and small teams can use it to punch well above their weight.This is a practical episode. No hype, no hand-waving. Just how to actually build something useful.Three key areas we covered:✳️ The free thinker versus factory worker distinction - not everyone in your organisation will go down rabbit holes with AI, and that's fine. The mistake is expecting them to. Find your free thinkers, let them build the systems, and let your factory workers use those systems to produce.✳️ Context is the unfair advantage - what separates a mediocre AI user from a genuinely effective one isn't the tool, it's the context. James's approach of running a personal interview with Claude - talking for an hour or more about your goals, your business, your working style - and embedding that into your folder structure is one of those things that sounds obvious once you hear it and completely changes how you work.✳️ AI as strategist and operator - the goal isn't to use Claude for one-off tasks. It's to wire it into your actual systems via MCP connections and APIs so it can think alongside you as a strategist and execute as an operator. James does this with his accounting, his content system, his calendar - the lot.James's three amplifiers:✳️ Manage your internal feed - be ruthless about what you consume. The algorithm is not your friend. Curate what's coming in - business, gym, whatever fires you up - and protect your mental state the same way you'd protect your calendar.✳️ Decide on your trade-offs - if you want abnormal results, you have to make abnormal choices. That means being clear about what you're optimising for and being at peace with what that costs. Less scattered, more locked in.✳️ Learn AI, every day - not in a burst, not when you feel like it. One session a day, cap your tokens, build something. Do that for six months and you won't recognise how capable you've become.If this episode sparked something, follow or subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next. And if you've got a guest recommendation, I'd genuinely love to hear it.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction01:55 - James Drury's background: from junior analyst to COO and Chief AI Officer05:24 - Free thinkers vs factory workers: finding your AI heroes in a large organisation09:30 - Why AI amplifies what's already there - systems first, tools second11:14 - How to drive AI adoption through cultural pull, not top-down push14:32 - How personality shapes the way you use AI - and where to start15:50 - Setting up Claude Code: the context interview and building your AI brain19:28 - Daily strategy sessions with AI: how James uses Claude to decide what to execute22:36 - MCPs, APIs, and connecting your tools without the technical terror25:15 - Decision fatigue and letting Claude make the call27:00 - Building skills in the open: the video game analogy for AI learning30:31 - How to reorganise a messy Claude Code folder structure33:40 - Voice vs typing: what works for different kinds of AI users37:00 - AI slop vs AI-supported content - there's a difference38:30 - Building a content system: design documents, image generators, and automation45:35 - Hiring for what you're not good at: the case for a creative director47:13 - One tool recommendation: Motion AI for time blocking and project management50:58 - Image generators: James's pick and why55:16 - Amplifier 1: manage your internal feed58:14 - Amplifier 2: have fewer commitments, get obsessed with the right things01:01:15 - Discipline defined: how far you fall, how fast you climb back01:03:13 - Amplifier 3: learn AI, every single day01:05:40 - Where to find James Drury and Tattoos and Typewriters podcast----Get your copy of my Personal Brand Business BlueprintIt's the FREE roadmap to starting, scaling or just fixing your expert business.www.amplifyme.agency/roadmap----Subscribe to my Youtube!! Follow on Instagram and Twitter @bobgentleJoin the Amplify Insiders Facebook Community : www.amplifyme.agency/insidersPlease take a second to rate this show in Apple Podcasts. ❤ It will mean a lot to me.Mentioned in this episode:Signature StudioGet started today - signtaturestudio.me

In this episode of The Session with Londa and David, Londa recaps her Knoxville girls' trip, why she'd “rather be stabbed in the neck with a fork than fly,” and one truly terrible restaurant experience (yes, complete with a blonde hair in the burrata). David connects these real-life moments to wild news out of the Inland Northwest—massive fires, a horseback-hero at In-N-Out—and how all of it shapes our mindset, our money, and our mental health. More than a travel chat, this one's about curating your life instead of just your algorithm, choosing joy on purpose, and making meaningful memories with the people you love. Three business / mindset takeaways: 1. Curate your inputs like an asset portfolio. Just as you manage financial risk, you can manage emotional and mental risk by curating what you watch, read, and scroll. What you “feed” your brain becomes the backdrop for your decisions as a leader, parent, or business owner. 2. Stillness is a productivity tool, not a luxury. Londa rediscovers that when she simply sits quietly and thinks—on a plane with her phone off or awake in the night—she has better ideas and more clarity. For business, that means scheduling screen-free thinking time can be more valuable than another hour of “hustle.” 3. Customer experience is built at the front door. From TSA lines to eye-rolling hostesses, the “front face” of any organization sets the tone. Small moments—respect, attention to allergies, how you handle mistakes (like hair in the food)—either build trust or destroy it. Train and empower your front-line people like they're your best sales team, because they are. #MindsetMatters #CurateYourLife #CustomerExperience #TravelStories #TheSessionWithLondaAndDavid

Your mind cannot operate at its highest level when it is constantly flooded with noise. What you consume shapes how you think, how you decide, and how you execute. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down why your information diet has a direct impact on your focus, mental clarity, leadership, and ability to solve problems inside your business. Because let's be real… If your brain is constantly filled with outrage media… Negative headlines… Social media drama… And random content designed to keep you distracted… You are not protecting your mind. You are letting the algorithm program it. In this episode, you'll learn: How low-quality content weakens your focus and productivity Why social media algorithms keep you angry, distracted, and reactive How to intentionally curate information that supports your growth Why controlling your input leads to clearer thinking and stronger execution How protecting your mental bandwidth helps you make better business decisions The truth is simple: Your output will always reflect your input. If you feed your mind noise, distraction, and negativity… That is what shows up in your decisions. But if you feed your mind strategy, discipline, growth, and execution… You become sharper. More focused. More effective. And harder to knock off course. High-level operators do not let the internet decide what enters their mind. They control the input. They remove the noise. They protect their focus. They fill their environment with information that makes them smarter, sharper, and more dangerous in business. Because focus is the ultimate currency. And when you control what enters your mind, you gain more control over the results you create. Stop consuming like everybody else. Protect your brain. Curate your input. Think clearly. Execute harder. And keep leveling up. Your Network is your NETWORTH! Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: ⁠https://jo.my/paulalex2024⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNB9ivoJf7ppjuSplOAkEZw⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024⁠ Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you: ⁠www.CashSwipe.com⁠ FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold - The New American Dream” ⁠www.officialPaulAlex.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to How to Decorate from Ballard Designs! While the team takes a short summer break, they are re-sharing a handful of their all-time favorite podcast episodes. Today, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz sit down with American interior designer David Jimenez to discuss his path to living in Paris and his Rizzoli book, Parisian by Design: Interiors by David Jimenez. David shares the secrets behind effortless Parisian style, the art of layering, and how to create deeply personal spaces filled with joy and memories. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Embrace Antiques for Continuity: The French are known for holding onto the pieces they buy and passing them down through their families. Bringing familiar, story-filled antiques into a new home offers a comforting and reassuring atmosphere. Curate a "Salon Style" Gallery Wall: To replicate the gallery walls seen in the Louvre Museum, start hanging artwork on thin metal rods right under your room's ceiling molding. Mix Finishes Fearlessly: Do not feel constrained by strict design rules regarding matching wood or metal finishes. Mixing dark and light woods, or nickel and brass, brings energy and vital contrast to a room. Leverage Large-Scale Pieces: Create dramatic "highs and lows" in your spaces by mixing oversized items with smaller ones. A large piece of art or a tall secretary desk provides visual surprise and hierarchy. Utilize Decorative Screens: Room dividers can introduce subtle layers of texture and color, or serve a highly practical purpose like masking an unattractive view outside a window without blocking the natural sunlight. Anchor with Black: Black serves as an excellent underlying punctuation mark in a room. Using black lampshades is a reliable way to add contrast and prevent a space from feeling too monotonous. What You'll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 An introduction to the summer "best of" series and a warm welcome to guest David Jimenez. 04:52 David's career journey, starting as a Gap salesperson and leading to his relocation to reinvent a historic French brand. 08:37 The beauty of investing in antiques and the reassurance of bringing familiar furniture into new spaces. 13:55 How to casually layer your decor over the course of a relaxing afternoon. 16:27 Tips for constructing a Louvre-inspired gallery wall with high placements and metal rods. 20:20 Why breaking traditional design rules about wood and metal finishes breathes life into a room. 23:02 Using scale and oversized pieces to create necessary visual drama. 25:37 Practical and aesthetic applications for decorative folding screens. 29:02 The inspiration behind David's favored 7cm-wide black and white striped curtains from the Marché Saint-Pierre. 32:25 Why black lampshades and pops of dual-tone colors help ground a space. 34:29 How observing master designers like Madeleine Castaing can influence your own design choices. 37:23 Exploring the second half of David's book, featuring an insider's guide to Parisian artisans and shopping destinations. 41:01 The crucial etiquette for shopping at French flea markets, starting with a polite greeting. 44:07 Finding bold color inspiration within historic French museums and former homes. 51:29 Details on where to purchase Parisian by Design and where to follow David's work online. Also Mentioned: Book: Parisian by Design: Interiors by David Jimenez Marché Saint-Pierre (Paris fabric market) David Jimenez's website: davidjimenezstudio.com David's Instagram: @davidjimenezstudio Send your decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net Parisian by Design: Interiors by David Jimenez For a closer look at the stunning interiors discussed in today's episode, this visual overview highlights the elegant photography and practical styling advice found inside David Jimenez's book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the real question isn't whether to use AI, but where to use it? ------------Mike Schmitz believes the best creators aren't choosing between AI and human creativity. They're learning where AI adds value, where it gets in the way, and how their own taste remains the one thing no tool can replicate.Mike shares his "AI is a dial, not a switch" philosophy, introduces his Creativity Flywheel for turning ideas into original work, and explains how a personal knowledge management system can help creators build better content over time. We also explore Obsidian, second brains, AI-assisted writing, and why consistently creating, not just collecting ideas, is what develops your unique voice.Key Points:AI is a dial, not a switch. The key is knowing which parts of your creative process to hand off and which to protect.Your taste, judgment, and voice are what make your work stand out in a world of AI-generated content.The Creativity Flywheel: Capture, Curate, Connect, Cultivate, and Create.A second brain should help you generate ideas, not become another place to store information you'll never use.AI works best when it's given your own notes, ideas, and context instead of a blank page.Publish consistently. Creating regularly is how you develop your taste and sharpen your creative instincts.Remove friction when capturing ideas, but add intentional friction when deciding which ideas deserve your attention.Resources:Mike Schmitz: Website | YouTube | Focused Podcast | Bookworm PodcastCheck out his LifeHQ, a Life Operating System inside Obsidian!Paul Gowder: Website | Facebook | Powwows.comPaul's got an awesome Facebook Challenge going on right now!Books MentionedSteal Like an Artist by Austin KleonCo-Intelligence by Ethan MollickHow to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren Atomic Habits by James ClearThe Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggTiny Habits by BJ FoggTriggers by Marshall Goldsmith------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15CreatorNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

Send us Fan Mail“Master how to be a contributing and positive influence in a community.”-Simon BowenExclusive Insights from This Week's EpisodesSales stall when customers cannot see, understand, or believe how your company creates value. Simon Bowen reveals how better business design builds buyer safety, aligns teams, and turns founder genius into scalable growth.Episode Highlights5:13 — Simon's origin story: from small-town Australia to models thinking10:07 — How Simon discovered the power of visual models to align people14:36 — Mechanics, Magic, and Genius: the three channels of company purpose20:37 — Genius = Create, Curate, Integrate32:25 — Buyer safety through transparency (the antidote to disbelief)39:27 — Make the buyer the hero, not yourself42:16 — Designing buyer safety systems into sales and fulfillment43:04 — The Five Levels of Safety buyers seek (anonymity to commitment)47:00 — Train salespeople like elite athletes, harder than the real game56:57 — The Four Signals of Safety: "you get it, you get me, you've got it, you've got me"60:50 — Making selling the most noble thing your company doesFull show notes, transcript, and resources for this episode:https://podcast.deepwealth.com/562Mention “Deep Wealth” for a free session.The Deep Wealth PodcastMost entrepreneurs do not fail.They just carry too much for too long.The business grows. Pressure grows faster. Profits get harder to predict. Decisions cost more energy. Over time, focus slips and health takes the hit.The Deep Wealth Podcast and Deep Wealth Mastery are built from real experience. We're the only system based on a 9-figure exit. This system exists because guessing gets expensive.

Success is a compounding byproduct of motion in the direction of your dreams.Engaging in behaviors you admire will protect you from the feelings you're avoiding.How to (convince yourself to) get anything you want:Identify your goal. (ideally experience based)Identify your current state: values, feelings you'd like to cultivate more of, current habits, current questions.Identify actions that would point you in the direction you'd like to move towards.Consider YOUR pitfalls + interests to make it impossible to not do. Get comfortable with friction and reduce it when possible.Curate your life around the most optimistic outcome working out perfectly.Give yourself enough time to properly adjust to a new version of "comfortable". Build tolerance for patience and change.Success is a compounding byproduct of motion in the direction of your dreams.Engaging in behaviors you admire will protect you from the feelings you're avoiding.Read Julie's Medium Blog.Support JULIE (and the show!)Support + get some bonus stuff over on PATREON.Get an occasional personal email from me: www.makeyourdamnbedpodcast.comTune in on INSTAGRAM AND YOUTUBE or TIKTOK.Info on War Tax Resistance.Donate to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund and the Sudan Relief FundThe opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to (convince yourself to) get anything you wantPREVIEW:Identify your goal. (ideally experience based)Identify your current state: values, feelings you'd like to cultivate more of, current habits, current questions.Identify actions that would point you in the direction you'd like to move towards.Consider YOUR pitfalls + interests to make it impossible to not do. Get comfortable with friction and reduce it when possible.Curate your life around the most optimistic outcome working out perfectly.Give yourself enough time to properly adjust to a new version of "comfortable". Build tolerance for patience and change.Success is a compounding byproduct of motion in the direction of your dreams.Engaging in behaviors you admire will protect you from the feelings you're avoiding.Read Julie's Medium Blog.Support JULIE (and the show!)Support + get some bonus stuff over on PATREON.Get an occasional personal email from me: www.makeyourdamnbedpodcast.comTune in on INSTAGRAM AND YOUTUBE or TIKTOK.Info on War Tax Resistance.Donate to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund and the Sudan Relief FundThe opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever completed a beautiful interior design project, only to reach the final stage and realize the walls still feel unfinished because the art hasn't been selected yet?Many designers focus heavily on furniture, finishes, textiles, and architectural details, but art often becomes something clients think about at the very end.In this episode, I'm joined by Sarah Hurt, founder of Seattle Art Source, to talk about how interior designers can confidently integrate art into their projects, collaborate with local artists, and create more meaningful spaces for their clients. Sarah shares practical advice on art curation, working with an art advisor, selecting pieces that complement a design vision, and helping clients discover artwork they truly connect with.Whether you are a new designer building your creative career or an experienced designer looking to elevate your client experience, this conversation will help you rethink the role art plays in creating complete, intentional interiors.Featured GuestSarah Hurt is the founder of Seattle Art Source, a company dedicated to connecting interior designers, clients, and local artists through meaningful art experiences. After starting Seattle Art Source as a second career, Sarah built a bridge between artists and buyers by helping designers curate artwork that enhances everyday life. She works with designers on residential and commercial projects, offering art sourcing, commissions, installations, and advisory support.What You'll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why art belongs in the initial design package✳️ How to confidently curate art selections✳️ Ways to collaborate with local artists✳️ How to manage client art preferences✳️ Building stronger design relationships through artRead the Blog >>> How to Integrate Art Into the Interior Design ProcessNEXT STEPS:

In this episode of Discovering Grayslake, host sits down with Michele Klein, the passionate owner of Get Messy, a brand-new creative painting experience located at 1864 East Belvedere Road. Michelle shares her inspiring journey — from painting in her driveway post-divorce to opening a vibrant studio where visitors create three unique masterpieces using fun tools like Nerf guns and sponges. She also opens up about overcoming a trademark challenge that led to her perfect business name. With a mission rooted in joy, kindness, and community, Get Messy is a colorful new gem in Grayslake worth experiencing! How to Turn Passion into Purpose: Lessons from Michelle Klein of Get Messy, Grayslake Welcome back to the Discovering Grayslake blog, where we shine a light on the people and businesses making our hometown a more vibrant, connected place. In this episode, we sat down with Michelle Klein, the creative force behind Get Messy—a new Grayslake business that's all about spreading color, joy, and kindness through therapeutic painting experiences. Michelle's journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative soul, or someone looking for a little more color in your life, her story is packed with actionable insights. Let's dive deep into the main themes and tips from her interview, breaking down each lesson so you can apply them to your own life or business. 1. Let Your Passion Guide You—But Stay Open to Serendipity Michelle's Story:   After a difficult divorce, Michelle found solace in painting on her driveway. What started as a personal healing ritual quickly attracted neighborhood kids and parents, organically growing into a business idea. Actionable Advice: Start with what heals or excites you.** Your authentic enthusiasm is magnetic—people are drawn to genuine passion. Pay attention to organic interest.** If others are naturally curious or want to join in, you may be onto something special. Be open to evolution.** Michelle didn't set out to start a business; she followed where her passion and community interest led her. Expert Insight:   Many successful businesses begin as personal projects. Don't underestimate the power of simply sharing what you love with those around you. 2. Create a Unique Experience—Focus on Feelings, Not Just Products Michelle's Approach:   While "splatter rooms" exist elsewhere, Michelle wanted Get Messy to stand out by focusing on the emotional journey. Every visitor creates three masterpieces, leaves a positive mark, and is encouraged to let go and play. Actionable Advice: Design for emotion.** Ask yourself: How do I want people to feel when they leave my business? Offer more than a product.** Build rituals or experiences that make your offering memorable (e.g., painting rocks, leaving messages on the wall). Encourage self-expression.** Provide tools and freedom for customers to create in their own way. Specific Recommendations: Use a variety of tools (Nerf guns, sponges, hairbrushes) to make the process playful and accessible. Incorporate keepsakes or community art projects to foster connection. 3. Overcome Challenges with Flexibility and Positivity Trademark Trouble:   Michelle's original business name, "Messy Masterpiece," was already trademarked. Receiving a cease and desist letter was scary, but she pivoted quickly, rebranding as "Get Messy"—a name that's even more inviting and descriptive. Actionable Advice: Expect bumps in the road.** Legal, logistical, or emotional challenges are part of the journey. Seek support.** Michelle leaned on friends for advice and encouragement. Reframe setbacks as opportunities.** The new name turned out to be a better fit. Expert Tip:   Before settling on a business name, do a thorough trademark search. But if you hit a snag, don't panic—sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected pivots. 4. Build Community—Inside and Outside Your Business Michelle's Community Focus: Random Acts of Kindness:** Michelle creates goody bags to spread joy locally, inspired by personal loss and a desire to make a difference. Chamber of Commerce:** Joining the Grayslake Chamber helped her connect with other business owners and gain visibility. Inclusive Experiences:** Get Messy welcomes everyone—kids, adults, couples, teams—making it a true community hub. Actionable Advice: Give back in small, meaningful ways.** Kindness initiatives can be simple but powerful. Network locally.** Chambers of Commerce and local events are invaluable for new businesses. Foster inclusivity.** Design your offerings so people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome. Specific Recommendations: Partner with local organizations for events or fundraisers. Encourage customers to leave their mark—literally or figuratively—on your space. 5. Prioritize Customer Experience and Safety Michelle's Process: Protective Gear:** Aprons, booties, gloves, and hair nets ensure everyone can get messy without worry. Flexible Hours:** Michelle adapts her schedule to meet customer demand, offering appointments outside regular hours. Clear Communication:** She advises customers on what to wear and what to expect, reducing anxiety and maximizing fun. Actionable Advice: Anticipate customer needs.** Think through every step of the experience from their perspective. Be flexible.** Especially in the early days, adaptability can set you apart. Communicate clearly.** Set expectations so customers feel comfortable and excited. 6. Infuse Your Brand with Personality and Positivity Michelle's Vibe: Music:** Reggae and upbeat tunes create a welcoming, all-ages atmosphere. Personal Touch:** Michelle's warmth and energy are central to the Get Messy experience. Social Media:** She connects with the community online, sharing updates and positivity. Actionable Advice: Let your personality shine.** Customers remember how you make them feel. Curate your environment.** Music, decor, and staff attitude all contribute to your brand. Engage online and offline.** Consistent, authentic communication builds loyalty. 7. Embrace Your Story—It's Your Superpower Michelle's Journey:   From personal hardship to business ownership, Michelle's story is woven into every aspect of Get Messy. She's open about her struggles and triumphs, making her business relatable and inspiring. Actionable Advice: Share your "why."** People connect with stories, not just services. Be authentic about challenges.** Vulnerability builds trust and community. Celebrate your growth.** Every setback overcome is a lesson for you and your audience. Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Community Builders Start with what you love, and let community interest guide your next steps.** Design experiences that focus on emotion and connection, not just transactions.** Be ready to pivot and see challenges as opportunities for growth.** Invest in your local community—give back, network, and foster inclusivity.** Prioritize customer comfort, safety, and clear communication.** Let your personality and story infuse every aspect of your brand.** Final Thoughts: Bringing More Color to Grayslake Michelle Klein's journey with Get Messy is a beautiful reminder that even in the face of adversity, creativity and kindness can transform not just our own lives, but our entire community. Whether you're looking to start a business, heal through art, or simply spread a little more joy, her story offers a roadmap for turning passion into purpose. Ready to get inspired?   Visit Get Messy at 1864 East Belvedere Road, Grayslake, and experience the magic for yourself. And remember—supporting local businesses isn't just good for the economy; it's how we build a brighter, more colorful hometown, together. Stay tuned to Discovering Grayslake for more stories of resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Don't forget to subscribe, and let's keep making Grayslake a place where kindness and creativity thrive! Connect with Get Messy Location:** 1864 East Belvedere Road, Grayslake, IL Hours:** Noon–8pm Fridays & Saturdays, Noon–4pm Sundays, flexible by appointment Follow on Social Media:** [Insert handles] Contact:** [Insert contact info] Support local. Spread kindness. Get messy!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's way too easy to make assumptions about what your content is "supposed" to look like, and to build your strategy around those assumptions.In today's episode, after a conversation about vacations (give us your Disney World travel tips!), we're diving into how to think outside the box in your approach to content marketing. We bring some examples of brands that are using creative, original concepts that capture attention and build momentum.(Oh, and fun fact: The "1.0 vs. 2.0" concept Austin mentions in this episode for one of his clients just went viral 2 weeks ago, and has led to over 20,000 new followers in a matter of 14 days. Pretty neat!)//

What happens when a creative mind, a startup operator, a cancer survivor, and a humanitarian all live inside the same person?In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Melissa Wood, founder of Formis and Curate, to explore the winding path that led her from a small town in North Carolina to the startup ecosystem in Austin. Melissa's story spans early tech startups, design and photography, turning down life-changing opportunities, surviving cancer, humanitarian work in Ethiopia, and building companies rooted in solving real-world problems.What stood out most was Melissa's ability to notice gaps others accept as normal;  and then build solutions around them. Whether helping homeowners navigate renovations through Formis or simplifying conference experiences through Curate, her work is driven by a simple question: “Why doesn't something better exist?”This conversation is about resilience, leadership, community, and the unexpected ways life experiences shape the companies we build.In this episode, we discuss:How an accidental discovery of Photoshop in the mid-1990s launched Melissa's career in technology and design.Why she walked away from opportunities—including an early chance to join the team behind Me.com—and how she evaluates big decisions.The life-changing impact of surviving cancer and how that experience influenced her approach to work, family, and entrepreneurship.What she learned from living and working in Ethiopia, including lessons about community, presence, loyalty, and leadership.How she built Curate, an AI-powered event discovery platform, in just days using no-code and AI tools after identifying a problem she'd personally experienced for years.Why trust breaks down in industries like home renovation and how technology can create transparency, alignment, and accountability.Notable Quotes“Trust isn't built in one big moment. It's built through patterns.”“The best products are born from real experiences.”“If the system reflects that someone is being heard and understood, it creates a feeling of partnership.”Resources & Links MentionedFormis – AI-powered platform designed to improve transparency and communication in home renovation projects.Curate – Event discovery and scheduling platform helping people navigate conferences, tech events, and community gatherings.Lovable – AI-powered development platform Melissa used to build an early version of Curate.Claude – AI assistant Melissa uses for ongoing product development and iteration.FoundHers – Austin-based organization supporting women founders and entrepreneurs.South by Southwest (SXSW) – The event experience that inspired Curate.Austin Tech WeekLA Tech WeekAustin TV FestivalMelissa's story is a reminder that entrepreneurship doesn't always begin with a grand vision. Sometimes it starts with a frustration, a life experience, or a problem you simply can't stop thinking about and the courage to do something about it.

Topics covered in this episode: pi + superpowers Terminal: Warp.dev + OhMyZSH {Blink,kitty} + mosh + tmux Claude code MacWhisper or Handy Tailscale Extras Joke Watch on YouTube About the show Sponsored by us! Support our work through: Our courses at Talk Python Training Six Feet Up is hosting a LinkedIn Live Connect with the hosts Michael: @mkennedy@fosstodon.org / @mkennedy.codes (bsky) Calvin: @calvinhp@sixfeetup.social / @calvinhp.com (bsky) Show: @pythonbytes@fosstodon.org / @pythonbytes.fm (bsky) Join us on YouTube at pythonbytes.fm/live to be part of the audience. Usually Tuesday at 7am PT. Older video versions available there too. Finally, if you want an artisanal, hand-crafted digest of every week of the show notes in email form? Add your name and email to our friends of the show list, we'll never share it. Calvin #1: pi + superpowers terminal-first, open-source coding agent Session management is a first-class citizen Extension model is what makes pi special — it's aggressively composable Superpowers brings a structured software development methodology as loadable skills Steps back and asks you what you're really trying to do “hand you the keys to the car” mode vs guardrails might not be for everyone Michael #2: Terminal: Warp.dev + OhMyZSH If you're using the base terminal with default settings, you have so much head-room for improvement. I've been using Warp.dev since Elvis talked me into it. ;) Remarkable terminal but the AI side of things is a bit junky, can be turned off OhMyZSH gives better autocomplete e.g. git branch [HTML_REMOVED] lists all branches in the local repo! Commandbookapp.com is excellent to keep the terminal focused on terminal things and more server commands and other automation in Command Book. Calvin #3: {Blink,kitty} + mosh + tmux Kitty Terminal — GPU-accelerated terminal emulator for macOS, Linux, and Windows with support for graphics, ligatures, and a powerful tiling layout system built right in. Blink Shell — The go-to terminal for iPad/iPhone power users; full SSH and Mosh client with a gorgeous interface built specifically for mobile professional workflows. Mosh — Mobile Shell replaces SSH for remote connections, surviving network switches, sleep cycles, and flaky Wi-Fi with zero dropped sessions — essential for staying connected to long-running agentic jobs. tmux — Terminal multiplexer that keeps sessions alive on your Linux server indefinitely; detach from a Mosh session on your Mac, reconnect from your iPad, and your agent is right where you left it. The combo — Kitty or Blink + Mosh + tmux creates a "persistent remote brain" pattern: your beefy Linux homelab runs the compute-heavy agent sessions 24/7, and any device becomes a thin client to drop in and out at will. Michael #4: Claude code I prefer the IDE experience, the new PyCharm + Claude integration is really good. VS Code too. Why IDE? Because we should still be present with our code and managing context is much easier. Use the best/latest models on high thinking. “Speed” is not your friend, it's just shortcuts. Create skills and agents and use them. Curate your own rules (e.g. Talk Python's Claude.md) Works well on non-coding things. Just create a folder, put a ton of files in there and it's like NotebookLM + Chat + more. Calvin #5: MacWhisper or Handy Transcribes your speech using your choice of Whisper or Parakeet models. All transcription is done on your device, no data leaves your machine. Automatic Speaker Recognition with local models. Handy is more basic, but open source and runs on all platforms. Michael #6: Tailscale No need to open ports at all, Tailscale makes machines inside the same network accessible to each other Works great for laptops, desktops, etc. But also available for servers. Though I still use cloud firewalls for servers. How I use it: My dev database server, preloaded with QA data, is always running on my home mac mini m4 pro. All my apps look for that server before looking locally and tailscale makes them always accessible to each other My local LLMs expose OpenAI API compatible APIs. Tailscale makes these accessible even while traveling or at a coffee shop. Use my mini as an exit node. All traffic is routed outbound from my local fiber network. Great to restricted IPs like accessing my servers without caring about the local IP. Screen share back to my home machines even while traveling. Listen to the Talk Python episode with Alex for a deeper conversation. Extras Calvin: Telescopo great Mac Markdown viewer/editor. Michael: One more: Typora markdown editor. Created formal documentation for many of my open source packages using Great Docs. Via Mark Little: Statement on the US government directive to suspend access to Fable 5 and Mythos 5 Joke: No second date

Ever compare yourself to others on Strava? Feel yourself pushed to do more to hit a "streak" or online badge? This episode's for you.Sport psychology professor Dr. Hayley Russell dives into the upsides and pitfalls of fitness‑tracking apps like Strava.She explores how self‑tracking can boost motivation, community, and self‑awareness — but can also fuel comparison, pressure, and body‑image concerns. What can you do to make the most of your online fitness tracking?Balance function over appearance: Use data to celebrate what your body can do, not how it looks.Set intentional goals: Focus on consistency and health‑supporting habits rather than perfection or daily “streaks.”Curate your feed: Mute or unfollow accounts that trigger negative social comparison; follow supportive communities instead.Take digital breaks when needed: Recognize signs of obsessive tracking and give yourself permission to step away without guilt.Leverage community features: Join or create niche groups (e.g., postpartum athletes, larger‑body runners) to find relatable peers and reduce isolation.Protect privacy: Adjust route‑sharing settings to hide start/end points and consider the safety implications of public activity logs.If you found this conversation valuable, hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for extra resources and behind‑the‑scenes content.Watch the episode on YouTubeJoin us at Feisty Fest - September 18-20th, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Sign up to Receive The Feisty Women's Performance Newsletter:https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-womens-performance/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performanceVisit the Feisty website at https://feisty.co/ for info on all of our events and podcastsSupport our Partners:Momentous: Head to https://www.livemomentous.com/ and use promo code PERFORMANCE for up to 35% off your first orderHettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Wahoo: Learn more about Wahoo Fitness Products at: Wahoo: Learn more at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr Tifosi Optics: Use code FEISTY2026 for 20% off at https://tifosioptics.com/

Gail Alofsin, humanitarian, educator and marketing professional  shares her insights on leadership, the importance of saying no, building meaningful connections, and giving back to the community. Discover practical strategies for personal growth and leadership excellence from a seasoned expert. Takeaways *Saying no is essential for focusing on what truly matters. *Curate your network to build genuine, valuable relationships. *Giving back to the community enriches personal and professional life. *Daily touch points and gratitude foster stronger connections. Chapters  02:49 Choosing Your Busy: The Power of Saying No 05:25 Collecting and Curating Connections 14:03 Giving Back: Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement 16:39 Leadership Styles: Push vs. Pull 19:25 The Power of Positivity and Time Management 21:23 Touch Points: Building Relationships as a Leader

We're supposed to connect with our audience. At the same time, we're supposed to lead people to action. How do we balance those?In today's episode, after a sock-themed "This or That" (Listen... we talk about the important things here on the podcast), we're diving into how to balance these priorities in your content.Here's the cool thing: You can often do both at the same time!//

Friend... do you ever feel like life forgot to send you the memo?Like everyone else is getting engaged, buying homes, building businesses, figuring out their purpose, or checking off life milestones while you're sitting there wondering, "Wait... am I behind?"In this episode, we're having a real conversation about the invisible clock so many of us carry around — the one whispering that you should already have it all figured out by now. And whew... this pressure is stealing joy from people every single day.We're unpacking why feeling behind often has nothing to do with your actual life and everything to do with comparing yourself to imaginary timelines. We're talking self-love, self-trust, comparison, purpose, and how to stop postponing joy while waiting for some future version of your life to begin.Because friend? You are not behind. You are becoming.WHAT WE GET INTO:✨ Why the "invisible ticking clock" creates pressure, comparison, and self-doubt✨ The reason we create timelines and then punish ourselves when reality doesn't obey them✨ Controllables vs. uncontrollables ✨ How waiting for "someday" keeps us disconnected from the life we're living now✨ Why loving your life isn't something you arrive at — it's something you practiceTIMESTAMPS:00:00 MASH And Fake Timelines01:39 Why You Feel Behind03:20 Break Up With The Timeline04:12 Control What You Can05:48 Become Someone New06:15 Tiny Joyful Moments06:57 Journal Prompts Plug09:22 You Are Not Behind11:20 Life Is Not MASHTHE SELF-LOVE 2-STEP:Self-love isn't just believing nice things about yourself. It's choosing yourself in everyday moments and creating evidence that your life isn't waiting to begin.✨ Step 1: Break up with one fake deadline — Ask yourself: "What timeline am I secretly using against myself?"

Amanda Foley's journey from two decades in corporate pharmaceutical communications to founding Curate the Soul represents a profound transformation rooted in the pursuit of authentic, soul-aligned work. She found herself increasingly disconnected from her authentic purpose, eventually reaching a breaking point where she was billing sixty hours weekly while managing a significant client account. Rather than pursuing another demanding role, Amanda made the courageous decision to step back and take nine months for personal reflection and development. During this transformative period, she discovered human design—a synthesis of ancient wisdom system. This discovery validated what she had long suppressed: that the relentless corporate drive fundamentally contradicted her natural way of being, and that her perceived failures were actually signs of misalignment with systems designed for different energy types. Amanda recognizes that genuine human connection transcends traditional business metrics and conventional strategies. She loves facilitating meaningful conversations and creating space for people to discover their authentic selves, whether through one-on-one connections or collaborative exploration of how human design can illuminate life's purpose. Her warmth and genuine interest in people's journeys make her an exceptional guide for anyone seeking to align their career and life with their true nature. Amanda always offers a free connection call to those interested in exploring how human design and soul-aligned work can transform their own paths forward. Amanda Foley's transformation demonstrates a fundamental truth: the most effective professional work emerges not from forcing oneself into ill-fitting roles but from understanding one's authentic design and building careers that honor that essence. If you're feeling the tension between external success and internal fulfillment, or if you're curious about how human design might illuminate your own path, Amanda invites you to connect with her.  Visit Amanda at https://www.curateyoursoul.com/ to learn more about soul-aligned PR and personal development, or connect with her on LinkedIn to schedule your free connection call today. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We're happy you're here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Heather Pollington — ex-Hollywood artist, iconographer, and illustrator for Symbolic World Press. If you haven't listened to Episode 75 yet, start there first.In this second half, Heather and I go deeper into her world as an icon painter — her illustration influences, the iconographic concept of simultaneous narrative, what it felt like to first encounter Orthodox art, and the bigger question of what a living iconographic tradition looks like for Western audiences today. We close with something I found genuinely moving: Heather's candid account of leaving Hollywood behind, and what she's learned about following work you can do with love.Illustration Influences: From the Palekh lacquer-box tradition of Russia to British illustrator Errol Le Cain and Scandinavian master Kay Nielsen — the visual DNA behind Heather's fairy tale work.The Memory Box: Why Heather's illustrations use framed vignettes instead of full-bleed spreads — and how her doll's-house fascination connects to a centuries-old iconographic principle called simultaneous narrative.The Primacy of Meaning: How iconography taught Heather to colour by emotion rather than observation — and why the best icons hold a permanent tension between the knowable and the unknowable.The Pivot Point: How researching medieval art for Maleficent 2 in 2017 became the unlikely doorway into both iconography and a return to meaning.Old World, New World: A rich exchange on the difference between encountering Christian art in historic England versus new and cosmopolitan Canada — and why North America's "blank slate" might actually be an advantage for building a new vernacular tradition.Reading the Room: Heather's approach to making iconography relevant for modern Western audiences — not by inventing, but by selecting from history what already resonates, the same way she once designed for "Michigan Joe" on a Hollywood set.Doing the Work with Love: Heather's honest account of leaving the film industry — not with a plan, but by moving toward the thing she loved. And finding that the world realigned around her when she did.Heather Pollington: Check out Heather's website and Instagram to see her illustration, iconography, and production design work.https://www.heatherpollington.com/https://www.instagram.com/heatherpollingtonSymbolic World Press: The fairy tale books Heather has illustrated for Jonathan Pageau, including The Tale of Snow White and the Widow Queen and The Tale of Rapunzel and the Evil Witch.https://www.symbolicworld.org/Errol Le Cain: British illustrator and one of Heather's key influences — look for his versions of Aladdin and The Magician's Daughter.Kay Nielsen: Scandinavian Golden Age illustrator; his book East of the Sun and West of the Moon is a must-see.Aidan Hart: Icon painter and Heather's teacher in the Orthodox iconographic tradition.https://www.aidanharticons.com/Creative Mornings Vancouver — June 5th: Tom will be speaking at Creative Mornings Vancouver around the theme of "Curate."https://creativemornings.com/talks/tom-froeseICON13 — Baltimore, July 16th Workshop: Tom's workshop at the illustration conference is now sold out, but come say hi if you're there.https://icon13.theillustrationconference.org/scheduleKnow Your Art — Cohort Class Mailing List: Interested in future offerings of Tom's six-week illustration course? Add yourself to the list.https://forms.gle/NiRwyLkvCbA24Zn19Drawing Is Important — The Book: Now available for purchase wherever books are sold!https://www.tomfroese.com/bookWork: tomfroese.comClasses: tomfroese.com/teachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings: https://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantIn this EpisodeLinks and ResourcesTom's Links

Amanda Foley's journey from two decades in corporate pharmaceutical communications to founding Curate the Soul represents a profound transformation rooted in the pursuit of authentic, soul-aligned work. She found herself increasingly disconnected from her authentic purpose, eventually reaching a breaking point where she was billing sixty hours weekly while managing a significant client account. Rather than pursuing another demanding role, Amanda made the courageous decision to step back and take nine months for personal reflection and development. During this transformative period, she discovered human design—a synthesis of ancient wisdom system. This discovery validated what she had long suppressed: that the relentless corporate drive fundamentally contradicted her natural way of being, and that her perceived failures were actually signs of misalignment with systems designed for different energy types. Amanda recognizes that genuine human connection transcends traditional business metrics and conventional strategies. She loves facilitating meaningful conversations and creating space for people to discover their authentic selves, whether through one-on-one connections or collaborative exploration of how human design can illuminate life's purpose. Her warmth and genuine interest in people's journeys make her an exceptional guide for anyone seeking to align their career and life with their true nature. Amanda always offers a free connection call to those interested in exploring how human design and soul-aligned work can transform their own paths forward. Amanda Foley's transformation demonstrates a fundamental truth: the most effective professional work emerges not from forcing oneself into ill-fitting roles but from understanding one's authentic design and building careers that honor that essence. If you're feeling the tension between external success and internal fulfillment, or if you're curious about how human design might illuminate your own path, Amanda invites you to connect with her.  Visit Amanda at https://www.curateyoursoul.com/ to learn more about soul-aligned PR and personal development, or connect with her on LinkedIn to schedule your free connection call today. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We're happy you're here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summer is almost here — and if we’re honest, it’s a little bit of everything. Slower mornings and pool days on one hand, no schedule and sweaty chaos on the other. In this episode, Kate and Rebecca kick off the Gather Moms Summer Series by talking about what actually makes or breaks a mom’s summer — and how to set yourself up for a season you’ll actually enjoy. In This Episode We’re breaking down 5 ways moms accidentally ruin their own summer (relatable, we promise) — and flipping each one into a practical mindset shift that leads to a cooler, calmer, more present summer for you and your family. 5 Ways to Have a Miserable Summer (Don’t Do These) Plan every second — Over-scheduling leads to burnout and missed moments. The pressure to create “the best summer ever” can cause moms to plan the magic right out of it. Scroll through everyone else’s summer — Social media becomes a highlight reel of perfect vacations and picture-perfect kids. Comparison is the thief of July. Let every day be a total free-for-all — Zero routine leads to overwhelm for moms and kids. No structure = everyone spiraling by 10am. Never say no to a single invitation — Summer fills up fast with BBQs, playdates, camps, and family gatherings. People-pleasing your way through the season is a fast track to exhaustion. Do it all yourself — The invisible mental load of summer — the planning, the entertaining, the refereeing — without help or margin leads straight to mom burnout. 5 Ways to Keep Your Cool This Summer Plan the anchors, not every hour — Pick 2-3 anchor moments each week and let the rest breathe. The best memories usually happen in the margins. Curate your feed or put the phone down — Someone else’s beach vacation isn’t a grade on your summer. Your kids will remember your presence, not your Pinterest board. Keep a loose rhythm, not a rigid schedule — Same wake time, quiet time, and basic flow gives both kids and moms the predictability they need. Structure isn’t the enemy of fun — it’s what makes fun sustainable. Learn your “yes” limit and protect it — A rested mom is a present mom. Give yourself permission to protect a few slow days this summer. Delegate, involve, and let go of the standard — Get your kids involved in the planning, lunches, and cleanup. Ask for help. Summer was never meant to be a solo performance. A Note for Your Soul The slower pace of summer is actually an invitation. It’s a chance to spend more time with God — in prayer, in the Word, in stillness. Don’t miss it. Be sure to check out our Summer in the Psalms series for a simple, beautiful way to stay rooted this season. Next Week on Gather MomsWe’re talking about the Moms of Summer — the pool mom, the home mom, the zoo mom, the teacher mom. Which one are you? Come back and find out!resources, curriculum, and community at GatherMoms.com Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook

In this Sister Solo, we are back in the studio for a deep dive into alignment, mindset, and the power of the "Perfect Day." We start with some major life updates (including a big move!), discuss the shift in celebrity wellness with Hilary Duff's "Stronger" campaign, and share some fascinating "wellness tea" regarding tonsillitis, pesticides, and gut health. To wrap it all up, we chat all about our latest obsessions in the "Current Ins" segment, from skincare secrets to small-business phone cases.In This Episode, We Discuss:Special Intro: A word from our sponsor, Kion Aminos.Episode Strategy: Debating the best day to drop new episodes for you all.Major Life Update: Jill and Jenna are moving into separate apartments after 5 years!Mindset & Flow: Why everything is falling into place right now and the power of synchronicities.The "Perfect Day" Alert: Breaking down the blueprint for a curated Saturday in Austin.Wellness Tea #1: Reacting to Hilary Duff's "Stronger, Not Smaller" campaign with Ladder.Wellness Tea #2: The surprising link between chronic tonsillitis and IBS.Wellness Tea #3: Picloram, pesticides, and the rise of colon cancer in young people.Practitioner's Corner: Jenna's mindset shift—discovering what's on the other side of "hard."Current Ins: High-protein meal prep, hormone-balancing supplements, and our latest life hacks.Lifestyle Favorites: "Shop Chunky" phone cases and Jenna's new favorite jewelry pieces.Shower Upgrades: Why the Vita Clean filter is a total game-changer for your skin and hair.Skin Wins: Jenna's current Face Reality routine and why she's finally seeing results.Resources & Links MentionedWellness & Health:Ladder App: Check out the Stronger, Not Smaller campaign.Detox Support: Glypho-X Supreme (for pesticide/herbicide detox).Hormone Support: Milamend (Use code GUTTALK for a discount!).Skincare: Face Reality Skincare.Lifestyle & Style:Apartment Inspo: Follow us on Instagram for the moving vlogs!Shop Chunky: Funky curated phone cases @shopchunky.Vita Clean: The ultimate spa shower filter at vitaclean.co. (Use code GUTTALK for 20% off)Spicy Dan: Jenna's new favorite jewelry pieces at spicydan.com.Aritzia: The cute straw cowboy hat (Nada's pick!).Connect with Jill & Jenna:Instagram: @guttalkgirlsTikTok: @guttalkgirlsShop Our Sponsor: Save on amino acids at getkion.com/guttalk.Make sure to subscribe to the Jill & Jenna channel and leave us a review if you loved this solo session!

What happens when a designer working in movies like Disney's Maleficent, Mary Poppins Returns, and Skyfall walks away from Hollywood to paint icons and illustrate fairy tales? In this episode, I sit down with Heather Pollington — ex-Hollywood artist, iconographer, and illustrator for Symbolic World Press — for Part One of a wide-ranging conversation about limits, identity, story, and what it really means to find your artistic home.In this EpisodeComing Home to Painting: How Heather's journey from fine arts school in northeast England, through 20 years of working as a designer for Hollywood films, led her full circle back to painting — and why iconography felt like "the coming together of everything."Designer vs. Artist Type: The tension between being a versatile, problem-solving artist and having a singular, recognizable voice — and why both have real advantages and real costs.Meaning Over Accuracy: Why Heather's film work taught her that emotion and meaning always win over historical accuracy — and how that mindset now shapes her illustration.The Power of Limits: Why constraints are where beauty lives — from a limited palette of natural dyes in medieval tapestries to five pigments in iconography."Just Do the Rubbish Version": Heather's practical antidote to creative paralysis: start with the loosest, worst version possible, and let the problems reveal themselves.Story as the Master: How focusing on the text and the story — rather than style — frees Heather from intimidation and imitation, and lets her personal voice emerge without forcing it.Physical Reference Boards: Why Heather prints her references and pins them to the wall instead of collecting them on Pinterest — and what gets lost when inspiration stays on a screen.Links and ResourcesHeather Pollington: Check out Heather's website to see her illustration, iconography, and design work for the film industry.https://www.heatherpollington.com/Symbolic World Press: The fairy tale books Heather has illustrated for Jonathan Pageau, including The Tale of Snow White and the Widow Queen and The Tale of Rapunzel and the Evil Witch.https://www.symbolicworld.org/Creative Mornings Vancouver — June 5th: Tom will be speaking at Creative Mornings Vancouver around the theme of "Curate."https://creativemornings.com/talks/tom-froeseICON13 — Baltimore, July 16th Workshop: Tom will be hosting a workshop at the illustration conference.

Trent and Lori Tobias, owners of the 15 Commerce Drive shopping center. The couple shares their journey from careers in car dealership and education to building a thriving community hub. Their crown jewel, Great Lakes Antique Boutique, features over 600 vendors across two locations, bringing a Galena-inspired charm right to Grayslake. The center also houses restaurants, salons, an escape room, and "The Room," a versatile event space. With plenty of parking and something for everyone, this neighborhood gem is truly worth discovering! Discovering Grayslake: How Local Businesses Build Community and Create Hidden Gems Welcome back to the heart of Lake County! In this episode of Discovering Grayslake, we sat down with Trent and Lori Tobias, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind the thriving shopping center at 15 Commerce Drive. Their story is more than just a tale of entrepreneurship—it's a masterclass in community building, creative business management, and the power of local connections. Whether you're a Grayslake resident, a small business owner, or someone dreaming of launching your own venture, this in-depth guide will break down the key lessons and actionable tips from the episode. We'll explore how Trent and Lori transformed a half-empty plaza into a bustling hub, the secrets behind their wildly successful Great Lakes Antique Boutique, and how they've created spaces that bring people together. Table of Contents The Power of Local Connections Revitalizing a Community Space: Lessons from 15 Commerce Drive Building a Unique Retail Experience: Inside Great Lakes Antique Boutique Creating Versatile Community Spaces: The Room Vendor Management and Growth Strategies Seasonal Merchandising and Store Staging Balancing Passion, Family, and Business Actionable Takeaways for Local Entrepreneurs Final Thoughts: Kindness and Community The Power of Local Connections Main Theme:   At the heart of Trent and Lori's story is the idea that local businesses are more than just places to shop—they're the backbone of a community. Their journey began with a simple desire to bring the charm of Galena's antique scene closer to home, and it blossomed into a network of businesses that serve, connect, and uplift Grayslake. Key Insights: Word-of-mouth and personal relationships** are invaluable. Trent and Lori's businesses grew rapidly because they fostered genuine connections with vendors, customers, and other local entrepreneurs. Community involvement**—from hosting events to collaborating with neighboring businesses—creates a sense of belonging and loyalty. Actionable Advice: Get to know your neighbors.** Attend local events, introduce yourself to other business owners, and look for ways to collaborate. Be visible and approachable.** Trent and Lori are often present in their stores, greeting customers and making everyone feel welcome. Revitalizing a Community Space When Trent and Lori purchased the shopping center at 15 Commerce Drive, it was only about 45-50% occupied. Their approach to revitalizing the property offers a blueprint for anyone looking to breathe new life into a commercial space. Steps to Revitalization Invest in Infrastructure    Rehab and Renovate: They invested in updating the units, making them attractive to potential tenants.    Parking Matters: A new, well-lit, and convenient parking lot was a game-changer, especially in a small town where parking is often limited. Curate Your Tenant Mix    Community-Focused Tenants: They sought out businesses that would benefit the community—restaurants, salons, a dance studio, a chiropractic office, and more.    Synergy Between Tenants: The proximity of The Room event space, the escape room, and restaurants allows for seamless event planning and cross-promotion. Create Gathering Spaces    The Room: A 1,700 sq. ft. facility for micro-weddings, parties, concerts, and more. This space is designed to be flexible and accessible for all kinds of community events. Expert Tip:   When revitalizing a property, think beyond just filling vacancies. Ask yourself: How can this space serve the community? Look for tenants and amenities that complement each other and create a destination, not just a collection of businesses. Building a Unique Retail Experience: Inside Great Lakes Antique Boutique Great Lakes Antique Boutique isn't your average antique store. With over 600 vendors across two locations (Grayslake and Antioch), it's a treasure trove that draws shoppers from all over. What Sets It Apart? Sheer Scale and Variety:**     The boutique is deceptively large, with endless nooks and crannies. Customers often spend hours exploring and still find new surprises on a second lap. Constantly Changing Inventory:**     The store is staged and restocked for every season and holiday, ensuring there's always something new to discover. Personal Touch:**     Lori's passion for curating unique clothing and décor shines through. She travels to shows and markets across the country to find one-of-a-kind items. Actionable Tips for Retailers Create a Journey:**     Encourage customers to walk the store in both directions—you'll double their discoveries and time spent in-store. Make It Personal:**     Share stories behind your products. Lori loves hearing customers' memories and connections to the items they find. Offer Something for Everyone:**     From "bougie" upscale finds in Grayslake to farm antiques and a "man cave" in Antioch, the boutiques cater to a wide range of tastes. Creating Versatile Community Spaces: The Room One of the standout features of the shopping center is The Room—a flexible event space that fills a crucial need in Grayslake. Features and Uses Size:** 1,700 sq. ft., seating up to 75 people. Amenities:** Chairs, stage, sound system, and adaptable layout. Events:** Micro-weddings, birthday parties, comedy nights, concerts, art shows, and corporate meetings. Why It Works Convenience:**     The Room is adjacent to restaurants and an escape room, making it easy to plan multi-part events (e.g., a birthday party with food and entertainment all in one place). Community Focus:**     The space is designed for locals to gather, celebrate, and connect. Pro Tip:   If you're considering adding an event space to your business, think about how it can complement your existing tenants and serve unmet needs in your community. Vendor Management and Growth Strategies Managing over 600 vendors is no small feat. Trent and Lori's approach offers valuable lessons for anyone running a multi-vendor retail operation. Key Strategies Start Small, Scale Fast:**     Their first location filled up within days, and they quickly expanded to additional buildings and locations. Maintain a Waiting List:**     Demand for booth space remains high, ensuring a steady pipeline of new vendors and fresh inventory. Vendor Diversity:**     By offering spaces for everything from antiques to new clothing, they attract a broad spectrum of sellers and shoppers. Actionable Advice Foster a Vendor Community:**     Regular communication, collaborative events, and a supportive environment keep vendors engaged and invested in the store's success. Rotate and Refresh:**     Encourage vendors to update their booths regularly to keep the store dynamic and exciting. Seasonal Merchandising and Store Staging One of the boutique's biggest draws is its ever-changing look and feel. Lori and her team spend weeks preparing for each season and holiday, transforming the store into a new experience every time. Best Practices Plan Ahead:**     Start staging for major holidays and events well in advance. Team Effort:**     Involve staff and vendors in the process to bring fresh ideas and energy. Create Visual Impact:**     Use creative displays, themed décor, and strategic product placement to draw customers in and inspire purchases. Why It Matters Repeat Visits:**     Customers return again and again to see what's new, driving loyalty and word-of-mouth. Emotional Connection:**     Seasonal themes tap into nostalgia and celebration, making shopping a memorable experience. Balancing Passion, Family, and Business Trent and Lori's story is also about finding joy and balance in work and life. After long careers in education and the car business, they built a new chapter together—one that combines their love of antiques, travel, and community. Lessons Learned Follow Your Interests:**     Lori's passion for clothing and antiques led to a business that never feels like "just a job." Work as a Team:**     Trent handles the behind-the-scenes fixes and logistics, while Lori curates and connects with customers. Make Time for Each Other:**     Even during their busiest years, they made Sundays their day for antiquing and reconnecting. Advice for Couples in Business Divide and Conquer:**     Play to each other's strengths and communicate openly about roles and responsibilities. Celebrate Small Wins:**     Take time to enjoy the journey and the community you're building together. Actionable Takeaways for Local Entrepreneurs Whether you're running a boutique, managing a shopping center, or dreaming of starting your own business, here are the top lessons from Trent and Lori's journey: Invest in Your Space:**     Clean, well-lit, and accessible facilities attract both tenants and customers. Curate for Community:**     Choose tenants and offerings that serve local needs and create synergy. Keep It Fresh:**     Regularly

Title:

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Christine Mack, founder of the Mac Art Foundation and co-founder of Space to Curate. Christine shares her journey from growing up between cultures in Manila and Sweden to building a creative career in New York, and how her path naturally evolved into philanthropy through motherhood, community involvement, and a deep passion for the arts. Christine's story highlights how following curiosity and taking action can lead to unexpected impact. What began as volunteering and supporting youth mental health initiatives eventually transformed into a mission to uplift emerging artists through mentorship, residency programs, and community-driven art experiences. By creating direct connections between artists, collectors, and communities, she is redefining how philanthropy can support creativity, mental health, and long-term cultural change.   You'll hear about: How Christine's background and life experiences shaped her philanthropic journey The transition from design and parenting into community-based philanthropy Why supporting youth mental health played a foundational role in her work How the Mac Art Foundation provides mentorship, resources, and exposure for emerging artists The importance of creating direct connections between artists, collectors, and communities How art can support mental health, expression, and personal transformation Christine's vision for building sustainable support systems and a legacy through art philanthropy   Mack Art Foundation: https://www.mackartfoundation.org/ Mack Art Foundation's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackartfoundation/ Simon Sinek's TED Talks: https://simonsinek.com/videos/ted-talks Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com   

Today we're diving into everything intentional living, and the opportunity to curate our own seasons.