Podcasts about Curiosity

In their annual tradition, Jen and Pete list their very favo(u)rite things of 2025.Specifically, in this episode Jen and Pete talk about their favo(u)rite:Fiction book.Non-fiction book.Podcast.TLATSOI episode.Thing they watched.Motto.Thing they discovered about themselves.To hear all episodes and read full transcripts, visit The Long and The Short Of It website: https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/.You can subscribe to our Box O' Goodies here (https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/) and receive a weekly email full of book and podcast recommendations, quotes, videos, and other interesting things that Jen and Pete are noodling on. To get in touch, send an email to: hello@thelongandtheshortpodcast.com.Learn more about Pete's work here (https://humanperiscope.com/) and Jen's work here (https://jenwaldman.com/).

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson sits down with Laura Maffucci, Head of HR at Crackle PR. They delve into the transformative role of AI in HR, discussing how organizations can leverage technology to enhance employee experience and adapt to a rapidly changing labor market. This conversation is particularly timely as HR leaders face the challenge of integrating AI while maintaining critical thinking and human connection in their processes. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to identify and nurture AI champions within your organization to drive innovation. Discover why curiosity and learning agility are essential skills for HR professionals in today's tech-driven landscape. Explore strategies for implementing effective talent assessment programs that prioritize skills over traditional job descriptions. Hit “Play” to gain insights on navigating the future of HR with AI! Guest(s): Laura Maffucci, Head of HR, Crackle PR

MEET US LIVE IN CHICAGO! LEARN MORE! www.cre8tivecon.com What if this year is not about becoming someone new but about becoming a stronger, more intentional version of who you already are? In this reflective solo episode of the Get Obsessed Podcast, host Julie Lokun, JD shares a powerful mindset shift for high achievers who feel overwhelmed by hustle culture, endless goal setting, and the pressure to constantly do more. Julie reflects on the magic of the holidays through childhood eyes, the reality of adulthood responsibility, and the moment she realized that more goals did not equal more joy. Instead of embracing the tired phrase New Year, New You, she invites listeners to focus on intentional living rooted in clarity, energy protection, and alignment. This episode is for entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, and high performers who are ready to stop doing more and start doing what truly matters. What You Will Learn in This Episode Julie explains why New Year, New You is a myth and how New Year, Same You but Stronger creates sustainable momentum. She walks through the power of choosing one personal goal and one professional goal and how this approach reduces overwhelm while increasing fulfillment. Listeners will learn why protecting physical and emotional energy is a non negotiable and how saying no without overexplaining creates freedom. Julie also addresses why rest and sleep are essential for clarity, creativity, and long term success. On the professional side, Julie shares what it means to amplify fewer voices more powerfully. She explains why going deeper instead of wider creates exponential results and how aligned energy between collaborators is the foundation of meaningful growth. Intentional Living and Honoring Your Season This episode invites listeners to ask a critical question: What season of life am I in? Julie encourages integration over pressure and reminds listeners that growth does not need to happen on a single day. She emphasizes honoring the lessons learned from the past year and recognizing resilience, even when healing feels incomplete. The Proof of Life Mindset Julie introduces the concept of a proof of life list, a practice of acknowledging moments when you showed up despite adversity. Whether navigating relationship changes, health challenges, financial stress, or professional uncertainty, surviving counts and deserves recognition. Relationships Over Algorithms Julie shares why some of her most meaningful opportunities came from conversations rather than content. By dialing down social media and prioritizing real relationships, she found deeper connection and greater professional impact. Expansion, Curiosity, and Beginner's Brain Listeners are encouraged to say yes to growth without pressure. Julie explores the idea of expansion through curiosity, new conversations, and experiences that place you back into beginner's brain, a concept she learned from Jim Kwik. Planning Joy on Purpose If joy is not scheduled, stress will be. Julie challenges listeners to plan joy intentionally, whether through small moments of play, creativity, rest, or connection. Joy is not a reward. It is a requirement. Resources Mentioned Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeownJim Kwik's teachings on beginner's brain and limitless learningCre8tive Con 2025 in Chicago at www.cre8tivecon.com Featured Voice: Jim Kwik Bestselling author and world renowned brain coach Jim Kwik shares why creativity is no longer optional in today's fast changing world. At Cre8tive Con in Chicago, Jim will teach science based tools to help attendees think faster, focus better, and unlock the limitless potential already inside them. This Episode Is For You If You feel busy but unfulfilledYou are craving clarity instead of chaosYou want success without burnoutYou are ready to protect your energy without guiltYou are choosing meaning over more A Final Message from Julie You are not behind. You are becoming. This year is not about chasing more. It is about choosing meaning, honoring your season, and having the courage to protect what matters most. If This Episode Resonated Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Follow the Get Obsessed Podcast with Julie Lokun and leave a rating and review to help amplify conversations that matter. Host: Julie Lokun, JD  www.julielokunconsulting.comPodcast: Get ObsessedCategory: Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mindset, Intentional Living, High Achievers Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A conversation worth revisiting. Mónica Guzmán's work captures the spirit of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other at its best: fearlessly curious, deeply humane, and committed to bridging divides without sacrificing conviction. In this Best of TP&R episode, Corey revisits his wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation with Mónica Guzmán — journalist, author of I Never Thought of It That Way, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, and one of the most trusted voices in America's bridge-building movement. Together, they explore why outrage so easily masquerades as moral clarity, how curiosity can act as a cooling force in moments of political rage, and why dialogue and activism are not opposing paths but necessary partners. Mónica reflects candidly on her own fears, boundaries, and doubts — including how to know when understanding must give way to action, and how to stay vigilant without becoming certain too quickly. This conversation also digs into free speech, Congress's abdication of responsibility, the ethics of moderation and “proven falsehoods,” and why policing structure rather than content may be one of the most overlooked tools for healthier public discourse. If you're new to TP&R — or if you've been looking for a hopeful, serious, and intellectually honest entry point into what this show is about — this episode remains one of our clearest expressions of that mission. Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] Why revisiting this conversation matters right now [00:03] Processing elections without losing perspective [00:06] Recognizing when outrage needs curiosity [00:09] Congress, executive power, and shared civic frustration [00:12] COVID, free speech, and lived experience across divides [00:17] When understanding persuades — and when it doesn't [00:20] Boundaries, bridge-burning, and “loving from a safe distance” [00:28] Moderation, misinformation, and policing structure vs. content [00:37] Dialogue and activism — why we need both [00:45] What good journalism actually looks like [00:50] Where Mónica's bridge-building instinct began [00:57] Parenting, power, and conflict at the most human level [01:00] The real work of talking politics & religion without killing each other Key Takeaways • Outrage isn't clarity — it's often unexamined fear looking for certainty. • Curiosity doesn't weaken conviction; it strengthens discernment. • Dialogue without action can become navel-gazing — but action without dialogue is reckless. • Policing how we engage often matters more than policing what is said. • Bridge-building isn't naïve optimism; it's disciplined moral courage. Notable Quotes “Engagement is not endorsement.” “Dialogue without activism is navel-gazing. Activism without dialogue is doomed.” “Certainty is tempting — vigilance is harder.” “Sometimes courage looks like not burning the bridge.” Connect with Corey Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials... Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Our Sponsors Pew Research Center: pewresearch.org The Village Square: villagesquare.us Meza Wealth Management: mezawealth.com Proud members of The Democracy Group

In this episode, we break down the pursuer–withdrawer dynamic and why partners so often misunderstand each other during conflict. We explore how our nervous systems, personal histories, and internal stories shape the meaning we make of our partner's behavior. By slowing down and getting curious, couples can interrupt the cycle and create more connection instead of escalating disconnection. Main Talking Points • Pursuer vs. withdrawer • Meaning-making stories • Nervous system responses • Projection in conflict • Windows of tolerance • Curiosity over certainty Check Out Relationship Academy Give Me Discounts! Cozy Earth -  Black Friday has come early! Right now, you can stack my code “IDO” on top of their sitewide sale — giving you up to 40% off in savings. These deals won't last, so start your holiday shopping today! Beducate - Use code relationship69 for 65% off the annual pass. Skylight - Use code “IDO” for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365. Amazfit - Use Code “IDO” to get 10% off Spark My Relationship Course: Get $100 off our online course. Visit SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock for our special offer just for our I Do Podcast listeners! If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! – Colter, Cayla, & Lauren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In today's conversation, Michael is joined by Dr. J.R. Briggs, author of the book The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership and Deeper Faith. Together, they explore why the questions we ask—of God, ourselves, and each other—are so central to personal transformation, deep connection, and spiritual growth.Drawing from years of research, lived experience, and insights from both ancient and modern sources, J.R. Briggs unpacks how better questions (not just more of them) shape the quality of our lives and relationships. They dig into why vulnerability, humility, curiosity, and wisdom are essentials for good questions, and how great question-askers build trust, intimacy, and growth.The conversation is rich with practical tips, stories, and wisdom on becoming people who don't just demand answers, but who pursue lives oriented around questions of substance and consequence. Whether you're a leader, friend, partner, or simply someone seeking deeper relationships and faith, you'll walk away inspired to ask, listen, and connect in new ways.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

It didn't always seem inevitable that Margaret Pak would end up running one of Chicago's most thoughtful and distinctive restaurants. She studied statistics, built a long career in finance and analytics, and spent years inside corporate systems where stability and structure were the goal. But alongside that work she fostered a quieter obsession for the culture surrounding food and food service. After a series of career pivots, unexpected layoffs, and some chance meetings with some of the city's more eccentric culinary characters, Margaret began following that instinct into kitchens, pop-ups, food halls, and eventually full restaurant ownership. Curiosity became craft, mentorship, and a deep respect for process: learning knife skills on prep shifts, absorbing lessons from chefs and collaborators, and shaping a truly authentic culinary voice. Today, Margaret is the co-owner and chef behind Thattu, an Avondale restaurant focused on Kerala cuisine, pop-up collaboration, and creating opportunities for emerging chefs., She joins us in the studio to talk through her winding journey, touching on career reinvention, the realities of building a restaurant from the ground up, and what it means to honor tradition while finding your own way forward -- and so much more!

In this episode, Stewart Alsop sits down with Joe Wilkinson of Artisan Growth Strategies to talk through how vibe coding is changing who gets to build software, why functional programming and immutability may be better suited for AI-written code, and how tools like LLMs are reshaping learning, work, and curiosity itself. The conversation ranges from Joe's experience living in China and his perspective on Chinese AI labs like DeepSeek, Kimi, Minimax, and GLM, to mesh networks, Raspberry Pi–powered infrastructure, decentralization, and what sovereignty might mean in a world where intelligence is increasingly distributed. They also explore hallucinations, AlphaGo's Move 37, and why creative “wrongness” may be essential for real breakthroughs, along with the tension between centralized power and open access to advanced technology. You can find more about Joe's work at https://artisangrowthstrategies.com and follow him on X at https://x.com/artisangrowth.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 – Vibe coding as a new learning unlock, China experience, information overload, and AI-powered ingestion systems05:00 – Learning to code late, Exercism, syntax friction, AI as a real-time coding partner10:00 – Functional programming, Elixir, immutability, and why AI struggles with mutable state15:00 – Coding metaphors, “spooky action at a distance,” and making software AI-readable20:00 – Raspberry Pi, personal servers, mesh networks, and peer-to-peer infrastructure25:00 – Curiosity as activation energy, tech literacy gaps, and AI-enabled problem solving30:00 – Knowledge work superpowers, decentralization, and small groups reshaping systems35:00 – Open source vs open weights, Chinese AI labs, data ingestion, and competitive dynamics40:00 – Power, safety, and why broad access to AI beats centralized control45:00 – Hallucinations, AlphaGo's Move 37, creativity, and logical consistency in AI50:00 – Provenance, epistemology, ontologies, and risks of closed-loop science55:00 – Centralization vs decentralization, sovereign countries, and post-global-order shifts01:00:00 – U.S.–China dynamics, war skepticism, pragmatism, and cautious optimism about the futureKey InsightsVibe coding fundamentally lowers the barrier to entry for technical creation by shifting the focus from syntax mastery to intent, structure, and iteration. Instead of learning code the traditional way and hitting constant friction, AI lets people learn by doing, correcting mistakes in real time, and gradually building mental models of how systems work, which changes who gets to participate in software creation.Functional programming and immutability may be better aligned with AI-written code than object-oriented paradigms because they reduce hidden state and unintended side effects. By making data flows explicit and preventing “spooky action at a distance,” immutable systems are easier for both humans and AI to reason about, debug, and extend, especially as code becomes increasingly machine-authored.AI is compressing the entire learning stack, from software to physical reality, enabling people to move fluidly between abstract knowledge and hands-on problem solving. Whether fixing hardware, setting up servers, or understanding networks, the combination of curiosity and AI assistance turns complex systems into navigable terrain rather than expert-only domains.Decentralized infrastructure like mesh networks and personal servers becomes viable when cognitive overhead drops. What once required extreme dedication or specialist knowledge can now be done by small groups, meaning that relatively few motivated individuals can meaningfully change communication, resilience, and local autonomy without waiting for institutions to act.Chinese AI labs are likely underestimated because they operate with different constraints, incentives, and cultural inputs. Their openness to alternative training methods, massive data ingestion, and open-weight strategies creates competitive pressure that limits monopolistic control by Western labs and gives users real leverage through choice.Hallucinations and “mistakes” are not purely failures but potential sources of creative breakthroughs, similar to AlphaGo's Move 37. If AI systems are overly constrained to consensus truth or authority-approved outputs, they risk losing the capacity for novel insight, suggesting that future progress depends on balancing correctness with exploratory freedom.The next phase of decentralization may begin with sovereign countries before sovereign individuals, as AI enables smaller nations to reason from first principles in areas like medicine, regulation, and science. Rather than a collapse into chaos, this points toward a more pluralistic world where power, knowledge, and decision-making are distributed across many competing systems instead of centralized authorities.

I am so grateful to have my dear friend and colleague, Olga Geissler, back on the pod! I met Olga through The Naked Mindset Facebook group and we have been able to maintain a wonderful friendship outside of that group!Olga is a registered nurse who works in a high stress trauma PACU. She also is a coach whose passion is helping women reach their highest level of health and wellness especially those who are working to be alcohol free.Some topics from today's episode include:⭐️Consider taking a 31-day break from alcohol to reset and reflect.⭐️Alcohol may take more from you than it gives.⭐️Societal pressures often influence drinking habits.⭐️Abstaining can lead to improved mental clarity and health.⭐️Personal growth is possible through reflection and support.⭐️Free January offers a supportive community for exploration.⭐️You have the power to choose your identity and habits.⭐️Curiosity about life without alcohol can be transformative.⭐️Shame and guilt can perpetuate drinking habits.⭐️Support and community are key to successful change.Rock That Fitness Membership IS THE BEST ONLINE FITNESS PROGRAM EVER FOR THE HIGH ACHIEVING WOMAN OVER 40. YOUR ROADMAP TO BREAKING FREE FROM DIETING & CONFUSION TO FINALLY ACHIEVING A STRONG, LEAN BODY! If you're committed to building muscle, shedding fat, aging strong, and finally saying goodbye to dieting forever, RTF will give you the roadmap you need to make it happen—without the endless cycle of restrictions and frustrations. Join the priority list for early access and EXCLUSIVE BONUSES!! ⁠https://www.rockthatfitness.com/rock-that-fitness-membership-waitlist⁠As a reminder, if you have a chance, please rate and review the podcast so more women just like you can learn more about the Rockstar way! I appreciate you for your support and love ❤️Olga's Links:Free January with Coach Olga: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1750095492349350/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBTRTF# 70 Alcohol and Your Health with Guest Olga Geissler https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/n03syo36oEbRTF# 78 Navigating Holiday Parties & Alcohol with Family, Friends, andFestivities! https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/7kRBZkbbbGbRTF# 117 Navigating Alcohol and Perimenopause with Olga Geissler https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/YtHXWMdf2LbRTF# 134 Alcohol and the Holidays: What Every Woman Over 40Needs to Know! https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/YApD7liuZObRTF# 155 From Self-Sabotage to Self-Compassion: Break Free from Negative Self-Talk, Regret & Unforgiveness https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/5GTRmKpzRTbRTF# 177 The Power of Managing Your Mind: How to Stop Letting YourSubconscious Run the Show https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/eVpOwKnAcZbOlga Geissler Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olgageissler/Peak Wellness Revolution Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092759019529Peak Wellness Revolution Website: https://www.peakwellnessrevolution.comRock That Fitness Links:Download the FREE POWER BUNDLEhttps://www.rockthatfitness.com/30-day-challenge-and-protein-guideJoin the Rockstar Fit Chicks Weekly Newsletter  https://rockthatfitness.kit.com/e10d0c66ebCheck Out Our Exclusive Offer for Extensive Lab Work with Marek Health ⁠https://www.rockthatfitness.com/rock-that-fitness-marek-health⁠Head to the Rock That Fitness Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/rockthatfitness/ Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/we-got-thisLicense code: RBWENWHGXSWXAEUE

What if the future of marketing is a lot more human than we think? Today's guest, Mark Schaefer, has been shaping that future for decades — and he was actually on this show ten years ago. So this is part reunion, part masterclass. Mark's a futurist, bestselling author, Rutgers faculty member, and Drucker-trained strategist whose ideas guide brands from Adidas to the U.S. Air Force. His ten books and his top-ranked show The Marketing Companion have become industry staples. He's also a longtime friend who somehow manages to push your thinking and make you laugh at the same time. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why the future of marketing belongs to the most human companies, not the most automated ones How AI can scale trust, creativity, and teaching without killing the brand When removing friction actually damages customer relationships Why curiosity is becoming the most important career skill in the AI era How marketers must act as brand defenders when technology pushes too far Episode Chapters (00:00) Reunion and why this moment matters (02:00) Why this is the most amazing — and unsettling — time in marketing (04:20) Scaling humanity with AI and the MarkBot experiment (07:30) The most human company wins (and what that really means) (10:40) When AI goes too far and brands lose trust (12:30) Harley-Davidson, friction, and knowing your customer deeply (17:00) Curiosity as a career strategy in an AI world (27:00) The brand that made Mark smile About Mark Schaefer Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized futurist, keynote speaker, educator, and bestselling author. With more than 30 years of experience in marketing, PR, and global sales, he has advised organizations ranging from startups to Adidas and the U.S. Air Force. Mark studied under Peter Drucker, teaches in Rutgers University's graduate program, and holds seven patents. He is the author of ten influential books used at universities worldwide and the host of the top-ranked podcast, The Marketing Companion. Known for blending sharp insight with humanity and humor, Mark's work helps leaders navigate what's next without losing what matters. What Brand Has Made Mark Smile Recently? Mark couldn't stop smiling about Nutter Butter — a once-forgotten cookie brand that decided to go full weird. By embracing surreal, chaotic, almost inexplicable short-form videos, the brand ditched boring category conventions and leaned into creativity with nothing to lose. The result? Tripled sales and a case study in what happens when brands stop playing it safe and start being interesting. Resources & Links Connect with Mark on LinkedIn. Check out his website, BusinessesGrow. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TODAY ON THE ROBERT SCOTT BELL SHOW: A Sunday Conversation With Robert and Super Don – Faith, Curiosity, and Seeking Truth Beyond Belief Systems https://robertscottbell.com/a-sunday-conversation-with-robert-and-super-don-faith-curiosity-and-seeking-truth-beyond-belief-systems/https://boxcast.tv/view/a-sunday-conversation-with-robert-and-super-don--faith-curiosity-and-seeking-truth-beyond-belief-systems---the-rsb-show-12-21-25-wi7mvjqgfjtutyqn4hkr Purpose and Character The use of copyrighted material on the website is for non-commercial, educational purposes, and is intended to provide benefit to the public through information, critique, teaching, scholarship, or research. Nature of Copyrighted Material Weensure that the copyrighted material used is for supplementary and illustrative purposes and that it contributes significantly to the user's understanding of the content in a non-detrimental way to the commercial value of the original content. Amount and Substantiality Our website uses only the necessary amount of copyrighted material to achieve the intended purpose and does not substitute for the original market of the copyrighted works. Effect on Market Value The use of copyrighted material on our website does not in any way diminish or affect the market value of the original work. We believe that our use constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you believe that any content on the website violates your copyright, please contact us providing the necessary information, and we will take appropriate action to address your concern.

Jimi Gibson is an entertainer, magician, public speaker and Vice President of Brand Communication at Thrive, an Internet Marketing Agency. Jimi uses magic metaphors to explain the principles behind successful digital marketing. A valuable, Abracadabra, listen.  Along the way we discuss – Magic (1:05), Magic Principles applied to Business (11:00), a verbal Magical Trick (14:00), the Magic Script: Connection, Curiosity, Conversion (18:30), Thrive: Digital Marketing (25:45), AI Magic (31:15), the importance of Content Clarity (36:15), and E.E.A.T.: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (36:45). Avail yourself to Jimi's magic @ Thrive. This podcast is partnered with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Send a donation, large or small, through PayPal @LukeLeaders1248; Venmo @LukeLeaders1248; or our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com. You can also donate your used vehicle @ this hyperlink – CARS donation to LL1248.  Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

Elf on a Shelf: Part 1 Her stalker wasn't who she thought he was; Based on a post by LingeringAfterthought, in 3 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Honey smiled at the long line of children waiting to see Santa, flipping her phone from Google Translate back to see the information of the next little girl in line, who was looking up at her somberly with large liquid brown eyes. In her small face was a familiar mixture of fear and hope. Wonder; it was wonder in her eyes, Honey thought. Unlike the tired and jaded adults, dutifully shifting their weight from foot to foot, holding overstuffed shopping bags and all the coats of their kids as they distracted themselves on their phones, the children got more and more excited as they drew near the man in the furry red suit with white trim. Honey loved working with the children; because like them, she sometimes could still see the magic. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Norman shift uncomfortably in the painted plywood throne made for him to sit with the children and discuss their good behavior and of the wishes that they hoped would come true. Even at age 62, Norman still saw the magic with his merry bright blue eyes, but it faded when his prostate pained him. When the photographer got the shot the parent wanted, Honey walked to where most of the long line could see her as Norman flashed her a look of worshipful gratitude. The adults' faces immediately fell, knowing what was coming. "I'm afraid Santa needs to take a quick break because apparently the reindeer have begun arguing again!" Norman put his gloved hands up to his real beard, pulled a comically dismayed face, jumped up from his throne, and ran off toward the restrooms. Honey shook her head mournfully and continued, "The reindeer were all practicing their Christmas carols when Comet and Cupid couldn't decide how many times Santa checks his list in Santa Claus is Coming to Town! Does anyone here remember how it goes?" she asked, scanning the line for people game enough to help. Honey scampered back and forth along the line trying to choose among the eager volunteers, her white-trimmed, pink fur skirt flaring out around her thighs, her long legs clad in sparkly curly-toed ruby slippers and candy cane swirl stockings catching the eyes of several fathers. Suddenly, she gasped listening carefully to her headset, "Nina?" she called out. "Comet and Cupid say they will only stop arguing if 'Nina' gives the answer. Is there a 'Nina' here today? Nina?" Honey looked around at the crowd carefully until the little girl with the big brown eyes, who had been quietly waiting 57 minutes in line, gathered the courage to raise her hand. "Oh! Are you Nina?" she asked, running over and crouching down near the girl. "We just adopted her; she only speaks Portuguese," the weary woman holding her hand said quietly. Honey gasped and smiled widely, "Voc fala portugu s Nina? Maravilhosa!" she said, watching the little girl's eyes brighten excitedly. "Voc pode me dizer quantas vezes o Papai Noel verifica sua lista?" she asked, holding her microphone out to the little girl. "Duas vezes!" Nina said confidently into the mic. Honey listened carefully to her headset, concentrating, "'Duas vezes' it is! They've stopped arguing!" she announced. "But now, they want us all to sing the song in Portuguese! Nina, voc vai me ajudar a ensin -los a m sica?" she asked. Nina nodded and slowly she and Honey taught the familiar song to the crowd in a new language. As always, a hush came on the crowd when Honey began to sing. Heads raised up from forgotten phones. Vague smiles drifted onto the turning heads of passers-by in the mall as they paused in their frenetic search for gifts. It wasn't so much that Honey's voice was beautiful, though it certainly was. It was more that when Honey sang, it seemed to make the things that didn't really matter melt away. To those that believed in such things, Honey's voice was magic. When she sang, people held their breath and didn't even miss the air. Honey closed her eyes as she sang next to Nina. It was a newly acquired habit. Though she had been taught to let her eyes slowly drift over the audience, letting them make a connection with each person as she sang, she didn't do that anymore. She knew he was out there. She felt his presence frequently as she worked, but it was only when she sang that he came out into the open. She couldn't hold her voice steady when she saw him watching her, so she closed her eyes and let the magic continue for the crowd. When the song ended, Honey opened her eyes as the crowd cheered, finding his powerful form immediately as if she had been commanded to look at him. Zach. He had changed a lot in the year since he brought his sister's children through the long Santa line, drawing her almost too-large dark blue eyes to him then, as easily as he did now. After bringing his nieces and nephews through the line, he'd gone home and brought all his neighbors' kids to see Santa in five more trips, watching her the entire time. He looked at her as if he'd never seen anything like her in the world, like he couldn't believe she was real. She had loved feeling his eyes on her then, hearing his voice. She had wanted to climb up in his lap, feel his large arms curled around her, whisper to him about how good she had been that year, and of how much she hoped he would make her wishes come true. Of course, all that was before he'd told her he wanted to kill her. Zach's face looked leaner now, though his body seemed even larger, if such a thing was possible. His brooding, deep-set eyes were not merry, as they had been when children climbed his tree-like body in her line last year. They weren't nervously soft and adoring of every part of her, as they had been at their candle-lit dinner. His eyes weren't rageful or insane as you might expect from someone visiting their object of murderous hate, but rather; they were tortured, trapped. Pain and quiet desperation had taken up restless residence in the windows to his soul. Honey knew she shouldn't look at him so much, but she just wished she could understand what she had done wrong. Once the line of children and parents had cleared, it was long past the official closing time. Honey cleaned up the display and prepared it for the next day while Norman took one last lingering trip to the restroom. Her phone showed numerous messages from work friends from her other job asking where she was. The firm had planned a Christmas party at Gatsby's, a gorgeous club worthy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's glamorous hero. It was also the place where Zach had taken her on their first and last date. The Gatsby's waiter had looked stunned and confused when she shakily ordered herself an "angel shot," the code-phrase used to quietly ask bartenders or wait staff for help when you felt threatened, but after his initial shock, the waiter immediately escorted her secretly to a taxi waiting outside before Zach returned to the table. Gatsby's had saved her life; but she didn't want to go back there. After avoiding call after call from Zach, she finally answered and politely asked him never to call her again. To her surprise, he didn't. He never spoke to her again. Unless she sang, she never even saw him, but she felt his presence almost everywhere. It felt like she was haunted by him; haunted by something wonderful and magical that, inexplicably, went horribly wrong. Her phone buzzed again, the display showing that the firm's senior partner wanted to FaceTime her. Steeling herself, she answered. "Honey Lane where in the hell; oh my god lookit you!" Aaron Timberman held the phone high above his head with his long ex-basketball-player arms and Honey saw a crowd of her co-workers crowd into the picture behind him. "Um, hi sir. Sorry I'm late to;" "You're an elf!" "Um, yeah. It's a volunteer thing;" "Wait, wait, wait; you have the shoes? You know, with the; toes?" he slurred, motioning his finger in a spiral motion. Honey bit her lips and tilted the camera down her body, showing her entire costume, tilting her foot to show off the curled toe. "I'm sorry it got late tonight, but I'll be there as soon as I can get home and get changed;" Timberman looked around at the crowd surrounding him, "Guys, do we wanna see Honey Lane here at the party in some boring old Anne Klein shit, or do we want the elf?" he yelled, pointing at the screen. Behind him, almost a dozen of her co-workers began chanting "Elf, Elf, Elf, Elf!" "Get yer ass over here, Elf," Timberman ordered, poking at his screen several times before effectively ending the call. A few minutes later, Norman finally came back from the restroom and gave Honey a ride over to Gatsby's in his red SUV bedecked with a bumper sticker that read, "My other car's a SLEIGH!" Honey hopped out after getting bits of advice from Norman that would have been appropriate several decades ago. With flaming cheeks, she brushed the furry white pompom from her hat out of her face and told the smirking ma tre d which party she wanted, sighing when he grinned widely and escorted her through the middle of the main dining area, much to her horror. When the doors to the party room opened and she was greeted by another round of "Elf, Elf, Elf, Elf," she didn't feel much better. She was starving, so she headed over to the buffet and began loading up a plate with delicious-looking things on ice in shot glasses, impaled on sticks, or immersed in flames. She just spied a quiet table in a dark corner and was winding her way toward it to it to scarf down her only food since breakfast before she could be drawn into a drunken debate. That was the plan, anyway. "Hunnybaby! Lookit you! C'mon we gotta dance!" Lee James slurred to her fur-trimmed tits. With a sigh, she smiled and laid her plate down on a nearby table, promising to herself that she would eat right after enduring a dance with the favored junior partner. Unfortunately, after Lee angled her awkwardly around the dance floor, they'd drawn so much attention that everyone wanted to get pics of themselves toasting and dancing with the Christmas elf. At some point, she found herself in Timberman's arms with a glass of champagne in her hand. "Um; what?" she said, almost asking herself how she had gotten there. "I said you look lovely, tonight, Honey. Much better than in a shawl and sheath dress," he said, quickly twirling her around as they reached the edge of the dance floor. "Twirling makes my skirt go up; I'm dizzy," she murmured. A familiar dark figure flashed in the background and disappeared as Timberman turned her again. She looked around, trying to find the figure again, but she couldn't see him anywhere. Why was he there? Had she been singing again? "Well, I'll make sure nobody twirls you, my dear," he said, twirling her and smiling as her skirt flew up her long candy-cane striped legs. "The wives wouldn't like it." "I like your wife's dress Mr. Timberman; looks warm. It covers her ass when she sits, too," she slurred, frowning in confusion at the dark red drink in her hand now. Zach was frowning, and then he just looked blurry again as she swirled around. Maybe swirling made it harder for him to kill her. Why did he want to kill her? It just wasn't fair. Timberman leaned down and dipped her, "I'll make sure to give her your compliments. You know, if you like what wives wear, you should consider getting married. Lee is quite taken with you, you know," he said, stroking his hand against the soft pink velvet of her dress. Honey found herself drifting away and wandering inside her head again, thinking about Lee; he was handsome in an overly-polished way, said funny things, but they always sounded a little mean, like he wanted to be the only one laughing; and he also took her away from the food plate that just floated by on a table. It was still full. She should have eaten that food. What time was it? "He likes my boobs; and he doesn't want to kill me," she agreed eventually, surprised to find that Timberman was gone and she was dancing with Lee James again. "Well, I can't blame him for that; they're fucking perfect; just like everything else. I'm gonna come on them after you suck me off; he murmured, pulling her closer against him. "Let me take you home, Honey; penthouse view of the city; "Umm; no, that's not home; I live in the; railroad place; with the trains?" Honey explained, pointing in what she thought was the direction of the Lowertown Commons. Why did every guy think she lived with them tonight? "Sounds charming, Eliza Doolittle; you should trade up. You don't know how much I'd love twist your arms back and fuck this ass wide open over my balcony tonight," he said, reaching his hand under her skirt and greedily squeezing her bottom. "You'd like that, wouldn't you Honey? I can tell; Lee whispered, his cologne invading her head and making her queasy. "I feel sick; Honey whimpered and staggered away, trying to find the quiet table where the food was that would make her less drunk. The dance floor was confusing, though, always turning around and thumping and flashing. She leaned against a pillar until she got a better sense of where she was. She liked the pillar. It was big and strong; and it stroked her hair. "Honey; wake up, Honey. Open your mouth. You need to take these," the vaguely familiar voice said, cutting through the sleep that had been blocking out some of the pain she felt everywhere. She obediently opened her mouth and the hand put two caplets on her tongue. A water bottle squirted a little cool liquid into her mouth until she moaned and sucked harder, desperate for more. "Not too much. Wait until you can hold that down. I'll give you more in a bit. You don't want that IV back, do you?" "Nuh" Honey groaned. She hated needles. Sure, just about every part of her body hurt more than a needle did, right now, but somehow needle pain felt personal. Like with Zach. He didn't seem like someone who went around wanting to choke everybody; just her. She was nobody special; just a simple girl who kept lawyers organized and tried to be nice. Then, someone wonderful like Zach thought she needed to die. That hurt. Something about her made him go from being tender and intensely loving to someone who; it just didn't make sense. What did she do? Mercifully, sleep faded the pain and clouded her thoughts. Voices below her intruded into a wonderful dream where she was bouncing on clouds. Though not in the same room, the voices seemed strangely clear. "I can't; Terry, she cries when I do that," the pills voice said, making her eyes fly open. She knew that voice. She hadn't heard it for a year, but she would never forget it. Her body reacted with a confused mix of emotions, her cheeks flushing and adrenaline searing a path all through her at the same time. "That's because it hurts her. You know what hurts more? Bedsores. Man up. Use the pillows to prop her weight against the parts that aren't hurt on whichever side. It's either this, or she goes back to the hospital, and I have it on good authority you won't be allowed to visit after what happened." "She was screaming; Zach gritted. "Yeah, well they were putting her shoulder back in. People scream. That still doesn't excuse what you did. Since when did you become such a pussy about pain?" Terry asked. "since her." "oh my god." "Shut up," Zach grunted. "Oh my god; "Yeah, that's not shutting up." "The great Z-dog has been taken down;" "Shut up, maggot, it's not like that. I'm just taking care of h;" "By a little bitty pink Christmas elf; Terry laughed. There was a scuffling sound and then a loud whoomp and a forceful exhalation of air. "So, I turn her every few hours until she can do it for herself?" Zach asked, casually. "Yes, sir," Terry choked. "Anything else?" "Clear liquids until she can hold stuff down. Talk to her. Ask her questions. If she seems disoriented or part of her face goes slack, she goes back to the hospital. Don't fuck around." "Got it. Are you squared away, or do we need to discuss this further?" "Squared away, sir," Terry choked, then gasped in relief, panting faintly. "Jesus Christ, you haven't lost your touch. We on for the hump tomorrow at 0 500?" "No. I'm gonna stick close here until she's;" "Got it. Hey, maybe they have those Baby Bjorn things in elf-size. Then, you could just strap her onto your ba; ow! ow! ow, ow, ow!" "You weren't particularly attached to the rest of that sentence, were you, maggot?" Zach growled. "Sir, no sir; Terry squeaked. "I didn't think so. You'll be back here Wednesday," Zach stated, more as an order than a question. "Yeah, if you want me to. Honestly, right now she just needs rest and TLC more than a medic. That stands for 'tender loving care' by the way, not;" "You were just going," Zach said, as the voices moved to another end of the room below her. "Hey, you wanna know what makes an elf's toes curl up like tha;" Terry asked, his question cut off by the slamming of the door. Honey listened, trembling and terrified as Zach paced the floor below her. Though his voice hadn't changed, he sounded nothing like the man that had wooed her so tenderly a year ago. He sounded dangerous, brutal even. He definitely sounded like the kind of person that went around wanting to choke everyone, she thought, strangely relieved that her heartbreak felt a little less personal. How could she have been so wrong in her impression of him? She looked around the room, understanding now how the voices had reached her so easily. She was in an open industrial loft bedroom that opened onto the main floor below. Looking around, she realized she must be in Zach's huge bed, though if the crisply made side next to her was any indication, he hadn't been sleeping in it with her. Looking down her body, she gasped quietly. Her left arm was in a sling strapped to her chest, her legs were covered in bruises, and the right leg that was being stabbed with an invisible knife right now, was wrapped up in an air cast boot. What had happened to her? The last thing she remembered was feeling sick as she tried to get away from Lee's groping hands on the dance floor. After that; nothing. How did she get here? A beeping noise sounded below and Zach walked across the room to what sounded like a kitchen. The sound of water being poured into a cup, the ringing of a spoon stirring it, a pill bottle being opened. Honey shivered, realizing he was probably coming up to her, soon. She closed her eyes and tried to slow her breathing, feigning sleep. Steps ascending to the loft bedroom. Ankle stabbing, stab, stab, stab, stab with every panicked heartbeat. A tray went down on the nightstand next to her. A chair across the room was lifted and set down by the bed. Honey told herself to breathe slowly, willing the tears welling behind her lids not to leak out of her eyes. He would leave her alone if she was sleeping, wouldn't he? "You're not sleeping," Zach's voice stated, quietly, and her stomach clenched in fear. "You've been waking up for these pills every four hours like a junkie. I know you don't want to talk to me, Honey, but until you're squared away, you're gonna have to. So, cut the crap, open your eyes, and let's get this done." Honey opened her eyes to see his grim face looking down at her. With one blink, large tears rolled down her pale cheeks, and Zach's jaw set angrily. Sitting down in the chair, he put his elbows on his knees and leaned his massive shoulders forward, looking at her. His hands looked like they could crush rocks as he gripped them together. "Let's get some things straight. I don't know what you think you know about me, but acting like I'm some kind of psycho is pretty shitty. You want nothing of me, that's fine, but you're hurt because you screamed and flung yourself down some stairs rather than let me help you to an Uber. You're staying here until you're well, because some shithead at that party gave you enough roofies to be in a coma for almost 3 days and I'm not dragging my ass to that rat trap of yours in the Commons every day to make sure they don't come back while you're weak. Are we clear?" he asked. Honey swallowed and nodded, wincing at the pain in her neck and head. That just seemed to make Zach angrier. "While you are here, you will do as you're told. You will eat what you get, and you will not complain. You see these, here?" he said, holding up the magic caplets that made everything better. "These are the last ones you're getting. I'm switching you to ibuprofen and Tylenol because, unchecked, this Sackler shit will fuck you up for good and that's not happening on my watch. Do you understand?" he asked. "Yes," Honey whispered. At the sound of her voice, Zach's mouth twitched, but at least he didn't look as angry as when she'd nodded and winced. "You will follow your doctor's orders to the last goddamn word. You will rest. You will do your therapy. You will let me help you and you will ask me for what you need because I am not a fucking mind reader. And so help me, if you do anything stupid like get out of that bed without me here to help you, or push yourself away from me like you did at Gatsby's, or any other drama shit that hurts even one hair on that head again, I will personally make you regret you were ever born." "Yes, Zach," Honey breathed, confused. Two more tears rolled down her cheeks. Without thinking, she leaned over to wipe them off on her shoulder and cried out in pain. Zach squeezed his clenched hands together and several of his knuckles cracked. "You don't use my name. You don't get to use my name. You're not getting under my skin again, you hear me?" Zach growled, using his rough knuckle to wipe her tears. "Orders a fucking angel shot in my own fucking club; fuck you. I don't have a name, you don't have a name. You're nothing to me. Understand?" "Yes, sir," she whispered. Honey leaned forward and took the last spoonful of broth into her mouth and swallowed, looking longingly at the noodles at the bottom of the cup. Zach caught a drop of broth at the bottom of her lower lip with the spoon and returned it to her mouth. "No," he said, seeing where her eyes lingered. "I can do it," she pleaded. "Please; I haven't had anything solid since; how long has it been?" "I said, no. You throw up on another pair of my skivvies and I'll be doing laundry twice a week," Zach said, dabbing her mouth with a paper towel. "Why do I have to wear your boxer briefs anyway? They feel weird. They have this hole-flap thing; and there are some places that aren't supposed to feel a breeze," Honey said, lifting the blanket to look down at his underwear loosely covering her hips. "Are you complaining?" he asked quietly. Honey's eyes darted quickly to his face, "No sir," she murmured, looking down at her lap. "I just thought if I had some of my things here, you wouldn't have to do the laundry so much." "I'll worry about what I have to do, Honey," he said, unthinkingly using her name. Startled, she looked up to see his eyes wandering over her, his massive t-shirt sleeves going down past her elbows. She felt ridiculous and disheveled, but something about the way he looked at her made her hold her breath. Then, without another word, he slurped the noodles out of the cup and took the tray downstairs. After that, the two settled into a quiet routine of him feeding her, giving her medicine, and watching her sleep most of the day. She would sometimes awaken to the soft repetitive sounds of him running on a treadmill, or the clinking of him lifting weights downstairs where she couldn't see him. Then, he would go to the bathroom and shower. After his shower, he came upstairs again in his towel and took some clothes from his dresser before going back downstairs to change. Honey found herself looking forward to those few seconds each day, watching his droplet-covered torso twist as he leaned over his dresser. He frowned as he flipped through his carefully folded underwear. "You wearing the grey ones?" he asked, not looking at her. Honey peeked under the covers, "Um, yes sir," she replied. "I'm supposed to wear the grey ones today," he grumbled to himself. Honey didn't say anything. Zach was the one who picked out which underwear she wore today. He was the one who looked away while he painstakingly slipped the old ones off her hips and pulled the new ones over her boot and up her legs until her bottom was covered again. There was nothing about her life that wasn't chosen and executed by him. If he wasn't happy about the color of his underwear, that was his fault. Still, Zach kept rummaging around in his underwear drawer as if another crisply folded grey pair would somehow magically appear. Finally, rather than offend him by laughing, Honey spoke, "Um; you know, if they're clean, I could wear the pair I had on when I went to the hospital and you could have these. It would get you back on schedule; Zach lifted his head from the drawer and glared at her, as if he thought she was making fun of him. Honey held carefully still and shrugged her uninjured limb. She wasn't making fun, she just wanted to help. The movement caused the huge neckline to gape over to the side, revealing her bare shoulder. She waited as Zach stared impassively at her, the vein at his neck throbbing. After a long moment, he walked over and stood next to her, the tuck of his towel right next to her face. With every breath, she inhaled the scent of his wet body and the bar soap he used. A rivulet of water painstakingly slid from his chest and down his abdomen, until finally disappearing into the tightly twisted white cotton. Honey glanced up to see that he had been reading her face as she watched the droplet's progress. With a shaking breath, she blushed and pulled the covers higher with her good arm. With a twist of his mouth, Zach pulled the neckline back over her shoulder again and quickly left the room. That night, after leaving her with a video baby monitor watching her on the nightstand, Zach returned with a bag of her underwear and some of her nightgowns. After watching her excitedly sort through them, Zach pushed them aside and sat on the edge of the bed. "There were a bunch of boxes with tags on them in your living room. What's that about?" he asked. Honey's eyes dropped, "Oh; that's the charity gift thing for kids. You sign up and get them something they wished for and wrap it up so they can have something under the tree, when they wouldn't have something otherwise. It's nice, you know? I signed up for a bunch and I was supposed to wrap them and get them back to the law firm, but I guess; sorry kids," she trailed off. Looking furious, yet carefully impassive at the same time, Zach cursed under his breath and left again, returning with the packages and a huge stack of unused Styrofoam clamshells from Gatsby's, and dumped them on the bed next to her. For the next few hours, they "wrapped" the presents, Zach carefully fitting items into an appropriate-sized takeout box, and Honey trying to make them pretty with ribbons. As she watched him work, occasionally cursing under his breath, she found herself smiling at his frowning face when he was strategizing how to fit a basketball into three disassembled clamshells. "What are you laughing at?" he said, glaring when he caught her at it. "I wasn't laughing. I was smiling." "Why were you smiling, then?" he asked. "I guess; I just like you; sir," she said, glancing over at him. Honey saw a hopeful softness steal into Zach's eyes until he forcibly wrestled it down and a look of hooded sarcasm shaded them. "Yeah, well; fool me once," he sneered. Angry, Honey closed her eyes, blocking him out the only way she could. "You know, that's; that's not fair. Not after what you said; you scared me!" she said, frustrated that, once again, tears were rolling down her cheeks. Zach choked out a mirthless laugh, "I scared you? What did I say, Honey? What did I fucking say? God! I was on eggshells all night trying not to fuck it up with you and then you just; why? Those creeps you were dancing with at that party, those fucking 'nice guys' that drugged you, they were saying shit that made my skin crawl! I didn't even kiss you! I couldn't! I could barely breathe just for looking at you on our date; you looked just like a fucking angel. What did I say, Honey? What did I say?" Honey reached over and grabbed her phone, flipping through her photo album to a screenshot taken shortly before she blocked his number. "You didn't say it; you texted it. I remember watching you leave for the restroom thinking I'd met the love of my life and then you sent me this; she said, handing her phone to him. Zach took the phone, his face going from an angry red to pale horror in a matter of seconds. "This; this; he gasped, "I didn't; send this; to you; he said, shaking his head. "Whoever had your phone did, sir!" she said, emphasizing the last word, making him wince. "I spent the last year thinking you wanted to do that to me; to kill me. Every time I felt you watching me, every crowd I saw you show up in, every dark room I had to go into, that's what I thought about. I thought that a man I was head over heels about; that I could be so wrong about him. So, excuse me for thinking I liked you, sir. I promise it won't ever happen again!" Honey cried herself to sleep that night, refusing to speak to, or even look at Zach again. When she awoke, the bedroom was empty, and a glass of water and a pain pill were waiting on the nightstand. After swallowing the pill, she stared at the ceiling, furious. She didn't want to be there anymore, to be helpless and dependent on him, to obey all his stupid rules. He didn't deserve to take care of her. So, she tightened the straps on her boot and increased the air pressure to hold her broken ankle tightly enough to walk without her crutches. Then, she took off Zach's t-shirt, pulled on her elf dress, and called herself an Uber. It was when she saw the anticipated arrival time of 8 minutes that she realized her mistake. There was no way for her to get down from the loft and out of the apartment quietly in that amount of time. If she used the crutches, she would be able to descend the stairs quickly enough, but they made such a distinctive clicking racket that they would surely wake up her gorilla-like guard. If she hopped down the stairs on her good foot, it might have worked, but her good arm was on the opposite side and she kept losing her balance. Eventually she decided on the most painful course, of going down on her good and bad legs, using her good arm for support. Her boot thunked horribly the first few times, until she got the hang of it and could place it more quietly on the next step and then hop her good foot down to support it before the scream inside her could escape her lips. By the time she reached the bottom, though, she was shaking with pain and exhausted. Curiosity forced her to look around the rest of the apartment as she caught her breath, sitting on the bottom step. It was clean and unmistakably masculine. Exercise equipment took up a lot of the space not already claimed by a leather couch and TV arrangement. Zach lay on the couch, made up with sheets to act as a bed, his feet sticking out over the arm, his hand tucked under the back of his head, his chest rising and falling under the rumpled sheet. If she wasn't so angry, she'd find him handsome; or maybe he still was handsome, she thought grudgingly, closing her eyes miserably and looking away. Why couldn't he be ugly? Life wasn't fair. Uber. Right. Screwing up her courage for what was ahead, she stood and slowly hobbled across the hardwood floor, agonizing over every painful thump and noisy squeak until she finally reached the door. She unlocked the five locks on his large door, each of them being well-oiled and working perfectly. She expected no less of her anal-retentive, grey-skivvies-on-Tuesdays captor. Finally, she tugged open the heavy door to find endless flights of icy steel-mesh stairs leading all the way down to the street where her Uber was waiting. "Oh, you gotta be kidding me; she cried, breaking down into tears. A strong arm slid down around her waist and mercifully shifted her weight off her throbbing foot, "I know. It sucks. You should try it with a rucksack full of bricks," Zach said, leaning his head down and breathing into her hair. "I want to go home," she whispered. "Let me take care of you; please," Zach murmured into the top of her head, "I; it was my fault this happened to you. I scared you, I know that now; but, please believe me that I would never want to hurt or frighten you like that." "It wasn't just that text," she said, pulling her head away and looking up at him angrily. "All year, I never had a moment's peace. Even when I couldn't see you, I could feel you waiting in the quiet or dark places. Even if you weren't there;" "I was there," he confessed. "I was always there. I didn't understand what had gone wrong. You didn't want to talk to me, and the world just didn't make sense to me unless I knew where you were, what you were doing; unless I knew you were safe." "Maybe you knew I was safe, but I didn't! I thought I'd done something; that somehow I deserved to have this beautiful, scary monster hunting me. I couldn't stop thinking about what I'd done to destroy something that was so; wonderful." "You didn't do anything, Honey. Nothing at all. You were perfect. You were so perfect that I couldn't keep; you didn't do anything wrong. I never meant to send you that message; please, please believe me." "Why did you send it?" she asked, finally looking up into his eyes. The dark blue liquid pools of her eyes turned violet in the moonlight, and Zach felt a tightening in his chest. "I; I can't tell you that; but it was never meant for you." "You mean, you meant to send that message to someone else? To hurt them like that?" "Honey, I; Zach said, looking around, unable to meet her eyes, "Please, I can't; you wouldn't understand; my life isn't like that anymore." "I want to go home, Zach; please," she whispered. Zach closed his eyes for a long moment before he swallowed and nodded, looking like he was in more pain than she was. "I'll take you home tomorrow, okay? Or Terry will, if you don't want me to. He'll check the place out, make sure you're set up and safe there. You're tired, you're hurting, and your Uber's gone, now. Let me take you back upstairs and you can go in the morning. Please." At that moment, a throb of pain shot through her entire leg, and as angry as Honey was, she knew she couldn't face her empty apartment without a few more hours of rest. "Okay," she whispered. To be continued in part 2, Based on a post by Lingering Afterthought, in 3 parts, for Literotica.

Hi friend — welcome back to The Habit Within! I'm Camille Kinzler, and today's episode is one of my favorite kinds of conversations — the kind that seems simple on the surface, but actually changes the way you see your life.We talk a lot about food, supplements, habits, and routines… but what if one of the most powerful influences on your health isn't what you're doing — it's who you're doing life with?In this episode, I explore how the people you surround yourself with don't just shape your mindset or behavior — they literally shape your biology. Through the lens of epigenetics, nervous system regulation, and lived experience, we'll look at how proximity, conversations, and emotional environments quietly influence your energy, hormones, and resilience.In this episode, I share:A sweet listener story about staying grounded during busy seasons — and why small, shared rituals matterThe simple “broccoli for breakfast” moment that perfectly illustrates the power of proximityWhy we naturally absorb the habits, language, and rhythms of the people around usHow relationships influence gene expression through epigenetics (think dimmer switches, not destiny)The role of co-regulation — and why calm, grounded people teach your nervous system how to respond to the worldWhy “keeping up with the Joneses” can be nourishing when we choose the right JonesesHow to notice who you gravitate toward in social settings — and what that reveals about your internal stateThe difference between growth rooted in self-judgment versus growth rooted in curiosity and playA gentle invitation to seek out relationships that support who you're becomingThis episode isn't about cutting people out of your life or forcing change. It's about awareness. Because when you understand how deeply your environment shapes you, you get to choose proximity with intention — and that choice can quietly transform your health, your energy, and your joy.Big TakeawaysYour relationships influence your nervous system, hormones, and gene expression.Growth happens through proximity — often without effort or force.Calm, regulated people help your body learn safety and ease.Curiosity-based growth creates expansion; shame-based growth creates pressure.Small exposures can create big shifts over time.I'd love to hear from youWho in your life helps you feel calmer, lighter, more yourself?Reach out to them this week — or send me a message and tell me what this episode stirred in you.If you're tired of feeling exhausted, irritable, moody, and just not like yourself, schedule a free 30-minute consultation so I can help you feel like YOU again Fill out this brief form (2 min) to schedule a free 30-minute call. Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know what hit home for you. Find me on Instagram @camille_kinzler and leave me a DM!

The Band Loula on Faith, Friendship, and Music: An In-Depth ChatIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English interviews Logan Simmons and Malachi Mills of The Band Loula. They discuss the band's origins, their unique sound called 'swamp grass,' and their North Georgia roots. The conversation delves into their friendship, faith journeys, and the future of their music. They also share behind-the-scenes stories from their recent tours and recording sessions. Tune in for an intimate and insightful conversation with this up-and-coming band!00:00 Introduction to Georgia Roots01:01 Welcome to Curious Goldfish Podcast01:43 Meet The Band Loula02:19 The Journey and Success of Loula02:42 In-Depth with Malachi and Logan03:25 First Time at Americana Fest04:38 Collaborations and Influences05:43 Recording at Ivy Manor13:40 Touring Challenges and Experiences18:09 Future Plans and Aspirations20:03 Personal Insights and Reflections24:23 Fashion and Friendship25:20 Faith and Personal Growth33:23 Marriage and Relationships36:48 Georgia Roots and Inspirations38:09 Curiosity and Future Aspirations03:41 Musical Performance

In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer, explains why anxiety is a habit and how curiosity breaks that habit loop. He discusses the difference between anxiety and worry, and why curiosity and self-compassion are critical when it comes to change. Dr. Brewer shares insights from his clinical work and research on digital therapeutics and AI therapy, and how both emphasize the value of learning from setbacks and building distress tolerance for lasting transformation. Help us make the podcast better—share your input in a short survey:: ⁠⁠⁠oneyoufeed.net/survey. ⁠⁠⁠Thank You! Exciting News!!!Coming in March 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways Exploration of mental health and the role of habits in anxiety management. Discussion of the parable of the two wolves and its relation to neuroscience and habit reinforcement. Examination of the science of habit formation and the limitations of traditional habit replacement strategies. Insights into digital therapeutics and the development of app-based mental health treatments. Analysis of the potential and challenges of AI in therapy, including ethical considerations. The importance of human connection in therapy and the unique value of human therapists. The role of curiosity in managing anxiety and the distinction between anxiety as a feeling and worrying as a behavior. The impact of self-criticism and shame on behavior change and the importance of self-compassion. Techniques for cultivating distress tolerance and the gradual process of emotional growth. Mindfulness practices, such as noting, to enhance awareness and reduce reactivity in challenging situations. For full show notes,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ Connect with the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheOneYouFeedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Jud Brewer, check out these other episodes: How to Manage Your Hunger Habit with Dr. Jud Brewer Habits for Healing Anxiety with Dr. Jud Brewer By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura Frames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AuraFrames.com /FEED ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to get $35 off Aura's best-selling Carver Mat frames – named #1 by Wirecutter –  by using promo code FEED at checkout. This deal is exclusive to listeners, and frames sell out fast,  so order yours now to get it in time for the holidays! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uncommon Goods ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠has something for everyone – you'll find thousands of new gift ideas that you won't find anywhere else, and you'll be supporting artists and small, independent businesses. To get 15% off your next gift, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UNCOMMONGOODS.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Post your job for free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/oneyoufeed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Book a Discovery Call for Relationship Renovation CoachingOrder Relationship Renovation at Home Manual from AmazonJoin Our Patreon CommunityTake the Emotional Safety Assessment QuizIn the final episode of our four-part Intimacy Gap series, we focus on how couples can move forward — not by “getting back” what they once had, but by intentionally creating a new intimacy story together.Many couples feel stuck when intimacy changes. Desire feels mismatched. Emotional connection fades. Sex becomes pressured or avoided. In this episode, we explore why intimacy isn't something you find again — it's something you build over time through emotional safety, curiosity, and shared experiences.We talk about how play and novelty reduce defensiveness, why new experiences create powerful bonding moments in the brain, and how small, realistic shifts (not grand gestures) can dramatically improve emotional, physical, and sexual connection. We also break down the different types of intimacy — emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual, and intellectual — and help couples clarify what they want their intimate relationship to feel like now.This episode offers a practical framework for:Letting go of old intimacy stories that no longer fitCreating a shared vision for connection that honors both partnersBuilding habits that foster desire without pressure or obligationAddressing real-life blocks like stress, parenting, mental health, and time constraintsShifting intimacy from a task into an experience of connection and pleasureWe also emphasize that intimacy is a living practice, not a one-time conversation. Couples who revisit these conversations regularly — with curiosity instead of defensiveness — build more secure, resilient relationships over time.In This Episode, We Cover:Why play and novelty are essential for long-term intimacyHow to create a new intimacy story instead of chasing the pastThe role of emotional safety in rebuilding desireHow stress, avoidance, and pressure quietly sabotage connectionPractical ways to bring intimacy into everyday life (not just the bedroom)A simple reflection exercise to identify how you feel desiredAction Step for ListenersTake a few minutes to reflect — alone or with your partner:How do I feel desired emotionally?How do I feel desired physically?How do I feel desired sexually?These answers can become the foundation of your new intimacy story.Want More Support?Our Relationship Renovation at Home Patreon includes a full, step-by-step intimacy series designed to help couples build emotional safety, repair communication, and create lasting connection at their own pace. If cost is a barrier, reach out — we want this work to be accessible.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Benjamin Lee and Tina Englisch reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the past year, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the need for rest and the dangers of the sustainable pain zone. Tina shares her journey as a TEDx speaker and author, discussing the courage required to step out of comfort zones and the significance of decision-making in effecting change. They explore the obstacles faced in personal growth and the joy found in authenticity and self-expression, while also looking ahead to future projects and goals.TakeawaysRest is essential for creativity and well-being.Recognizing the need for a break is a strength.The sustainable pain zone can manifest in various aspects of life.Courage is necessary to step out of comfort zones.Decision-making is crucial for personal growth.Obstacles can be navigated by exploring multiple options.Authenticity leads to greater joy and fulfillment.Life is too short to stay in uncomfortable situations.Curiosity can drive personal and professional exploration.Embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities.Chapters00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Growth03:14 Escaping the Sustainable Pain Zone06:16 Recognizing and Overcoming Discomfort09:20 Courage to Change12:23 The Power of Decision Making15:25 Embracing Curiosity and Fun18:16 Looking Ahead to 2026Listen to all of my episodes at https://icandopodcast.comBooks, Blogs, and Newsletter at https://benjaminlee.blogTina Englisch Website https://www.tinaenglisch.com/Purchase Tina's book on Amazon at https://a.co/d/0iatYWO

Sales 101: Curiosity Before ConclusionsOne of the fastest ways to lose trust in a sales conversation is jumping to conclusions too early. In this episode, Sam Wakefield breaks down why confidence in sales doesn't come from having answers—it comes from genuine curiosity.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy jumping to conclusions creates resistance and confusionThe difference between symptoms and stories in discoveryHow curiosity slows the conversation down in the right wayWhy top performers ask better questions and talk lessHow curiosity builds trust without pressure or tactics

My guest today is  Ravikiran Pothukuchi, the leader of Dassault Systèmes' Enterprise Portfolio business in India.In this conversation, Ravi shares his journey from his humble beginnings in a small village in India to becoming a key player in Dassault Systems' business landscape.Ravi dives deep into his upbringing, education, and multiple career transitions that shaped his professional life. Key highlights include his transition from an R&D role to a customer-facing role, the importance of building human connections, the value of curiosity, and how he integrated traditional knowledge with modern business strategies.Notable quotes and insights punctuate the narrative, offering valuable lessons on adaptability, resilience, and the power of networking. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:36 Early Life and Education03:26 Higher Education and Career Beginnings13:24 Transition to Business Development19:14 Leadership and Team Management26:39 Transitioning to Customer-Facing Roles27:33 The Challenges of Business Development31:30 The Importance of Networking35:21 Building Genuine Connections40:05 Navigating Career Transitions46:22 Personal Practices for Staying Grounded47:02 The Five Cs Framework for Success49:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe timestamps are approximate, and after the intro that is about 90 seconds.For more closer timestamps, add 90 seconds to the labels aboveRavikiran Pothukuchi is the leader of Dassault Systèmes' Enterprise Portfolio business in India. In this role, he is responsible for defining the business strategy to expand the company's Portfolio presence in India's rapidly growing economic sectors.Ravikiran began his career with Dassault Systèmes in 2004, initially working in various roles within the Research and Development (R&D) organization before transitioning to business development in 2011. In 2017, he assumed responsibility for increasing market share across the company's core industry vertical, achieving a year-over-year double-digit growth for five consecutive years. He is now entrusted with the responsibility of tapping the growth potential of Dassault Systèmes' Enterprise portfolio while diversifying into new industries and segments.Ravikiran holds degrees from prestigious institutions, IIT-Madras and IIM-Bangalore. He is also a DAAD scholar and a member of several industry organizations, including SAE and IFCCI.Ravi may be reached at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravikiran-pothukuchi-47750312/?originalSubdomain=in

We're closing out our 10-part Wellness Series with a conversation that couldn't feel more fitting. Today's guest is my friend Brad Stulberg, who returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World. I read this book over the past couple of months and finished it on the plane heading to a busy week of interviews at the running event, and I genuinely felt more grounded and prepared because of it. Brad has been on the show many times, and I always leave our conversations with tangible takeaways for how to live and lead better. He's the author of The Practice of Groundedness, Master of Change, Peak Performance, and The Passion Paradox, and he brings such a thoughtful, practical lens to ambition, growth, and fulfillment. In this episode, we talk about caring deeply, the inevitability of failure, and why caring, even when it opens us up to heartbreak, is still worth it. We also touch on goal setting as we head into a new year and how to think about excellence in a way that's sustainable and meaningful. I hope you love this conversation as much as I did and that it leaves you feeling encouraged as we wrap up this series. Check out Brad’s work and pre order his newest book at BradStulberg.com What we talked about: December as a natural season for reflection, and the tension of “ramping down” while launching something big The Way of Excellence and how excellence can be a mindset you practice, not just an outcome you achieve “Brave New World” as a fear-to-curiosity reframe for big moments (races, interviews, parenting, hard lifts) Curiosity vs fear, and why curiosity helps you perform better (and feel better) under pressure Caring deeply as the cost of stepping into the arena, and why “too cool to care” is actually insecurity Excellence as heartfelt (not robotic) and a critique of “pseudo excellence” culture and optimization obsession Cold plunges and “hacks”: what's legit, what's hype, and when hard things are useful vs unnecessary Identity and the “house with rooms” metaphor (runner, parent, creative, partner) so one setback doesn't collapse your whole sense of self Reading vs short-form video for attention, cognition, and emotional health, plus habits that support focus New Year goals: why resolutions fail, and how values-based goal setting helps you climb the right mountain Sponsors: Eternal This entire Wellness Series has been made possible by Eternal, a science-backed preventative health company for people who take their health and training seriously. Eternal offers comprehensive, integrated primary care, advanced testing, and personalized health planning. They go beyond biomarkers to provide real answers, proactive care, and support for athletes and active humans alike. Learn more and become a member at https://eternal.co. Lagoon Sleep If you're ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout. Lindsey Hein Coaching & Training Plans I've been coaching runners since 2013 and currently have space for a few one-on-one athletes. If you're training for your first half or marathon, chasing a PR, or aiming to qualify for Boston, I take a holistic, week-by-week approach to coaching. I also offer half marathon and marathon training plans for beginner through advanced runners, designed with conservative mileage progression and simple strength and mobility work. Visit https://lindseyhein.com and use the code DECEMBER2025 to get $10 off training plans through the end of the year. If you're interested in one-on-one coaching, email me at lindsey@sandyboyproductions.com. Brad's new book, The Way of Excellence, is linked here. Thanks so much for being here and for supporting the Wellness Series.

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We're wrapping up the year by replaying the episodes you loved most in 2025 while we spend time with our friends and family over the holidays! AKA the episodes you guys streamed the most! Thank you so much for your support of the podcast in 2025. We hope you have an amazing holiday surrounded by loved ones, peaceful moments, and memories in the making. Cheers!   Let's talk about what everyone's thinking but not always saying: is my sex life normal? In today's innuendo-filled episode, we're diving into five key areas to check in on with your partner: communication, desire, pleasure, connection, and exploration.    Coming from the unique perspective of being previously married to men and now in a relationship with each other, we share our insights on how deep intimacy can truly go in these five categories. We'll also discuss why women fake orgasms (and the impact on both partners) and explore possibilities of why younger generations are having less sex overall. Get ready for an open, honest, and insightful conversation that just might change the way you approach intimacy!   Podcasts mentioned: Pillow Talks | Vanessa + Xander Marin Sex with Emily | Dr. Emily Morse   Some key takeaways from this episode include: Desire doesn't diminish, it evolves. Long-term relationships don't always mean your passion will fade. Instead, your desire can shift and deepen in ways you may not have expected, but you have to be intentional about it. Honest communication creates a ripple effect. Open conversations with your partner can strengthen not just your relationship, but also your interactions with all the people you interact with.  Curiosity sustains intimacy. Staying curious and open to exploration—both emotionally and physically—keeps the connection alive and thriving. Just keep that open communication about boundaries!   MUD/WTR is a coffee alternative consisting of 100% organic cacao, ayurvedic herbs and functional mushrooms. With just a fraction of caffeine found in coffee, you get energy, focus and immune support without the crash! Use this link for 15% off your purchase, or $20 off PLUS a 15% discount if you subscribe!   Hilliard Studio Method takes working out to the next level to produce results that are nothing short of a total mind-body transformation. If you're ready to get in incredible shape, you can work out with us in-person at our Charlotte studio, join classes from home via Zoom, or sign up for our on-demand streaming service! HSM In-Person Classes HSM At Home (Via Zoom) HSM Streaming   Be Powerful with Liz & Lee is focused on helping you find your inner power and for us to share our thoughts on society, culture, and current events. As the team behind Hilliard Studio Method in Charlotte, North Carolina, we love all things wellness and will also share info on how to live your healthiest life mentally, physically, and emotionally.   Podcast contact info: Liz's Instagram  Lee's Instagram Hilliard Studio Method HSM Facebook Liz & Lee's YouTube

In this powerhouse episode of the Business of Strength Podcast, Coach Joe Strong sits down with Matt Wiedemer—champion powerlifter, longtime private-sector coach, trainer to UFC legend Jon Jones, and the owner of BEAT Personal Training, one of the most profitable hybrid gym models in the industry.What starts as a conversation between two lifelong strength nerds quickly turns into a masterclass in business, coaching, culture, and leadership. Matt shares the real story behind his rise—from sleeping in trucks to train at Westside Barbell, to building 6- and 7-figure training businesses, to running a thriving 16,000+ sq/ft hybrid PT + membership gym that prints cash and changes lives.This episode is equal parts raw, hilarious, practical, and deeply insightful.WHY GYM OWNERS & COACHES MUST LISTEN:Because Matt says what EVERYONE is thinking—but won't say out loud.From broken work ethics in young trainers, to the lies gym owners tell themselves, to why being “busy” is the blessing you once prayed for—Matt speaks the truth every strength entrepreneur needs to hear.Because he reveals the hybrid business model that prints money.Matt breaks down exactly how BEAT produces $110,000+ per month in PT and 1,500+ members at $60/mo, why both sides feed each other, and why most gym owners miss the opportunity sitting right in front of them.Because this is what mastery REALLY looks like.Obsession. Curiosity. Competing. Note-taking. Testing. Constant self-evaluation. Matt shows you the path to becoming the kind of coach clients never leave.Because community—not equipment—is the differentiator.People remember how coaching changed their life, not what brand of squat rack you bought. Matt shares how his team builds deep relationships that keep people training for decades.Because this episode will make you a better leader immediately.Whether you're managing employees, growing locations, fixing culture problems, or trying to get out from under your own weaknesses—Matt gives you the playbook.Don't forget our next LIVE event is Trainer School 2.0 at VH-HQ January 23rd. This program will sell out so grab your seat today: https://trainerschool.businessofstrength.com/Support our Sponsors: TurnKey Coach - https://turnkey.coach/business-of-strength/Naamly - https://www.naamly.com/Ignite Entrepreneurs Marketing Agency - https://bos.ignite-entrepreneurs.com/home-5858-8099#col-XsKe1v0T3M

Tinsley Galyean, Author of Reframe is a technologist, designer, and co-founder of Curious Learning, a global nonprofit dedicated to eradicating illiteracy. He holds a PhD from the MIT Media Lab and works at the intersection of education, storytelling, and digital innovation, creating interactive experiences for museums and programing for networks like Discovery Kids, Disney, and Warner Bros.Under Galyean's leadership, Curious Learning has made its literacy apps available in 60 languages, reaching children in diverse communities worldwide, many with little or no access to formal schooling. By partnering with parents, educators, NGOs, and governments, the organization has helped children in some of the most resource-constrained settings begin their reading journey. Curious Learning's work is recognized for its commitment to mother-tongue instruction and its focus on data-driven evaluation to ensure real, lasting impact.LInks:https://www.businessexpertpress.com/books/reframe-how-curiosity-and-literacy-can-redefine-us/https://www.curiouslearning.org/https://medium.com/authority-magazine/high-impact-philanthropy-tinsley-galyean-of-curious-learning-on-how-to-leave-a-lasting-legacy-with-1c9b04d7b6fc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Ted speaks with J. Irons of Miovic Reinhardt Associates, a Seattle-based design-build firm known for its deep commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and client-centered building. J. reflects on his early love of design, his path through Berkeley and the University of Washington, and how curiosity led him from architecture into business development and leadership.They explore the unique design culture of the Pacific Northwest — from biophilic buildings and civic responsibility to the influence of Seattle's natural beauty on the region's architectural identity. J. discusses the values that drive today's homeowners, including the desire for meaningful spaces, outdoor living, and wellness-focused environments.Ted and J. also examine how construction has evolved, the impact of rising costs, and why permitting delays remain one of the industry's biggest frustrations. J. offers perspective on improving efficiency, managing client expectations during long timelines, and how MRA approaches cost planning rather than cost cutting.The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on AI: its misconceptions, its potential to enhance efficiency, and why human creativity, curiosity, and connection remain irreplaceable in the building process.TOPICS DISCUSSED01:30 Early Career & Path Into Architecture04:20 Curiosity, Sales & Becoming a Rainmaker08:10 Understanding Clients Through Deep Listening10:00 Childhood Creativity & Design Foundations14:00 Seattle's Design Culture & Regional Inspiration17:10 West Coast Mindset & Sense of Place21:00 Wellness, Balance & Human-Centered Spaces23:00 What Clients Value in Their Homes25:30 Outdoor Living & Modern Landscaping28:30 Evolution of Residential Construction30:10 Costs, Efficiency & Permitting Delays & System Challenges37:00 AI Misconceptions & Practical Uses47:20 Creativity, Curiosity & Human Value48:45 Human Connection & The Role of Sales CONNECT WITH GUESTJ. IronsWebsiteLinkedInInstagramKEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE"Alignment gives people the space to connect""People are yearning for connection""Engagement is about creating opportunities"

What if your ego is quietly costing you the very things you say you want—better numbers, deeper relationships, more freedom, and more fun on the golf course? In this conversation, former all-time leading salesperson turned coach, author, and podcast host Casey Jacox joins me to unpack how humility, curiosity, and relationship-driven leadership can help you win in business, golf, and fatherhood—without burning yourself (or everyone around you) out. We dig into the invisible pressure high performers feel to always do more, how easily we tie our worth to our results, and why so many men confuse anger and intensity with "high performance."  Casey shares powerful stories from his football career, corporate life, and his journey as a dad and scratch-level golfer to show you a more sustainable way to compete and win. In this episode, you'll learn: How to chase big goals without tying your self-worth to your numbers or handicap Why humility and relationships are your real competitive advantage in sales, business, and golf The difference between fear-driven and curiosity-driven behavior—and how to shift into curiosity Simple questions you can ask clients, teams, and yourself to uncover blind spots and ego traps How to "bench your ego" for 30 days and the measurable changes that will show up in your life and game The hidden pressure many dads carry—and how to protect presence with your kids without tanking your career Practical ways to use gratitude, curiosity, and "even though…" reframes to bounce back faster after setbacks on and off the course Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Casey Casey Jacox is an author, keynote speaker, executive coach, sales advisor, former collegiate quarterback, and the host of The Quarterback DadCast. After a 20-year career in corporate leadership—where he became the all-time leading salesperson at his company—Casey shifted his focus to helping leaders communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and lead with humility in business and at home. He is the author of WIN the RELATIONSHIP, Not the DEAL, and is widely known for his work with elite athletes, high-performing executives, and entrepreneurial founders. Whether he's coaching CEOs, interviewing world-class performers, or sharing real stories of fatherhood, Casey blends honesty, vulnerability, resilience, and leadership in a way that challenges people to grow from the inside out. Connect with Casey. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: Humility isn't weakness; it's how you stay grounded when success, money, and recognition start stacking up. Relationships are not transactions—treat them like a bank account and make consistent deposits before you ever ask for a withdrawal. Fear-driven behavior protects the ego; curiosity-driven behavior unlocks growth and deeper connection. The right questions at the right time are more powerful than the perfect pitch, speech, or pep talk. Benching your ego leads to better leadership, less stress, stronger teams, and more enjoyment on the golf course. Being a present dad often requires brave decisions about boundaries, time, and saying "no" to good opportunities. Golf is a mirror: how you respond to bad shots, slumps, and frustration reveals how you handle pressure everywhere else. Key Quotes: "When you're great, other people will tell you. If you have to tell everyone how good you are, you're probably not that good." "People who treat relationships like transactions miss the bigger picture—you get back what you consistently deposit." "Fear-driven people are afraid to ask for help. Curiosity-driven people say, 'I don't know' and then do something about it." "It's not what you say that closes the deal or builds trust. It's what you ask." "The mind is the best tool in your golf bag—and only you have access to it." "Do you want to be right, or do you want to get what you want?" "I'm never going to regret choosing time with my kids over another business opportunity." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Journey of Humility in Success 03:27: The Value of Relationships Over Transactions 05:25: Breaking Down Barriers to Vulnerability 09:00: Dismantling Ego and Embracing Help 12:18: The Power of Questions in Personal Growth 15:25: Letting Go of Ego for Measurable Improvements 18:50: Golf as a Mirror for Personal Development 24:40: Curiosity as a Catalyst for Growth 27:37: The Power of Mindset in Golf and Life 31:56: Navigating Fatherhood: The Invisible Pressures 36:31: Prioritizing Family Over Career 40:16: Messages for Life: Wisdom on a Billboard

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)

This episode of the Nextcloud Podcast is an exciting contributor story. And just in time before holidays, we are talking about cooking... and code. Meet Christian Wolf, a long-term Nextcloud contributor and maintainer of the famous Cookbook app! During his early coding days, Christian was trying to learn more about web applications. Seeking an app to sharpen his skills with, he came across the Cookbook app. Many years later, Christian is the main brain behind Cookbook, while the app is one of the most popular apps on Nextcloud App Store. Christian shares with us how he got into coding and open source, his work on the Cookbook app and his vision for its future, and tips for people who want to start developing for Nextcloud.

As we try to wind down this year, Rohin and Praveen do something they've never done before: go through every single episode they recorded this year. All 48 of them. In 60 minutes.The rules were simple. Each host had 10 points to build their personal top 10 list for the year. No take-backs, and no pre-discussion. It was a completely live, vibe-based recording where they figured it out as they went.What follows is a rapid-fire sprint through the year. From Amazon India's struggles to the electric car slowdown, from B-school placements to the rise of quick commerce dark stores, and from Razorpay versus Juspay to the chaos of concert infrastructure in India. They cover it all—the hits, the misses, the prescient calls, and the episodes they wish had gone differently.Along the way, they debate whether episodes were too speculative, too early, or just not memorable enough. By the end, they're locked in a tight race with only five episodes left and one point each remaining.Because it wouldn't be Two by Two without a matrix, we plotted the results of their debate. Take a look at the graphic to see which episodes they both loved (the green zone) versus their personal favourites.It is chaotic, nostalgic, and a perfect preview of what 2025 looked like through the lens of Two by Two.______This episode was produced by Uddantika Kashyap and mixed and mastered by Rajiv CN, our resident sound engineer.With 48 episodes in the books, this is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to catch up on the defining business stories of 2025. If you liked this sprint through the year, please share it with someone who loves a good deep dive.Have your own "vibe-based" arguments about our list? We're all ears. Reach out at twobytwo@the-ken.com or leave a comment.

 In this episode of the podcast, we explore those seasons in life when something just doesn't feel right—when discomfort lingers, but we're not quite sure what to do about it. These moments can feel heavy or confusing, especially when we silence the voice of curiosity. Often, when we stop being curious, we also stop exploring new perspectives. We fall into autopilot, tolerate discomfort, or assume there's no solution—just "A or B," black or white, this or that. But what if there's a third way? We share three key lessons that can help you begin to move through uncertainty: 1) Listen Closely to What People Tell You Sometimes, others notice things about our lives before we do. Their words can be mirrors. Instead of brushing them off, consider whether there's truth in their observations. You might uncover a blind spot or a possibility you hadn't seen. 2) Don't Limit Yourself to Either/Or Thinking When facing a difficult decision, we often trap ourselves into thinking there are only two options. What if, instead, you asked: What's option C? Or what if I could take the best of both A and B and create a hybrid solution? Expanding the field of possibility can open unexpected and more aligned paths. 3) Recreate and Gain Clarity We often don't allow ourselves to follow a journey fully. We may start planning or designing a change but hesitate to commit to a clear direction. Yet clarity is powerful—it acts like a roadmap. When you gain clarity about your needs, goals, or values, things tend to flow more easily and move forward with surprising speed. It's not about forcing the path but allowing yourself to walk it step by step, with purpose. Discomfort is often the starting point of transformation—not something to fear, but something to examine. Join us as we talk through how embracing curiosity and clarity can turn uncertainty into opportunity.

In Part 2, Kassandra Ruelas takes us deeper into her journey — from rediscovering her love for the game under Coach Temas, to the fate-driven path that led her to Vial/Villarreal, to leaving home for Spain as a teenager. She shares what life, training, and tempo looked like overseas, how Spanish clubs develop players through structure and intelligence, and what it felt like to finally find her rhythm abroad.This episode also uncovers the hardest chapter of her career: tearing her ACL overseas, navigating the injury alone during a national blackout, and learning her younger sister tore her ACL the same week. Kassandra opens up about her recovery, her mindset, and what she hopes players and parents take away from her story.Key Talking Points• Finding joy again at Sting and the season that rebuilt her confidence.• Earning the first-ever North Texas Player Training Week invite in Spain.• How fate connected her to Vial after a controversial point error.• The Spanish development model: daily structure, zones, rondos, and tempo.• What life looked like: gym, training, Spanish class, film, late-night sessions.• Being “the foreigner” and the pressure of integrating into a new culture.• Highest levels she reached in Spain and how licensing works for minors.• The game where her ACL tore on a routine change of direction.• No trainer onsite, calling Christian at 4 a.m. Texas time for support.• The national blackout that blocked access to her MRI results.• Learning her sister tore her ACL days later.• Returning home for surgery and beginning the long recovery.• Rebuilding mentally while rediscovering who she is beyond soccer.• Leaving the door open for Spain but embracing uncertainty.• Message to parents: support but let players own conversations.• Message to players: attitude and curiosity separate you.Quotes from Kassandra• “Coach Temas brought the love back for the game.”• “Being the first North Texas player selected — I knew I had to go back.”• “I was jumping the entire night when they announced I was going to Spain.”• “In Spain, the ball does the work. The tempo is smarter, not just faster.”• “I spoke Spanish, but I was still the foreigner. That pressure stays with you.”• “I knew the moment it happened — something was wrong with my knee.”• “I was alone in the locker room with no trainer. I just wanted my mom.”• “The blackout hit the day my MRI came in. I couldn't talk to anyone.”• “Two days later, my sister tore her ACL too. It didn't feel real.”• “Right now I'm learning who I am outside of soccer.”• “Curiosity and attitude — those two things take you farther than talent.”Connect with Kassandra

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dalia Blander and Eprihm Blander, his parents, who are thriving in their nineties. Gil explores the daily routines, food choices, and mindsets that have kept Dalia and Eprihm active, independent, and healthy well into later life.Dalia and Eprihm share how simple habits like regular movement, home-cooked meals, and a Mediterranean diet have shaped their health. They talk about the power of walking, gardening, and staying busy with meaningful work. Both value strong family ties and regular contact with friends, crediting these connections as key to their sense of purpose. Dalia highlights the importance of curiosity, reading, and keeping her mind sharp, while Eprihm stays engaged by helping with family business and learning new things.Together, they show that a positive outlook, daily activity, and strong relationships are at the heart of a long, fulfilling life.  Episode highlights:[00:00:00]: Introduction[00:01:04]: Episode Overview and Purpose[00:01:50]: Guest Backgrounds[00:02:45]: Approach to Interview and Method[00:03:34]: Early Life and Childhood Environment[00:04:17]: Childhood Diet and Physical Activity[00:05:11]: Influence of Upbringing on Long-Term Health[00:05:35]: Family Longevity and Genetic Background[00:06:23]: Adult Life, Careers, and Daily Routines[00:07:19]: Diet and Lifestyle in Adulthood[00:07:43]: Attitudes Toward Health and Longevity[00:08:31]: Habits Around Food, Sleep, and Exercise[00:09:15]: Stress Management Approaches[00:10:17]: Coping with Health Challenges and Positive Attitude[00:11:37]: Daily Life and Routines in Their Nineties[00:13:44]: Morning Routines and Keeping Active[00:14:19]: Mental Engagement and Cognitive Health[00:14:50]: Dietary Habits and Food Choices[00:15:03]: Sources of Joy and Purpose[00:15:27]: Mindset, Relationships, and Emotional Health[00:16:38]: Social Connections and Family Importance[00:17:01]: Role of Humor, Gratitude, and Curiosity[00:17:35]: Attitude's Impact on Health and Longevity[00:17:58]: Advice for Younger Generations[00:18:43]: Quick Fire Round: Daily Habits and Myths About Aging[00:19:57]: Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways[00:20:25]: Outro and FarewellFor science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast Similar Longevity By Design episodes we think you would love: The Latest Updates in Longevity Research with Dr. Eric Verdin Dr. Andrea Maier—Mechanisms of AgingXPRIZE Healthspan: Revolutionizing Human Aging & Healthspan with Dr. Jamie Justice 

Real leaders. In the rain. Still celebrating. In this behind-the-scenes joy experiment, I take you to Disneyland with three of my closest friends—including one who witnessed the birth of the Joyosity book idea… from a raft. We talk about why celebration matters, why leaders resist it, how play actually works in real adult life (hint: it's not all spontaneous whimsy), and the real fear we have of joy. Sprinkled throughout: a Star Wars ride, soaked clothes, a debate about cringe, deep laughter, and research-backed insights you can use tomorrow. Here's What's in the Episode: 5:52 Celebration isn't extra—it's a strategic reset. Intentional celebration helps your brain overcome negativity bias and reinforces evidence that you can do hard things. Leaders need this more than they think. 8:27 Play is a productivity tool, not a luxury. Whether it's crafting, hiking, or joking with coworkers, play restores innovation, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. When leaders don't play, they get stuck. Literally. 17:11 Childlike ≠ childish. Childish behavior derails workplaces (tantrums, gossip, baby-talk politics). Childlike behavior brings curiosity, wonder, creativity, and openness to “what if?” — the soil where innovation grows. Key Takeaway Play, rest, and celebration aren't indulgences; they're performance tools that keep leaders (and teams) from getting stuck. About the Guests: A Quorum of the March Girls These women are real-life leaders throughout the country. Camille leads an area for a global nonprofit, Jen is a PhD science educator and program consultant, and Sarah is a pediatric occupational therapist with a neonatal specialty. The four of us, plus Lindsay a trainer to professional athletes, have been friends for more than 30 years. So this is the behind the scenes of real-life leaders celebrating at Disneyland. About the Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosity™, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks hit shelves December 9, 2025, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. Resources & Links: Get Joyosity: Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isn't extra. Joy is how you thrive. This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish. https://jennwhitmer.com/books Ready to Make a Plan: Joyosity™ Jumpstart → Get crystal clear on what you want, what's in the way, and how to move forward with traction. Starting the Journey: Enneagram Navigator → Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots. Ready to Dive In: Joyosity™ Intensive → A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership. A Party for More: Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak → Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter. Loved this episode? Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader who's ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.

In this very special episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jake Gold, one of the most influential architects of Canadian music and the longtime manager behind The Tragically Hip. Jake takes listeners behind the curtain on what a music manager actually does, not as a hype man, but as the CEO of a complex business where touring, deals, team decisions, merchandising, data, and long term career strategy all run through one leader. He shares the moment he first saw The Tragically Hip live and knew instantly they had to be signed, plus how conviction, detail obsession, and a willingness to say no are what separate career building from chasing quick wins.This conversation is packed with crossover lessons for founders, CEOs, and business developers, especially around standards, positioning, and being relentlessly curious as the market changes. Jake breaks down why the music industry is bigger than ever, why direct to consumer and data matter, and why the barrier to entry being low does not change the one truth that decides everything: you still have to be great. Kelly also acknowledges the human side of legacy, including the grief the country felt around Gord Downie, and Jake shares how he stays grounded and sustainable across decades in a 24/7 industry, while hinting at meaningful plans ahead for what comes next.Key Takeaways: 1. You will know greatness when you feel it and it is an involuntary response, not a logical checklist. 2. Great careers are built by setting the real bar and realizing what “next level” actually looks like the first time you witness it. 3. A great manager is basically the CEO of the band's company, overseeing every revenue stream, cost, and decision with the artists as the board. 4. Sustainable performance comes from ruthless time protection: knowing when not to get involved, saying no, and avoiding time wasters. 5. If you do not believe in what you represent, you will eventually get bored and move on, so belief is the fuel of long term excellence. 6. The small stuff is the big stuff: details matter because this is the whole business and you do not get paid unless it works. 7. There is no plan B if you want career level outcomes, and if the artist or founder loses belief, the manager cannot save it. 8. Curiosity is a competitive advantage: keep learning, keep reading, and bring new ideas to the table even when you are the most experienced person in the room. 9. Data and direct fan connection are core now, and the winners will understand audiences, demographics, and DTC relationships better than ever. 10. In a world where anyone can publish, the filter is still the same: you have to be great, the cream rises, and longevity is the real proof. Connect with Jake Gold and learn more about his work:The Management Trust (Official Site)https://mgmtrust.ca/Jake Gold on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-gold-92046030/If you know you are built for more, you belong in The Catalyst Club. It is a private, high trust community for founders, business developers, and next generation leaders who want real connection, real support, and real momentum.Join us today: https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Welcome to Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill Carnahan, where today's episode explores the profound theme: When the Body Speaks Louder Than Words. Dr. Jill is joined by internationally respected clinician and educator Gail Wetzler, a leader in integrative manual therapy, visceral manipulation, and collaborative healthcare models that address the whole person—not just symptoms.

Last week on the podcast I talked about Angels - or at least people who seem to be placed especially in our paths. That got me to thinking.Specifically about another instance that took place not long ago at one of my favorite spots - Wegman's.It wasn't about groceries, it was about a moment of kindness. A moment that has me thinking that this whole angel thing? Maybe it's not about special beings at all.Maybe it's about all of us.And that's what I discuss this week.In a world where what passes for radical honesty usually means someone is just letting things fly outta their pie-hole without much care for others, it's time for radically authentic conversation. Conscious communication is simple, but often isn't easy. That's why Cathy Brooks created Talk, Unleashed – a weekly podcast of radically honest conversation about — everything. Whether her own musings or in conversation with industry leaders, each episode invites curiosity. Curiosity not about what people do, but why they do it. Who they are and what makes them tick. It's about digging underneath to reveal the thing that is most true - that we are more alike than we are not. A mix of solo episodes where Cathy shares her insights and experience or Cathy engaged in conversation with fascinating humans doing amazing things. No matter the format - it's unvarnished, radically honest and entirely unleashed. This podcast compliments Unleashed Leadership, the coaching business through which Cathy works with symphony orchestras, corporate clients, and individuals to help them unleash and untether their leadership and connect with others in a way that truly engages.#angels #angelsonearth #angelsamongus #wegmans #midlothian #dogbehavior #baddogbehavior #dogtraining #shiftingbehavior #brutalhonesty #radicalhonesty #consciouscommunication #leadership #Conversation #connection #TalkUnleashed #fiercecompassion #UnleashedConversation #UnleashedLeadership #FixYourEndofTheLeash

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.comWhat does neuroscience tells us about the brain-body connection? How we can utilize that knowledge to thrive amid times of uncertainty, change and fear? In this episode of 97% Effective, Michael speaks with Julia Bunyatov, executive leadership coach and founder or Sirmio. Julie discusses her work with Wall Street executives and how she applies neuroscience insights to her coaching practice. She shares how mindfulness, curiosity and optimism are the keys to leading amid uncertainty – and to approaching the important question of how we are changing as leaders with the emergence of AI. Discussed: her latest articles, how to best eliminate the brain's prediction errors, optimism vs toxic positivity, and what it means to thrive and “create magic.”SHOW NOTES:How Julia's years on Wall Street informs her work as an executive leadership coachThe personal family experiences that led Julia to neuroscience, the science of thriving – and into coachingThe rock formation behind her company's name, Sirmio LeadershipHow do we lead through complexity – and create outcomes that could not have been predicted beforeAddressing the soft “new age” perception of “Mindfulness, Optimism and Curiosity”Mindfulness defined: Our ability to manage our attention and focus in a desired way – and observe in a non-judgmental wayPractical ways (beyond meditation) to become more mindful so you can deepen your self-awarenessIs stress good – and if so, how much do you want?Curiosity: How it helps us engage our capacity to be creative and innovativeHow mindfulness helps us when we get triggered at workHow empathy creates more energy in the brain body system that helps usWe think our brain is reactive, but it is actually predictingThe best way to eliminate prediction error and anxiety is through experience: the example of thriving in a snowstormOne of the most important things that Coaches doOptimism vs “toxic positivity”Applying the process of mindfulness, curiosity and optimism to the emergence of AI: how do we collaborate and create something that did not exist before?AI is absolutely about creating efficiencies in the workplace, but the more important question is how are we changing as leaders?Why we need friction – and not everything should be smooth sailingHow Julia uses AI in her coaching practice and workJulia's take on emotions: don't suppress them, use them as a source of energy and conduit to our resultsBIO AND LINKS: Julia Bunyatov is the founder of Sirmio Leadership, which focuses on Executive Coaching & Advisory. She is a certified Executive Coach and former C-suite leader with 30 years of experience in executive leadership, board governance, and coaching. She held senior roles including COO of Global Equities Trading, COO of Global Equity Derivatives, and Americas Risk Officer at Bankers Trust, Lehman Brothers, and Barclays. Today she supports senior leaders in aligning insight with real-world leadership to drive meaningful change. In addition to other board commitments, Julia serves as Treasurer of the Columbia Coaching Conference and is a board member of the Columbia Coaching Learning Association. Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bunyatov-0b23001/Sirmio Leadership: https://www.sirmioleadership.comThe meaning of “Sirmio”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SirmioJulia's article in Choice: “Thriving in Uncertainty ~ Neuroscience and applications for coaches and leader” https://choice-online.com/thriving/Julia's article: “We Built the Machine. Now We Must Build the Mindset: How Emotion, Neuroscience, and AI Are Rewiring Leadership” https://tinyurl.com/4e7bpcm9Michael's Award-Winning book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That's Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on video, the 97% Effective Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffectiveAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if the bravest move you can make in a polarized world where everyone is picking a 'team' is refuse to play the game, and start asking questions? What if the true rebellion is to step out of the binary fight and say, 'Okay, but what's really true here? What's being missed? What's the actual problem?'Let's talk about the raw reality of tensions over politics and the relief we found after stepping away from party identity. We unpack how to rebuild real dialogue: regulate your nervous system, slow your reaction, and practice intellectual humility. The payoff isn't abstract. It's fewer blown-up group chats, more honest relationships, and a mind that can hold nuance without fracturing.We break down critical thinking in practical terms: curiosity with discipline. You'll hear why emotions hijack logic, how information overload and algorithms create echo chambers, and why group loyalty often beats truth unless we consciously choose otherwise. We share candid stories, including catching viral misinformation mid-share and what it took to become a safe place for disagreement. We also examine the less discussed factors that dim clarity: chronic stress, lack of sleep, and how certain medications or mental health states can blunt curiosity and slow reasoning.Then we get tactical. A cheat sheet for critical thinking. 'How do I know this?' 'Who benefits if I believe it?' 'What would change my mind?' Plus ways to diversify sources without burning out. We talk incentives behind research, following the money, and spotting logical fallacies so you can see rhetorical tricks in real time. Most of all, we normalize changing your mind. That's not weakness, it's growth. We close by naming beliefs we've outgrown and tease a part two: a deep dive on propaganda's history and psychology, and how to stay immune.Real courage isn't doubling down on a side. It's being curious when everyone else is being loud.If this resonates, tap follow, share with a friend who craves nuance, and join our Patreon where you can join the chat and leave one belief you've updated lately. Your reflection might be the bridge someone else needs.https://www.patreon.com/c/seeyouontheotherside Microdosify 10% OFF our trusted microdose supply!1:1 Discovery Calls Are psychedelics right for you on your healing journey? Book a discovery call to ask us anything. Support the showJoin our Patreon for exclusive content:https://www.patreon.com/seeyouontheotherside Our Website:https://linktr.ee/seeyouontheothersidepodcast

If you've been feeling the call to be around others who get it — this is your chance.Not just daily prompts or prerecorded content — the Circle is INTERACTIVE, alive, real-time, and built on true human connection.

Allison Ford is a studio artist and educator whose work lives in the in-between — between jewelry and sculpture, storytelling and adornment, play and meaning. Based in Indianapolis, she has been part of the Harrison Center community since 2009, building a creative life shaped by curiosity, community, and a deep commitment to handmade work.In this episode, Allison shares her winding path back to making and how her practice has evolved alongside raising her family and later earning her MFA. We talk about the importance of creative community, the role teaching now plays in her life, and why staying playful and curious continues to guide her work.Our conversation also explores the stories behind some of her most recognizable bodies of work, including her Indiana bug series and the folklore-inspired figure Baba Pascha and her bronze spider companion, and how art can serve as a vehicle for empathy and connection.This episode is a thoughtful reflection on building a handmade life over time — one rooted in intention, experimentation, and the freedom to create beyond defined lines.Follow Along:Allison on Instagram: ⁠@studioamfAllison's Website: studioamfdesign.comLove the Podcast?Consider supporting an episode! Learn more at here.Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Follow Christine and Slowmade...Instagram: ⁠@christinemighion⁠Jewelry Website: ⁠christinemighion.com⁠Slowmade: ⁠slowmadepodcast.com

Is there a correlation between a person's Working Genius (WG) pairings and their emotional intelligence (EQ)? Also, how can you use your Working Genius results to strengthen your emotional intelligence?In episode 102 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody explore how Working Genius and emotional intelligence intersect, and where they don't. They explain that while no Working Genius type predicts EQ, the Working Genius model is a powerful tool for developing the self-awareness and social awareness that foster emotional intelligence.Topics explored in this episode: (02:27) Is There a Link Between Genius Types and EQ?* Pat clarifies that Working Genius and EQ are independent, emphasizing that self-awareness (not wiring) drives emotional intelligence.(05:29) Self-Awareness, Rough Edges, and Workplace Behavior* How understanding your working frustrations increases EQ.* How low self-awareness manifests in everyday interactions.(11:14) Social Awareness, Curiosity, and Understanding Others* Why EQ requires not only self-awareness but also a genuine desire to understand others.* Connecting curiosity to humility and vulnerability, noting how Working Genius accelerates relational understanding.(17:35) Building Relational EQ * How to lovingly offer feedback that raises another person's emotional intelligence.* How self-awareness and understanding others—not your Genius letters—are what transform your effectiveness and relationships.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

Coining a new term, Jen introduces Pete to the idea of, while working on a project, considering the relative effort of both the creator and the receiver.Specifically, in this episode Jen and Pete talk about:What is relative effort? What is relative risk?How might we ship things without the pressure of absolute perfection?Why might we think about the worst case scenario or fear, in order to move a project along?To hear all episodes and read full transcripts, visit The Long and The Short Of It website: https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/.You can subscribe to our Box O' Goodies here (https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/) and receive a weekly email full of book and podcast recommendations, quotes, videos, and other interesting things that Jen and Pete are noodling on. To get in touch, send an email to: hello@thelongandtheshortpodcast.com.Learn more about Pete's work here (https://humanperiscope.com/) and Jen's work here (https://jenwaldman.com/).

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)

Van Lai-DuMone discusses her book on transforming curiosity into action through small steps. She shares her mother's refugee story of building the nail industry, emphasizes reframing limiting beliefs, and advocates for workplace cultures that welcome all ideas. The framework includes pausing, asking "what if" questions, and embracing creative chaos.   TAKEAWAYS Curiosity requires pausing to ask "what if" and "how might we" questions. Small steps overcome fear and build confidence toward big goals. Welcome all ideas without judgment to foster innovation and trust. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

Weaving songs and dances into classroom lessons, having difficult conversations with parents, and navigating the second-day meltdowns of kindergarten students with Yaronda Kilgo, an elementary school teacher. What did a backpack full of snacks teach her about empathy? And what makes her "extra"?We're teaming up this month with GiveDirectly to collect money that will go directly to Rwandan families. Dan will match every dollar raised from What It's Like To Be... listeners. Donate now: givedirectly.org/whatitslikeWANT MORE EPISODE SUGGESTIONS? Grab our What It's Like To Be... "starter pack". It's a curated Spotify playlist with some essential episodes from our back catalogue. GOT A COMMENT OR SUGGESTION? Email us at jobs@whatitslike.com FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Email us at partnerships@whatitslike.com WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW? Leave us a voicemail at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: 1. What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean? 2. What's a specific story you tell your friends that happened on the job? It could be funny, sad, anxiety-making, pride-inducing or otherwise. We can't respond to every message, but we do listen to all of them! We'll follow up if it's a good fit.

This podcast is brought to you by Outcomes Rocket, your exclusive healthcare marketing agency. Learn how to accelerate your growth by going to⁠ outcomesrocket.com Bold ideas often look risky until they reshape an entire field. In this episode, Dr. Harvey Castro, Chief AI Officer for Phantom Space and prolific healthcare innovator, discusses his rapid leap into AI after discovering ChatGPT, how his first book on AI in healthcare went viral, and how that moment catapulted him onto global stages, including advising the Ministry of Health in Singapore. He shares earlier entrepreneurial breakthroughs like building top-ranked medical apps, creating freestanding emergency rooms focused on empathy, and scaling a healthcare system to hundreds of employees. Harvey also explores his digital twin project, wearable-driven longevity optimization, military background, storytelling in TED Talks, and his mindset around risk, conviction, and manifesting opportunities, illustrated through stories about Tony Robbins, bungee-less bridge jumps, and future ambitions.  Tune in and learn how innovation, curiosity, and courage can radically change what's possible! Resources: Connect with and follow Harvey Castro on LinkedIn. Follow Phantom Space on LinkedIn and visit their website! Buy Harvey's book ChatGPT and Healthcare here.

In this engaging episode of the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring guests: Sara Schroter, author of the children's book "Max the Gemstone Finder," and Daniel Harmon, creator and showrunner of the educational TV series "Tuttle Twins." Sara Schroter shares her family's remarkable journey relocating from Bermuda to Italy and how her son's fascination with rocks led to the creation of Max, a character encouraging children and parents alike to nurture childhood passions. Listeners learn how supporting kids' interests boosts confidence, fosters learning, and connects families—key themes for parents, caregivers, and families navigating big changes like relocation. The episode also features Daniel Harmon, whose Tuttle Twins animated series brings economic principles, freedom, and entrepreneurship to life for kids. Daniel explains the show's creative process, the importance of co-viewing for families, and how Angel Studios empowers audiences through crowdfunding and direct feedback. Both guests emphasize creativity, educational value, and the power of family connection. Packed with parenting insights, tips on managing screen time, and ideas for fostering curiosity, this episode is perfect for families, educators, and fans of children's books and educational TV. Discover "Max the Gemstone Finder" and "Tuttle Twins"—two resources to inspire lifelong learning, critical thinking, and joy in your family.

Scott and Wes chat with YouTuber and security consultant Matt Brown about breaking into IoT devices, extracting firmware, and decoding the hidden tech inside everyday gadgets. Matt shares his methods, the legal boundaries, and the wild stories behind his most interesting hacks. Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! 01:21 Curiosity in Hacking 03:28 Understanding IoT Devices 07:15 Brought to you by Sentry.io. 07:40 Linux vs Microcontrollers 10:11 UART Console Access 13:56 Firmware Extraction Techniques 14:19 Guessing Usernames and Passwords 19:22 Extracting Password Hashes 23:15 Legal Considerations in Hacking 30:06 Where does the inspiration come from? 31:20 Using Logic Analyzers 37:45 CAN Protocol in Automotive 45:42 Influence of Lewis Rossman 54:05 Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs Sick Picks Matt: Key Person of Influence Shameless Plugs Matt:Matt Brown on YouTube, Brown Fine Security Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads