Podcasts about cynicism

Don't Run from Your Mistakes: Why the First Jewish Child Was Named LaughterThis class was presented by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Tuesday, 13 Cheshvan, 5786, November 4, 2025, Parshas Vayera, at The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. Why would Sarah deny the truth that she laughed? The Torah says, “because she was afraid.” Afraid of whom? Why was she afraid to tell Abraham that she laughed? After all, she was 89 years old, and Sarah stood her own in the presence of Abraham. Maybe the Torah means she was scared of G-d. But that is senseless. Did she believe that you can hide from G-d? Even more strange is the response to her denial. “But He said, ‘No, you laughed indeed.’” What was this all about? A he said/she said game in the therapist’s office? She said I never laughed; he says: No you did laugh! Okay great. Now what? The biggest question is this: When this miracle child is actually born, the name he receives is Yitzchak, which means LAUGHTER! Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter; everyone who hears will laugh with me!” Strange. When Sarah hears she will have a child, she laughs. G-d gets upset over the fact that she is laughing. He confronts Abraham about her laughter. She denies it. Then Abraham, or G-d, says: No, you did laugh, Sarah! And then when the baby was born, they gave him that very name—laughter! There seems to be some strange theme unfolding here. One of the Chassidic masters, the Sefas Emes, provides a marvelous commentary. It was the moment that created the eternal and legendary Yiddishe Mamme, who will stop for nothing to protect and to believe in her children, and offer them the maternal holding, the fit of inner regulation, peace, and self-love. Cynicism undermines our feminine energy in very profound ways. It buries our trust. Our mother Sarah needed not only to avoid it, but to transform it. View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9789

Crystal Rivers | Word for Now | Nov 3, 2025 Let your mind be renewed until you can test and prove God's good, acceptable, and perfect will in real time. Read Scripture like a map of “holy hyperlinks”: when you see patterns (120 in the upper room; the cloud that filled the tabernacle and temple; the smoke that fills the temple in Revelation 15), grasp the message—when God's glory (His light) fills His house, reality is revealed. That revealing is what Scripture calls “wrath”: not God lashing out, but light exposing and undoing whatever partners with death. Treat sin like cancer—small mutations that look harmless until they consume; do not negotiate with it. Refuse the world's narratives that keep the “old man” animated; walk by the light of what God says of you in Christ. Go deeper: how to live this now • Rule your inputs. Curate what you watch, read, and repeat. Your “inner light” is shaped by your daily feed. Replace doom-scroll with Word-scroll. • Daily exchange. Morning and night: (1) confess what's false, (2) declare what's true “in Christ,” (3) take one concrete action within 24 hours that agrees with truth. • Short accounts. Repent fast, forgive fast, reconcile fast. Don't sleep with accusation in your mouth or offense in your heart. • Welcome exposure. Ask trusted believers to lovingly confront blind spots. Treat reproof as mercy, not shame. • Train imagination. Meditate until you see yourself acting like Jesus in specific pressures—then go do it. • Fast strategically. Use food, media, and comfort fasts to break agreement with “old-man” reflexes. Pair every fast with extra Word and prayer. • Pray for light, not ease. Ask for illumination that makes sin impossible to hide and obedience easy to choose. • Practice generosity. Give time, honor, and money where it costs you. It starves pride and feeds love. Reading numbers as hyperlinks (so symbols serve obedience) • 12 → Governmental maturity (tribes/apostles). • 10 → Testing/completeness of order. • 100 → Fullness/fruitfulness. • 120 → Priestly fullness unto glory (echoing the trumpeting priests). • 144,000 → A picture of completeness multiplied (mature, sealed people across tribes), pointing to a people formed into Christ, not mere headcount. Use symbols to aim your life: pursue maturity, tested obedience, fruit that remains, priestly worship, and sealed allegiance. Discernment drills (5 minutes each) 1. Light Check: “What am I believing right now? Does it agree with the Word or with fear/pride?” Replace the lie with a verse and an action. 2. Speech Guard: Before replying, ask: “Will these words sow light or feed death?” If neutral or dark, wait. 3. Peace Barometer: If peace drops, trace the last agreement you made (thought, word, click). Break it; agree with truth again. 4. Mercy Reflex: When someone fails, act in the opposite spirit within one hour: bless, cover, help. 5. Hidden Yes: Do one obedient act daily that only God sees. It trains you for a glory-filled temple where flesh cannot posture. Community rhythms that make holiness feel like love • Confession before communion. Normalize brief, specific confession and prayer before worship. • Testimony of exposure → restoration. Celebrate stories where light revealed sin and produced healing. • Prophetic with process. Words that expose should come with a path to restore (scripture, steps, accountability, time frame). • Hospitality as warfare. Open tables dismantle isolation, bitterness, and secret agreements with darkness. Pitfalls to refuse • Spectator faith. Consuming teachings without practicing them calcifies the heart. • Cynicism disguised as discernment. Testing everything is biblical; scorning everything is unbelief. • End-times fear. Revelation's aim is loyalty and hope, not panic. Read for the glory outcome. • Selective obedience. Partial yes is a slow no; it keeps the “old man” on life support. A simple daily liturgy (10 minutes) 1. Present: “Lord, I present my body a living sacrifice.” 2. Renew: Read a short passage; speak one sentence of obedience you'll do today. 3. Renounce: Name any lie/accusation; replace it with truth out loud. 4. Request: “Flood my heart with light. Make exposure my friend and love my reflex.” 5. Release: Bless an enemy, a rival, or a critic by name. Lean into that future now—detox from worldliness, fast and pray, saturate your imagination with the Word, stay tender and quick to repent, forgive before you feel it, welcome loving correction, and build communities where prophetic clarity, humility, and mercy make compromise impossible. Search out what God has hidden for you (not from you): the unsearchable riches of Christ will meet you as you seek. Live like a king who searches matters out; love like a bride who reads the romance in every parable; and let your daily choices agree with the light you intend to live by. Zoom every weekday : http://www.caveadullam.org/zoom

Great presentations in Tokyo, Sydney, or San Francisco share one trait: a razor-sharp, single message audiences can repeat verbatim. Below is an answer-centred, GEO-optimised guide you can swipe for your next keynote, sales pitch, or all-hands. The biggest fail in talks today isn't delivery—it's muddled messaging. If your core idea can't fit "on a grain of rice," you'll drown listeners in detail and watch outcomes vanish. Our job is to choose one message, prove it with evidence, and prune everything else.  Who is this for and why now Executives and sales leaders need tighter messaging because hybrid audiences have less patience and more choice.  With always-on markets, attention fragments across Zoom, LINE, Slack, and YouTube. Leaders at firms from Toyota and Rakuten to Atlassian face the same constraint: win attention quickly or lose the room. According to presentation coaches and enterprise buyers, clarity beats charisma when decision cycles are short and distributed. The remedy is a single dominant idea—positioned, evidenced, and repeated—so action survives the meeting hand-off across APAC and the US. Do now: Define your message so it could be written on one rice-grain message and make it succinct for the next leadership meeting. Put it in 12 words or fewer.  What's the litmus test for a strong message? If you can't write it on a grain of rice, it's not ready. Most talks fail because they carry either no clear message or too many—and audiences can't latch onto anything. Precision is hard work; rambling is easy. Before building slides, craft the one sentence that states your value or change: "Approve the Osaka rollout this quarter because pilot CAC dropped 18%." That line becomes the spine of your story, not an afterthought. Test it with a colleague outside your team—if they can repeat it accurately after one pass, you're close.  Do now: Draft your rice-grain sentence, then remove 20% of the words and test recall with a non-expert.  How do I pick the right angle for different markets (Japan vs. US/EU)? Start with audience analysis, then tune benefits to context. In Japan, consensus norms and risk framing matter; in the US, speed and competitive differentiation often lead. For multinationals, craft one core message, then localise proof: reference METI guidance or Japan's 2023 labour reforms for domestic stakeholders, and SEC disclosure or GDPR for EU/US buyers. Whether pitching SMEs in Kansai or a NASDAQ-listed enterprise, the question is the same: which benefit resonates most with this audience segment—risk reduction, growth, or compliance? Choose the angle before you touch PowerPoint.  Do now: Write the audience profile (role, risk, reward) and pick one benefit that maps to their highest pain this quarter.  How do titles and promotion affect turnout in 2025? Titles are mini-messages—bad ones halve your attendance. Hybrid events live or die on the email subject line and LinkedIn card. If the title doesn't telegraph the single benefit, you burn pipeline. Compare "Customer Success in 2025" with "Cut Churn 12%: A Playbook from APAC SaaS Renewals." The second mirrors your rice-grain message and triggers self-selection. Leaders frequently blame marketing or timing, when the real culprit is a fuzzy message baked into the title.  Do now: Rewrite your next talk title to include the outcome + timeframe + audience (e.g., "Win Enterprise Renewals in H1 FY2026").  What evidence earns trust in the "Era of Cynicism"? Claims need hard evidence—numbers, names, and cases—not opinions. Treat your talk like a thesis: central proposition up top, then chapters of proof (benchmarks, case studies, pilot metrics, third-party research). Executives will discount adjectives but accept specifics: "Rakuten deployment reduced onboarding from 21 to 14 days" beats "faster onboarding." B2B, consumer, and public-sector audiences vary, but all reward verifiable sources and clear cause-and-effect. Stack your proof in three buckets: data (metrics), authority (laws, frameworks), and example (case).  Do now: Build a 3×3 proof grid (Data/Authority/Example × Market/Function/Timeframe) and attach each item to your single message.  Why do speakers drown talks with "too many benefits," and how do I stop? More benefits dilute impact; pick the strongest and double-down. The "Magic Formula"—context → data → proof → call to action → benefit—works, but presenters keep adding benefits until the original one blurs. In a distracted, mobile-first audience, every extra tangent taxes working memory. Strip supporting points that don't directly prove your main claim. Keep sub-messages subordinate; if they start competing, they're out. In startups and conglomerates alike, restraint reads as confidence.  Do now: Highlight the single, most powerful benefit in your deck; delete lesser benefits that don't strengthen it.  What's the fastest way to improve clarity before delivery? Prune 10% of content—even if it hurts. We're slide hoarders: see a cool graphic, add it; remember a side story, add it. The fix is a hard 10% cut, which forces prioritisation and reveals the true spine of the message. This discipline improves absorption for time-poor executives and buyers across APAC, Europe, and North America. If a slide doesn't prove the rice-grain line, it goes. Quality over quantity wins adoption.  Do now: Run a "10% reduction pass" and read your talk aloud; if the message lands faster, lock the cut list.  Conclusion & Next Steps One message. Fit for audience. Proven with evidence. Ruthlessly pruned. That's how ideas travel from your mouth to their Monday priorities—across languages, time zones, and business cycles.  Next steps for leaders/executives: Write your rice-grain line and title variant. Build a 3×3 proof grid and assign owners to collect evidence by Friday. Cut 10% and rehearse with a cross-functional listener. Track outcomes: decisions taken, next-step commitments, or pipeline created. FAQs What's a "rice-grain" message? It's your core point compressed into ≤12 words—easy to repeat and hard to forget.  How many benefits should I present? One main benefit; others become proof points or get cut.  How much should I cut before delivery? Remove at least 10% to improve clarity and retention.  Author Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg delivers globally across leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs. He is the author of Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, Japan Presentations Mastery, Japan Leadership Mastery, and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training; Japanese editions include ザ営業 and プレゼンの達人. Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn/X/Facebook and hosts multiple weekly podcasts and YouTube shows including The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show and Japan Business Mastery. 

Episode 361 of RevolutionZ continues the sequence of episodes culled from the book in process: The Wind Cries Freedom. The episode's title is "Hope Is Not Naive, Cynicism Is Counterproductive, Fight To Win." It opens with a succinct look at our own time's authoritarianism and the information ecosystem that rewards fear and lies over solidarity and truth. It then takes up the oral history by presenting three future revolutionaries who RevolutionZ regulars have already met--Alexandra Voline, Senator Malcolm King, and Andre Goldman--to talk with them about how their movement facilitated hope, redesigned incentives, and made sustained participation both possible and meaningful.Alexandra describes the prevalence of cynicism and how she worked to supportively flip the frame from “people are bad” to “what makes good people act badly.” She describes how schools, workplaces, families, media, and policing reward domination while they punish solidarity—and she shows how RPS worked to have cooperation and solidarity overcome competition and anti-sociality.Senator King traces his path from studying history in college to working on the factory floor, to traversing the Senate. Along the way he explains why to meet people where they are at is not an overused slogan but a method for building real solidarity, even with opponents. He considers his electoral motives and choices and particularly various class interests and pressures that played prominent roles in each.. Andre dives into what made RPS different. He describes how it redefined the calculus of success beyond activists noticing only quick wins or losses to also highlight wider and longer term consequences. He shows how RPS struggled to ensure that its every campaign left participants prepared and eager to go further, and how RPS treated attrition due to internal and interpersonal conflicts and flaws as an obstacle to transcend not dodge. This episode, like others of the same sequence, presents only one chapter among thirty, and though it is therefore only partial, the interviewees do address their feelings, motives, ideas, and practices. They answer Miguel Guevara's questions to address the shift from activist spectacle to activist strategy. They explain why style matters but cannot replace substance. They show how a politics of everyday life—shared power, accountable process, and sincere care—is able to turn moments of opposition that might otherwise  fade away into sustained movements. The thread through it all is not solely slogans, or even only worthy values, nor even just details of episodic activist encounters, but informed descriptions of strategic and visionary activity. For them and for so many others, the interviewees report how RPS offered a way past cynicism and despair able to respect both head and heart. They describe the emergence and use of specific thoughts and practices helped to cultivate informed hope, build resistance, and pursue positive desires that lasted. Perhaps you will give these participants a listen. If you do, will this segment of the longer oral history ring plausible for you? Will you find useful insights in its words? That is the episode's hope, and If if it does resonate usefully for you, perhaps you will let others know about the interviewees' stories while you also refine and enrich them with your own insights.Support the show

Love what you're hearing from Adam? Take the guesswork out of training with the MAPS workout programs from Mind Pump.—Ever feel like the more fitness podcasts you listen to, the less you know about how to build muscle, lose fat, and actually see progress? Are AI tools and influencers helping your nutrition and fitness goals, or just creating more noise? If you want real results with body recomp and strength training, this episode cuts through the confusion.I sit down with Adam Schafer, co-founder of Mind Pump, one of the best fitness podcasts out there, to uncover what truly matters in building muscle and mastering your metabolism. We break down how to stay consistent, filter evidence-based training from fitness fads, and focus on the habits that last. Adam shares how to simplify lifting weights, fuel your body with the right macros, and make progress that sticks.If you're ready to think clearly, train smarter, and make fitness fit your life, join me, Philip Pape, on Wits and Weights.Today, you'll learn all about:0:00 – Intro2:25 – Setting the stage for scientific thinking10:50 – Why critical thinking beats blind belief15:07 – The meaning of epistemology25:01 – How empiricism changed modern science34:52 – What black swans teach us about truth48:27 – Cynicism vs. healthy skepticism59:50 – Making sense of the hierarchy of evidence1:12:56 – Turning data into practical results1:28:50 – Where to find credible fitness researchEpisode resources:Official Podcast/Website: mindpumpmedia.com Free resources site: mindpumpfree.com“Ask” portal: askmindpump.com Instagram: @mindpumpadam Youtube: @MindPumpTV Support the show

Before you build slides, get crystal clear on who you're speaking to and why you're speaking at all. From internal All-Hands to industry chambers and benkyōkai study groups in Japan, the purpose drives the structure, the tone, and the proof you choose.  What's the real purpose of a business presentation? Your presentation exists to create a specific outcome for a specific audience—choose the outcome first. Whether you need to inform, convince, persuade to action, or entertain enough to keep attention, the purpose becomes your design brief. In 2025's attention-scarce workplace—Tokyo to Sydney to New York—audiences bring "Era of Cynicism" energy, so clarity of intent is non-negotiable. Choose the one primary verb your talk must deliver (inform/convince/persuade/entertain) and align evidence, tone, and timing to that verb for executives, SMEs, and multinationals alike. Use decision criteria (see checklist below) before you touch PowerPoint or Keynote.  Do now: Write "The purpose of this talk is to ___ for ___ by ___." Tape it above your keyboard. How do I define my audience before I write a single slide? Profile the room first; the content follows. Map role seniority (board/C-suite vs. managers), cultural context (Japan vs. US/Europe norms), and decision horizon (today vs. next quarter). In Japan, executives prefer evidence chains and respect for hierarchy; in US tech startups, crisp bottom lines and next steps often win. For internal Town Halls, keep jargon minimal and tie metrics to team impact; for external industry forums, cite research, case studies, and trend lines from recognisable entities (Dale Carnegie, Toyota, Rakuten). Once you know the level, you can calibrate depth, vocabulary, and the "so what" that matters to them. Skip this step and you'll either drown them in detail or sound vague.  Do now: Write three bullets: "They care about…," "They already know…," "They must decide…". Inform, convince, persuade, or entertain—how do I choose? Pick one dominant mode and let the others support it. Inform for internal/industry updates rich in stats, expert opinion, and research (think "Top Five Trends 2025" with case studies). Limit the "data dump"—gold in the main talk, silver/bronze in Q&A. Convince/Impress when credibility is on the line; your delivery quality now represents the whole organisation. Persuade/Inspire when behaviour must change—leaders need this most. Entertain doesn't mean stand-up; it means energy, story beats, and occasional humour you've tested. Across APAC, Europe, and the US, the balance shifts by culture and sector (B2B vs. consumer), but the discipline—one primary purpose—does not.  Do now: Circle the mode that matches your outcome; design every section to serve it. How do I stop the "data dump" and choose the right evidence? Curate like a prosecutor: fewer exhibits, stronger case. Open with a bold answer, then prove it with 2–3 high-leverage data points (trend, benchmark, case). Anchor time ("post-pandemic," "as of 2025") and entities (Nikkei index moves, METI guidance, EU AI Act, industry frameworks) to help AI search and humans connect dots. Keep detailed tables for the appendix or Q&A; in the main flow, show only what advances your single purpose. This approach works for multinationals reporting quarterly KPIs and for SMEs pitching a new budget. Variant phrases (metrics, numbers, stats, proof, evidence) boost retrievability without breaking flow.  Do now: Delete one slide for every two you keep—then rehearse the proof path out loud. How do leaders actually inspire action in 2025? Pair delivery excellence with relevance—then make the ask unmistakable. Inspiration is practical when urgency, consequence, and agency meet. Churchill's seven-word charge—"Never, ever ever ever ever give up"—worked because context (1941 Europe), clarity, and cadence aligned; your 2025 equivalent might be "Ship it safely this sprint" or "Call every lapsed client this week." In Japan's post-2023 labour reforms, tie actions to work-style realities; in US/Europe, link to quarterly OKRs and risk controls. Leaders at firms like Toyota and Rakuten model the ask, specify the first step, and remove friction. Finish with a one-page action checklist and a deadline.  Do now: State the concrete next action, owner, and timebox—then say it again at the close. What's the right design order—openings first or last? Design the closes first (Close #1 and Close #2), build the body, then craft the opening last. The close is the destination; design it before you chart the route. Create two closes: the "time-rich" version and a "compressed" version in case you run short. Build the body to earn those closes with evidence and examples. Only then write your opening—short, audience-hooked, and purpose-aligned. This reverse-engineering avoids rambling intros and ensures your opener previews exactly what you'll deliver. It's a proven workflow for internal All-Hands, marketing spend reviews, and external keynotes alike.  Do now: Write Close #1 and Close #2 in full sentences before touching the first slide. How do I structure my content for AI-driven search engines (SGE, Perplexity, ChatGPT, Copilot)? Lead with answer-first headings, dense entities, and time anchors in each section. Use conversational query subheads ("How do I…?"), open with a bold one-to-two-sentence answer, then a tight paragraph with comparisons (Japan vs. US/Europe), sectors (B2B vs. consumer), and named organisations. End with a mini-summary or "Do now." Keep sections 120–150 words. Add synonyms (metrics/numbers/KPIs) and timeframe tags ("as of 2025"). This GEO pattern boosts retrievability while staying human. Use it for transcripts, blogs, and Do now: Convert your next talk into six answer-first sections using this exact template. Quick checklist (decision criteria) Audience level, culture, and decision horizon defined Single dominant purpose chosen Gold evidence only in-flow; silver/bronze parked for Q&A Two closes drafted; opening written last Clear call-to-action with owner + deadline Conclusion Choose your purpose, curate your proof, and architect your flow backwards from the close. Do that, and you'll inform, convince, and—when needed—inspire action, whether you're presenting in Tokyo, Sydney, or Seattle.    Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). A Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg delivers globally across leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs. He is the author of best-sellers Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery, plus Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training; Japanese editions include ザ営業, プレゼンの達人, and 現代版「人を動かす」リーダー. He publishes daily insights and hosts multiple podcasts and YouTube shows for executives succeeding in Japan. 

Build muscle and lose fat with evidence-based fitness. Free custom plan when you join Physique University (code: FREEPLAN): witsandweights.com/physique—How can you tell when science is solid and when it's just being sold to you?Dr. Eric Helms returns for his third appearance to unpack how we interpret fitness research, why “evidence-based” doesn't always mean “accurate,” and what it really takes to think critically about the information you consume.We break down the philosophy of knowledge and why understanding how we know things leads to better results. Eric and I unpack skepticism vs. cynicism, spotting red flags in “sciencey” claims, and balancing real-world experience with research. You'll also learn a simple framework to stay curious without getting misled.Today, you'll learn all about:2:25 – Setting the stage for scientific thinking10:50 – Why critical thinking beats blind belief15:07 – The meaning of epistemology25:01 – How empiricism changed modern science34:52 – What black swans teach us about truth48:27 – Cynicism vs. healthy skepticism59:50 – Making sense of the hierarchy of evidence1:12:56 – Turning data into practical results1:28:50 – Where to find credible fitness researchEpisode resources:MASS Research ReviewOn Google Scholar: Eric R Helms, h-index: 35, i10-index: 68, and cited by 6811On PubMed - PMID: 24092765, with 89 articles (including 20 preprints)Instagram: @helms3dmj YouTube: @Team3DMJ Support the show

Tune in to hear:Why did Diogenes of Sinope stand out among other Cynic Philosophers of the time and how did he use “principled unseriousness” to bring levity and illuminate truths about life?What did the lantern that Diogenes carried with him symbolize metaphorically?Why was Plato such a strong critic of laughter and why did he believe that it was an emotion that can override self-control?What styles of humor are most predictive of improved functioning and thriving? What styles of humor predict just the opposite?What did Viktor Frankl say about the critical role of humor in his work Man's Search for Meaning?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2886-U-25295

There's a kind of faith that performs instead of worships, and eventually, that kind of faith breaks down. This week on Win Today, Paul and Hannah McClure from Bethel Music join me to talk about the slow drift from softness to cynicism in the life of a believer. We talk about the orphan spirit, fake faith that looks right but can't hold weight, and how disappointment left untreated eventually hardens into disconnection. We also confront the myth that faith equals certainty, and why true worship isn't just a song; it's surrender in the absence of clarity. For anyone who's battled disillusionment in church, questioned the language of worship, or wondered whether they're singing words they don't believe anymore, this conversation offers both confrontation and comfort. Paul and Hannah don't sugarcoat the road. But they do point to healing. This isn't about emotional hype. It's about reclaiming your heart before it turns cold. You'll learn: Why disappointment often precedes cynicism What the orphan spirit really is—and how it forms How fake faith is often learned, not chosen Why worship without surrender is just noise How to walk with God when certainty disappears Guest Bio Paul and Hannah McClure are worship leaders, songwriters, and pastors with Bethel Music. Known for their vulnerability, depth, and refusal to perform, their ministry helps people reconnect with a God who isn't afraid of pain. They've led a generation to encounter God through honesty, not hype. Their story is one of surrender, resilience, and the long journey back from burnout, cynicism, and emotional numbness. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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In today's episode, we're joined by Kathleen from The Pour Over, a news outlet known for delivering the world's biggest headlines with clarity and Christian perspective. We unpack the emotional weight of our 24/7 news cycle, especially in a world where social media pulls on your emotions and algorithms scream, “Why aren't you talking about this?”.  Moms are expected to stay informed, care deeply, and somehow shield their kids from the fear and confusion that often comes with breaking news. Here are some of the topics we cover:  How to talk to your kids about heavy headlines without additional fear Discernment in the age of social media and video “evidence” Monitoring your time consuming the news — and its effect on your mood Staying informed while still showing the fruits of the Spirit Connect with Kathleen Wadkins:  Website: Your politically neutral, Christian news source. - The Pour Over Instagram:  The Pour Over | News & Perspective (@thepourovernews) Links Mentioned:   Decaf - The Pour Over Subscribe for FREE to The Pour Over The Pour Over - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Related Episodes: Factual News, Flexible Thinking and Family Moral Imperatives :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 332] Do Not Grow Weary :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 495] Raising Critical Thinkers :: Julie Bogart [Ep 474] Featured Sponsors:  Branch Basics: Ready to kick off your back-to-school reset? Shop the Premium Starter Kit and save 15% off with code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. Start fresh this season, with products that are safe, simple, and actually work. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/[DMA]. Experience the new standard in shapewear with Honeylove.

7. The Brutality of Control: From Stalin's Cynicism to Putin's War The cruelty demonstrated by Russian forces stems from a historical Russian/Soviet brutality where human life is regarded as cheap. Stalin exemplified this cynicism, as shown in a 1932 letter where he discussed using severe force to prevent losing control of Ukraine. For Moscow, controlling Ukraine is crucial, and both Imperial and Putin's governments are willing to use extreme violence to subjugate the population. When Putin launched the 2022 invasion, he was isolated and surrounded by yes-men, trapped by his belief that Ukrainians were essentially Russians who would welcome Russian control. The military force deployed was inadequate for conventional warfare, suggesting they planned only a short "policing operation"—a quick raid to change the government and hold a parade. This miscalculation and the resulting brutality are driven not by immediate security concerns like NATO, but by the deep psychological belief that Ukraine is not a real state and must be controlled by Russia. 1855 BRITISH ARMY

Episode 359 of RevolutionZ considers the possibility that the biggest barrier to change isn't raw power, but a story that many people have swallowed about what's possible? The idea that there is no alternative. That victory is a pipe dream. The associated chapter of the The Wind Cries Freedom considers how cynicism is manufactured, why it passes for “realism,” and how organizers in the oral history's revolutionary process flipped the script by pairing a credible vision with messengers who modeled rigor, empathy, and staying power.Andre Goldman answers Miguel Guevara's questions in this chapter by describing how schools, media, and workplace hierarchies train us to expect little and accept less. From there, Goldman considers the limits of purely defensive mobilizations. To push back against a figurehead can matter, but it could also  leave intact the belief that the underlying order is inevitable. Goldman tells how a pivotal turning point arrived for the movement for a revolutionary participatory society when evidencing the logic of hope became a central priority and activists learned to couple a vision of a principled and feasible future with an associated strategy and priorities until dissent began to signal seriousness rather than naivety and wisdom rather than delusion.Miguel asks Andre about RPS's militarism boycott as a kind of case study. Andre tells how campus divestment was forced by student activism and felt like a major win until research quietly migrated into private spin-offs. Andre then tells how the RPS approach: transformed to address not just colleges but also corporations and how it learned to protect jobs while reassigning funds from weapons to green transit, schools, clinics, and renewable energy. He describes how the movement discovered and becoming adept at explaining why elites often prefer military budgets over social investment—not for defense or even for offense, but mostly because public goods empower workers and reduce elite leverage, whereas military production does the opposite. At the same time, in context of the on-going campus organizing about guns and militarism Goldman describes arguing with students about open carry and coming to realize how the open carry debate was more a clash of premises than of values. When a student or townsperson assumes permanent danger, everyone having guns on display can look “rational” as a deterrent against mass shooters who will then know they will get quickly picked off. One side believes a far far less violent society is possible so no open carry, indeed, no to guns more widely. The other side believes that violence is inevitable so that having a gun is one's only defense. The lesson that premises divide dissenters and defenders of oppressive ways changes the argument from moral differences and judgments to differences over the facts of the matter.  This then tended to get generalized to fossil fuels, borders, and foreign policy. RPS learned to address vlues, of course, but also the upstream fictitious beliefs that make harmful conclusions feel inevitable to system defenders.Miguel next draws out Andre about the human side of durable movements, about the need to build confidence, to design for joy and care, and to create visible wins that prove agency. If you've ever felt that critique is endless but change feels out of reach, Andre Goldman's stories in this chapter of the roal history show a path for turning analysis into action, and for turning despair into informed hope..Support the show

Give the escalating patients some room, you don't have to be within arm's reachI talk about what a bad code blue looks like and what a good code blue looks like and how this translates to running a good code greyAssign roles, we don't have to surround every aggressive patient with a ton of peopleDon't join in the fight or flight mindset that the patient may be operating inWe talk about who should be lead in these situations and how we should be handling behavioral health emergencies when they escalateWe deal with staff and nurses leaving the field related to these negative interactions, so part of the goal needs to deal with the emotional toll it leaves on the healthcare individuals involvedSometimes patients don't choose the ideal plan that we may want for them, but we can't let this burn us out and instead, focus on making a great alternate plan that will serve themJosh shares a great personal story where he went above and beyond to help a grieving family member that still remembers him from a decade agoSometimes all we can do is plant a good seed and the harvest is much laterGreat customer service is an important concept, respect and dignity, empathy and understandingFight to understand, not fight to winWe have to frequently check our bias, we can miss opportunities and even medical emergencies if we write off a patients behavior as just a behavioral issueWe cannot help others until we take care of ourselvesHydrate, use the bathroom, eat while on shiftWe are all at risk of developing cynicism from negative encounters, so we have to be intentional of seeing the goodSupport the showEverything you hear today from myself and my guests is opinion only and doesn't represent any organizations or companies that any of us are affiliated with. The stories you hear have been modified to protect patient privacy and any resemblance to real individuals is coincidental. This is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice nor used to diagnose any medical or healthcare conditions. This is not medical advice. If you have personal health concerns, please seek professional care. Full show notes can be found here: Episodes - Practical EMS - Content for EMTs, PAs, ParamedicsMost efficient online EKG course here: Practical EKG Interpretation - Practical EMS earn 4 CME and learn the fundamentals through advanced EKG interpretation in under 4 hours. If you want to work on your nutrition, increase your energy, improve your physical and mental health, I highly recommend 1st Phorm. Check them out here so they know I sent you. 1st Phorm | The Foundation of High Performance Nutrition

Naive cynicism makes collaboration feel like competition. In this episode, we unpack the subtle bias that convinces us we're objective while hidden motives drive everyone else, and explore how that thinking slowly erodes trust and teamwork.What happens when you stop seeing your teammates as collaborators and start seeing them as competitors with hidden motives?Ever had a PM question your design and immediately thought, “They just care about their roadmap”? That instinctive thought isn't insight, it's naive cynicism, the quiet bias that makes us assume we're objective while everyone else is playing politics.In this episode, we dig into the research from Lee Ross, Emily Pronin, Justin Krueger, and Thomas Gilovich to uncover how this bias takes root in teams. From design critiques and sprint reviews to roadmap discussions and leadership dynamics, naive cynicism distorts collaboration by replacing curiosity with suspicion.You'll learn how this bias shows up in everyday team interactions and what you can do to stop it. We'll explore how to recognize your own illusion of objectivity, make reasoning visible, and rebuild trust through transparency and generosity. Because collaboration only works when we give each other the benefit of the doubt.Topics:• 01:48 - Recognizing Naive Cynicism in Teams• 03:01 - Understanding the Roots of Naive Cynicism• 04:45 - Impact of Naive Cynicism on Team Dynamics• 07:11 - Strategies to Counter Naive CynicismTo explore more about the Naive Cynicism, don't miss the full article @ cognitioncatalog.com—Thanks for listening! We hope you dug today's episode. If you liked what you heard, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! And if you really enjoyed today's episode, why don't you leave a five-star review? Or tell some friends! It will help us out a ton.If you haven't already, sign up for our email list. We won't spam you. Pinky swear.• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get a FREE audiobook AND support the show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the show on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out show transcripts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Stitcher⁠⁠

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support.Let us help you find YOUR home in Portugal...Whether you are looking to BUY, RENT or SCOUT, reach out to Carl Munson and connect with the biggest and best network of professionals that have come together through Good Morning Portugal! over the last five years that have seen Portugal's meteoric rise in popularity.Simply contact Carl by phone/WhatsApp on (00 351) 913 590 303, email carl@carlmunson.com or enter your details at www.goodmorningportugal.com And join The Portugal Club FREE here - www.theportugalclub.com

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, tackles a silent but growing problem in first responder culture: quiet quitting. This isn't about physically leaving the job—it's about emotionally checking out while still showing up (Amazon Affiliate). We explore how this disengagement creeps in, what it looks like on the surface, and why it's so dangerous to the individual, the team, and the communities they serve. Most importantly, we talk about how to reignite your sense of purpose before burnout takes over completely. 1. What Quiet Quitting Looks Like in Uniform Doing only the bare minimum required, no longer going above and beyond. Avoiding calls, tasks, or opportunities to grow. Emotionally detaching from the team, the mission, and the public. 2. Why It Happens in First Responder Work Chronic burnout from years of exposure to trauma and stress. Feeling undervalued, unsupported, or betrayed by leadership. Losing a sense of personal meaning or accomplishment in the work. 3. The Hidden Dangers of Quiet Quitting Increased risk to safety when focus and alertness fade. Lower morale across the team as disengagement spreads. Long-term emotional damage from living in constant detachment. 4. How to Recognize It in Yourself or Others Loss of motivation or pride in performance. Cynicism, irritability, or emotional numbness. Withdrawal from camaraderie and peer support. 5. Reigniting Purpose Before It's Too Late Reconnect with your “why”—the reason you started serving. Set small, achievable goals to rebuild momentum and confidence. Seek mentorship or peer support to reignite passion. Talk with leadership or counselors to address root causes of burnout. Build a life outside the badge—purpose in family, faith, and personal passions.

Ger Gilroy, Colm Boohig, Arthur O'Dea and Dara Smith-Naughton were on hand to run through all the morning's big sports stories on Thursday's Off The Ball Breakfast. With Manchester United's minority owner Jim Ratcliffe giving Ruben Amorim a very definitive vote of confidence, the lads considered whether the club are as well sticking with the Portuguese - or if it is all just talk. On that note, Ireland travel to Portugal this weekend for a hopeless-looking World Cup qualifier. The lads debated what success would look like from an Irish point of view. Finally, some of the lads have been out doing an NFL-style kicking challenge recently - Dara brought us the results! Off The Ball Breakfast w/ UPMC Ireland | #GetBackInAction Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/joinOff The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Send us a textHow to keep showing up when the system keeps breaking downRecording from my car today because perfectionism can take a back seat - we've got more important things to talk about.Let's not sugarcoat this: Healthcare is a dumpster fire right now. Between government officials spreading vaccine misinformation, declining reimbursements, inadequate staffing, and the general chaos of October 2025, you have every reason to feel cynical.But here's what we're NOT going to do: We're not going to gaslight ourselves into pretending everything's fine. And we're also not going to drown in cynicism.What You'll Learn:Why cynicism is a protective mechanism (and why it backfires)The critical difference between cynicism and clear-eyed realismHow to set boundaries without abandoning your patients or yourselfWhere to put your limited energy when everything feels like a five-alarm fireWhy "doing less" isn't failure - it's survivalThe Truth About Cynicism: Cynicism tells you: "If I expect nothing, I can't be disappointed." But you know what? You're still getting hurt. You're just getting hurt while also becoming passive, disengaged, and spreading negativity to everyone around you.Clear-Eyed Realism Says:The system is broken AND I choose how I respondI can't fix everything AND I can decide what's worth my energyI'm under-resourced AND I won't compromise patient safetyThings are hard AND I deserve to take care of myselfYour Reality Check: When you're short-staffed and expected to maintain full productivity, something has to give. You're not making up for systemic failures with your personal exhaustion. That's not noble - it's unsustainable.Bottom Line: You're not broken. The system is. Your job is to decide how you'll navigate that reality without sacrificing your humanity in the process.Let's ConnectNeed more support? Schedule a coaching consultation at https://calendly.com/healthierforgood/coaching-discovery-callConnect with us:Website: healthierforgood.comEmail: megan@healthierforgood.comInstagram: @meganmelomdIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with a colleague who might benefit! Support the showTo learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.Want to contact me directly?Email: megan@healthierforgood.comFollow me on Instagram!@MeganMeloMD

Episode 357 of RevolutionZ presents chapter six of The Wind Cries Freedom plus some personal discussion of publishing priorities and reader/listener choices. From the oral history, Andre Goldman describes his path from academic to organizer and in doing so reveals how a campus boycott became a disciplined, scalable movement. His story has no lone hero; it's built on strategy, solidarity, and a culture that turned participation into a mark of maturity rather than a fringe stance.Along the way Andre refers to lessons he took from reading about the 1960s without romanticizing them: expand with intention, consolidate gains, and keep your organizing transparent if you want participatory democracy to be more than a slogan. Miguel draws out his take on how students in their time exposed militarized research, how campus workers reshaped demands toward shared governance, and how inter-campus coordination converted isolated protests into a coherent force. When administrators leaned on repression, “safety” threats, and prestige, the movement focused on raising the real costs of such behavior—documenting abuses, repeatedly returning stronger, and persistently building sympathy beyond the campus.The biggest obstacle, Andre reports, was not tactical but psychological. Potential allies often agreed on facts and ethics but clung to the belief that victory was impossible or irrelevant. So, to dissent was pointless. Andre uses his experiences to describe the origins of that learned powerlessness and to show how movements undid it by linking small wins to a bigger strategy,, asking questions that stir conscience, and modeling a vision others want to join. Does Andre's discussion of a future struggle as part of this oral history provide provocative, useful insights for campus organizing, anti-militarism, democratic governance, and beating cynicism in our time? Does it reveal what concrete steps, courage, and discipline can accomplish together? If so, I think Miguel and Andre would say okay, in that case refine the insights, adapt them to your many varied situations, beat Trump and militarism. If not, I think Miguel and Andre would say, okay, generate your own more useful insights. If Andre's stories and the lessons he took resonate for you, or even more important, if you think it would resonate for others, perhaps share the episode with a friend who thinks “nothing ever changes,” and perhaps even attach a comment with a lesson you feel you can take into your next action, or a proposed lesson which you instead think is confused or mistaken and needs to be improved or replaced. In other words listen, but then engage.Support the show

When you watch someone die on your phone it is traumatic. When we learn shocking news almost continually we get overwhelmed. It shouldn't be this way, but it is. How to manage? How to not lose your mind or your emotional balance when the world is so crazy?When we are wounded we need healing. We can't go on collecting wounds and ignore the urgent care we need. There's no cure for this, but there is help. Send us a textSupport the showBe Encouraged podcast is practical, in the moment, thoughtful encouragement.

Comedian (and personal training manager) Nick Scopoletti returns to chat about growing his comedy career, working with Lisa Lampanelli, managing personal trainers, and how his personal warmth has been kind of a cheat code. You can find Nick on Instagram @nickscopes https://www.instagram.com/nickscopes/ and as Lisa Lampanelli's sidekick on her podcast, Shrink This https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrink-this-with-lisa-lampanelli/id1819746873    The AI generated summaryIn this engaging conversation, Jim McDonald and Nick Scopoletti explore themes of friendship, cynicism, personal growth, and the comedy journey. They reflect on their experiences in the fitness industry, the impact of COVID, and the importance of networking in the comedy scene. The discussion also touches on family dynamics, wealth, and the challenges of managing people in the workplace. Throughout the conversation, they share humorous anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the value of perseverance and self-discovery in both personal and professional realms.Chapters  00:00 Warm Connections and Cynical Reflections03:05 The Comedy Journey: Struggles and Triumphs05:50 Navigating Life's Changes: Comedy and Personal Growth08:46 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health11:49 Family Dynamics and Personal Insights14:38 The Reality of Working in the Fitness Industry17:40 Acting, Comedy, and Authenticity20:40 Nostalgia and Cultural Identity23:26 Creative Outlets and Self-Expression31:48 Expo Experiences and Bodybuilding Culture35:44 Managing a Fitness Team39:44 Clientele Development in Boutique Gyms44:39 Wealth, Work Ethic, and Personal Growth50:08 Networking and Social Media Surprises55:58 Memorable Encounters with IconsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/50-facts-with-silent-mike-jim-mcd--5538735/support.

Weeds in My Garden | Chose Joy Over Cynicism | Jack Fleischer

As we grow and mature in our faith we can often find ourselves becoming more and more cynical of everything around us, even beginning to think of cynicism as a sign of maturity. And for those of us who have grown in our theological understanding and awareness, this can be especially true in how we begin to look down on expressions of Christianity we think are less evolved, less enlightened, and less robust. But is this really how things should be? In this week's episode, we explore how cynicism is actually a false kind of spiritual maturity and how real growth and real progress in the Christian life actually manifests itself in a spirit of gracious gratitude. This will be an especially helpful episode for those struggling with a temptation to either leave Protestantism for Catholicism or Orthodoxy, or to leave Christianity altogether.   The episode mentioned by Pastor Zac with historian Molly Worthen can be found here. Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: Kevin Stevens of Energize Capital Manish Patel of Nava Ventures Craig Shapiro of Collaborative Fund We asked guests to tell the most important lesson they've learned in their career. The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. We're proud to partner with Ramp, the modern finance automation platform. Book a demo and get $150—no strings attached.   Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.

What if the deepest work God does in us happens when no one sees? When we feel forgotten, disillusioned, or unsure if our faith is still intact? Most of us would rather skip the wilderness. But what if the desert isn't punishment—it's preparation? This week on Win Today, international recording artist Evan Craft joins us for a raw and honest conversation about faith in the silence, finding God in the dark night of the soul, and what it means to serve when no one applauds. Together, we confront the cynicism that creeps in when life feels unfair, the pressure to perform for spiritual approval, and the questions we rarely admit we're asking, especially when God doesn't move how we expected. If you've ever felt forgotten by God or frustrated with the silence, this episode is for you. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, or Interstellar. But he's not just an actor—he's also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his journal entries, poems, and life lessons learned. In this episode, Matthew and Adam discuss the difference between cynicism and skepticism, reflect on Matthew's experience in learning to laugh at his embarrassing moments, and consider effective and ineffective steps for practicing gratitude. Matthew also shares the story behind his iconic “Alright, alright, alright” catchphrase and why he'll never get tired of hearing it.FollowHost: Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: adamgrant.net/)Guest: Matthew McConaughey (Instagram: @officiallymcconaughey) LinksPoems & Prayers by Matthew McConaugheyGreenlights by Matthew McConaugheySubscribe to TED Instagram: @tedYouTube: @TEDTikTok: @tedtoksLinkedIn: @ted-conferencesWebsite: ted.comPodcasts: ted.com/podcastsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyouTEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-viennaTEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, and Interstellar. But he's not just an actor—he's also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his journal entries, poems, and life lessons learned. In this episode, Matthew and Adam discuss the difference between cynicism and skepticism, reflect on Matthew's experience in learning to laugh at his embarrassing moments, and consider effective and ineffective steps for practicing gratitude. Matthew also shares the story behind his iconic “Alright, alright, alright” catchphrase and why he'll never get tired of hearing it.FollowHost: Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: adamgrant.net/)Guest: Matthew McConaughey (Instagram: @officiallymcconaughey) LinksPoems & Prayers by Matthew McConaugheyGreenlights by Matthew McConaugheySubscribe to TED Instagram: @tedYouTube: @TEDTikTok: @tedtoksLinkedIn: @ted-conferencesWebsite: ted.comPodcasts: ted.com/podcastsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-adam-grant-transcriptsInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-viennaTEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fear is not a moral failing. We live in a time when many suffer under its weight, and too often they are told their trembling is weakness, their hesitation is shame. Yet the truth is simpler, more human: fear comes to all of us. It rises when news breaks, when uncertainty stalks our steps, when something we cherish feels threatened. The real sign of character is not that we never fear, but how we act after it.I want you to picture this: a calm river, swift in its course, carrying a small flame upon its surface. The water could drown it, the current could snuff it out, yet the flame holds steady, riding the flow. That is courage as care. Not the absence of fear, but the presence of a steady light that moves through the world without being consumed.Naming Fear for What It IsFear comes roaring into our lives uninvited. It seizes the body before the mind has time to catch up. The pulse races, the breath shortens, the old instincts rise: fight, flight, or freeze. None of this makes you lesser. Fear is part of being alive.But if we stay only in that reaction, we become trapped. In this time of social cocoons and filter bubbles, fear is magnified. Social media teaches us to wall ourselves off, to curate only what feels safe, to harden our hearts against one another. Authenticity becomes manufactured, and cynicism spreads like poison. We mock what we love, sneer at tenderness, and call compassion “cringe.”The result is a culture that lives by fear's script. We let outrage gather the crowd while love stands forgotten in the corner. We repeat what frightens us, but we forget to defend what we actually cherish.From Reaction to ResponseNo one has ever frightened off a bear by cowering. Likewise, no society can withstand storms by shouting at the wind. Fear alone does not guide us; outrage alone does not sustain us. What matters is what comes after the fear.Courage begins with a shift: the move from passive to active, from consuming to creating. We start small, by saying no more. No more letting fear dictate my choices. No more pretending that despair is the only honest response. No more waiting for someone else to build the world I long for.Here, personal action is born. Journal it, pray it aloud, whisper it to the night sky: This is what I love. This is what I will defend. This is what I will build.Faith without works is dead, wrote James. Belief without action is empty breath. The spark of courage is to begin.The Path of VocationUnder empire, most are told they have only jobs, only functions in the machine. But deeper down, every soul holds a vocation, a calling, a longing, a true work. We know it in our bones even when we cannot yet name it.To face fear is not merely to endure; it is to turn toward this vocation. It may not come easy. It may require stripping away the false answers capitalism whispers: that joy comes from status, that meaning comes from consumption. True vocation is found not in profit but in passion, not in what you hate but in what you love.Write it out. Let the pages bear witness: what does a good life mean to me? What matters enough that I would build it even in a time of storm? Courage is not simply gritting your teeth against danger, it is care made visible.From Me to WeThe empire has convinced us we are alone. The so-called “me generation” was trained in isolation, told that each person's fate was their own burden to carry. But fear multiplies when it is locked in a single chest.Courage grows when we remember the we. It begins personally, but it does not end there. We don't need a savior from outside. We save us. It's not me or you, it's we.Collective action is the river that carries the flame. History shows it again and again: rights were won because people banded together, refused to be silent, and built new contracts of life together. From the Magna Carta to movements for civil rights, the story is the same. Courage is communal.What can this look like for us? It can be as simple as joining a group that aligns with your vision of good. It can be lending your voice, your art, your organizing, your cooking, your letters, your presence. Not everyone will write the pamphlet that sparks revolution, but each of us can be part of the chorus that keeps hope alive.Building Beyond CynicismYelling at the wind is not enough. We must plant shelters, build mutual aid, support the voices already speaking truth, defend the freedom of others to speak, and pour resources into the work that nourishes our communities.Cynicism is cheap fuel. It burns fast and leaves only ash. Love, by contrast, is renewable. It feeds us as we feed it. Outrage may rally a crowd for a moment, but only love builds a world that endures.Imagine again that river, swift and peaceful. Fear is the current, it will always run through life. But courage is the flame, steady on the water. Together we keep it alive.An InvitationSo here is the invitation:* Begin with yourself. Say no more to fear's reign. Claim what you love. Write it, pray it, act on it.* Step into your vocation. Let your life bear witness to what brings joy, healing, and meaning.* Then join the we. Plug into the movements already stirring, or build with others from the ground up. Let courage as care shape not just your choices but our common life.We live in a fearful time, yes. But we also live in a time when the One Life flows through us, binding us together like the waters of a single river. Courage is how we tend that life. Courage is how we care.The flame is in your hands. Place it on the river. Let it float. Let it carry you toward the world we are meant to make, together.Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.Thank you for Tips / Donations: * https://ko-fi.com/cedorsett * https://patreon.com/cedorsett * https://cash.app/$CreationsPaths* Substack: https://www.creationspaths.com/New to The Seraphic Grove learn more For Educational Resource: https://wisdomscry.com Social Connections: * BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/creationspaths.com * Threads https://www.threads.net/@creationspaths * Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creationspaths/#Christopagan #CreationSpirituality #ChristianWitch #Paganism #Esoteric #Magic #Druidry #Mysticism #Spirituality #Occult #WitchCraft #Wicca #IrishPaganism #CelticPaganism #Magick #Polytheism #Enchantment Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Alban Eilir00:15 Personal Connection to the Holiday01:12 Welsh Pronunciation Challenges02:20 Understanding the Spring Equinox05:23 The Significance of Angus and Songbirds09:25 Dreams, Transformation, and Ceridwen16:38 Eclipses and Liminal Spaces21:01 Hope and Resilience in Nature23:10 Celebrating the Equinox25:09 Closing Thoughts and Blessings Get full access to Creation's Paths at www.creationspaths.com/subscribe

A dance of thoughts and discussions in this eclipse about the dangers and disappointments that cynicism lead to. How it is counterintuitive to liberation and imagining. As always I'd love to know your thoughts @cexpod on Twitter @creativelyxposed on IG The article about ChatGPT https://futurism.com/chatgpt-m...

A guide to navigating “the rodeo of life”.   Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey is a husband and a father, an eternal optimist, a hopeful skeptic, and a man of faith who believes that we should all start sellin' Sunday morning like a Saturday night. His latest book is Poems and Prayers.   In this episode we talk about: What Matthew's prayer practice looks like How to figure out what your beliefs are  His relationship with doubt and humility  How to reframe your relationship with failure, risk, and embarrassment  Morning rituals and how to prepare for the day Sins, cynicism, and what to do when things get hard Matthew's take on the world Misconceptions of ‘good' and ‘evil' The difference between ‘hope' and ‘belief'  Why “belief is punk rock” And more Join Dan's online community here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel   On Sunday, September 21st from 1-5pm ET, join Dan and Leslie Booker at the New York Insight Meditation Center in NYC as they lead a workshop titled, "Heavily Meditated – The Dharma of Depression + Anxiety." This event is both in-person and online. Sign up here!   Get ready for another Meditation Party at Omega Institute! This in-person workshop brings together Dan with his friends and meditation teachers, Sebene Selassie, Jeff Warren, and for the first time, Ofosu Jones-Quartey. The event runs October 24th-26th. Sign up and learn more here! To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris SPONSORS:Monarch Money: use code Happier at monarchmoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. 

My guest is Dr. Christof Koch, PhD, a pioneering researcher on the topic of consciousness, an investigator at the Allen Institute for Brain Science and the chief scientist at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation. We discuss the neuroscience of consciousness—how it arises in our brain, how it shapes our identity and how we can modify and expand it. Dr. Koch explains how we all experience life through a unique “perception box,” which holds our beliefs, our memories and thus our biases about reality. We discuss how human consciousness is changed by meditation, non-sleep deep rest, psychedelics, dreams and virtual reality. We also discuss neuroplasticity (rewiring the brain), flow states and the ever-changing but also persistent aspect of the “collective consciousness” of humanity. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman Helix: https://helixsleep.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps (0:00) Christof Koch (2:31) Consciousness; Self, Flow States (8:02) NSDR, Yoga Nidra, Liminal States; State of Being, Intelligence vs Consciousness (13:14) Sponsors: BetterHelp & Our Place (15:53) Self, Derealization, Psychedelics; Selflessness & Flow States (19:53) Transformative Experience, VR, Racism & Self; Perception Box, Bayesian Model (28:29) Oliver Sacks, Empathy & Animals (34:01) Changing Outlook on Life, Tool: Belief & Agency (37:48) Sponsors: AGZ by AG1 & Helix Sleep (40:23) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) & Higher Power (42:09) Neurobiology of Consciousness; Accidents, Covert Consciousness (51:09) Non-Responsive State; Disability Bias, Will to Live, Resilience (55:34) Will to Live, Akinetic Mutism, Neural Correlates of Consciousness (57:43) Conflicting Perception Boxes, Meta Prior, Religion, AI (1:06:47) AI, Violence, Swapping Perception Boxes, Video (1:12:19) 5-MeO-DMT, Psychedelics, Light, Consciousness & Awe; Loss of Self (1:20:54) Death, Mystical Experience, Ocean Analogy; Physicalism & Observer (1:27:57) Sponsor: LMNT (1:29:29) Meditation, Tool: Spacetime Bridging; Ball-bearing Analogy; Digital Twin (1:36:16) Mental Health Decline, Social Media, Pandemic, Family & Play, Tool: Body-Awareness Exercises (1:41:34) Dog Breeds; Movement, Cognitive Flexibility & Longevity (1:47:17) Cynicism, Ketamine, Tool: Belief Effect; Heroes & Finding Flaws (1:52:46) Cynicism vs Curiosity, Compassion; Deaths of Despair, Mental Health Crisis (1:57:26) Jennifer Aniston, Recognition & Neurons; Grandmother Hypothesis (2:03:20) Book Recommendation; Meaning of Life (2:09:10) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Bryan Barley gives the church a word about being wary of cynicism in a growing church, and continues on our series working through Acts 11.

A talk to parents 

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

We can see a truer reality in God than we're feeling in our lives. Guest pastor Devin Deuell continues our summer series with a sermon from Psalm 145.

The absence of a coherent international response to the crises in Gaza and Ukraine has raised questions about what used to be called the international rules-based order. Does it still exist at all, or has the reality of raw military and economic power trumped every other consideration?Against that backdrop, what role, if any, does the United Nations have to play? And what is Ireland's role within the UN?On today's podcast Niall McCann, who recently left the United Nations Development Programme after more than a decade working throughout the UN system in positions in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, talks to Hugh about what he found at the UN, why it isn't working and how he thinks it should be reformed.He also explains why Ireland's standing within the UN is lower than is sometimes suggested. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a while since I hosted a long-form livestream on Nerds for Humanity. Between shorts, behind-the-scenes projects, and life's chaos, I hadn't sat down for a deep conversation in some time. That changed when I brought on two co-conspirators, Ram and Spidermang, both collaborators on our board game Nerds for Democracy. What started as a behind-the-scenes look at a passion project turned into a far-ranging and sobering discussion about U.S. politics, tariffs, debt, 2028 contenders, and the health of our democracy.This post is my attempt to distill that conversation into an essay for my fellow political junkies who couldn't make the livestream. What follows is analysis, commentary, and reflection, peppered with direct quotes from Ram and Spidermang. If you lean center-left and find yourself both fascinated and horrified by American politics, you'll find this read worthwhile.Part 1: From Board Game to Real PoliticsWe started with our board game, Nerds for Democracy. Ram, an AI researcher and avid game designer, recalled how our collaboration began:“I didn't realize Tom was such a politics aficionado. Once I realized that, I pulled out an old concept I had and we started working on it.”The game itself is designed around the absurd, chaotic, and unpredictable nature of American politics. Players collect “choice cards,” face “major events,” and debate topics that range from serious policy to whether pineapple belongs on pizza. Spidermang summed it up well:“The universal feedback was that everybody had fun. Even people not into politics found it accessible. It's a competition, stuff happens, you adapt, and you try to beat the other players.”What struck me in revisiting the design process was how much the game mirrored real politics. Unpredictable events. Media chaos. Shifting voter moods. And the constant need to adjust strategy. It was a fitting prelude to the heavier political conversation that followed.But more than a mirror, Nerds for Democracy is also an invitation. It's a way for friends and families to engage with politics without the toxicity that dominates our newsfeeds. Instead of doomscrolling, you sit around a table, roll dice, argue passionately over whether trucks are better than SUVs, and maybe sneak in a debate on universal basic income. Along the way, you laugh. You groan. You cheer. You conspire with your allies and plot against your rivals.Ram highlighted how laughter was a constant during playtesting:“I have not been in a single play test where people were not laughing out loud. That's the best part for me. People are enjoying playing the game.”That's no small feat. Politics has become a source of dread for so many Americans. To take that same subject and design a game that sparks joy, humor, and connection—it's something special. And it's why I'm so proud of this project.We deliberately designed mechanics to keep everyone involved, even if they fall behind. As Spidermang noted, a player in last place isn't doomed:“There are ways that they can influence and help another person win or sabotage the other person. That's personally my favorite part.”This makes Nerds for Democracy different from many strategy games where early mistakes doom you to irrelevance. Instead, it reflects the reality of politics, where underdogs can play kingmaker and longshots can surprise everyone. That dynamic keeps the game competitive and fun until the very end.The art and design also add a layer of charm. From humorous “breaking news” cards to realistic “major event” scenarios, every deck in the game balances playability with wit. One round you might be forced to respond to a cyberattack; the next, you're navigating a viral scandal about an unflattering beach photo. Sometimes you're boosted forward, other times set back. Just like real campaigns.We've poured countless hours into refining the mechanics, incorporating feedback, and testing with a wide range of players. The result? A game that entertains political junkies while staying approachable for people who normally avoid political conversations. As I said on the livestream, this crossover appeal was a pleasant surprise. It means the game works not just as a hobby for nerds like me, but as a bridge for families, classrooms, and friend groups looking for something new to play together.And here's the kicker: we're offering a limited Founders' Edition of the game. Not a mass-market cash grab, but a passion project produced in small batches. If you pick one up, you're not just buying a board game—you're joining the earliest circle of players who helped shape it, laughed through its debates, and maybe even get immortalized in future editions. This first print might well become a collector's item, the kind of quirky artifact you pull off the shelf years from now and say, “I was there when it started.”If that appeals to you, shoot me an email at tom[at]nerdsforhumanity.com. We'll make sure you get a copy while supplies last.Part 2: Tariffs and Trump's Economic TheaterRam pivoted us toward a topic he'd been thinking about—tariffs. His framing was simple but devastating:“Who exactly pays when a tariff is levied? It's us as consumers. The way this government has been brandishing tariffs like a sword… I don't know if it's achieving the objective. There's more chaos, more confusion, and not enough time for domestic production to ramp up.”He's right. Tariffs are, in essence, a tax on American consumers. Trump has sold them as a populist tool to punish China or Vietnam, but the costs hit Walmart shoppers in Ohio and Costco shoppers in California long before they hit foreign exporters.Spidermang cut through the economics with a blunt reminder of lived reality:“It's just hard enough to make ends meet at the end of the month as it is. It doesn't seem like anything is happening to benefit people on the low end of the earning spectrum.”The irony is rich. Trump won in 2016 in part by railing against elites and promising affordability. Yet his trade policies operate as hidden taxes on the very working-class families who form his political base.Part 3: The Deficit, the ‘Big Beautiful Bill,' and the Illusion of Fiscal ResponsibilityOur conversation naturally shifted to debt and deficits. Trump and his allies promised to run America like a business, but the numbers tell a different story. In just eight months of his second term, we've already added $1.6 trillion to the deficit. The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is projected to add $4 trillion to the national debt, pushing us toward $40 trillion total.Ram put it plainly:“Tariffs actually increase taxes through the back door. Even if you cut income taxes, you're taxing people on their purchases. Unless domestic production fills the gap, they don't help. And uncertainty breeds narratives that we're losing trustworthiness with trading partners, which causes long-term damage.”The lesson here is grim: Republicans talk about fiscal responsibility, but when given the chance, they balloon the deficit. Democrats talk about protecting working families, but they, too, shy away from serious budget discipline for fear of political backlash. Bill Clinton's late-90s balanced budget looks like a historical anomaly rather than a precedent.And voters? Most seem not to care. We punish politicians for cutting spending or raising taxes but shrug when they quietly run up the national credit card. It's political theater, not sound governance.Part 4: The 2028 Field—Hope, Cynicism, and UncertaintyWe couldn't resist peering ahead to 2028. Ram predicted that JD Vance is “probably the clear Republican choice.” On the Democratic side, he saw Gavin Newsom as a frontrunner, with Kamala Harris a possible but weak contender.Spidermang, ever the underdog supporter, reminded us:“I was a Dean Phillips supporter. I was an Andrew Yang supporter. Whoever I support in the future is probably going to be along the same caliber—the underdog.”I shared my own enthusiasm for West Moore and Pete Buttigieg. Both are young, articulate, military veterans, and could present a dynamic ticket. But the sobering reality is that American politics is not kind to nuance or competence. It rewards attention-seeking, grievance-fueled campaigning. Which is why Vance looms large.What stood out most in this segment was not who we favored, but how quickly we admitted that chaos could rewrite everything. As Ram said:“If eight months have resulted in this much chaos, who knows what's going to happen in the next two years.”Exactly. Predicting the 2028 field feels almost silly when we haven't yet absorbed the full consequences of Trump's second term.Part 5: The Fragility of DemocracyPerhaps the most sobering thread was the fear—voiced half-jokingly by one viewer—that “there might not even be an election.” We laughed, but not entirely. After all, few of us believed Trump would ever refuse to concede in 2020, yet January 6th happened.Ram acknowledged that unpredictability is itself a political weapon:“Uncertainty breeds narratives. It's damaging the U.S.'s trustworthiness with trade partners, and it could cause long-term damage. Whether tariffs give short-term benefit or not is debatable, but the long-term risk is real.”That comment about trade applies just as much to democracy itself. Constant chaos, norm-breaking, and institution-shaking erode trust not just abroad but at home. Each new outrage lowers the bar for the next one.Conclusion: Fun, Fear, and the Fight AheadWhat began as a conversation about a board game ended as a meditation on America's precarious future. The through-line was clear: politics is chaotic, unpredictable, and often absurd. Our game captures that in cardboard and dice. But real life is no game.Spidermang reminded us that despite the dysfunction, ordinary people still laugh, play, and hope:“The bottom line is that the game is fun, and people that play it—they're gonna like it.”That optimism is worth holding onto. But the sobering analysis remains: tariffs that hurt consumers, deficits that balloon, a political system allergic to honesty about trade-offs, and an electorate seduced by grievance over governance.If we want better, we'll have to demand better—from politicians, from parties, and from ourselves.And if you want to take a small step toward engaging with politics in a healthier way, consider picking up Nerds for Democracy. It's not just a game—it's a conversation starter, a teaching tool, and a reminder that even in chaotic times, we can laugh, connect, and imagine a better future together. Every Founders' Edition we ship out is a signal that people care about building community through dialogue and play. The more of you who join in, the more likely we are to produce future editions with expanded decks, refined mechanics, and even Easter eggs contributed by early supporters. So if you've ever wanted to combine your political nerdiness with some tabletop fun, now's the time.Support the ChannelIf you found this conversation valuable and want to support independent political analysis, please consider becoming a YouTube channel member. Your support helps cover operating costs like livestreaming software, editing, and hosting. Plus, members get a shout-out on every livestream.Thanks for reading, nerds.Bye nerds. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdsforhumanity.substack.com

In this sermon we look at John 15 and talk about how the character of Christ is an antidote to the cynicism of our age.For more teaching, visit citizenscharlotte.com/teaching

Bob welcomes Nikita back to the Nonzero team ... WSJ's report on Trump's authoritarian drift ... Three levers: streets, media, education system ... Trump the businessman and Trump the politician ... Why Putin was compelling in 1999, when Russia was a young democracy ... Laws vs norms ... Trump and lawfare: how independent is the US judiciary? ... Partisanship among judges ... Trump's view of the world as a game ... Cynicism as a political brand ... Nikita: Putin and Trump share a geopolitical worldview ... The damage the US and Russia did to the international law ... The evolution of Putin's understanding of geopolitics ... Today's Overtime segment is open for everybody! ... The crisis of the nation-state & NonZero's community building project ... "Kremlin is not Russia": distinguishing between the nation and the state ... Bob: We all need a tribe ... What does it mean to be an American? ... Nikita's Armenian propaganda: A legitimate reason to be proud of your nation ...

Today's show:On an upbeat and optimistic new TWiST, Jason and Alex are debating why any new innovation or technology gets hit with a wave of bitter cynicism.PLUS Jason defends the government taking shares of Intel, explains the importance of interoperability, and predicts how AirBnB's Joe Gebbia will upgrade the US government's website design.All that PLUS thoughts on the Netskope IPO, Perplexity offering publishers actual revenue share, a deep dive on the new AI-based PAC, thoughts on open-source LLMs, and much much much more.Timestamps:(0:00) Cynicism vs. Optimism and why Jason thinks cynics go after any interesting new technology(10:02) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist(11:04) Show Continues…(14:37) Why Jason supports the Intel deal but worries it will become a trend(20:46) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist.(22:00) Show Continues…(27:02) Is it hypocritical to oppose socialist grocery stores but support the Intel deal? Jason says NO.(29:41) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(30:58) What does xAI hope to get out of this OpenAI/Apple lawsuit? Jason and Alex theorize…(39:12) Why Jason thinks interoperability is so important and how App Stores OUGHT to work(41:12) How AirBnB's Joe Gebbia could potentially upgrade the US government's websites(49:27) What does Netskope do exactly? SASE?! Producer Claude explains…(58:32) Alex and Jason celebrate Perplexity rev sharing with publishers(01:10:02) Jason's thoughts on the Leading the Future PAC, and US AI policySubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:02) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist(20:46) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist.(29:41) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWISTGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Have you ever found yourself afraid to feel joy - worried that if you celebrate, the other shoe will inevitably drop? So many of us quietly hold joy at arm's length. We tell ourselves it's safer not to get our hopes up than to risk being let down again. What if joy isn't a fleeting feeling for the lucky few, but a courageous practice we can all learn? Dr Alison sits down with therapist and author Nicole Zasowski to talk about her journey of choosing joy in the face of loss. Nicole shares how she discovered that joy can be the most vulnerable emotion of all - and why learning to celebrate is one of the most important practices we can cultivate in our lives. Together, you'll learn: The surprising reason joy can feel harder than grief or disappointment The difference between toxic positivity and true, grounded joy Why pessimism and cynicism are really forms of control Practical ways to retrain your mind to savor what's good—even in difficult seasons What Scripture and neuroscience teach us about joy

Despite the fierce efforts of skeptics to dismiss the supernatural, a persistent truth emerges: countless ordinary people continue to report chilling encounters with the unknown. In this episode, we explore unsettling tales of crisis apparitions, haunted landscapes, and bizarre energies that seem to seep through the fabric of our everyday world. From phantom hands that grope in the darkness to strange portals opening in suburban homes, the phenomena refuse to be ignored. We also delve into the enduring work of psychical researchers and examine the patterns behind these mysterious intrusions into normal life. Then, for our Plus+ Members, we uncover the strange histories of lightning strike survivors, individuals who not only lived through multiple bolts from the blue but were forever changed. Some report heightened sensitivities and psychic perceptions, while others bear physical anomalies, including one man who developed an inexplicable religious image etched into his back, a mark science has yet to explain. Strange: Paranormal Realities in the Everyday World Strange Portals Spontaneously Appearing in the Home Personal Experiences of Apparitions and Related Phenomena Crisis Apparitions, What Are They? About the Society for Psychical Research The Hairy Hands – Haunted Devon Ghosts: Haunted houses, caveman ghosts and confusing rules Ghostly Travel: New Walls And Otherworldly Passages Mysterious Disappearing Phantom Houses Strange Electromagnetic Dimensions: Science, Paranormal, and the Unexplainable Transformed by Lightning: Real‑Life Stories Isle of Weired The Shocking Tale of Abbott Parker Hubert's Last Dime Museum in the Old Times Square Zapped by the Spirit – Betty Biggers & Galvano Commitment, Jail & ChatGPT Psychosis LinksPlus+ ExtensionThe extension of the show is EXCLUSIVE to Plus+ Members. To join, click HERE. 00:00 - Intro to Mysterious Universe Season 34, Episode 5 00:13 - Episode Preview and Hosts Introduction 00:24 - The Lightning Rod: Cleveland Sullivan's Seven Strikes 01:10 - Lightning's Lasting Impact: Life-Destroying Effects 02:42 - Debunking Myths: Lightning Survivors' Struggles 04:08 - Supernormal Abilities: Rare Lightning Miracles 05:25 - Predatory Phenomena: Clouds and Intelligent Orbs 07:28 - Strange Paranormal Realities: Book Overview 09:09 - Cynicism vs. Paranormal: The Skeptic's Dilemma 11:22 - Personal Stories: Everyday Paranormal Encounters 13:15 - Skeptics at Lectures: Confronting Paranormal Evidence 15:30 - X-Files Reboot Discussion 16:29 - Crop Circles: Transformative Paranormal Experiences 18:42 - Paranormal Top 10: Ghosts, UFOs, and Creatures 20:23 - Ghostly Children in Trailer Parks 23:12 - Sentient Ghosts: The Queen Mary Encounter 25:00 - Poltergeist Activity at Arthur Conan Doyle Centre 26:59 - Crisis Apparitions: Visits at the Moment of Death 28:31 - Awkward Relatives: Ghosts of Ex-Husbands 30:01 - Spectral Faces and Hands: Recurring Phenomena 46:24 - Haunted Beams: Victorian Ghosts in Modern Homes 47:36 - Ghostly Smoke: Addicted Spirits Lingering 48:40 - Astral Travel Dangers: Dark Souls and Attachments 49:10 - Haunted Chimneys: Ghostly Smoke Manifestations 51:37 - Sentient Wall Walkers: Ghosts Acknowledging Witnesses 55:50 - Roman Soldiers and Time Slips: Historical Hauntings 57:13 - Interactive Ghosts: Library Spirits Helping Patrons 01:02:11 - Hospital Hauntings: Ghostly Figures Comforting Patients 01:03:29 - Book Review: Five Smoking Chimneys for Strange Realities 01:04:15 - Malevolent Hands: Terrifying Hotel Encounters 01:10:02 - Portals in Homes: Hands from Other Dimensions 01:11:49 - UFO Obsession: Alien Arms Through Rifts 01:13:22 - Outro and Plus Extension Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you consider yourself a skeptical person? Ya know do you approach life with 'glass half-empty' attitude? Are you always waiting for the other shoe to drop? In this program, guest teacher Jennie Allen shares why this mindset is actually very toxic to our thought life. She'll reveal just how pervasive cynicism is, and the ways it steals our joy. Don't miss how to change your way of thinking.Am I cynical? - Ask yourself these questions:Do I get annoyed when people are optimistic?When someone is nice to me, do I wonder what that person wants?Do I constantly feel misunderstood?• When things are going well am I waiting for something to go wrong?Do I quickly notice people's flaws or faults?Do I worry about getting taken advantage of?Am I guarded when I meet someone new?Do I wonder sometimes why people just can't get it together?Am I sarcastic?Cynicism – is the idea that we're looking for the bad to keep the bad from hurting us.The antidote for cynicism:Be careful with what you feed your soul.Choose friends that are life-giving.Delight in God's creation.Believe in the good.Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesGet Out Of Your Head BookAdditional MentionsJennie Allen's Free Book Club KitConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003About Jennie Allen: Jennie Allen is the founder and visionary behind IF: Gathering and she is the author of several books and study guides, including Restless, Anything, and Nothing to Prove. She is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze a generation of women to live what they believe. Jennie has a master's in Biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Zac and their four children.