Podcasts about Delve

We explore the pivotal moment when Assyria invades Israel, marking a turning point in biblical history. Delve into the rise of the Assyrian Empire and its conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC. Discover how King Hoshea's failed alliance with Egypt led to Israel's downfall and the implementation of Assyria's deportation policy. Learn about the spiritual significance of this event as a divine judgment for Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience. This episode examines the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, the fall of Samaria, and the exile of the Israelites.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Explore the profound beauty and emotional depth of the "Sonnets of Michael Angelo Buonarroti and Tommaso Campanella," where two of Italy's greatest minds express their thoughts on art, love, and the human experience. This collection showcases the timeless nature of sonnet form, revealing the intricate interplay between creativity and philosophy that continues to resonate with audiences today. The eloquence of Buonarroti's reflections on beauty and Campanella's insights into the human condition invite listeners to contemplate the enduring significance of these themes. Delve into this rich tapestry of poetic expression that captures the essence of Renaissance thought and its relevance in our contemporary world.

John Lund weighs in on the 49ers' biggest draft mistakes of the past decade, arguing that not scouting Patrick Mahomes and trading back to take Solomon Thomas was a worse mistake than trading for Trey Lance. The conversation takes a turn when they discuss the Warriors' chances in the upcoming season, with John talking about the importance of Jimmy Butler's return from injury and how quickly the team can get him back to full strength. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Lund weighs in on the 49ers' biggest draft mistakes of the past decade, arguing that not scouting Patrick Mahomes and trading back to take Solomon Thomas was a worse mistake than trading for Trey Lance. The conversation takes a turn when they discuss the Warriors' chances in the upcoming season, with John talking about the importance of Jimmy Butler's return from injury and how quickly the team can get him back to full strength. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the evolving world of reusable packaging in the produce industry with Vonnie Estes and guest Tim Debus, President and CEO of the Reusable Packaging Association. Delve into recent advancements in public policy, the impact of European regulations, and the role of technology in enhancing packaging systems. Unpack the economics of closed-loop systems, the significance of data in supply chain efficiency, and the potential of AI models fueled by tech-enabled reusable packaging. Gain insights into the strategic alignment required among stakeholders to achieve sustainability and operational excellence in fresh produce logistics.Key TakeawaysPolicy Impact: Recent advancements in public policy are significantly influencing the packaging industry, pushing it towards sustainable practices through regulations.Technology Integration: The integration of tracking and sensor technologies transform reusable packaging into smart systems that provide real-time data essential for supply chain optimization.System Efficiency: Successful reusable packaging systems require stakeholder alignment, continuous operational improvement, and scale to achieve desired efficiencies.Economic Metrics: Key metrics such as volume, turns, and loss prevention are crucial in determining the economic viability of reusable packaging systems.Closed Loop Challenges: Expanding reuse systems across broader supply chains involves addressing complexities that require innovative solutions and infrastructure development.Guest ResourcesTim Debus is the President and CEO of the Reusable Packaging Association. With over two decades of experience in the packaging industry, Tim has been at the forefront of advocating for sustainable packaging solutions. His work focuses on promoting reusable packaging systems that enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Tim's leadership has positioned him as a key influencer in transitioning global markets toward more sustainable practices through policy development and technological advancement.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Delve back into Haunt World and experience even greater horrors on a cultish ice world full of monsters and evil. Re-join James Haunt as his memory slowly returns and he journeys to find his soul and his long lost brother. Welcome to the Very Reasonable Pilots Podcast, where your hosts Jake and Charles bring you new worlds, characters, and thrilling stories  packaged into exciting TV shows and films with episode by episode rundowns, character deep dives, and fully fleshed out pilots. Weekly episodes released on Monday  Instagram: @veryreasonablepilots Reddit: r/VeryReasonablePilots  Spotify YouTube Reddit This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

¡Bienvenidos jugadores y jugadoras! Hoy hacemos programa bien fresquito para seguir aguantando este calor que parece que no quiere irse. Hablamos del reciente Premio Jogo de Ano (¿dejaremos de hablar de premios en algún programa?), de como está el estado actual de la creación de contenido en el mundillo a raíz del cierre de Ciudadano Meeple y enfrentamos a Asmodee y a Hasbro a un cara a cara en el que descubrimos su alta dependencia de los TCG actualmente. También nos metemos de lleno con Container y Kinfire Delve mientras intentamos superar la nueva pubertad de Samu con una voz aún más grave. ¡Al lío! Aclaración: La última campaña de Zombicide tuvo 11.000 mecenas (no 11M de recaudación), la recaudación fue de 3M. 00:00 Inicio 01:41 CMON consigue salvar su ronda de financiación 06:45 Cierra Ciudadano Meeple tras casi 9 años 22:49 Jogo do Ano 2026: ANTS se lleva el premio 30:40 Asmodee vs. Hasbro 33:38 ¿Sigue creciendo el mercado de juegos de mesa? 35:05 La enorme dependencia de los TCG 59:56 Los juegos que mejor funcionan para Asmodee 01:02:32 Container 01:07:11 Cómo se juega a Container 01:11:00 Las subastas y la economía de Container 01:18:30 Lo mejor y lo peor de Container 01:23:29 Kinfire Delve 01:25:17 ¿Cómo se juega a Kinfire Delve? 01:37:13 Rejugabilidad y diferencias entre cajas 01:40:50 Kinfire Delve en cooperativo y solitario 01:48:50 Conclusiones y despedida Fuentes: Informe de Hasbro: https://investor.hasbro.com/static-files/11c5659e-4c66-40ec-9043-989f100be8ff Informe de Asmodee: https://storage.mfn.se/65b1b747-1c1e-4544-95e4-190b650175a6/asmodee-group-interim-report-eng-q1-2026-2027.pdf

Explore the turbulent reign of King Ahab in the northern kingdom of Israel. Delve into the story of Ahab, son of Omri, as he leads Israel further into idolatry by marrying Jezebel and promoting Baal worship. Witness the dramatic confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, showcasing God's supreme power. Learn about the drought that plagued Israel, Elijah's miraculous provisions, and the first resurrection in the Bible. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Join Bernie Diamond as he explores the life-changing impact of being born again. Delve into the transformative power of spiritual rebirth through the story of Nicodemus and the metaphor of a man freed from death row. Discover how this profound experience should shift our perspective on life, giving us joy and freedom through Jesus.Support the show: https://christianityworks.com/channels/adp/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Rod Hembree and Janice for an insightful audio journey through the Bible as they explore the timeless truths found in Mark chapters 9 and 10. Discover the significance of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and how it revealed His divine nature to the disciples. Delve into discussions about the kingdom of God, the authenticity of the Gospel of Mark, and historical insights into Pontius Pilate. This episode offers a deep dive into scriptural revelations and historical contexts, providing a comprehensive understanding of biblical events.

Join Pastor Candy Christmas in an enlightening conversation with Becky Murray, the force behind the nonprofit 'One by One.' Delve into the impactful work being done across continents to combat human trafficking and provide post-care for rescued children. Discover the challenges faced, the triumphs celebrated, and the unwavering faith that drives this ministry. Learn how you can be part of a global movement to bring hope and healing to the world's most vulnerable.

Join Rod Hembree and Janice on Bible Discovery TV as they explore the parables of Matthew 22:1-14. Delve into the teachings of Jesus Christ, focusing on the kingdom of heaven and the significance of faithful obedience. This episode discusses themes such as the invitation to God's kingdom and the importance of spiritual commitment.

Brian and Jake sit down with Christian Sailer fresh off his seventh USPSA Open Nationals title. Christian walked through his approach to the match despite only having about 2,000 rounds through his open gun since the last World Shoot and only five practice sessions leading in, explaining how he balances a full-time job with elite-level competition. He broke down his mistake on the first stage, his recovery strategy across the following days, and the four-stage push he needed at the end to seal the win. Christian detailed his training philosophy, splitting focus between fundamentals and specific stage execution drills built from a running document of mistakes he reviews after every match. The conversation shifted to IPSC Nationals, where Christian confirmed he'll be shooting Limited Optics on Squad 301 alongside Eric Grauffel, JJ Racaza, Aaron Adams, and others, setting up the long-awaited head-to-head matchup he's been calling for since 2019. He shared his frustration with the equipment failure at Carry Optics Nationals 2024 that cost him that first showdown, and his respect for Grauffel's accomplishments alongside confidence in his own preparation. Other topics included the shift in super squad culture from chirpy and cutthroat to collaborative and honest, his gratitude for John Bliger's second-place finish while simultaneously vending JV Training Accessories in the Hunters HD Gold tent, feedback on stage design (no gimmicks, no fixed time, no Virginia count), and strong advocacy for enforced super squad policies with defined criteria. Christian closed by sharing what really drives him now: training American military and law enforcement, which he considers as meaningful as his own competition, with his next big goal being October 2-4 at IPSC Nationals. Elevate your game with our trusted partners: Right To Bear Use Code HuntersHD10 When you sign up part of your contribution will go back to the Shooting Sports. Get Carry Insurance with a Company that Supports the Shooting Sports.  IWI Use Code HDG15 for 15% off your order  RealAvid Use Code RAHHDG for 10% off your order  Ghost HolsterUSA Use Code HuntersHD 15% off Jessie James JJFU Coffee Use Code HuntersHD for 5% off ACE Virtual Shooting Use Code HHDG for 10% off your subscription and physical handset. Imperium Roots Use Code HuntersHD for 20% off Speed Beez Use Code HuntersHD for 10% off Discover the world of competitive shooting sports through the eyes of industry leaders, top athletes, and match directors in the Behind the Lens Podcast, hosted by Brian Conley of Hunters HD Gold. Delve into captivating conversations that reveal the passion, dedication, and skill that define the shooting sports community. Brian, a steadfast supporter of the shooting sports, brings unique insights and expertise to each episode. Uncover the latest trends, techniques, and stories from the people who shape the shooting sports landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of competitive shooting, the shooting industry, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible.

Brian and Jake sit down with Christian Sailer fresh off his seventh USPSA Open Nationals title. Christian walked through his approach to the match despite only having about 2,000 rounds through his open gun since the last World Shoot and only five practice sessions leading in, explaining how he balances a full-time job with elite-level competition. He broke down his mistake on the first stage, his recovery strategy across the following days, and the four-stage push he needed at the end to seal the win. Christian detailed his training philosophy, splitting focus between fundamentals and specific stage execution drills built from a running document of mistakes he reviews after every match. The conversation shifted to IPSC Nationals, where Christian confirmed he'll be shooting Limited Optics on Squad 301 alongside Eric Grauffel, JJ Racaza, Aaron Adams, and others, setting up the long-awaited head-to-head matchup he's been calling for since 2019. He shared his frustration with the equipment failure at Carry Optics Nationals 2024 that cost him that first showdown, and his respect for Grauffel's accomplishments alongside confidence in his own preparation. Other topics included the shift in super squad culture from chirpy and cutthroat to collaborative and honest, his gratitude for John Bliger's second-place finish while simultaneously vending JV Training Accessories in the Hunters HD Gold tent, feedback on stage design (no gimmicks, no fixed time, no Virginia count), and strong advocacy for enforced super squad policies with defined criteria. Christian closed by sharing what really drives him now: training American military and law enforcement, which he considers as meaningful as his own competition, with his next big goal being October 2-4 at IPSC Nationals.Elevate your game with our trusted partners:Right To Bear Use Code HuntersHD10 When you sign up part of your contribution will go back to the Shooting Sports. Get Carry Insurance with a Company that Supports the Shooting Sports. IWI Use Code HDG15 for 15% off your order RealAvid Use Code RAHHDG for 10% off your order Ghost HolsterUSA Use Code HuntersHD 15% offJessie James JJFU Coffee Use Code HuntersHD for 5% offACE Virtual Shooting Use Code HHDG for 10% off your subscription and physical handset.Imperium Roots Use Code HuntersHD for 20% offSpeed Beez Use Code HuntersHD for 10% offDiscover the world of competitive shooting sports through the eyes of industry leaders, top athletes, and match directors in the Behind the Lens Podcast, hosted by Brian Conley of Hunters HD Gold. Delve into captivating conversations that reveal the passion, dedication, and skill that define the shooting sports community. Brian, a steadfast supporter of the shooting sports, brings unique insights and expertise to each episode. Uncover the latest trends, techniques, and stories from the people who shape the shooting sports landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of competitive shooting, the shooting industry, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible.Hunters HD Gold Links:Website: https://huntershdgold.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntershdgold/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntersHDGoldYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWH4kOqaX-x34uYOviQ-tgUnited States Practical Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://uspsa.orgSteel Challenge Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://scsa.orgMetal Madness Official Eyewear: https://...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Suresh Babu, a distinguished sales expert and author, tuning in from Frankfurt, Germany. In an insightful conversation, Suresh shares his unorthodox journey from a DJ in Chennai to an established sales leader in Europe, illuminating the intersections between his musical roots and his sales acumen. Suresh’s unique perspective on the sales process underscores the necessity of human connection and adaptability in sales strategy, emphasising the importance of H2H (Human to Human) interactions. As the discussion unfolds, the conversation shifts towards examining the systemic challenges sales teams face and the common pitfalls in traditional sales forecasting. Suresh debunks myths around sales being a people problem, advocating instead for a strategic overhaul of the sales system to curb revenue leakage. By sharing compelling insights from his book, “Revenue Reality,” Suresh provides a roadmap to enhance forecasting accuracy through evidence-based assessments rather than relying on mere confidence levels. Delve into this episode to discover how a strategic focus on process and empathy can redefine sales success. To connect with Suresh and to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book “Revenue Reality”, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sureshbabu-de/ Website – https://smartsalespartners.com/

Explore the transformative journey of life's seasons with Coach Myrna on this solo episode of Transform Your Mind. Delve into the metaphor of the inner garden, where each season—winter, spring, summer, and fall—symbolizes distinct life phases and essential growth. Understand how to embrace winter's hardships for resilience, plant new thoughts in spring, protect and nourish them during summer, and finally, reap the rewards in fall. Learn how to combat negative thoughts, nurture positivity, and achieve personal fulfillment. Tune in for insights on cultivating your inner garden for lasting change and abundance.Through her engaging discourse, Myrna highlights how each season—winter, spring, summer, and autumn—plays a crucial role in shaping our inner garden, which represents our mental and emotional well-being. Listeners are guided through the seasons with practical insights on how to harness the power of each to foster personal development, resilience, and inner peace.Myrna begins by discussing the winter season's significance, emphasizing its role as a teacher that builds strength and resilience. She touches on how winter symbolizes the challenges of trauma and loss but also how it fosters the growth of inner strength and patience. The conversation then transitions into spring, where Myrna illustrates the importance of planting seeds of new thoughts and beliefs for future growth. By highlighting the necessity of taking action during this season, she sets the stage for personal transformation.Key Takeaways:Embrace the Winter Season: Recognize the winter season as a time of growth and resilience-building, rather than hardship.Spring as a Time for Planting: Spring is the optimal period for planting new thoughts and beliefs that pave the way for positive future experiences.Nurture Your Inner Garden in Summer: Summer calls for the protection and nourishment of the planted seeds, ensuring they flourish without being overshadowed by negative influences.Reap Your Harvest in Autumn: The fall season symbolizes the culmination of your inner work, where you enjoy the fruits of peace, confidence, and purpose that you have cultivated.Continuous Weeding: Consistent removal of negative thoughts is essential in maintaining the health and vibrancy of your mind's inner garden.Link to transcript https://www.buzzsprout.com/1761155/episodes/19767778-embrace-the-seasons-of-life-harnessing-the-power-of-your-inner-garden#transcriptSee this video on The Transform Your Mind YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MyhelpsUs/videosTo see a transcripts of this audio as well as links to all the advertisers on the show page https://myhelps.us/Follow Transform Your Mind on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/myrnamyoung/Follow Transform Your mind on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738390977Please leave a rating and review on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transform-your-mind/id1144973094Feedspot Top 100 Mental Health Podcast For sponsored Brand interviews and sponsorship inquires please visit Partner With The Transform Your Mind Podcast | Myrna Young Life Coach

Discover the wisdom and reign of King Solomon. Journey through ancient Israel as we explore Solomon's ascension to the throne, his famous prayer for wisdom, and God's abundant blessings. Learn how Solomon's God-given discernment manifested in his just rulings, including the iconic judgment between two mothers. Delve into the golden age of Israel, marked by unprecedented prosperity, international recognition, and the beginning of construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Uncover fascinating details about Solomon's wealth, his 3,000 proverbs, and how his wisdom drew visitors from around the world. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Discover the extraordinary life of King David. From humble shepherd to Israel's greatest monarch, David's journey is filled with faith, triumph, and human frailty. Explore key moments like his defeat of Goliath, friendship with Jonathan, and ascension to the throne. Delve into the Davidic Covenant and its messianic implications. Learn about David's military conquests, his role as a psalmist, and his deep relationship with God. The episode also addresses David's moral failings, including his affair with Bathsheba and its consequences.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

"Myths and Legends Around the World" by Collection 18-Various invites listeners on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of global folklore. This collection showcases the timeless tales that have shaped cultures and beliefs across generations, highlighting the universal themes of humanity, morality, and the mysteries of existence. As these stories unfold, they resonate with contemporary audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of myth in understanding our world and ourselves. Delve into the enchanting narratives that have inspired countless interpretations and adaptations, and discover why these age-old legends continue to captivate the imagination today.

Explore the final chapter of King David's life in this episode. Witness David's preparations for the Jerusalem Temple, his charge to Solomon, and his prophetic last words. Delve into the Davidic Covenant, the transfer of kingship, and the spiritual legacy of Israel's greatest monarch. This episode highlights David's unwavering faith, his role as a messianic prophet, and the significance of the Temple project. Discover how David's final actions set the stage for Solomon's reign and the future of Israel.3Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Explore the dynamic realm of digital twins in agriculture with Vonnie Estes and Dr. Ziynet Boz from the University of Florida. Delve into how digital twins can transform complex systems like reusable packaging supply chains, enhancing decision-making by simulating real-world scenarios. Discover the distinction between digital twins and traditional models, the role of AI, and the challenges of implementing digital twins in produce logistics. With insights on optimizing costs, reducing environmental impacts, and improving supply chain dynamics, this episode unveils the future of sustainable agriculture driven by digital innovation.Key TakeawaysDigital twins are dynamic digital representations that remain connected with real-world counterparts to enhance understanding and decision-making.Unlike traditional lifecycle assessment tools and spreadsheets, digital twins can adapt to real-time data and simulate different operational scenarios.Reusable packaging presents a complex challenge well-suited for digital twins due to the numerous feedback loops and supply chain requirements involved.A practical digital twin implementation can integrate and balance economics, environmental impact, and operational efficiency.Collaboration between industry and academia can bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring robust interoperability across varied systems and stages in agriculture.Guest ResourcesDr. Ziynet Boz is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, specializing in the intersection of sustainable food systems, packaging modeling, and digitization. With a prolific career focused on systems questions, she is renowned for her expertise in digital twins and their application in agricultural and biological engineering. Ziynet's research interests integrate systems engineering, industrial engineering, and environmental sustainability.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Explore the profound spiritual implications of King David's census in this episode. Delve into the complex interplay between God's sovereignty, Satan's temptation, and human free will as we examine this pivotal moment in Israel's history. Discover how David's act of numbering his people led to divine judgment, resulting in a devastating plague. Learn about David's repentance, God's mercy, and the unexpected outcome that laid the foundation for the future Temple in Jerusalem. This episode illuminates the consequences of pride, the power of confession, and God's ability to bring redemption out of human error.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

We explore King David's efforts to renew his kingship and reunify the 12 tribes of Israel at Gilgal after Absalom's defeat. Delve into the historical significance of Gilgal as a place of new beginnings, from Joshua's time to the establishment of Saul's kingdom. Witness David's strategic pardoning of enemies and rewarding of allies to foster peace amidst tribal tensions. Learn about the challenges David faces, including Sheba's rebellion and Joab's violent actions. Discover how a wise woman's intervention ultimately secures David's rule over a united Israel. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Join David Heavener as he explores the intriguing question of what influences the aging process in this thought-provoking talk. Delve into discussions about the role of God, the devil, and personal belief systems in shaping our perceptions of aging. Discover how societal norms and mental conditioning might affect how we age, and learn how to renew your mindset to embrace vitality at any age.

Join David Heavener as he explores the intriguing question of what influences the aging process in this thought-provoking talk. Delve into discussions about the role of God, the devil, and personal belief systems in shaping our perceptions of aging. Discover how societal norms and mental conditioning might affect how we age, and learn how to renew your mindset to embrace vitality at any age.

Who Are You Really? Delve into the profound teachings of Alan Watts and discover the deep connection you share with the universe. This motivational speech combines chillstep music with insightful reflections, guiding you on a journey of self-discovery. You'll explore the hidden truths that reveal your place in the cosmos and ignite your inner potential. Join us as we unlock the mysteries of existence and the unique bond you have with everything around you. Are you ready to transform your perspective and embrace your true self? Listen now and elevate your understanding of the universe! #AlanWatts #Chillstep #SelfDiscovery #Motivation #Universe #Philosophy #Mindfulness #Awakening #Connection #Spirituality who are you really, alan watts chillstep, connection to the universe, universe connection, self discovery, motivational speech, chillstep music, truth about life, philosophy of alan watts, awakening, mindfulness, spiritual awakening, inner potential, cosmic ties, self improvement, life insights, motivation, personal growth, existentialism, philosophical teachings, cosmic connection, deeper understanding, music for motivation, relaxing chillstep, inspirational speech, self awareness, truths of existence, spiritual connection, life purpose, universal truths, exploring consciousness, transcendence, personal transformation, healing music, journey within Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the profound impact of King David as both ruler and prophet in this enlightening session. Delve into the Psalms, including the beloved Psalm 23 and the prophetic Psalm 110, to uncover David's intimate relationship with God and his role in foretelling the coming Messiah. Discover how David's experiences as a shepherd, fugitive, and king shaped his faith and writings. Learn about the Davidic Covenant and its significance in God's plan for salvation. This episode examines David's prophetic insights into the future Messiah-King, exploring themes of divine kingship, priesthood, and ultimate victory. Perfect for those interested in biblical prophecy, Old Testament history, and the life of King David. Keywords: King David, Psalms, Messianic prophecy, Davidic Covenant, biblical history, ancient Israel, prophecy, Old Testament.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Discover the Levites, the sacred priestly tribe of Israel, chosen for their stand against sin during the golden calf incident. Explore their unique relationship with God and the significance of their inheritance. Delve into their role in the priesthood and the challenges they faced, revealing the complexity of serving as intermediaries between God and the people.Your support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Stephen Streett in a profound exploration of Ezekiel's visions, focusing on themes of restoration, faith, and God's enduring presence. Delve into the historical and spiritual significance of the new temple, the life-giving river, and the division of the Promised Land. This enlightening sermon emphasizes the centrality of worship, the role of priests, and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Discover how Ezekiel's teachings guide us to live as vessels of God's living water and how they point towards the ultimate restoration of dwelling with God forever.

Join Chris Montgomery in this insightful sermon from Frazer church, where the concept of 'intentional presence' is explored as a core value in ministry and worship. Delve into the importance of being fully engaged in relationships, the power of prayer, and the commitment to God's community. Learn how to cultivate meaningful relationships built on grace, love, and unity, and discover how to navigate challenges with a Godly perspective.

Delve into the history of this centuries-old practice that counted Galileo among its practioners.

In this spiritual discussion led by Stephen Streett, explore the themes of God's sovereignty and divine intervention as depicted in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. Delve into the prophecy concerning the end times, the battle of Gog and Magog, and how these ancient scriptures relate to modern faith. With emphasis on the active role of believers, the sermon encourages readiness for Christ's return and the importance of spreading the Gospel. Join in this enlightening session to understand God's ultimate plan and His continuous presence in our battles.

Join Dr. Kazumba Charles on Kingdom Insight as he explores the transformative power of faith in turning curses into blessings in 2026. Delve into the biblical story of Jabez and learn how prayer, faith, and divine intervention can break past limitations and expand your spiritual territory. Discover how God's promises of restitution and expansion can shape your future beyond past struggles.

https://www.honest-broker.com/p/the-strangest-hit-songwriter-in-history

The gang dives into 12.1 and they have big feelings! From World Tours to Delve grinds, what should you be doing this week in Warcraft? The answer might surprise youWe also take a look at a pair of roundtables that were held with RaiderIO, Wowhead and IcyVeinsPaul Kubit and Rachel Vought:https://youtu.be/LtHBc9R2mic?si=trjSGtZxV4UoAE-wTaylor Sanders and Andrew De Sousa:https://youtu.be/QLRFBIXeiFw

Join Pastor Kent Christmas as he explores the divine communication in 'The Language of God.' In this compelling sermon, Pastor Christmas discusses how believers can connect with the divine through understanding and speaking the language of heaven. Delve into the biblical teachings from Genesis to Zephaniah and learn how developing a spiritual vocabulary can transform your relationship with God. Discover the significance of speaking God's language and how it can empower your faith journey.

Brian sits down with Mark Redl for a look at his journey from running a family auto salvage business to becoming one of the longest-tenured figures on the Colt shooting team. Mark got his first handgun in 1981 and discovered competition shooting as a way to keep his defensive skills sharp. Nineteen years ago, a conversation at SHOT Show led to him shooting for Colt, and eleven years ago Paul Patale brought him on full-time as product manager. Over the years he served as law enforcement manager, worked closely with engineers on the return of the snake guns (Cobra, Python, King Cobra, and Anaconda), and became the primary firearms tester at Colt's facility, once putting 1,000 rounds through an Anaconda in a single day. Mark walked through how the new snake guns kept the retro exterior while modernizing the internals with a V-spring action, better metallurgy, and a machine-fitted hand that produces consistent trigger pulls. He also discussed Colt's transition after the CZ UB acquisition, which brought financial stability, new machinery, and modernization while leaving Colt's leadership, heritage, and Hartford location intact. Other topics included his years running the shooting team (from Maggie Reese through Wyatt Gibson and the Williams sisters), Colt's relationships with law enforcement agencies like NYPD ESU and LAPD SWAT, the manufacturing of the M4 (he recently held serial number 1,000,000), Academy graduation 1911s, single action army production tied to SASS, and the challenges of finding shooters willing to run single-stack 1911s. Mark also shared thoughts on the state of competition shooting, the aging demographic in USPSA, and the need for organizations like NSSF to develop a "first competition" program alongside their first shot initiative. He closed by confirming interesting things coming across all three product lines at the next SHOT Show and offered to send the Colt Python giveaway directly to the winner's FFL.Elevate your game with our trusted partners:Right To Bear Use Code HuntersHD10 When you sign up part of your contribution will go back to the Shooting Sports. Get Carry Insurance with a Company that Supports the Shooting Sports. IWI Use Code HDG15 for 15% off your order RealAvid Use Code RAHHDG for 10% off your order Ghost HolsterUSA Use Code HuntersHD 15% offJessie James JJFU Coffee Use Code HuntersHD for 5% offACE Virtual Shooting Use Code HHDG for 10% off your subscription and physical handset.Imperium Roots Use Code HuntersHD for 20% offSpeed Beez Use Code HuntersHD for 10% offDiscover the world of competitive shooting sports through the eyes of industry leaders, top athletes, and match directors in the Behind the Lens Podcast, hosted by Brian Conley of Hunters HD Gold. Delve into captivating conversations that reveal the passion, dedication, and skill that define the shooting sports community. Brian, a steadfast supporter of the shooting sports, brings unique insights and expertise to each episode. Uncover the latest trends, techniques, and stories from the people who shape the shooting sports landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of competitive shooting, the shooting industry, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible.Hunters HD Gold Links:Website: https://huntershdgold.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntershdgold/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntersHDGoldYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWH4kOqaX-x34uYOviQ-tgUnited States Practical Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://uspsa.orgSteel Challenge Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://scsa.orgMetal Madness Official Eyewear: https://...

Brian sits down with Alicia Garcia for a powerful conversation about her Second Amendment activism in Colorado. Alicia grew up shooting with her father in southern Colorado, and after he passed away in 2015, her uncle stole the family firearms. The sexist treatment she encountered rebuilding her collection sparked the creation of Boomstick Babe LTD and pushed her into teaching and activism. She walked through her seven-plus years of testifying at the Colorado State Capitol, learning the process alone, and eventually breaking through by speaking from the heart. Alicia is now the plaintiff in Garcia v. Polis, suing the state over its three-day waiting period, represented pro bono by Mountain States Legal Foundation. Her original attorney Barry Arrington left to join the DOJ, where he's now suing Colorado over its magazine and assault weapons bans. She's also a founding director of the Colorado Federal Firearms Licensee Association (CFFLA.org), which built its own AI called Umbrella to counter biased gun violence data, and she's launching Colorado Cares for Safety, a nonprofit focused on free safe storage, de-escalation training, mental health resources, medical training, and scholarships to help lower-income Coloradans navigate the state's new permit-to-purchase scheme. She shared the retaliation she's faced, including an FBI watch list holding up her suppressor purchases and employers refusing to hire her, along with the childhood story that shaped her toughness. Alicia teaches 30 to 50 students a week through Concealed Carry Classes of Denver and the United States Firearms Training Academy, and is one of fewer than 100 USCCA Defensive Pistol Program instructors nationwide. Brian closed by pledging to donate all of August's premium subscriber funds to Alicia's nonprofit efforts.Elevate your game with our trusted partners:Right To Bear Use Code HuntersHD10 When you sign up part of your contribution will go back to the Shooting Sports. Get Carry Insurance with a Company that Supports the Shooting Sports. IWI Use Code HDG15 for 15% off your order RealAvid Use Code RAHHDG for 10% off your order Ghost HolsterUSA Use Code HuntersHD 15% offJessie James JJFU Coffee Use Code HuntersHD for 5% offACE Virtual Shooting Use Code HHDG for 10% off your subscription and physical handset.Imperium Roots Use Code HuntersHD for 20% offSpeed Beez Use Code HuntersHD for 10% offDiscover the world of competitive shooting sports through the eyes of industry leaders, top athletes, and match directors in the Behind the Lens Podcast, hosted by Brian Conley of Hunters HD Gold. Delve into captivating conversations that reveal the passion, dedication, and skill that define the shooting sports community. Brian, a steadfast supporter of the shooting sports, brings unique insights and expertise to each episode. Uncover the latest trends, techniques, and stories from the people who shape the shooting sports landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of competitive shooting, the shooting industry, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible.Hunters HD Gold Links:Website: https://huntershdgold.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntershdgold/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntersHDGoldYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWH4kOqaX-x34uYOviQ-tgUnited States Practical Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://uspsa.orgSteel Challenge Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://scsa.orgMetal Madness Official Eyewear: https://...

Join Neil Epler in this enlightening sermon exploring Ezekiel chapters 33 to 36. Delve into the roles of watchmen and shepherds as depicted in the Bible, and discover the themes of judgment, hope, and restoration. Understand the importance of being a watchman in today's world, proclaiming the good news and fulfilling God's call. This sermon encourages Christians to embrace their responsibilities as shepherds and ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation and spiritual renewal.

How can organic writing and leaning into the pivot help your stories stand out? And how can you pitch a story as a discovery writer if you genuinely don't know what's going to happen next. Steven James gives his writing tips after more than 20 years as an author. In the intro, Better Than Free in an Age of AI [Kevin Kelly on Tim Ferriss; Kevin Kelly on The Creative Penn]; Future Vision XPrize; A Different Kind of Bucket List. Today's show is sponsored by Draft2Digital, self-publishing with support, where you can get free formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Just go to www.draft2digital.com to get started. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Steven James is the multi-award-winning and international bestselling author of 21 novels across thrillers, YA, and science fiction, with more than a million copies sold, as well as the author of non-fiction craft books for writers, a writing teacher, and the host of The Story Blender podcast. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes How to lean into organic writing, and what to focus on instead of plot How characters unfold on the page, and why an attitude beats a background Producing an outline for an agent or publisher when you genuinely don't know what happens next Don't pitch the plot, pitch the pivot The four choices you have in every scene, and why logic plus surprise is the engine of story Faith, moral clarity and big questions You can find Steven at StevenJames.net. Transcript of the interview with Steven James Jo: Steven James is the multi-award-winning and international bestselling author of 21 novels across thrillers, YA, and science fiction, with more than a million copies sold, as well as the author of non-fiction craft books for writers, a writing teacher, and the host of The Story Blender Podcast. So welcome to the show, Steven. Steven: Thanks for having me, Jo. Good to be here. Jo: Great to have you on the show. First up— Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing and publishing. Steven: Oh, gosh. Well, the thing is, when I was a kid, I fell in love with stories. My uncle would always, whenever we got together for the holidays—Christmas, New Year's and so on—he would take my sister, my brother and myself into a corner of the room while the other adults had coffee, and we would just sit there, and he would get this look in his eye and he'd say, “I'm going to tell you a story.” We were transported to another world. We were swashbuckling with pirates, or facing down a grizzly bear in Alaska, or flying over the desert on a flying carpet, or whatever. I fell in love with imagination and stories and everything. So I started reading as much as I could, mostly short stories. They had a programme at our library called the paperback book exchange, where you bring a paperback book and you leave it, and you can take any one of the paperback books that they had. You could keep it as long as you wanted. If you wanted it for your life, that's fine, or you could just bring it back as soon as you finished reading it. Anyway, I went crazy over the summers reading short stories, mainly. As I got older, I was like, “I think I want to be a storyteller.” So I actually got my master's degree in storytelling. Then I started to travel and tell stories, but I had three little daughters at home, and I was like, “I don't want to be gone 300 days a year when they are growing up.” So I ended up starting to write stories instead of travel, and then it just kind of shifted in that direction. That was in '97. Oh my goodness, that's long. '97, '98. So then I started to write books, and then eventually in 2007, I think, my first novel came out. Now, mainly, I've been writing novels ever since. Jo: It's so interesting. Was it a job, storytelling? Is that what you did before you became a book writer? Or did you have a different job? Steven: I mostly would go to events, conferences, schools and so on, and do a family-friendly storytelling show. So I would tell personal stories, some folktales reimagined. I would go to different events around the country. Mostly it was that. Then I started to shift. I wrote for magazines for a while—80 different magazines I wrote for over those years, a couple of hundred different articles, stories. I was like, “I'm just going to try to make a living telling stories.” So the shift has gone back and forth between actually telling stories and writing stories, but these days, I don't know. I'm still speaking. I'm still out there teaching. Jo: That's so interesting, because it's obviously a completely different thing to tell a story in person than it is to write a story. So when you decided to shift that way, what did you have to learn and unlearn? Because your thoughts on the page are so different to when you can make eye contact with an audience. Steven: That's a good point. I kind of started by telling stories back when I was in college, so I sort of moved from telling to writing. And you're right, there's so much that's lost, whether it's eye contact or pauses. On a printed page, there's always the same amount of space between every word—a space. But when you tell stories, obviously you pause for effect in different places, different areas, and so it's quite different. So if I have an idea for a story, I usually have to decide, is this going to be written or told? And then I do it in that medium. Then if I want to, let's say, tell a written story, I almost have to relearn it, or retell it very differently. You have gestures, body language. All of those things are obviously lost in text, so they are very different. I think for me it's been good, because when I tell stories, I hear different characters speaking, so that when I write, usually dialogue comes fast to me. I can hear what people are saying. I don't always know where they are. I don't always know the setting. I don't even know the scene necessarily, but I can hear the dialogue. Then it also helps me to step into the characters, like when I'm writing different points of view, so that I think I can do a good job of getting into that character's mind, as if I were that person. I think some of that comes from just telling stories. Jo: You've taught so many writers over the years, and it's interesting you said that you hear characters' dialogue. I see visual film in my mind. I don't hear any voice at all. It's all silent. I struggle with dialogue, but I do great world building. Do you find that this really is different by the author? I feel like we fall into these different groups. Steven: Yes, I do. I kind of feel like that's very true as far as what comes first, whether it's a description of a place, whether it's the action. I mean, basically a story has dialogue, narration—or we call it sometimes exposition—and description. Those three things. Every story has those three things, and those are the three that we use to tell a story, a novel. So some people tend to drift into one or the other as sort of their default setting: dialogue, description, or action. That's true. I think also something else that's interesting about writers is they tend to fall into either the camp of being a wordsmith or a storyteller. Not everyone, but I feel like some people are wordsmiths, where I read what they're writing, and I'm like, “Man, this is so powerful, evocative,” whatever. Maybe there's no story there. It's just really interesting writing. Other people just are natural storytellers, and they have to really work on the wordsmithing. I think that's me. I'm more naturally just a storyteller, but it takes me a long time to get the descriptions to where I want them, to choose exactly the right word. That takes me more effort. Some people have to build up the storytelling muscles. I have to build up the wordsmithing muscles. Jo: Well, part of the reason I wanted to talk to you is because you talk about this thing called organic writing in your book Story Trumps Structure, which is out now in a second edition. I call it discovery writing, so similar to you. But most people in the writing community seem to obsess about plotting and planning. So talk about your process of organic writing. You say in the book, “Trust the fluidity of the process.” Tell us more about that. Steven: Well, I remember in high school even, when my teacher got up front and he kind of got this very almost wise look on his face, and he goes, “A story is something with a beginning, a middle, and an end.” I'm sitting there in high school like, “Well, so does a bratwurst. What are you talking about here?” A description of a chair has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The sentence, “Preheat the oven to 450 degrees,” has a beginning, a middle, and an end. My view is that saying a story is something that has three acts is like saying that a pizza is something with three toppings. It might have three. It might have one. It might have five. So the idea for me is not to worry about structure, trying to tick off the boxes of a template, a formula you find online, a fill-in-the-blanks kind of a thing. But instead, to actually look at what lies at the heart of the story—the character, the tension, the struggle, the pursuit, the pivots and plot twists, and the payoff at the end. As you develop those aspects of the story, I feel like you need to worry less and less about following a formula. The more you understand what lies at the heart of a story, I feel like the less you need to plot and the less you need to write by the seat of your pants. A lot of people say, “Oh, you write by the seat of…” No, I don't write by the seat of my pants, because I know what a story contains, so I know that in a certain scene a character will make certain choices that are unpredictable but that escalate the tension, and different things like that. I'm a huge proponent of discovery, as you say, or organic writing. I won't get the quote exactly right, but Ray Bradbury said something along the lines of, “Plot is the tracks left in the snow after your characters have run by on their incredible destinations. It cannot precede action. It is the chart that remains when an action is through.” So he's saying plot is not what precedes action. After the action, you have plot. So the whole idea of trying to plot out a story before you write it is going about writing exactly backwards. Plot doesn't precede action. It's the result. So I always tell people, “Don't worry so much about the plot. I want you to look at the pursuit.” A plotter might say, “Well, what should happen?” And they'll just come up with something. But an organic writer—a pursuit-based question would be, what does the character want? Now, when I know what the character wants, I will know what should happen. So literally, it will lead me to the story. Focusing on plot will not necessarily lead you to the story. It might lead you down the wrong track. Jo: Then in terms of your actual writing process— Do you start writing without knowing the ending? Do you write in order? Is the organic side also in the process? Steven: I've never started a book where I know how it will end. So I usually start with either a character that's fascinating or, in some cases, a premise, a question. Then as I write, I explore the possibilities of where it might go. I've tried to outline a scene—like one scene, not a whole book—and it never works. I can't even outline one scene. I've tried, and I'm like, okay, that's… What I end up with is completely different from it, so it's just a waste of time and effort for me to try to outline or plot out a story. I'm much more interested in the pathway the characters will take as they face obstacles and setbacks in their pursuit. As the struggles and the tension develop, what choices will they make? That's how the story will unfold for me. Jo: I'm similar. Then I also wonder— Do you do character sheets and character bios, or do the characters also unfold organically? Steven: Absolutely, I don't do any of the sheets and bios and stuff. The characters really come to me as I write. I begin to get to know them. I always tell people, a character with an attitude is more interesting than a character with a background. So a lot of people will spend a lot of time on, like, where's this character gone to college, and what's their first pet's name, all that stuff. I'm not trying to dump on that idea. I get that that can be helpful. But I'm like, how would I know that until I've spent time with them? Then once I begin to spend time with them, I'm writing and I'm like, “Nah, this doesn't seem like what that character would really say or do,” so I have to go back and rejigger the story to hopefully make it fit with that character. Then I like to give the characters some sort of attitude. I'm not talking about a negative or judgy attitude, but an attitude about something that is unique or different, and that makes them not a template character, not an archetype or whatever, but unique. Sort of this constellation of unique traits, characteristics, maybe wounds, flaws and so on, that create a character where you're like, “This is a character like none I've ever seen before. I want to spend time with this character.” Jo: Then you're spending time with the character by writing what's happening, as opposed to writing loads of stuff beforehand and then starting to write. You're actually finding all of this out during the process of writing. Steven: Yes, and I think it's kind of like getting to know someone. If I were to say, “Okay, I'm going to write down Jo's bio,” or whatever—okay, I'm making stuff up, because I don't know you super well. If we were to spend time together, hang out, whatever, talk, over the course of time I would start to know, oh, she likes this, she doesn't like that. This is important to her. This is what she would weep or pound the table over—whatever, all of the things that come with time. It's like a friendship in real life to me. So I can't sit down and tell you what a character in real life would think and say and do if I don't know them, but the more time I spend with them, then the more I'm able to predict that accurately. I think the mistake a lot of people make is they think, “I'm going to get to know this character with a background,” and then they start writing it, and instead of looking at the context, they look back at the—I don't know what you call it—the background or something like that. I always feel like what you mentioned earlier is, like, hold it loosely in your hand. Trust the fluidity of the process. As you're writing, you have an instinct. “Ah, I think this character would say this or do this.” So trust that. Trust that instinct. Trust that moment in the story, instead of trying to go back to an outline, back to a character description, or whatever it might be. So I'm a big proponent of looking at the context—not just what happened, but what is the result? So looking at the impetus and the implication of the choices and the activities. When something occurs, what would the character naturally say or do or think or respond? Then what would that cause? What's the implication that that would have on the rest of the story, on the rest of the characters? So, really trying to keep your finger on the pulse of the story, and adapt as you move forward through it. Jo: I love all of that, but I also am very aware that you've been in traditional publishing for over 20 years, and one of the things with agents and publishers is that they often ask for an outline. So how do you manage that? Or how did you more earlier in your career, because I imagine they just trust you now. Earlier in your career, or people listening who want to pitch but they write in this organic way, how do we deal with that kind of thing? Steven: Well, okay, so there's two good questions. One is about producing an outline for an agent or editor or publisher and so on. The other is how to pitch a story. So the first: I would write the premise down, and maybe a paragraph or two, and then where I think it might go. Basically, I would focus on the questions that the characters will face, maybe the moral dilemmas, the sacrifices they have to make, the world they live in. I kind of know that stuff, and I can write a couple of paragraphs about that. But beyond that, I just don't know what's going to happen, so I can't really provide more. I'm looking at my shelf at the books that I've done, and mostly that's what I've done is kind of a couple of paragraphs focusing on the premise and the problem, the struggle, and so on like that. As far as pitching a story, I always tell people, “Don't pitch the plot, pitch the pivot.” I think that there's a screenwriter—I think that he talks about this a little bit. I've not read the book Save the Cat, but people have told me, “Oh, he kind of brings this up in that book.” The idea is to pitch the irony instead of what occurs. So sometimes when I tell people to pitch, or I give them ideas, one process that you can use is: when, must, before, or else. So, when this occurs, this character must do something before this, or else. So you have the character, you have the struggle, you have the inciting incident, you have the stakes, and you have the countdown. It works well for thrillers. So for instance, like Jaws. When a man-eating shark starts eating people in a small seaside village, the sheriff must stop him before more people die and the town loses its economy. So there you have when, must, before, or else. Now, no one's going to buy the story based on that, because there's no irony, there's no pivot. It's just a description of the plot, and that's what most people pitch. So I always tell people, pitch the part of the story that you wouldn't expect. So for instance, in there you might pitch: when a shark starts eating people in a small seaside village, the only one who can stop him is afraid of the water. Now you're like, “Oh, well, that's interesting. How does that happen? What happens there?” With my book Broker of Lies, the pitch was something like, when a high-level Pentagon redactor ends up on the run, he must stop a terrorist attack before he's neutralised by the people he trusts the most. So the pivot is that the people he trusts at the Pentagon the most are actually trying to neutralise him because he's on the run, and all that kind of stuff. So why would they be trying to do that? Well, that's interesting. So it's always looking for the irony, the pivot. Why is this character the last one in the world who would ever be equipped to tackle this problem or face this issue? So that's one way to do a pitch. Obviously there's lots of them, but I think your goal with a pitch is to get them to say, “Tell me more.” It's not necessarily to summarise the whole story. Jo: That's great advice. So you teach writers—I first saw you at ThrillerFest, I think it was 2012—and you do events, you run writing retreats. So you work with a lot of authors, and I wondered, what are the challenges that you see from authors with, say, five books? So not the beginner authors, because obviously there's a lot of challenges. But those who, let's say they've got the three to five books, things are going all right, but they're like, “How do I get to the next level?” What are the craft issues, or the business issues as well, that mid-list authors face? Steven: Well, business, I'm not the guy to ask. I could try to answer that, but I mean, basically: meet your deadlines and write something amazing. Try to be easy to work with, but also stand up for what you wrote as far as working with editors. It's sort of a fine line you have to walk. The one thing that over the last few years I've really noticed in a lot of writers who are in that space is that they don't have many pivots. They tend to write predictable stories, and that's why they tend to stay where they're at—whether it's because they're following an outline or a plot formula or whatever it is. So when I talk about a pivot, I mean a moment in the story where something happens that's both unexpected and inevitable. For instance, if you're reading a story, you want things to make sense. You want them to be logical. That's one thing. But you don't want them to be too predictable. If it's too predictable, it's boring. It's like, I'm not interested. So we also want surprises. We want these two things. We want logic, and we want surprise. When those two things meet and you have a moment in the story where it's like, “I didn't see that coming, but that totally makes sense,” that's what we want, and we want that in every scene. I feel like a lot of authors don't have that in every scene. Now, you might say, “Well, every scene?” Well, yes, because basically those two factors, logic and surprise, can only meet in four different ways. You could have something that's very logical but has no surprises. That's going to be boring. It's going to be too predictable. We don't want that. You could have something that is very surprising but not logical. It makes no sense. A lot of stuff is surprising, but that's not what we want, because it's unbelievable, and it's like, what is going on here? You could have something that has neither logic nor surprise, which obviously we don't want that. The only other option is to have a moment that is both logical and surprising. So you have a choice in every scene. You have four choices, actually. You can have it be predictable and boring. You can have it be nonsensical. You can have it be unbelievable. Or you can have a pivot. So I find myself trying to really coach people on pivots. They'll say, “Oh, well, do I need it in every scene?” I'm like, “You can choose, but do you want it to be predictable or boring or nonsensical, or do you want it to really drive the story forward?” I think it's because people have been taught structure and plot and three acts and all this kind of stuff, but they haven't been taught this idea—even though it's not something I made up. Aristotle, in Poetics, thousands of years ago, put it a little bit differently, but he said, “The reversal of the situation”—what I call the pivot—”is the moment at which the action veers around to its opposite”—that would be what I call surprise—”subject always to a rule of probability or necessity”—which is the logic. So he's basically saying the same thing in just a little bit different language, but you have these three factors. You have logic, you have surprise, and you have them come together in a specific moment. I don't know why it's not taught more. I have never found anyone who teaches pivots. I have not found any books, so I wrote a book recently about how to use pivots. It's so central, and I think great storytellers naturally do it. You'll read a book, or you'll maybe watch a show, and you're like, “Oh, I didn't see that coming. That totally makes sense.” I don't see anyone else out there really focusing on teaching that. So that's a huge thing for me, really, to help people move up in their writing, elevate it to a different level. Jo: Is that Delve, Pivot, Propel? Steven: Yes. That book came out a couple years ago. We just re-released it. I updated it some, but it talks pretty much in depth about pivots and how to actually use those to propel the stories forward. Jo: Maybe you could just give us one tip on how to do that, because going back to the organic writing—let's say I've been organically writing, and every time a character has a decision to make, I think at that point about what I want to write and I write it. Are you suggesting that we go back in the edit and look at the end of every scene and redo it? Because I can't imagine that I would get this right every time. I would need to do that in an edit, I think. Steven: I think for me, when I'm writing, I'm always asking myself a series of questions. One is, what would the character naturally do? I want to make it believable and natural. Let them do it. I want to escalate the tension, so I'll ask myself, “How can I make things worse?” Then I'll always ask myself, how can I add a pivot to this scene? So as I'm writing a scene—again, I don't know how it will end when I start it—but if I use the first idea that comes to mind, probably a lot of readers would guess that as well, because it's the first idea that comes to mind. It's probably logical and probably predictable. That's why most stories end up being too predictable. It's because we go with the first idea that maybe we had. So I try to discard that. Maybe the second idea, just discard it. Then I start thinking, okay, now if I've discarded the obvious, what is going on? What's below the surface? So to answer your question, I'm looking for what isn't what it appears to be, or who isn't who they appear to be, or a surprising way to bring together plot threads that I didn't see related before. So it's always looking for the unexpected, the surprise, because most of the time that is what we're missing. Now, if you have a great surprise, then you have to lean into making it believable. So you've got to move into that idea of, well, what would the character naturally do? You can't just have him do something ridiculous and then say, “Oh, it's for my twist.” No, you can't do that. You've got to play fair. So it has to be believable, causally related, logical, and surprising. That's what you're shooting for. Those are the questions going through my mind. So as I'm working on a scene, I'm like, “How could I end this?” Or include something that people won't see coming right away. The best ideas always come to me then. It's so interesting. A lot of people will say, “Oh, don't write organically,” or, quote, “by the seat of your pants,” whatever they'll say, “because then you might write yourself into a corner.” I'm like, “Yes, absolutely write yourself into a corner. That's what I'm trying to do in every scene.” And then you write yourself out of a corner in a way that's logical and surprising. The best twists I've ever come up with have been when I'm in a corner. So why would I warn people against going to the place where the best ideas await them? That just seems mean. Why would I do that? No, I want you to have the best possible ideas. So yes, look for corners, write yourself into them, and then write yourself out of them in a way that's both logical and surprising. Jo: I guess also it needs to be genre specific. We write mainly thrillers, and there is this fine line, isn't there? I love Stephen King, but one of the most unbelievable endings is Under the Dome. I still remember feeling betrayed. I don't know if you've read that one, but— Steven: Oh, no. Jo: I was like, “I'm sorry, you've just changed genre in the last chapter of the book. What is going on here?” Steven: That's actually interesting. The fourth question I ask… So I ask, what would the character naturally do? How can I make things worse? How can I add a pivot? But the fourth question is, what promises have I made that I have not yet kept? So genre, to me, is a promise. You build up a promise in your writing at the beginning of the book, and then I feel like as we write, we have to honour that. So if we bring something up that's super interesting, bring it back or whatever. Keep your promises. Keep your narrative promises. It's true of really any genre. Let's say you're writing a romance. You want to respect the conventions, but not fall into the clichés. So there's going to be a moment where the lovers meet, right? They haven't met before. I don't know what they call it, a meet cute or a cute meet. I think they call it a meet cute, I guess. Jo: Yes. They do. Steven: Anyway. So they're going to meet, right? And you're like, “Oh, I'll just have them meet.” Well, try to do it in a way we haven't seen before. Add something else to the scene. Add a third element, as my friend Bob Dugoni likes to say. Add something a little bit that we're like, “Huh, I've never seen that before.” We know they're going to meet, but let them meet in a way that we don't anticipate, that we can't predict right away, that isn't exactly by the numbers, and then you're going to be on the right track. Jo: So then, talking about reader expectations and genre, I wondered if I could also ask you about your Christian faith, because many people listening are people of faith, and some people want to write a Christian book. Other people want to bring their faith into, say, a mainstream type thriller in an authentic way. So how do you balance your faith and your writing? Because I think you have some series that are more sort of Christian than others. Steven: It's interesting. When my first novel came out—The Pawn, like a chess piece, The Pawn—back almost 20 years ago. Gosh, 20 years ago. Nineteen. But anyway, when it came out, someone wrote to me and said, “Is this a Christian book?” I'm like, “What would make a book not Christian?” I'm like, maybe if it has a lot of idolatry, or witchcraft, or maybe sexuality or graphic violence. Then I'm like, oh, wait, that's… No, that's the Old Testament. So it's interesting, because people have asked me similar questions over the years. My books are not sermons in disguise. I'm trying to write great stories that anyone of any background or faith will enjoy. I always ask big questions. I let my characters wrestle with questions that matter, I think. Do my choices matter? Is there hope? Is there a God? Is there no God? Do I have free will? Can I find forgiveness? Can I offer forgiveness? Can I extend it, or whatever? So I always try to base the stories on something deeper. I do believe that there is good and there's evil in the world. That's part of my worldview. So when people talk about moral ambiguity, I don't want to write or read something that's morally ambiguous. I want moral complexity, but I also want moral clarity. So whenever you write, the question is, what are you justifying and what are you condemning? And if you're justifying something that's morally—I would say wrong, actually—then I don't feel like that's the kind of book I would want to write. So I want to write stories that explore good and evil, that explore our world, human nature, in an honest way. I feel like when you write honest stories, people, no matter what their background or whatever faith, then they will connect with it. I think a lot of people, if they start off with an agenda—whatever that agenda might be, let's say it is a Christian agenda, like I want people to trust in Jesus, let's say—so they write a story. Well, what you're doing, you're actually starting your story with an answer, and drama is not built on answers, it's built on questions. So you're actually diminishing the amount of tension. You're also diminishing the possibility of a pivot, because we all get where you're going. It's predictable, but there's probably no surprise. You're diminishing the payoff at the end, because we're like, “I saw that coming. I exactly knew where you were going with this.” So instead, I don't start with an answer. I always start with a question, or in some cases a moral dilemma, like, what's more important, protecting the innocent or telling the truth? That's interesting to me. If I had to choose between the two, would I tell the truth or would I protect the innocent? It's interesting, because people might come down on different sides of it. They might say, “Oh, you should always tell the truth,” or they say, “You always should protect the innocent.” I'm like, okay, well, let's explore it. Let's literally ask the question. So I come from a certain worldview, but I've written characters who have very different worldviews from me. I'm always just trying to be honest with the character, ask big questions, tell a story that examines human nature and sort of the paradoxes of the human condition in a way that will resonate with really whoever the readers might be. Jo: And of course that worldview is part of your author voice and part of what readers come to you for. I also notice that you have some pretty diverse different series. How do you manage that diversity of series under your one brand? Do you find your readers move from one to the other, or do you have different readerships? Steven: You mentioned the B word—brand. That's what publishers are always telling me: “What's your brand?” I'm like, “I don't know. You tell me what my brand is.” I've done fantasy, science fiction, conspiracy. I've done spies and police procedurals and crime and suspense, thrills, whatever. So I would say the one thing that really ties all my stories together is probably just suspense. They are stories with suspense. Some are more high concept thrillers, some are more dark fantasy, but they're built around suspense. So I guess that would be intelligent suspense, maybe, if I was trying to come up with a brand. Something like that. Because I don't want them to be dumbed down. They're not dumbed down stories, so they're a little bit more complex than you might find in other places, but always built around the idea of suspense. Suspense to me is basically—my definition is apprehension born of concern. So we're concerned about a character, and we're apprehensive because there's peril around the bend, or right in front of them. So I want the readers to really care about a character, and then try to build the story and the suspense around that empathy or sympathy that we have for the character. Jo: I think it's really interesting, because again, you mentioned 2007—we're coming up on 20 years since first published. The publishing industry has changed a lot. So what do you think has changed most in publishing for you, and what are your thoughts on routes to market for new authors these days? Or even established authors who are finding that things have changed, which they obviously have. Steven: Well, I'm not a marketer, I'm not a businessman. I'm just a storyteller at heart. So I just keep writing stories that I would be intrigued with reading, stories that I feel like are resonant. Then I look for publishers for those. I've been to a variety of different publishers over the last decade. I've done some different types of stories. I feel like you have to just write the story instead of trying to write for a specific market trend or something like that. So I might not make as much as some of my friends, I might not sell as many books, but I feel like I have to write certain stories if they grab ahold of me. There's a Native American—I think the Pawnee tribe, anyway, in the United States—but they were saying that all the stories that exist are out there already, and when one finds you, it's your job to share it with the world. I think that's kind of interesting. Sometimes—maybe it's just true for you, I don't know, Jo—but it's like a story will grab hold of me, or an idea, and I'm like, “I can't shake it.” That's a story that I want to tell the world. I would say that stories are becoming shorter, dumber. People are trying to write faster. They're trying to write several books a year, and as a result of that, some of the quality has gone down. This is all unfortunate. I'm still sort of a dinosaur. I still tend to write longer, complex stories. But people have shorter attention spans and whatever, and they're not reading as much. The structure of stories, I think, is changing slightly, where people will have to spend more time on a hook to really grab the attention of the readers. Then there might be a longer slow period, or more info dumping, which I'm not a fan of. So they kind of look like, “I want to get readers hooked at the beginning, and then get them to flip pages.” So I tend to set up my stories a little bit differently than that. So I'm not the best guy to ask about marketing and sales and stuff like that. I feel like, write a story that will not let you go. And if you do that, I feel like that's the kind of story that will resonate with readers, because there's a deep honesty to it. You care, you're passionate about it. It's not just something you're trying to spin out just to sell books. That's my view. Jo: I guess I also feel that writers are doing other things. So you have non-fiction, you have your podcast, you do events. I see you sell books direct from your website. It's like the business expands into multiple streams of income, so that the art doesn't have to pay all the bills. Steven: That's interesting. I do love to teach writing at conferences, events, and speak at different things. So I guess if you think about it that way, my brand might be just story, or storytelling, or something like that. Really trying to get out there, and whether it's speaking or writing, just tell a great story. So it's so interesting when I work with publishers and they'll ask, “What's your brand?” Basically it's like, “What's your box?” is really what they're asking. What box can we stick you in that will make it easy for us to package you and sell you? I know myself, and just a lot of authors that I know, we don't think in a box. Every one of my stories is not boxy. It's not the same. They're different. I know a lot of authors like that too. So it's unfortunate. I get it, that it's part of them trying to market and sell the books. I understand that, but I think being honest, genuine with the story, doing the very best you can, writing a worthy book, and then letting them come up with a way to categorise it, is probably the best bet. I don't know. Jo: We're almost out of time, but this is obviously a podcast, and you have a podcast. So tell us about The Story Blender Podcast and what people might find over there. Steven: Yes, I appreciate it. Basically, I interview some of the leading writers and storytellers in the world every week, and the goal is for great storytellers to share the secrets of great storytelling. So I basically pick their brains, kind of like what you were doing with me today, and find out what projects they're working on, and really just try to get insights into storytelling. So it's tons of fun. I've been doing it now for a number of years, and I guess I've interviewed over 250 different authors and writers from around the world, and so I always enjoy it. It's a ton of fun. It's The Story Blender, and people can find it anywhere. Jo: So where can people find you and your books and everything you do online? Steven: Probably the best place is StevenJames.net. I think I'm on different socials @readstevenjames, so you can look me up there—Facebook, Instagram, X, and so on. I think they're all under readstevenjames. Check out the website, drop me a note. I always enjoy hearing from readers. Jo: Well, thanks so much for your time, Steven. That was great. Steven: Thanks, Jo. I appreciate it. Good luck. The post Organic Writing And The Power Of The Pivot In Fiction With Steven James first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Brian sits down with Maggie Reese for a candid conversation about her journey through competitive shooting, personal loss, and finding her way back to the sport. Maggie didn't grow up shooting despite firearms being in her household. Her dad took her to the range at 18 with a "learn how it works, then decide" approach, and she was hooked. Starting with a 1911 .45 (and stubbornly sticking with it despite plenty of mansplaining), she showed up at the 2007 Steel Challenge World Championships in Piru completely unprepared and was welcomed in by legends like Taran Butler, Dave Sevigny, Todd Jarrett, and Julie Golob, an experience that shaped everything that followed. Taran especially became a lifelong influence, pushing her into USPSA and 3-gun, and eventually introducing her to Michael Voigt, the longtime USPSA president who became her husband. Their marriage centered around shooting, travel, and shared passion until Michael's death from cancer, which coincided with a difficult period caring for her parents through her mom's dementia and eventually losing both of them. Maggie stepped back from serious competition and cycled through sponsorships with Colt and then Ruger while working through burnout. Recently, a phone call with Taran led to him sending her a TTI Combat Master and pushing her to shoot Area 2, where she rediscovered her love for the sport. She discussed her strong feelings on junior shooter sponsorships, believing kids should be kids without adult-level performance pressure, her instruction work with Girls Just Want to Have Guns, her role on the Women's Outdoor Media Association board and their Amateurs and Experts podcast, and her approach to advocacy through demonstration rather than debate. The Michael Voigt Scholarship Fund at USPSA came from her and Mike Foley's decision to redirect funeral flowers toward supporting the next generation. Maggie is now shooting her first IDPA match this weekend, embracing red dots on everything, and easing back into the sport on her own terms. Elevate your game with our trusted partners: Right To Bear Use Code HuntersHD10 When you sign up part of your contribution will go back to the Shooting Sports. Get Carry Insurance with a Company that Supports the Shooting Sports.  IWI Use Code HDG15 for 15% off your order  RealAvid Use Code RAHHDG for 10% off your order  Ghost HolsterUSA Use Code HuntersHD 15% off Jessie James JJFU Coffee Use Code HuntersHD for 5% off ACE Virtual Shooting Use Code HHDG for 10% off your subscription and physical handset. Imperium Roots Use Code HuntersHD for 20% off Speed Beez Use Code HuntersHD for 10% off Discover the world of competitive shooting sports through the eyes of industry leaders, top athletes, and match directors in the Behind the Lens Podcast, hosted by Brian Conley of Hunters HD Gold. Delve into captivating conversations that reveal the passion, dedication, and skill that define the shooting sports community. Brian, a steadfast supporter of the shooting sports, brings unique insights and expertise to each episode. Uncover the latest trends, techniques, and stories from the people who shape the shooting sports landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of competitive shooting, the shooting industry, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible. Hunters HD Gold Links: Website: https://huntershdgold.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntershdgold/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntersHDGold YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWH4kOqaX-x34uYOviQ-tg United States Practical Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://uspsa.org Steel Challenge Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://scsa.org Metal Madness Official Eyewear: https://mmssa.net/