Podcasts about demonstrates

Robin Zander hosted a Snafu webinar for the Sidebar community on non-sales selling—think self-promotion for career transitions, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and product people. The goal: learn to "sell yourself" without the ick factor.   Participants shared fears: follow-ups feel intimidating, sales feels slimy, and success seems like a numbers game. Robin reframed it: selling is really about enrollment—being a chief evangelist for your work, not begging for attention.   Drawing on stories from his childhood pumpkin patch, his time as a personal trainer (where desperation lost him clients), and opening Robin's Cafe in San Francisco (raising $40k, serving multiple stakeholders, training staff with Danny Meyer's principles), he showed the difference between selling from need vs. service. Long-term success comes from genuine connection, curiosity, optimism, and passion.   Attendees explored their "authentic attitude" and reflected on times self-promotion felt good versus slimy. Exercises included mapping all the people who benefit from your work—employees, customers, managers, mentees, community—and practicing generosity in selling (a "Miracle on 34th Street" mindset: help customers even if it means sending them elsewhere).   In Q&A, Robin tackled: Asking for promotions as modeling for others, especially women and minorities Persistence in follow-ups (yes, emailing Mark Benioff 53 times counts) Relationship-based enterprise selling Avoiding fear-based AI marketing by knowing who you serve and what problem you solve Recommended reading: Setting the Table (Danny Meyer), Unreasonable Hospitality (Will Guidara), The New Strategic Selling.   Robin also shared upcoming Snafu conference details (March 5, Oakland Museum of California) and reminded everyone: Snafu = situation normal; all fucked up. 00:00 Start 01:06 Audience Fears About Selling Robin Zander welcomes 93 participants to the webinar Notes the session is interactive with exercises planned Encourages participants to drop questions in chat or interrupt him Last 15–20 minutes reserved for questions Robin introduces himself briefly Focuses on storytelling as a tool for self-promotion Shares experience as a community builder Runs a conference called Responsive since 2016 (not Snafu) Tools, structures, and company cultures for resilient organizations Two-day event each September on the future of work Focus on building resilience in organizations Observations on rapid change Technology and work-life changes happening at a fast pace Questions about resilience in individuals Traits needed in careers, personal relationships, professional relationships Ability to stay resilient through change Robin frames his expertise Emphasizes his strength in asking questions and fostering honest conversations Labels himself a reluctant salesperson Not the world's leading expert on self-promotion or selling Key lessons from research and interviews Two buckets matter in business and life: Example: Sidebar community forming coalitions for learning and action Operational excellence: being competent and at least as good as others Promotion/enrollment/sales: standing up, saying what you want, building coalitions Started interviewing people about influence and persuasion Started a weekly newsletter called Snafu Written by hand, not AI Shares lessons from his life and others about self-promotion and resilience Focus on courage to take action: raising hand, offering something valuable Core characteristics of self-promotion and selling yourself Connecting with others: art of connection Courage to ask: inspired by Amanda Palmer's TED Talk and book The Art of Asking Opposes traditional "always be closing" sales mentality Advocates for simply asking for what you want Current work mostly involves storytelling for large companies Clients include Supersonic, Airbnb, Zappos, and others 12:25 Service as the Core Principle Robin introduces the concept of storytelling for self-promotion Stories used to: Get promotions Build coalitions Propel career or organizational growth Emphasizes turning personal, career, or company stories into "commercials" Focus of today's talk: self-promotion with impact Core principle: service Showing up from a place of helping others Through helping others, also helping oneself Distinguishes between sleazy salespeople and effective self-promoters Childhood anecdote: Robin's pumpkin patch Tended plants all summer, learned responsibility and care Harvested pumpkins and sold them using a small red tin box labeled "money" Ran "Robin's Pumpkin Patch" for five to seven years At age five, father had him plant pumpkin seeds Engaged neighborhood kids for fun, collaborative promotion Explained product (pumpkins) enthusiastically to potential buyers Used scarecrow costumes and creative gestures to attract attention Lessons learned from pumpkin patch: Authentic enthusiasm creates value Helping people do what they were already inclined to do Early experience of earning and serving simultaneously Self-promotion is most effective when it's service-driven, not manipulative Applying childhood lesson to career and business Asking for a raise Persuading companies to choose one service over another Promoting oneself or others (e.g., Evan, web developer) Key principle: approach self-promotion from delight and service, not need or fear Authentic enthusiasm as foundation for: Interactive exercise for participants Not influenced by sleep deprivation or stress Could be inspired by childhood or adult experiences Opposite of fear; personal and unique for each participant Question posed: what is your authentic attitude when self-promoting? Examples shared from participants: Curiosity Passion Inspiration Service to others Observation Possibility Insight Value Helping others Creativity Belief in serendipity Optimism Key takeaway from exercise and story Promoting from delight, enthusiasm, and service Promoting from need or fear Two versions of self-promotion: Effective self-promotion aligns with authenticity and enthusiasm, creating value for others while advancing oneself 18:36 Gym Job and Needy Selling Robin shares the next story and sets up the next exercise Gym culture is sales-heavy Initial motivation: love of fitness, desire to help people Quickly realizes environment incentivizes personal trainers to sell aggressively Timeframe: ~20 years later, at age 20, moved to San Francisco First post-college job: personal trainer in gyms Early experience at gyms Key lesson from early failure Selling from need feels gross Promoting oneself from fear or desperation leads to poor results Recognizes similarity to unwanted sales calls received personally First authentic success in self-promotion Worked at Petro and World's Gym in San Francisco, Pilates instructor Owner confronted Robin after two weeks: no clients, potential clients being lost to others Threatened termination by Friday if no clients acquired Robin froze under pressure, approached clients but with needy, desperate energy Outcome: fired by Friday, left gym Encounters man in pain on Valencia Street, offers help as personal trainer Approach comes from genuine care, desire to serve Leads to three-year working relationship, consistent sessions, good income Next client: world-famous photographer Michael Light at UCSF swimming pool Client comes from natural connection, not pushy salesmanship Dichotomy observed: Pushy, need-based self-promotion → freeze, poor results Service-oriented self-promotion → natural connections, sustained relationships Exercise for participants Prompt: identify two moments: One time self-promoting felt slimy → what were you doing? One time self-promoting felt good → what were you doing differently? Two-minute reflection / chat participation Participant reflections/examples Slimy examples: Interviewing for a job during layoffs, giving desperate energy Selling P&L at a hyperscaler Selling computers and printers in UK post-college Sales emails getting ghosted Feeling inauthentic or performative, taking advantage of someone Good examples: Offering services out of care and love rather than ROI Showing impact of work to junior child Knowing services add real value and solve a challenge Being clear on what the other person needs Key takeaway Self-promotion feels different depending on intent and knowledge Slimy → desperate, inauthentic, unclear value to recipient Authentic → service-driven, clear value, connection-focused Effective self-promotion combines knowing your value and serving others, not just pushing for personal gain 25:35 Miracle on 34th Street Lesson Feeling good in self-promotion comes from genuinely helping, solving problems, and sharing information Santa Claus hired at Macy's to hold kids and give candy canes, but real goal: persuade parents to buy from Macy's Santa instead sends parents to competitor to truly serve them Macy's manager initially furious Outcome: customers feel genuinely served, return praising Macy's, become loyal fans Robin references Miracle on 34th Street (original version) Key insight: providing real value, even if it benefits someone else, eventually returns value to you "Put enough bread across the water, eventually good things come back" Participant reflections Slimy: knowing audience expects judgment, catering to them for approval Good: giving the gift of knowledge, providing service freely Takeaway: authentic self-promotion is rooted in service, generosity, and sharing expertise, not manipulating for immediate gain 27:45 Starting Robin's Cafe Through Service Robin shares a major professional turning point: opening Robin's Cafe in 2016 No restaurant experience beyond college busing tables Opened in three weeks, eventually grew to 15 employees by 2018 Worked in multiple industries: Pumpkin patch, personal trainer, circus performer Opened a café/restaurant in Mission District, San Francisco Courage and conviction came from clear focus on service to others Employees: create a great workplace, go-giver culture Investors: $40k raised from friends/family, provided value and potential return Landlords (ODC, nonprofit dance center): wanted success of business to support community Customers: diverse—tech workers, kids in dance classes, local community Robin himself: financial sustainability, learning, personal growth Key audiences served by Robin's Cafe Approach to challenges Used Danny Meyer's Setting the Table as a service-focused framework for employees Philosophy: "giving in order to get paid" Examples: spouse, kids, dog, manager, peers, mentees, clients, community, customers, extended family, mentors Served multiple stakeholders during crises: break-ins, flooding, city permitting, neighborhood issues Exercise: identify all the people who benefit from your work or success Key idea: the more stakeholders served, the easier self-promotion becomes, because it comes from service, not need or pressure Show up thinking: does this serve the person I'm talking to? Principle: selling yourself from a place of service Consider multiple stakeholders simultaneously Audience question: elaborate on applying this service mindset specifically to asking for a promotion Tying service to self-promotion in career advancement Result: asking for a raise, applying for jobs, pitching clients—all easier and more authentic 38:11 Promotion As Service Asking for a promotion from a place of service Example: doing the role already, deserving recognition, asking for what you believe you've earned. Personal perspective: advocating for yourself is a form of service to yourself Recognize other stakeholders in the process: Modeling courage and advocacy for the next generation Authority enables ideas to be taken more seriously Stories gained from new responsibilities enhance value to clients or teams People you mentor, especially women or underrepresented groups The organization: your promotion can make it stronger Your family or children: showing them what it looks like to advocate Concrete examples Outcome: trajectory of career positively influenced, demonstrated courage, modeled behavior Asking first time for a manager role Later asking for VP title as a director Courage and small steps Courage = acting despite fear, not absence of fear Practice by taking incremental steps toward what scares you Avoid masking or hesitation; direct action builds confidence and results Persistence and follow-up Busy people require patience and multiple nudges Example: Mark Stubbings emailing Mark Benioff 53 times before a yes Persistence = respectful, consistent follow-ups Role modeling for women and minorities Demonstrates that asking is a normal, expected, and service-oriented act Many don't ask for promotions or raises due to upbringing or cultural norms Modeling advocacy teaches the next generation, including children, to speak up Service mindset in practice Approach self-promotion by asking: is this good for the other person? Keep intention aligned with service, not desperation Books for guidance: Setting the Table – Danny Meyer: service-driven sales and employee culture Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara: lessons from the restaurant world on giving value and delight Key takeaways for promotion and asking Serve yourself, your mentees, your organization, and your broader audience Take small, courageous steps to ask for what you deserve Follow up respectfully and consistently; don't assume silence = no Self-promotion becomes easier and authentic when rooted in service, not fear or need Snafu Newsletter Weekly newsletter written by Robin Covers influence, persuasion, and modern workplace dynamics A resource for ongoing learning and practical insights 56:55 Where to Find Robin Robin's newsletter covers influence, persuasion, and modern work. Snafu Conference Responsive Conference Robin Zander on social medias  

What if losing everything was actually the beginning of your greatest chapter? In this episode, Jeff Martinovich shares an extraordinary story of building and losing a billion-dollar wealth management firm and then fighting his way back from federal prison. Jeff is the founder and former CEO of MICG Investment Management, which grew to over $1 billion in assets and 100 associates in Newport News, Virginia. After the 2008 financial crisis triggered regulatory scrutiny, Jeff refused three federal plea offers, went to trial against the U.S. government, and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. But that wasn't the end. Representing himself with a number-two pencil and a manual typewriter from the prison law library, Jeff filed over 500 motions, had trial court decisions reversed five times, and got two federal judges removed, walking free nearly seven years early. Today he advises 19 companies, speaks to CEO groups worldwide, and is the author of When Not If: A CEO's Guide to Overcoming Adversity, published by Forbes Books in January 2024. Jeff lives in Norfolk, Virginia with his wife Ashley and their young children. The relationship that transformed Jeff's life: his wife Ashley. She had worked in his mortgage company years before his conviction, and about a year and a half into his prison sentence, she sent him a love letter out of the blue, saying she had always loved him and would stand by him until they won. She then drove seven hours each way to visit him once a month for seven years in what Jeff describes as a horrific prison visiting room. On the day he was released, she was waiting at the front gates to bring him home. They are now married with a young daughter, Carly, a miracle Jeff says he never deserved and considers his greatest motivation.   [00:03:40] Kurt and Kristen LudHart: The Introduction That Started It All Kevin credits Kurt and Kristen LudHart for connecting him with Jeff Jeff agrees on the power of trust-based introductions cutting through surface-level noise Demonstrates how the right relationships open doors quickly and authentically [00:04:43] What Jeff Does Today: Rebuilding After Ruin Now works with a portfolio of 19 companies, helping CEOs and management teams grow Has a team of experienced advisors; also runs a law firm and investment funds Focused on helping owners create secure jobs, community impact, and charity support Describes the last five years as a full business resurrection [00:08:02] The Backstory: Air Force Academy to Billion-Dollar Firm Attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, served at Langley Air Force Base during the First Gulf War Got his MBA at night while at Langley, then entered finance as a rookie cold-calling stockbroker Built MICG Investment Management in Newport News, VA to over $1 billion in assets and 100 associates Grew to include three hedge funds, a mortgage company, insurance company, and real estate firm [00:08:48] The 2008 Crisis and the Government Comes Knocking The 2008 financial crisis triggered regulatory crackdowns on approximately 2,000 second-tier firms MICG was too large to avoid the radar and too small to write a $200 million check to make regulators move on Jeff was offered three federal plea deals and refused all three Sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after a five-week trial [00:11:20] The Prison Law Library and 500 Motions Sent to a violent prison in New Jersey, not the minimum-security facility typical for white-collar cases Began helping other inmates with their cases, filing over 300 motions for others Through this service, taught himself federal criminal law entirely by doing Filed over 500 motions in his own case using a number-two pencil and a manual typewriter [00:12:50] The Three Pillars That Got Him Through Physical: committed to 1% improvement every day, weights and running the track, not just for protection but for endorphins and the energy to stay proactive Intellectual: read 26 classics from the prison library and discovered a love of literature he never would have found otherwise Spiritual: read the Bible front to back multiple times; got into yoga and meditation to channel his anger into something productive Key mindset: treat adversity like a marathon, not a sprint, because it will take way longer than you think [00:18:26] The Academy Roommate: From Prison to $8 Million Exit Air Force Academy roommate flew out on Jeff's second day home from prison Had several struggling companies and needed someone he could trust completely Jeff and a team of Academy basketball and rugby teammates merged four losing companies Sold to California private equity two years later for $8 million Jeff's deep pride: these men had visited him in prison when he had nothing, and this was his way of giving back [00:20:32] Ashley's Love Letter: The Relationship That Changed Everything About a year and a half into his sentence, Jeff received a love letter from Ashley, a former employee She wrote that she had always loved him and would stand by him no matter what Drove seven hours each way to visit him once a month for seven years Was waiting at the front gates the day he was released and brought him home [00:24:20] The 12-Man Room: Jumping on Tony's Back Describes a late-night prison confrontation: a large inmate named Tony began brutally beating a smaller Guatemalan man over commissary pricing Jeff had spent months helping Tony with legal paperwork to get him transferred to a minimum-security camp In the middle of the night, Jeff ran across the room and jumped on Tony's back, screaming that he was about to ruin his transfer Tony came to his senses, went back to bed, everyone survived [00:27:11] The Book and the Mission: When Not If Forbes Books published When Not If: A CEO's Guide to Overcoming Adversity in January 2024 Amazon #1 bestseller; available on Amazon and at jeffmartinovich.com Two halves: 20 lessons on how to prepare before a black swan event, and 20 lessons on what to do differently once it arrives Jeff's goal: help business leaders avoid the mistakes he made on the way up and survive the ones they can't prevent [00:30:06] Final Message: You Can Get Through Anything Life doesn't throw curve balls, it throws bazookas, and Jeff lost everything down to zero Message to anyone going through something terrible: you can get through anything, you just have to get through it Believes God gives incredible rewards on the other side of the tunnel for those who endure Humbled by how many people share their own terrible stories after his speeches, proving everyone carries something [00:32:57] Own Your Story: Turning Disadvantages Into Advantages 99% of people run and hide after catastrophic public failures; Jeff chose the opposite At the start of every meeting, he tells his story directly before anyone can Google it This transparency consistently attracts trust, admiration, and deeper connection Malcolm Gladwell's principle in action: turn disadvantages into advantages   KEY QUOTES "Don't run away. Own your story. Be as transparent and strong as you can. And when you own your story, it becomes the thing that attracts incredible people to you." - Jeff Martinovich "I literally lost a billion-dollar firm and everything down to 0.00. But what I want to give other people is hope and inspiration. You can go through anything as long as you get through it. You just gotta get through it." - Jeff Martinovich "The more people I help, the more the universe takes care of us. I learned that even in prison. The day I got home, I just started helping as many people as possible, mostly at 5 AM for free, and it has just exploded into all these blessings." - Jeff Martinovich CONNECT WITH JEFF MARTINOVICH

Dr. Chris Labos, cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology and a regular contributor on CJAD 800. You can catch him every Sunday on Weekends with Joanne Vrakas at 7:20AM

Simon's weekly chronicle of events in the United States for Tom Swarbrick's drivetime programme on the UK's LBC. This week:--Trump sparks Republican fury with a racist social media post depicting the Obamas as primates in a jungle;-- Bondi sparks Republican fury by displaying total contempt for the U.S. Congress;Listen live every Friday at 5:50pm on LBC, or find it here on demand afterwards.#americanweek #lbc #simonmarks #Trump #Obamas #racism #bondi #Congress #ossoff #Democrats #Jayapal

We continue in Mark 2:1-12 with savior's demonstrated authority.Both Matthew 9 and Luke 5 present this same incident of four men making a way to the savior through the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching.The problem the scribes and pharisees had was their ignorance of the savior and His divine authority. It is easy to say words that declare the forgiveness of sins, but only the Lord Jesus has the divine authority to not only declare it, but to make it happen. Our Lord demonstrated the divine authority of God in commanding the paralytic man to rise up, take his stretcher and go home. He did just that in the presence of all the people. The people were completely astounded by this miracle in which Jesus demonstrated His Deity and forgiveness of sins.Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, Mark 2:5.

At CES in Las Vegas, we caught up with Serhii Popov, Senior Software Engineer, and Pavlo Haidamak, Product Manager, both from MacPaw, to talk about Eney, “the world's first Computerbeing,” (also understood as a personal AI assistant). Eney is designed to let users control their Mac through natural voice interaction. Running primarily on-device for privacy, it executes tasks, manages files, summarizes content, and integrates with third-party apps via expandable skills, and is available as part of SetApp.  Show Notes: Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon     http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:     http://macvoices.com      Twitter:     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes     Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

At CES in Las Vegas, we caught up with Serhii Popov, Senior Software Engineer, and Pavlo Haidamak, Product Manager, both from MacPaw, to talk about Eney, "the world's first Computerbeing," (also understood as a personal AI assistant). Eney is designed to let users control their Mac through natural voice interaction. Running primarily on-device for privacy, it executes tasks, manages files, summarizes content, and integrates with third-party apps via expandable skills, and is available as part of SetApp.  Show Notes: Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

At CES 2026, a live demonstration shows how Emoitii enables real-time multilingual conversations without shared languages. Head of Delivery & Operations Lucia Popa explains how, using AI interpretation rather than literal translation, participants speak different languages while understanding each other naturally. The platform supports calls, text, business integrations, APIs, and live conferencing, adapting tone and vocabulary based on context and background to improve the interaction.  Show Notes: Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web:      http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

At CES 2026, a live demonstration shows how Emoitii enables real-time multilingual conversations without shared languages. Head of Delivery & Operations Lucia Popa explains how, using AI interpretation rather than literal translation, participants speak different languages while understanding each other naturally. The platform supports calls, text, business integrations, APIs, and live conferencing, adapting tone and vocabulary based on context and background to improve the interaction.  http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26043.mp3 Show Notes: Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Jesus, after coming into the region of Galilee and calling His first 4 disciples to follow Him, He now enters the town of Capernaum, and it was the sabbath. So we see Jesus in the synagogue teaching the people. They were taken aback at the authority with which our Lord spoke. His teaching was not as the scribes taught. Jesus spoke with an authority not seen from their professional scribes.Then along comes a man who came into the synagogue who had an unclean spirit.This spirit spoke directly to Jesus.He knew who Jesus was but the Lord Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit with authority. Demons have no right to proclaim who Christ is.Let's turn to Mark 1:21 with Dr. Mitchell as he shows us the savior as on having authority over demonic powers.Your listening to the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

Israel's UnbeliefRomans 9:22-33January 25, 2026Main Point: God is glorified even through the rejection of some.Israel's unbelief:1. Is part of God's plan.2. Was prophesied.3. Demonstrates the need for faith.

Welcome back to Snafu with Robin P. Zander. In this episode, I'm doing something a little different: I step into the guest seat for a conversation with one of my good friends, Andrew Bartlow, recorded for the People Leader Accelerator podcast alongside Jessica Yuen. We dive into storytelling, identity, and leadership — exploring how personal experiences shape professional influence. The conversation begins with a reflection on family and culture, from the Moroccan textiles behind me, made by my mother, to the influence of my father's environmental consulting work. These threads of personal history frame my lifelong fascination with storytelling, persuasion, and coalition-building. Andrew and Jessica guide the discussion through how storytelling intersects with professional growth. We cover how early experiences — like watching Lawrence of Arabia at a birthday sleepover — sparked curiosity about adventure, influence, and human connection, and how these interests evolved into a career focused on organizational storytelling and leadership. We explore practical frameworks, including my four-part story model (Setup → Change → Turning → Resolution) and the power of "twists" to create momentum and memorability. The episode also touches on authentic messaging, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and why practicing storytelling in everyday life—outside high-stakes moments—builds confidence and executive presence over time. Listeners will hear lessons from a lifetime of diverse experiences: running a café in the Mission District, collaborating with BJ Fogg on behavioral change, building Zander Media, and applying storytelling to align teams and organizations. We also discuss how authenticity and personal perspective remain a competitive advantage in an age of AI-generated content. If you're curious about how storytelling, practice, and presence intersect with leadership, persuasion, and influence, this episode is for you. And for more insights on human connection, organizational alignment, and the future of work, check out Snafu, my weekly newsletter on sales, persuasion, and storytelling here, and Responsive Conference, where we explore leadership, work, and organizational design here. Start (0:00) Storytelling & Identity Robin introduces Moroccan textiles behind him Made by his mother, longtime practicing artist Connects to Moroccan fiancée → double meaning of personal and cultural Reflection on family influence Father: environmental consulting firm Mother: artist Robin sees himself between their careers Early Fascination with Storytelling Childhood obsession with Morocco and Lawrence of Arabia Watched 4-hour movie at age 6–7 Fascinated by adventure, camels, storytelling, persuasion Early exposure shaped appreciation for coalition-building and influence Identity & Names Jess shares preference for "Jess" → casual familiarity Robin shares professional identity as "Xander" Highlights fluidity between personal and professional selves Childhood Experiences & Social Context Watching Lawrence of Arabia at birthday sleepover Friends uninterested → early social friction Andrew parallels with daughters and screen preferences Childhood experiences influence perception and engagement Professional Background & Storytelling Application Robin's long involvement with PeopleTech and People Leader Accelerator Created PLA website, branding, documented events Mixed pursuits: dance, media, café entrepreneurship Demonstrates applying skills across domains Collaboration with BJ Fogg → behavioral change expertise Storytelling as Connection and Alignment Robin: Storytelling pulls from personal domains and makes it relevant to others Purpose: foster connection → move together in same direction Executive relevance: coalition building, generating momentum, making the case for alignment Andrew: HR focus on connection, relationships, alignment, clarity Helps organizations move faster, "grease the wheels" for collaboration Robin's Credibility and Experience in Storytelling Key principle: practice storytelling more than listening Full-time entrepreneur for 15 years First business at age 5: selling pumpkins Organized neighborhood kids in scarecrow costumes to help sell Earned $500 → early lessons in coalition building and persuasion Gymnastics and acrobatics: love of movement → performance, discipline Café entrepreneurship: Robin's Cafe in Mission District, SF Started with 3 weeks' notice to feed conference attendees Housed within a dance studio → intersection of dance and behavioral change First experience managing full-time employees Learned the importance of storytelling for community building and growth Realized post-sale missed opportunity: storytelling could have amplified success Transition to Professional Storytelling (Zander Media) Lessons from cafe → focus on storytelling, messaging, content creation Founded Zander Media (2018) Distributed small team, specializes in narrative strategy and video production Works with venture-backed companies and HR teams to tell stories internally and externally Provides reps and depth in organizational storytelling Why Storytelling Matters for Organizations Connects people, fosters alignment Enables faster movement toward shared goals Storytelling as a "powerful form of connection" What Makes a Good Story Robin: frameworks exist, but ultimately humans want: Education, entertainment, attention Sustained attention (avoid drift to TikTok, distractions) Framework examples: Hero's Journey (Joseph Campbell) → 17 steps Dan Harmon's 8-part structure → simplified version of Hero's Journey Robin's preferred model: 4-part story structure (details/examples forthcoming) The Power of the Twist, and Organizational Storytelling Robin's Four-Part Story Model Core idea: stories work best when they follow a simple arc Setup → Change → Turning (twist/reveal) → Resolution Goal: not rigid frameworks, but momentum, surprise, payoff The "Turning" (Twist) as the Sticky Moment Pixar example via Steve Jobs and the iPod Nano Setup: Apple's dominance, market context, long build-up Choice point: Option A: just reveal the product Option B (chosen): pause + curiosity Turning: the "tiny jeans pocket" question Reveal: iPod Nano pulled from the pocket Effect: entertainment, disruption, memorability Key insight: The twist creates pause, delight, and attention This moment often determines whether a story is remembered Why Flat Stories Fail Example (uninspiring): "I ran a cafe → wanted more marketing → now I run Xander Media" Improved arc with turning: Ran a cafe → wanted to do more marketing → sold it on Craigslist → built Xander Media Lesson: A reveal or risk creates narrative energy The Four Parts in Practice Setup The world as it is (Bilbo in the Shire) Change Something disrupts the norm (Gandalf arrives) Turning Twist, reveal, or surprise (the One Ring) Resolution Payoff and return (Bilbo back to the Shire) How to Use This as a Leader Don't force stories into frameworks Look at stories you already tell Identify where a disruption, surprise, or reveal could live Coalition-building lens Stories should move people into shared momentum Excitement → flow → aligned action Storytelling Mediums for HR & Organizations Employer brand ≠ separate from company brand Should be co-owned by HR and marketing Brand clarity attracts the right people, repels the wrong ones Strong brands are defined by: Who they are Who they are not Who they're for and not for HR vs Marketing: The Nuance Collaboration works only if: HR leads on audience and truth Marketing supports execution, not control Risk: Marketing optimizes for customers, not employees HR understands attraction, retention, culture fit Storytelling at the Individual Level No one is "naturally" good or bad at storytelling It's reps, not talent Practical advice: Know your ~15 core stories (career, company, turning points) Practice pauses like a comedian Notice when people lean in Opinionated Messaging = Effective Messaging Internal storytelling should: Be clear and opinionated Repel as much as it attracts Avoid: Corporate vanilla Saying a lot without saying anything Truth + Aspirational Truth Marketing and storytelling are a mix of: What is actually true What the organization is becoming Being "30% more honest" builds trust Including flaws and tradeoffs Example: budget brands, Southwest, Apple's office-first culture Why This Works Opinions create personality Personality creates stickiness Stickiness creates memory, alignment, and momentum Authenticity as the last real advantage We're flooded with AI-generated content (video, writing, everything) Humans are extremely good at sensing what feels fake Inauthenticity is easier to spot than ever One of the few remaining advantages: Be true to the real story of the person or organization Not polished truth — actual truth What makes content feel "AI-ish" AI can generate volume fast Books, posts, stories in minutes What it can't replicate: Personal specificity Why a story matters to you What an experience felt like from the inside Lived moments Running a café Growing into leadership What lasts: Personal story lesson learned relevance to this reader relevance to this relationship What content will win long-term Vulnerability Not oversharing, but real experience Personal perspective Why this matters to me Relevance Why it should matter to you Outcome Entertainment Insight Shared direction The risk of vulnerability (it can backfire) Being personal doesn't guarantee buy-in Example: inspirational talk → employee openly disagrees Emotional deflation Self-doubt Early leadership lesson: You can do your best People will still push back Leadership at higher levels gets harder, not easier Bigger teams → higher stakes Better pay Benefits Real expectations First "real" leadership pain points: Bad hires Mismatched expectations Disgruntled exits Realization: Conflict isn't failure It's a sign you've leveled up "Mountains beyond mountains" Every new level comes with new challenges Entrepreneurship Executive leadership Organizational scale Reframe setbacks: Not proof you're failing Proof you're progressing Authenticity at the executive table Especially hard for HR leaders Often younger Often earlier in career Often underrepresented Anxiety is normal The table doesn't feel welcoming Strategy: Name it "This is new for me" "I'm still finding my voice" Own it Ask for feedback Speak anyway Authenticity ≠ no consequences Being honest can carry risk Not every organization wants change Hard truth: You can't change people who don't want to change Sometimes the right move is leaving Guiding advice: Find people who already want what you offer Help them move faster Vulnerability as a competitive advantage Almost any perceived weakness can be reframed New Nervous Different When named clearly: It builds trust It creates permission It signals confidence Getting better at storytelling (practical) It's not talent — it's reps Shyness → confidence through practice Start small Don't test stories when stakes are highest Practice specifics Your core stories Your pitch Energy matters Enthusiasm is underrated Tempo matters Pauses Slowing down Letting moments land Executive presence is built Incrementally Intentionally Practice, Progress, and Learning That Actually Sticks Measure growth against yourself, not "the best" The real comparison isn't to others It's who you were yesterday MrBeast idea: If you're not a little uncomfortable looking at your past work You're probably not improving fast enough Important distinction: Discomfort ≠ shame Shame isn't a useful motivator Progress shows up in hindsight Looking back at past work "I'd write that differently now" Not embarrassment — evidence of growth Example: Weekly newsletter Over time, clearer thinking Better writing Stronger perspective Executive presence is a practice, not a trait Storytelling Selling Persuasion Presence Core question: Are you deliberately practicing? Or just repeating the same behaviors? Practice doesn't have to happen at work Low-stakes environments count Family Friends Everyday conversations Example: Practicing a new language with a dog Safe Repetitive No pressure Life skills = leadership skills One of the hardest lessons: Stop trying to get people to do what they don't want to do Daily practice ground: Family dynamics Respecting boundaries Accepting reality These skills transfer directly to work Influence Communication Leadership Why practice outside of high-stakes moments When pressure is high You default to habits Practicing in everyday life: Builds muscle memory Makes high-stakes moments feel familiar How to learn (without overengineering it) Follow curiosity Pick a thread A name A book An idea Pull on it See where it leads Let it branch Learning isn't linear It's exploratory Learning through unexpected sources Example: Reading a biography Leads to understanding an era Context creates insight The subject matters less than: Genuine interest Sustained attention Career acceleration (simple, not flashy) Always keep learning Find what pulls you in Go deeper Press the gas Where to find Robin Ongoing work lives in: Snafu (weekly newsletter on sales, persuasion, and storytelling) https://joinsnafu.com  Responsive Conference (future of work, leadership, and org design) https://responsiveconference.com   

The audience debates personal sports hell given potential NFL upcoming matchups, and Derek blows away Adam with incredible historic NFL knowledgeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The audience debates personal sports hell given potential NFL upcoming matchups, and Derek blows away Adam with incredible historic NFL knowledgeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From historic medical evacuations to missing galaxies and stunning new images of the Milky Way, today's episode covers the latest breaking news from space exploration and astronomy. Join Anna and Avery as they discuss six fascinating stories from across the cosmos.---## Episode Timestamps**[00:00]** Intro  **[01:15]** Story 1: ISS Medical Evacuation  **[04:45]** Story 2: The Mystery of Missing Tiny Galaxies  **[08:30]** Story 3: NASA's MAVEN Spacecraft in Trouble  **[11:45]** Story 4: Viruses Behave Differently in Microgravity  **[14:30]** Story 5: Two New Exoplanets and Redefining Habitable Zones  **[17:00]** Story 6: Stunning New Radio Image of the Milky Way  **[19:30]** Outro---## Stories Covered### 1. Historic First Medical Evacuation from ISSFour International Space Station crew members successfully completed the first-ever medical evacuation in the ISS's 26-year history, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego.**Key Points:**- SpaceX Crew-11 returned early after 5 months in space- Crew included US astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui- Splashdown occurred at 12:41 AM ET on January 15, 2026- Affected crew member remains in stable condition- Three crew members remain aboard ISS to continue operations- Demonstrates importance of medical protocols in long-duration spaceflight**Read More:**- [Phys.org: ISS astronauts splash down on Earth after first-ever medical evacuation](https://phys.org/news/2026-01-iss-astronauts-splash-earth-medical.html)---### 2. The Universe's Missing Tiny GalaxiesNew research using the James Webb Space Telescope suggests there may be far fewer small galaxies in the early universe than predicted by current models, challenging our understanding of cosmic evolution.**Key Points:**- Study led by Xuheng Ma from University of Wisconsin-Madison- Used JWST's UNCOVER program to study galaxies through gravitational lensing- Observed the Epoch of Reionization (12-13 billion years ago)- Discovery of "faint-end suppression" - galaxy numbers drop off at smaller sizes- Suggests intense radiation from early massive stars prevented small galaxies from forming- May require rethinking models of cosmic reionization- Used Abell 2744 galaxy cluster as a natural gravitational lens**Why It Matters:**This finding has major implications for our understanding of how the universe evolved from the "cosmic dark ages" to its current transparent state.**Read More:**- [Space.com: The universe should be packed with tiny galaxies — so where are they?](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/the-universe-should-be-packed-with-tiny-galaxies-so-where-are-they)- Research paper on arXiv (preprint database)---### 3. NASA Pessimistic About Recovering MAVEN Mars OrbiterNASA officials acknowledge it's "very unlikely" they'll recover the MAVEN spacecraft, which has been silent since December 6, 2025, marking a potential end to a highly productive Mars mission.**Key Points:**- MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) launched November 2013, entered Mars orbit September 2014- Last communication: December 6, 2025- Telemetry indicates spacecraft is tumbling and orbit may have changed- Solar conjunction (Mars and Earth on opposite sides of Sun) complicated recovery efforts- Attempts to photograph spacecraft with Curiosity rover were unsuccessful- Other orbiters (Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey, ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter) can maintain communications relay- Spacecraft studied Mars atmospheric loss and recently observed interstellar object 3I/ATLAS**Mission Legacy:**Despite the likely loss, MAVEN has provided over a decade of groundbreaking data about Mars' upper atmosphere and how solar wind strips away the Martian atmosphere.**Read More:**- [SpaceNews: NASA pessimistic about odds of recovering MAVEN](https://spacenews.com/nasa-pessimistic-about-odds-of-recovering-maven/)- [NASA Science: MAVEN Spacecraft Updates](https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/maven/)---### 4. Space Station Study Reveals Unusual Virus-Bacteria DynamicsUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison researchers discovered that viruses infecting bacteria evolve differently in microgravity, potentially opening new avenues for fighting antibiotic-resistant infections on Earth.**Key Points:**- Study used E. coli bacteria and bacteriophage T7- Parallel experiments conducted on ISS and Earth- Virus infection delayed but not blocked in microgravity- Both viruses and bacteria developed unique mutations in space- Space-evolved viruses showed increased activity against drug-resistant E. coli strains- Findings could lead to improved phage therapy for antibiotic-resistant infections- Published in PLOS Biology journal- Demonstrates ISS value as unique research platform**Scientific Significance:**This research shows how the space environment fundamentally alters evolutionary processes, and how these insights can be applied to solve problems on Earth.**Read More:**- [Space Daily: Space station study reveals unusual virus bacteria dynamics in microgravity](https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Space_station_study_reveals_unusual_virus_bacteria_dynamics_in_microgravity_999.html)- Research paper: "Microgravity reshapes bacteriophage host coevolution aboard the International Space Station" in PLOS Biology---### 5. Two New Exoplanets Challenge Habitable Zone DefinitionsAstronomers have discovered two exoplanets orbiting red dwarf stars that are prompting scientists to expand the definition of potentially habitable worlds through the concept of "temperate zones."**Key Points:**- Research led by Madison Scott (University of Birmingham) and Georgina Dransfield (University of Oxford)- Introduces "temperate zone" concept: broader than traditional habitable zone- Temperate zone defined by insolation flux range: 0.1 < S/S⊕ < 5 (136-6,805 W/m²)- TOI-6716 b: Earth-sized (0.91-1.05 Earth radii), likely rocky- TOI-7384 b: Sub-Neptune (3.35-3.77 Earth radii), rocky core with thick H/He envelope- Both orbit mid to late-type M dwarfs (red dwarf stars)- Part of TEMPOS survey (Temperate M Dwarf Planets With SPECULOOS)- Good candidates for atmospheric studies with JWST- Paper submitted to Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society**Why Temperate Zones Matter:**As our understanding of habitability evolves, planets in temperate zones may prove more interesting than initially thought, especially for atmospheric characterization studies.**Read More:**- [Universe Today: Two New Exoplanets And The Need For New Habitable Zone Definitions](https://www.universetoday.com/articles/two-new-exoplanets-and-the-need-for-new-habitable-zone-definitions)---### 6. Most Detailed Radio Image of Milky Way Reveals Hidden StructuresAstronomers in Australia have released the most detailed low-frequency radio map of the Milky Way's southern sky, revealing thousands of previously hidden cosmic structures.**Key Points:**- Created by International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)- Used Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope in Western Australia- Data collected over 141 nights between 2013-2020- Required over 1 million CPU hours to process- GLEAM-X survey: 2x resolution, 10x sensitivity, 2x sky coverage vs. previous efforts- Cataloged over 98,000 radio sources- Shows supernova remnants (red circles) and stellar nurseries (blue regions)- Helps identify hidden supernova remnants and study pulsars- Led by PhD student Silvia Mantovanini (Curtin University)- First complete low-frequency radio image of Southern Galactic Plane**Future Impact:**This image serves as a foundation for the upcoming SKA-Low array, which will provide even more detailed views of the universe when operational.**Read More:**- [Daily Galaxy: New Image of the Milky Way Reveals Massive Hidden Structures](https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/new-image-milky-way-massive-structures/)- [ICRAR: GLEAM-X Galactic Plane](https://www.icrar.org/gleam-x-galactic-plane/)---## Key Terms Explained**Habitable Zone:** The range of distances from a star where conditions might allow liquid water to exist on a planet's surface.**Temperate Zone:** A broader classification than habitable zone, encompassing planets that receive moderate levels of stellar radiation.**Insolation Flux:** The amount of solar energy reaching a planet's surface, measured in watts per square meter.**Epoch of Reionization:** A period roughly 12-13 billion years ago when the first stars and galaxies began flooding the universe with ultraviolet light.**Gravitational Lensing:** The bending of light by massive objects due to gravity, which can magnify and brighten distant objects.**Bacteriophage:** A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.**Solar Conjunction:** When Mars and Earth are on opposite sides of the Sun, disrupting radio communications.**M Dwarf (Red Dwarf):** Small, cool, dim stars that are the most common type of star in the galaxy.**Supernova Remnant:** The expanding cloud of gas and magnetic fields left behind after a star explodes.**Luminosity Function:** A cosmic census tool showing the distribution of galaxies at different brightness levels.---## Resources & Further Reading**Space Agencies:**- [NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)- [European Space Agency (Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, I'm joined by Virginie Raphael — investor, entrepreneur, and philosopher of work — for a wide-ranging conversation about incentives, technology, and how we build systems that scale without losing their humanity. We talk about her background growing up around her family's flower business, and how those early experiences shaped the way she thinks about labor, value, and operating in the real economy. That foundation carries through to her work as an investor, where she brings an operator's lens to evaluating businesses and ideas. We explore how incentives quietly shape outcomes across industries, especially in healthcare. Virginie shares why telehealth was a meaningful shift and what needs to change to move beyond one-to-one, supply-constrained models of care. We also dig into AI, venture capital, and the mistakes founders commonly make today — from hiring sales teams too early to raising too much money too fast. Virginie offers candid advice on pitching investors, why thoughtful cold outreach still works, and how doing real research signals respect and fit. The conversation closes with a contrarian take on selling: why it's not a numbers game, how focus and pre-qualification drive better outcomes, and why knowing who not to target is just as valuable as finding the right people. If you're thinking about the future of work, building with intention, or navigating entrepreneurship in an AI-accelerated world, this episode is for you. And for more conversations like this, join us at Snafu Conference 2026 on March 5th, where we'll keep exploring incentives, human skills, and what it really takes to build things that last. Start (0:00) Reflections on Work, Geography, and AI Adoption Virginie shares what she's noticing as trends in work and tech adoption: Geographic focus: she's excited to explore AI adoption outside traditional tech hubs. Examples: Atlanta, Nashville, Durham, Utah, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, parts of the Midwest. Rationale: businesses in these regions may adopt AI faster due to budgets, urgency, and impatience for tech that doesn't perform. "There are big corporates, there are middle and small businesses in those geos that have budget that will need the tech… and/or have less patience, I should say, for over-hub technologies that don't work." She notes that transitions to transformational technology never happen overnight, which creates opportunities: "We always underestimate how much time a transition to making anything that's so transformational… truly ubiquitous… just tends to think that it will happen overnight and it never does." Robin adds context from her own experience with Robin's Cafe and San Francisco's Mission District: Observed cultural and business momentum tied to geography Mentions Hollywood decline and rise of alternative media hubs (Atlanta, Morocco, New Jersey) Virginie reflects on COVID's impact on workforce behaviors: Opened a "window" to new modes of work and accelerated change: "There were many preexisting trends… but I do think that COVID gave a bit of a window into what was possible." Emphasis on structural change: workforce shifts require multi-year perspective and infrastructure, not just trends. Investor, Mission, and Capital Philosophy Virginie clarifies she is an investor, not a venture capitalist, resisting labels and prestige metrics. "I don't call myself a venture capitalist… I just say investor." Focuses on outcomes over categories, investing in solutions that advance the world she wants to see rather than chasing trendy tech sectors. "The outcome we want to see is everyone having the mode of work that suits them best throughout their lives." Portfolio themes: Access: helping people discover jobs they wouldn't otherwise know about. Retention / support: preventing workforce dropouts, providing appropriate healthcare, childcare, and caregiving support. "Anyone anywhere building towards that vision is investible by us." Critiques traditional venture capital practices: Raising VC money is not inherently a sign of success. "Raising from a VC is just not a sign of success. It's a milestone, not the goal." Concerned about concentration of capital into a few funds, leaving many founders unsupported. "There's a sense… that the work we do commands a lot less power in the world, a lot less effectiveness than holding the capital to hire that labor." Emphasizes structural, mission-driven investing over chasing categories: Invests in companies that prevent workforce dropouts, expand opportunity, and create equitable access to meaningful work. Portfolio strategy is diversified, focusing on infrastructure and long-term impact rather than quick wins. "We've tracked over time what type of founders and what type of solutions we attract and it's exactly the type of deal that we want to see." Reflects on COVID and societal trends as a lens for her investment thesis: "COVID gave a bit of a window into what was possible," highlighting alternative modes of work and talent distribution that are often overlooked. Labor, Ownership, and Durable Skills Virginie reframes the concept of labor, wages, and ownership: "The word labor in and of itself… is something we need to change." Interested in agency and ownership as investment opportunities, especially for small businesses transitioning to employee ownership. "For a very long time… there's been a shift towards knowledge work and how those people are compensated. If you go on the blue-collar side… it's about wages still and labor." Emphasizes proper capitalization and alignment of funds to support meaningful exits for smaller businesses, rather than chasing massive exits that drive the VC zeitgeist. AI fits into this discussion as part of broader investment considerations. Childhood experience in family flower business shaped her entrepreneurial and labor perspective: Selling flowers, handling cash, and interacting with customers taught "durable skills" that persisted into adulthood. "When I think of labor, I think of literally planting pumpkin plants… pulling espresso shots… bringing a customer behind the counter." Observing her father start a business from scratch instilled risk-taking and entrepreneurial spirit. "Seeing my dad do this when I was seven… definitely part of that." Skills like sales acumen, handling money, and talking to adults were early lessons that translated into professional confidence. Non-linear career paths and expanding exposure to opportunity: Concerned that students often see only a narrow range of job options: "Kids go out of high school, they can think of three jobs, two of which are their parents' jobs… Surely because we do a poor job exposing them to other things." Advocates for creating more flexible and exploratory career pathways for young people and adults alike. Durable skills and language shaping work: Introduction of the term "durable skills" reframes how competencies are understood: "I use it all the time now… as a proof point for why we need to change language." Highlights the stigma and limitations of words like "soft skills" or "fractional work": Fractional roles are high-impact and intentional, not temporary or inferior. "Brilliant people who wanna work on a fractional basis… they truly wanna work differently… on a portfolio of things they're particularly good at solving." Work in Progress uses language intentionally to shift perceptions and empower people around work. Cultural significance of language in understanding work and people: Virginie notes that language carries stigma and meaning that shapes opportunities and perception. References Louis Thomas's essays as inspiration for attention to the nuance and power of words: He'll take the word discipline and distill it into its root, tie it back into the natural world." Robin shares a personal anecdote about language and culture: "You can always use Google Translate… but also it's somebody learning DIA or trying to learn dharia, which is Moroccan Arabic… because my fiance is Moroccan." Human-Positive AI, Process, and Apprenticeship Virginie emphasizes the value of process over pure efficiency, especially in investing and work: "It's not about the outcome often, it's about the process… there is truly an apprenticeship quality to venture and investing." Using AI to accelerate tasks like investment memos is possible, but the human learning and iterative discussion is critical: "There's some beauty in that inefficiency, that I think we ought not to lose." AI should augment human work rather than replace the nuanced judgment, particularly in roles requiring creativity, judgment, and relationship-building: "No individual should be in a job that's either unsafe or totally boring or a hundred percent automatable." Introduces the term "human-positive AI" to highlight tools that enhance human potential rather than simply automate tasks: "How do we use it to truly augment the work that we do and augment the people?" Project selection and learning as a metric of value: Virginie evaluates opportunities not just on outcome, but what she will learn and who she becomes by doing the work: "If this project were to fail, what would I still learn? What would I still get out of it?" Cites examples like running a one-day SNAFU conference to engage people in human-centered selling principles: "Who do I become as a result of doing that is always been much more important to me than the concrete outcomes of this thing going well." AI Bubble, Transition, and Opportunity Discusses the current AI landscape and the comparison to past tech bubbles: "I think we're in an AI bubble… 1999 was a tech bubble and Amazon grew out of it." Differentiates between speculative hype and foundational technological transformation: "It is fundamental. It is foundational. It is transformative. There's no question about that." Highlights the lag between technological introduction and widespread adoption: "There's always a pendulum swing… it takes time for massively transformative technology to fully integrate." AI as an enabler, not a replacement: Transition periods create opportunity for investment and human-positive augmentation. Examples from healthcare illustrate AI's potential when applied correctly: "We need other people to care for other people. Should we leverage AI so the doctor doesn't have to face away from the patient taking notes? Yes, ambient scribing is wonderful." Emphasizes building AI around real human use cases and avoiding over-automation: "What are the true use cases for it that make a ton of sense versus the ones we need to stay away from?" History and parallels with autonomous vehicles illustrate the delay between hype and full implementation: Lyft/Uber example: companies predicted autonomous vehicles as cost drivers; the transition opened up gig work: "I was a gig worker long before that was a term… the conversation around benefits and portability is still ongoing." AI will similarly require time to stabilize and integrate into workflows while creating new jobs. Bias, Structural Challenges, and Real-World AI Experiments Discusses the importance of addressing systemic bias in AI and tech: Shares the LinkedIn "#WearThePants" experiment: women altered gender identifiers to measure algorithmic reach: "They changed their picture, in some cases changed their names… and got much more massive reach." Demonstrates that AI can perpetuate structural biases baked into systems and historical behavior: "It's not just about building AI that's unbiased; it's about understanding what the algorithm might learn from centuries of entrenched behavior." Highlights the ongoing challenge of designing AI to avoid reinforcing existing inequities: "Now you understand the deeply structural ingrained issues we need to solve to not continue to compound what is already massively problematic." Parenting, Durable Skills, and Resilience Focus on instilling adaptability and problem-solving in children: "I refuse to problem solve for them. If they forget their homework, they figure it out, they email the teacher, they apologize the next day. I don't care. I don't help them." Emphasizes allowing children to navigate consequences themselves to build independence: "If he forgets his flute, he forgets his flute. I am not making the extra trip to school to bring him his flute." Everyday activities are opportunities to cultivate soft skills and confidence: "I let them order themselves at the restaurant… they need to look the waiter in the eye and order themselves… you need to speak more clearly or speak loudly." Cultural context and exposure shape learning: Practices like family meals without devices help children appreciate attention, respect, and communication: "No iPad or iPhone on our table… we sit properly, enjoy a meal together, and talk about things." Travel and cultural exposure are part of teaching adaptability and perspective: "We spent some time in France over the summer… the mindset they get from that is that meals matter, and people operate differently." Respecting individuality while fostering independence: "They are their own people and you need to respect that and step away… give them the ability to figure out who they are and what they like to do." Parenting as a balance of guidance and autonomy: "Feel like that was a handbook that you just offered for parenting or for management? Either one. Nobody prepares you for that… part of figuring out." Future of Work and Technology Horizons Timeframes for predicting trends: Focus on a 5-year horizon as a middle ground between short-term unpredictability and long-term uncertainty: "Five years feels like this middle zone that I'm kind of guessing in the haze, but I can kind of see some odd shapes." Short-term (6–18 months) is more precise; long-term (10–15 years) is harder to anticipate: "I'm a breezy investor. Six months at a time max… deal making between two people still matters in 18 months." Identifying emerging technologies with latent potential: Invests in technologies that are ready for massive impact but haven't yet had a "moment": "I like to look at technologies that have yet to have a moment… the combo of VR and AI is prime." Example: Skill Maker, a VR+AI training platform for auto technicians, addressing both a labor shortage and outdated certification processes: "We are short 650,000 auto technicians… if you can train a technician closer to a month or two versus two years, I promise you the auto shops are all over you." Focuses on alignment of incentives, business model innovation, and meaningful outcomes: "You train people faster, even expert technicians can benefit… earn more money… right, not as meaningful to them and not as profitable otherwise." Principles guiding technology and investment choices: Solving enduring problems rather than temporary fads: "What is a problem that is still not going to go away within the next 10–15 years?" Ensuring impact at scale while creating economic and personal value for participants: "Can make a huge difference in the lives of 650,000 people who would then have good paying jobs." Scaling, Incentives, and Opportunity Re-examining traditional practices and identifying opportunities for change: "If you've done a very specific thing the exact same way, at some point, that's prime to change." Telehealth is an example: while helpful for remote access, it hasn't fundamentally created capacity: "You're still in that one-to-one patient's relationship and an hour of your time with a provider is still an hour at a time." Next version of telehealth should aim to scale care beyond individual constraints: "Where do we take telehealth next… what is the next version of that that enables you to truly scale and change?" Incentives shape outcomes: "Thinking through that and all the incentives… if I were to change the incentives, then people would behave differently? The answer very often is yes, indeed." Paraphrasing Charlie Munger: "Look for the incentives and I can tell you the outcome." Founders, Pitching, and Common Mistakes Pet peeves in founder pitches: Lack of research and generic outreach is a major turn-off: "I can really quickly tell if you have indeed spent a fraction of a minute on my site… dear sir, automatic junk. I won't even read the thing." Well-crafted, thoughtful cold inbound pitches get attention: "Take some time. A well crafted cold inbound will get my attention… you don't need to figure out an intro." Big mistakes entrepreneurs make: Hiring too early, especially in sales: "Until you have a playbook, like don't hire a sales team… if you don't have about a million in revenue, you're probably not ready." Raising too much capital too quickly: "You get into that, you're just gonna spend a lot more time fundraising than you are building a company." Comparing oneself to others: "You don't know if it's true… there's always a backstory… that overnight success was 15 years in the making." Sales Strategy and Non-Sales Selling Approach is contrarian: focus on conversion, not volume: "It is not a numbers game. I think it's a conversion game… I would much rather spend more time with a narrower set of targets and drive better conversion." Understanding fit is key: "You gotta find your people… and just finding who is not or should not be on your list is equally valuable." Recognizes that each fund and business is unique, so a tailored approach is essential: "The pitch is better when I'm talking to the quote unquote right people in the right place about the right things." Where to Find Virginie and Her Work Resources for listeners: Full Circle Fund: fullcirclefund.io  Work in Progress: workinprogress.io  LinkedIn: Virginie Raphael  Where to Access Snafu Go to joinsnafu.com and sign up for free.  

Jonah Series: Jonah 1:13-The Crew Demonstrates A Moral Conscience-Lesson # 15

Jonah Series: Jonah 1:13-The Crew Demonstrates A Moral Conscience-Lesson # 15

Clean and unclean food demonstrates our Holy God's desire for our holiness!- Shared holiness- Daily holiness- Ultimate holinessTime:MorningMinister:Rev. Adrian TamsTexts:Leviticus 11Mark 7:14–22Series:Leviticus

Welcome back to Snafu with Robin Zander. In this episode, I'm joined by Jeff Jaworsky, who shares his journey from a global role at Google to running his own business while prioritizing time with his children. We talk about the pivotal life and career decisions that shaped this transition, focusing on the importance of setting boundaries—both personally and professionally. Jeff shares insights on leaving a structured corporate world for entrepreneurship and the lessons learned along the way. We also explore the evolving landscape of sales and entrepreneurship, highlighting how integrating human connection and coaching skills is more important than ever in a tech-driven world. The conversation touches on the role of AI and technology, emphasizing how they can support—but not replace—essential human relationships. Jeff offers practical advice for coaches and salespeople on leveraging their natural skills and hints at a potential future book exploring the intersection of leadership, coaching, and sales. If you're curious about what's next for thoughtful leadership, entrepreneurship, and balancing work with life, this episode is for you. And for more conversations like this, get your tickets for Snafu Conference 2026 on March 5th here, where we'll continue exploring human connection, business, and the evolving role of AI. Start (0:00) Early life and first real boundary Jeff grew up up in a structured, linear environment Decisions largely made for you Clear expectations, predictable paths Post–high school as the first inflection point College chosen because it's "what you're supposed to do" Dream: ESPN sports anchor (explicit role model: Stuart Scott) Reality check through research Job placement rate: ~3% First moment of asking: Is this the best use of my time? Is this fair to the people investing in me (parents)? Boundary lesson #1 Letting go of a dream doesn't mean failure Boundaries can be about honesty, not limitation Choosing logic over fantasy can unlock unexpected paths Dropping out of college → accidental entry into sales Working frontline sales at Best Buy while in school Selling computers, service plans, handling customers daily Decision to leave college opens capacity Manager notices and offers leadership opportunity Takes on home office department Largest sales category in the store Youngest supervisor in the company (globally) at 19 Early leadership challenges Managing people much older Navigating credibility, age bias, exclusion Learning influence without authority Boundary insight Temporary decisions can become formative Saying "yes" doesn't mean you're locked in forever Second boundary: success without sustainability Rapid growth at Best Buy Promotions Increasing responsibility Observing manager life up close 60-hour weeks No real breaks Lunch from vending machines Internal checkpoint Is this the life I want long-term? Distinguishing: Liking the work Disliking the cost Boundary lesson #2 You can love a craft and still reject the lifestyle around it Boundaries protect the future version of you Returning to school with intention Decision to go back to college This time with clarity Sales and marketing degree by design, not default Accelerated path Graduates in three years Clear goal: catch up, not start over Internship at J. Walter Thompson Entry into agency world Launch of long-term sales and marketing career Pattern recognition: how boundaries actually work Ongoing self-check at every stage Have I learned what I came here to learn? Am I still growing? Is this experience still stretching me? Boundaries as timing, not rejection Experiences "run their course" Leaving doesn't invalidate what came before Non-linear growth Sometimes stepping down is strategic Demotion → education Senior role → frontline role (later at Google) Downward moves that enable a bigger climb later Shared reflection with Robin Sales as a foundational skill Comparable to: Surfing (handling forces bigger than you) Early exposure to asking, pitching, rejection Best Buy reframed Customer service under pressure Handling frustrated, misinformed, emotional people Humility + persuasion + resilience Parallel experiences Robin selling a restaurant after learning everything she could Knowing the next step (expansion) and choosing not to take it Walking away without knowing what's next Core philosophy: learning vs. maintaining "If I'm not learning, I'm dying" Builder mindset, not maintainer Growth as a non-negotiable Career decisions guided by curiosity, not status Titles are temporary Skills compound Ladders vs. experience stacks Rejecting the myth of linear progression Valuing breadth, depth, and contrast The bridge metaphor Advice for people stuck between "not this" and "not sure what next" Don't leap blindly Build a bridge Bridge components Low-risk experiments Skill development Small tests in parallel with current work Benefits Reduces panic Increases clarity Turns uncertainty into movement Framing the modern career question Referencing the "jungle gym, not a ladder" idea Careers as lateral, diagonal, looping — not linear Growth through range, not just depth Connecting to Range and creative longevity Diverse experiences as a competitive advantage Late bloomers as evidence that exploration compounds Naming the real fear beneath the metaphor What if exploration turns into repeated failure? What if the next five moves don't work? Risk of confusing experimentation with instability Adding today's pressure cooker Economic uncertainty AI and automation reshaping work faster than previous generations experienced The tension between adaptability and survival The core dilemma How do you pursue a non-linear path without tumbling back to zero? How do you "build the bridge" instead of jumping blindly? How do you keep earning while evolving? The two-year rule Treating commitments like a contract with yourself Two years as a meaningful unit of time Long enough to: Learn deeply Be challenged Experience failure and recovery Short enough to avoid stagnation Boundaries around optional exits Emergency ripcord exists But default posture is commitment, not escape Psychological benefit Reduces panic during hard moments Prevents constant second-guessing Encourages depth over novelty chasing The 18-month check-in Using the final stretch strategically Asking: Am I still learning? Am I still challenged? Does this align with my principles? Shifting from execution to reflection Early exploration of "what's next" Identifying gaps: Skills to acquire Experiences to test Regaining control External forces aren't always controllable Internal planning always is Why most people get stuck Planning too late Waiting until: Layoffs Burnout Forced transitions Trying to design the future in crisis Limited creativity Fear-based decisions Contrast with proactive planning Calm thinking Optionality Leverage Extending the contract Recognizing unfinished business Loving the work Still growing Still contributing meaningfully One-year extensions as intentional choices Not inertia Not fear Conscious recommitment A long career, one organization at a time Example: nearly 13 years at Google Six different roles Multiple reinventions inside one company Pattern over prestige Frontline sales Sales leadership Enablement Roles as chapters, not identities Staying while growing Leaving only when growth plateaus Experience stacking over ladder climbing Rejecting linear advancement Titles matter less than skills Accumulating perspective Execution Leadership Systems Transferable insight What works with customers What works internally What scales Sales enablement as an example of bridge-building Transition motivated by impact Desire to help at scale Supporting many sellers, not just personal results A natural evolution, not a pivot Built on prior sales experience Expanded influence Bridge logic in action Skills reused Scope widened Risk managed Zooming out: sales, stigma, and parenting Introducing the next lens: children Three boys: 13, 10, 7 Confronting sales stereotypes Slimy Manipulative Self-serving Tension between reputation and reality Loving sales Building a career around it Teaching it without replicating the worst versions Redefining sales as a helping profession Sales as service Primary orientation: benefit to the other person Compensation as a byproduct, not the driver Ethical center Believe in what you're recommending Stand behind its value Sleep well regardless of outcome Losses reframed Most deals don't close Failure as feedback Integrity as the constant Selling to kids (and being sold by them) Acknowledging reality Everyone sells, constantly Titles don't matter Teaching ethos, not tactics How you persuade matters more than whether you win Kindness Thoughtfulness Awareness of the other side Everyday negotiations Bedtime extensions Appeals to age, fairness, peer behavior Sales wins without good reasoning Learning opportunity Success ≠ good process Boundaries still matter Why sales gets a bad reputation Root cause: selfishness Focus on "what I get" Language centered on personal gain Misaligned value exchange Overselling Underdelivering The alternative Lead with value for the other side Hold mutual benefit in the background Make the exchange explicit and fair Boundaries as protection for both sides Clear scope What's included What's not Saying no as a service Preventing resentment Preserving trust Entrepreneurial lens Boundaries become essential Scope creep erodes value Clarity sustains long-term relationships Value exchange, scope, and boundaries Every request starts with discernment, not enthusiasm What value am I actually providing? What problem am I solving? How much time, energy, and attention will this really take? The goal isn't just a "yes" Both sides need to feel good about: What's being given What's being received What's being expected What's realistically deliverable Sales as a two-sided coin Mutual benefit matters Overselling creates future resentment Promising "the moon and the stars" is how trust breaks later Boundaries as self-respect Clear limits protect delivery quality Good boundaries prevent repeating bad sales dynamics Saying less upfront often enables better outcomes long-term Transitioning into coaching and the SNAFU Conference Context for the work today Speaking at the inaugural SNAFU Conference Focused on reluctant salespeople and non-sales roles Why coaching became the next chapter Sales is everywhere, regardless of title Coaching emerged as a natural extension of sales leadership The origin story at Google Transition from sales leadership to enablement Core question: how do we help sellers have better conversations? Result: building Google's global sales coaching program Grounded in practice and feedback Designed to prepare for high-stakes conversations The hidden overlap between sales and coaching Coaching as an underutilized advantage Especially powerful for sales leaders Shared core skills Deep curiosity Active listening Presence in conversation Reflecting back what's heard, not what you assume The co-creation mindset Not leading someone to your solution Guiding toward their desired outcome Why this changes everything Coaching improves leadership effectiveness Coaching improves sales outcomes Coaching reshapes how decisions get made A personal inflection point: learning to listen Feedback that lingered "Jeff is often the first and last to speak in meetings" The realization Seniority amplified his voice Being directive wasn't the same as being effective The shift Stop being the first to speak Invite more voices Lead with curiosity, not certainty The result More evolved perspectives Better decisions Sometimes realizing he was simply wrong The parallel to sales Talking at customers limits discovery Pre-built pitch decks obscure real needs The "right widget" only emerges through listening What the work looks like today A synthesis of experiences Buyer Seller Sales leader Enablement leader Executive coach How that shows up in practice Executive coaching for sales and revenue leaders Supporting decision-making Developing more coach-like leadership styles Workshops and trainings Helping managers coach more effectively Building durable sales skills Advisory work Supporting sales and enablement organizations at scale The motivation behind the shift Returning to the core questions: Am I learning? Am I growing? Am I challenged? A pull toward broader impact A desire to test whether this work could scale beyond one company Why some practices thrive and others stall Observing the difference Similar credentials Similar training Radically different outcomes The uncomfortable truth The difference is sales Entrepreneurship without romance Businesses don't "arrive" on their own Clients don't magically appear Visibility, rejection, iteration are unavoidable Core requirements Clear brand Defined ICP Articulated value Credibility to support the claim Debunking "overnight success" Success is cumulative Built on years of unseen experience Agency life + Google made entrepreneurship possible Sales as a universal survival skill Especially now Crowded markets Economic uncertainty Increased competition Sales isn't manipulation It's how value moves through the world Avoiding the unpersuadable Find people who already want what you offer Make it easier for them to say yes For those who "don't want to sell" Either learn it Or intentionally outsource it But you can't pretend it doesn't exist The vision board and the decision to leap December 18, 2023 45th birthday Chosen as a forcing function Purpose of the date Accountability, not destiny A moment to decide: stay or go Milestones on the back Coaching certification Experience thresholds Personal readiness Listening to the inner signal The repeated message: "It's time" The bridge was already built Skills stacked Experience earned Risk understood Stepping forward without full certainty You never know what's on the other side You only learn once you cross and look around Decision-making and vision boards Avoid forcing yourself to meet arbitrary deadlines Even if a date is set for accountability (e.g., a 45th birthday milestone), the real question is: When am I ready to act? Sometimes waiting isn't necessary; acting sooner can make sense Boundaries tie directly into these decisions They help you align personal priorities with professional moves Recognizing what matters most guides the "when" and "how" of major transitions Boundaries in the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship Biggest boundary: family and presence with children Managing a global team meant constant connectivity and messages across time zones Transitioning to your own business allowed more control over work hours, clients, and priorities The pro/con framework reinforced the choice Written lists can clarify trade-offs For this example, the deciding factor was: "They get their dad back" Boundaries in entrepreneurship are intertwined with opportunity More freedom comes with more responsibility You can choose your hours, clients, and areas of focus—but still must deliver results Preparing children for a rapidly changing world Skill priorities extend beyond AI and automation Technology literacy is essential, but kids will likely adapt faster than adults Focus on human skills Building networks Establishing credibility Navigating relationships and complex decisions Sales-related skills apply Curiosity, empathy, observation, and problem-solving help them adapt to change These skills are timeless, even as roles and tools evolve Human skills in an AI-driven world AI is additive, not replacement Leverage AI to complement work, not fear it Understand what AI does well and where human judgment is irreplaceable Coaching and other human-centered skills remain critical Lived experience, storytelling, and nuanced judgment cannot be fully replaced by AI Technology enables scale but doesn't replace complex human insight The SNAFU Conference embodies this principle Brings humans together to share experiences and learn Demonstrates that face-to-face interaction, stories, and mutual learning remain valuable Advice for coaches learning to sell Coaches already possess critical sales skills Curiosity, active listening, presence, problem identification, co-creating solutions These skills, when applied to sales, still fall within a helping profession Key approach Use your coaching skills to generate business ethically Reframe sales as an extension of support, not self-interest For salespeople Learn coaching skills to improve customer conversations Coaching strengthens empathy, listening, and problem-solving abilities, all core to effective selling Book and resource recommendations Non-classical sales books Setting the Table by Danny Meyer → emphasizes culture and service as a form of sales Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara → creating value through care for people Coaching-focused books Self as Coach, Self as Leader by Pam McLean Resources from the Hudson Institute of Coaching Gap in sales literature Few resources fully integrate coaching with sales Potential upcoming book: The Power of Coaching and Sales  

SHOW NOTES To learn more about Brite Curriculum visit britecurriculum.com The post Teaching Kids About Jesus Demonstrates His Power from Mark 4 (January 25) appeared first on Child Discipleship.

SHOW NOTES To learn more about Brite Curriculum visit britecurriculum.com The post Preschool: Teaching Littles About Jesus Demonstrates His Power from Mark 4 (January 25) appeared first on Child Discipleship.

This message was delivered to Christ Church after the Choir's performance of the Christmas Cantata, "Love Made a Way."

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Season 5: How to Build the Team of Your DreamsEpisode 4: How Co-Leadership Builds Stronger Teams | The 3 CovenantsWhat if leadership didn't have to be lonely?In this final episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast series Building the Team of Your Dreams, Austin Ryan and Ben Barfield unpack what it looks like to lead together without losing unity. Drawing from nearly 20 years of co-leading churches and organizations, they reveal the 5 biggest benefits of co-leadership—and practical ways to make it work.If you've ever wrestled with questions like “Who really makes the final decision?” or “Can shared leadership actually work?”—this conversation is for you.You'll discover how co-leadership:✅ Creates accountability and prevents burnout✅ Builds humility and trust among leaders✅ Makes teams stronger and more resilient✅ Frees each person to lead in their strengths✅ Demonstrates healthy leadership to your organizationWhether you lead in ministry, business, or education, this episode shows how applying the 3 Covenants to co-leadership can transform not just your relationships—but your results.Our NEW Book, The 3 Covenants: Building Team Loyalty is AVAILABLE NOW! https://the3covenants.com to order a copy for you and your team! Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.

Photography and Social Justice: Riis, Watkins, and the Question of Truth — Anika Burgess — Burgessdemonstrates how photography became a transformative tool for social advocacy and reform. Jacob Riis, a newspaper journalist documenting Manhattan's tenement poverty, employed flash powder ignited in cast-iron frying pans to photograph the grim, overcrowded interior conditions of slums for his landmark book How the Other Half Lives, frequently without obtaining subject consent. Burgess also discusses Carleton Watkins, who transported over 2,000 pounds of large-format photographic equipment to Yosemite Valley, producing images that proved instrumental in securing federal preservation and protection of the landscape. 1880 COPENHAGEN

  This episode of the Essential Wellness Podcast takes listeners to Hawaiʻi's Big Island, where the team visited the Kealakekua Mountain Reserve (KMR) — home to dōTERRA's ʻIliahi (Hawaiian Sandalwood) Reforestation Project. The discussion highlights the cultural, ecological, and therapeutic importance of sandalwood while showcasing dōTERRA's ongoing commitment to sustainability and community partnership.    

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda D. McElroy (aka “Dr. Yo-Yo”).

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda D. McElroy (aka “Dr. Yo-Yo”).

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda D. McElroy (aka “Dr. Yo-Yo”).

# Behind the Courthouse Doors: Real Stories of Justice and StruggleEver wondered what really happens inside a courthouse? This raw, unfiltered episode takes you beyond the TV drama into the authentic world of South Africa's justice system. Through candid interviews with everyday people waiting their turn before the law, we uncover the complex human stories behind criminal charges - from drug possession to house breaking. These aren't just cases; they're lives in the balance, families torn apart, and personal struggles laid bare for judgment.Each interview reveals the messy reality of justice - a brother trying to help his drug-addicted sibling despite repeated arrests, a woman charged with breaking into what was once her own home to retrieve her belongings. The courthouse becomes a stage where human drama unfolds in its most authentic form, challenging our assumptions about guilt, innocence, and the circumstances that bring people before the bench.## Timestamps & Key Takeaways:**2:15** - Brother of drug offender shares his perspective- Family members often become reluctant participants in the justice system- Highlights the cycle of addiction and repeated offenses (every 2-3 years)- Despite employment, the 40-year-old offender continues using drugs**7:30** - Former addict's testimony- Powerful moment when he credits a mentor for helping him overcome addiction- Demonstrates how recovery is possible but remains a daily struggle**9:05** - Woman charged with house breaking against ex-husband- Reveals the complex aftermath of domestic relationships- Illustrates how civil disputes can become criminal charges- Shows the financial burden of legal troubles (bail money that "could have gone to the baby")**14:20** - Discussion of potential sentences for house breaking- Up to 15 years possible depending on circumstances- Highlights the serious consequences of seemingly justified actionsDon't miss this eye-opening journey through the real-life courthouse experience. Whether you're interested in criminal justice, human psychology, or simply captivated by authentic stories of people at their most vulnerable moments, this episode offers a window into a world most hope never to experience firsthand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textJamie Gadson shares her powerful journey from childhood sexual abuse at age three to finding healing through faith and therapy decades later. Her story reveals how early trauma created patterns of sexual addiction, low self-esteem, and harmful relationships that persisted until she confronted her past.• Molested at age three by a 17-year-old female babysitter from her church• Developed sexual addiction and compulsive behaviors as coping mechanisms• Experienced shame and judgment from church leaders when pregnant as a young adult• Survived being "fatally killed" by her ex-husband and resuscitated by her son• Finally received therapy at age 36, connecting childhood trauma to adult behaviors• Emphasizes the importance of addressing childhood trauma through professional help• Highlights how religious communities sometimes fail abuse survivors• Demonstrates that healing is possible even decades after trauma occursIf you've experienced childhood trauma or are struggling with addiction, please know you're not alone. Seek professional help - it's never too late to begin your healing journey. I Am ProSeDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSocial Media/Follow Us: Website:https://www.calledbygodpodcast.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/cbg.podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalledbyGodPodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calledbygodpodcast

Send us a textIn this episode, Heather and Vanessa welcome Emily Dukes. Emily is a Rio Rico, Arizona-based Quantum Sound and Energy healer and the creator of the vocal sound healing method, CLAIRVOCAL™.  Throughout this conversation, Emily:Introduces ClairVocal – how it works, and why the voice is such a potent instrument for healing.Demonstrates chakra toning from the throat chakra (self-expression, truth) and the third-eye chakra (intuition, clarity) down to the root chakra.Explains the physical and emotional benefits of sound vibration in the body.Encourages us to reconnect with nature and our innate healing capacity, rather than relying solely on external tools.Highlights the cultural and historical roots of vocal toning, showing how this ancient practice continues to serve modern holistic health.You will come away with not just a deeper understanding of sound healing, but also practical ways to begin experimenting with your own voice as a healing tool!

Marty shares about a new high-speed rail app for a high speed train coming out in France in 2026Quick Take- TGV INOUI app by SNCF Voyageurs brings France's next-gen high-speed train experience to Vision Pro.- Offers an immersive tour of interiors and services before trains hit the tracks in 2026.- Free download, available in French and English, built for visionOS 26.What the App Offers- Immersive walk-through: Explore the design and interiors of the future TGV INOUI train.- Destination previews: See the routes and cities where the high-speed train will travel.- On-board Wi-Fi portal simulation: Try out a redesigned connectivity interface in spatial mode.- Widgets and clocks: French-inspired design elements to personalize your Vision Pro space.- Easter eggs: Hidden surprises encourage replay and exploration.Why It Matters- Travel planning meets XR: Lets users “ride” the train before buying a ticket.- Design showcase: Demonstrates how transport companies can use spatial computing for branding and customer engagement.- New content lane: A signal that travel, tourism, and mobility industries are investing in immersive apps for Vision Pro.Apple App Store — TGV INOUI on Vision Pro: https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/tgv-inoui/id6749140401 Subscribe & ContactJoin our live stream Mondays at 9 PM ET YouTube.com/@VisionProfiles, or catch the replay and audio on your favorite podcast app.Contact: ThePodTalkNetwork@gmail.com · ThePodTalk.net

Traveling rural roads in Virginia, it's not unusual to spot a bald eagle surrounded by vultures devouring road kill. As hunting season begins, bald eagles will head into the woods to scavenge on the remains of deer, hunters leave after field-dressing them. But remnants of lead ammunition are sometimes part of that meal and will […]

Pastor Ben, Matt, Pastor Caleb, and Pastor Steve discuss the most recent small group lesson from the series on the Life of Christ. When Jesus came to earth, one of the first things He did was make the claim, "I'm in charge," and His actions proved that He was!

Send us a textWhat started as a side hustle in their Brooklyn home has blossomed into a full-blown movement to transform how students experience math—and how women build businesses rooted in purpose.In this episode of The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, I interview Candace and Melinda Shaw, the dynamic sister duo behind Why Hate Math?, a thriving math tutoring center and nonprofit reshaping confidence, education, and community impact.Whether you're a mom navigating school struggles, a woman building a values-based business, or someone seeking permission to pursue your passions—this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and inspiration.

In this episode, Bridget James Ling shares a raw, behind-the-scenes story recorded live from the airport in Spain. Fresh off hosting luxury VIP weekends at The Ritz Paris and The St. Regis Italy, she opens up about a whirlwind travel experience that turned into a series of miracles.From flight delays, lost luggage, and name changes on tickets, to divine timing, unexpected upgrades, and powerful lessons in faith. Bridget reveals how living by the verse “Be not afraid, only believe”  has carried her through every obstacle.You'll hear how she: ✨ Activated her “Freedom Queen sport mode” to make the impossible happen. ✨ Transformed fear into unshakable trust when everything looked like it was falling apart. ✨ Demonstrates the difference between being “lucky” versus being truly anointed and chosen. ✨ Weaves faith, business, and luxury living into a life of miracles.Join The Freedom Queen FBGroup HereScreenshot your actions and comment to The Big Leap Challenge Thread  •  ⭐ 1 Point → Listen + screenshot the episode  •  ⭐ 3 Points → Leave a podcast review on Apple or Spotify   •  ⭐ 3 Points → Leave a Google review for Freedom Queen  •  ⭐ 5 Points → Share the episode on IG Stories and tag me @bridgetjamesling

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupDr. Amy Beckley shares how her personal fertility struggles and scientific background led her to create Proov—a direct‑to‑consumer hormone testing platform that helps women measure PdG (progesterone metabolite), LH, estrogen, and FSH at home. The test, paired with a mobile app, provides an Ovulation Score and personalized guidance, aiming to shift women's health from reactive to proactive.Key Insights:Hormone imbalance affects ~80% of women (PMS, PCOS, infertility, perimenopause). Proov enables these women to spot issues early.Pioneer in FDA‑cleared PdG testing and companion app delivering quantitative hormone data.Early adopters came from fertility awareness communities—not what Amy expected, but critical to traction.Healthcare is not proactive—Proov aims to fill that gap with data, empowerment, and streamlined care via digital prescription options.Business strategy: Lean launch, Amazon traction, VC funding, packaging, internal app team (rather than outsourcing), community listening.Why It Matters for DTC & Founders:A real example of transforming personal pain into scalable DTC medical tech.Demonstrates the push-and-pull between Amazon's convenience and owning the customer via an app/email funnel.Exemplifies iterative product development, regulatory rigor, and educational storytelling in complex health markets.Timestamps:00:00 — Breaking Healthcare & The Birth of Proov02:00 — Amy's Journey: Miscarriages, Science & Building the Product04:00 — Understanding Hormones, Fertility & Proactive Testing08:00 — Fertility Challenges, IVF Costs & Industry Gaps12:00 — Finding Early Adopters & Gaining Traction Through Communities16:00 — Birth Control, Hormonal Imbalances & Long-Term Impacts20:00 — Fundraising, Amazon Strategy & Owning the Customer26:00 — Marketing Challenges, Education & Growing Awareness30:00 — Building the Proov App & Scaling Technology32:00 — Future Growth Plans, Proactive Hormone Health & MissionHashtags:#DTCpodcast #Proov #FertilityAwareness #HormoneHealth #WomenInBusiness #HealthcareInnovation #DTCbrands #AmazonStrategy #StartupGrowth #WomensHealth Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Aug. 31, 2025 - Jesus Demonstrates His Authority (Matthew 21:12-22) - Matthew - Barry Smith - cpcspokane.org

The goal of Bluesky and the ATProtocol, and of the push for protocols over platforms in general, has always been to see more people building their own communities in a modular fashion. One of the most interesting projects demonstrating this potential is Blacksky, created by Rudy Fraser, which started as a custom feed within Bluesky but has grown into something much bigger. Today, Rudy joins the podcast for a conversation all about Blacksky and what it teaches us about open social media protocols.

Pastor Chris Cobble | John 17 | Denia Community Church - Denton, TX | deniachurch.com

Q-CTRL, a global leader in quantum infrastructure software, has achieved a world-first demonstration of quantum advantage in navigation. The company's quantum-assured navigation system, Ironstone Opal, successfully enabled GPS-free navigation in real-world environments, outperforming conventional GPS backups by up to 50x. You can listen to all of the Quantum Minute episodes at https://QuantumMinute.com. The Quantum Minute is brought to you by Applied Quantum, a leading consultancy and solutions provider specializing in quantum computing, quantum cryptography, quantum communication, and quantum AI. Learn more at https://AppliedQuantum.com.

After Dark with Hosts Rob & Andrew – The Democrat Party is adrift with no message or leader, struggling as polls hit record lows. Senator Cory Booker's latest “Spartacus” moment highlights their desperation, as Americans tire of political theater and seek real solutions. On this episode of “Truth Be Told with Booker Scott,” I break down Booker's meltdown and the party's failure to address real issues...

Today's Scripture passages are Psalm 94 | 1 Kings 3:16-28 | 1 Kings 5 | 2 Chronicles 2 | 1 Corinthians 2 - 3.Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

On today's Wholesale Hotline Podcast (Subto Edition), Pace explains the "Gator Strategy," where anyone—without a license, money, or experience—can earn thousands by connecting real estate developers who need capital with lenders who have it. Show notes -- in this episode we'll cover: Pace shares a real-life example where Sadie Clemen, a real estate agent, made $9,000 simply by introducing a developer to Pace, who then funded a $900,000 renovation project in Scottsdale. Explains the free method to find borrowers: drive around looking for dumpsters in front of homes, then use public records and free tools like TruePeopleSearch to find and contact the owners. Demonstrates the paid shortcut using DealSauce software, which instantly reveals thousands of active borrowers in any U.S. market—including details like project size, profit history, and funding needs. Emphasizes that even a 6-year-old can learn this process, calling it the easiest, most scalable way to generate income—far beyond vending machines or side hustles with limited upside.   ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ ☎️ Welcome to Wholesale Hotline & Subto Breakout✌️✌️! ☎️ Need discounts and free trials!? Check this out for the softwares/websites/contracts/scripts/etc we use in our business: ✌️ https://shor.by/pace-youtube ✌️ ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖

The goal of everything God takes us through is hope. He wants us to feel unwaveringly hopeful through all tribulations. He wants us to know he loves us.