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David Archuleta goes even deeper with Jennie in Part Two; unpacking the guilt of breaking free from a manipulative father who used God, family and money to keep control. David reveals the exhausting hours-long arguments, the never-ending loop of gaslighting,and how he finally stopped apologizing for living his own truth. Plus: why healthy relationships feel "boring" and how raving became his therapy.Follow @IChooseMewithJennieGarth on Instagram and TikTokFollow @JennieGarth on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
send us a text via Fan Mail!what is our mission as family?ContactOn Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.comSearch podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.caShop my recommended resourcesThanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!
Leila Rahimi and Marshall Harris opened their show by discussing the latest developments in the Bears' pursuit of a new stadium. After Illinois lawmakers called what they believe is a bluff on the Bears' part as it pertains to potentially moving to Indiana, what will the organization do? Later, Rahimi and Harris took calls from Score listeners on the topic.
Send us Fan MailWhen someone receives a life altering diagnosis or is living with a chronic condition, patients need additional medical, spiritual and emotional support to live well through their diagnosis. Learn how each member of the palliative care team can support the patient while providing comfort to those providing care. Support the showSeniorSupportStrategies.com when you need guidance navigating senior care or how to create your own Aging in Place strategy.
If you’re like most people, once you make it to Revelation 6, you decide your devotional time would probably be better spent elsewhere. After all, what are those seven seals about, anyway? And the “great tribulation”? Forget it. But as we’ll see in this message from Pastor J.D., Revelation 6–7 is essential to understanding the very culmination of biblical history, when people from all tribes, nations, and tongues will worship God together. It’s a beautiful vision, and it’s one that gives us confidence that the sacrifices we make for Jesus are well worth it.
Tell us if this has happened to you before: You decide that God is pushing you in a direction, you finally decide to step boldy into it, and things immediately go wrong. Does this mean it wasn't actually what God wanted? Well, maybe it means the enemy doesn't want what God wants.In Week 2 of our study of Nehemiah in "Comeback Stories," we take a deep dive into one of the signature pages of the devil's playbook: resistance. When you are headed towards what God wants for you, the enemy will do anything to stop you at step one. The good news is that God has already won that battle time after time, and Nehemiah's case is no different.
(4) Professor Richard Epstein describes the Trump administration's $1.776 billion "slush fund" as a fraudulent private agreement, noting that despite its likely illegality, legal standing requirements make it difficult for anyone to successfully challenge.1890
By Troy Phelps - Speaker: Troy Phelps Date: 5/30/26 In a culture quick to label relationships as "toxic" and walk away, this sermon asks a vital question: What does God expect us to do when relationships become difficult? By examining Scripture's teachings on forgiveness, reconciliation, honor, and healthy
We saved the best (or worst) for last. Battlefield Earth has a reputation for being one of the most god-awful movies ever made, and we have to admit, it's definitely a possibility. We talk about the things that others have probably talked about before, including the ridiculous Psychlo designs, the terrible plot, multitude of Dutch angles, and we also dive into Scientology a little bit (and how stupid it is, yes we mean that as an insult). We're also drinking Other Half Brewing x Junior's collaboration, the Strawberry Dream double dry-hopped IPA with oat cream and strawberries.Approximate timeline0:00-11:00 Intro11:00-18:00 Beer talk18:00-end Battlefield EarthThat does it for this year's Difficult Films, but we'll be back in a couple weeks with more standard coverage!
Addiction. Adultery. Can your marriage display God's covenant faithfulness even when your spouse is stuck in destructive sin patterns? Three wives say, “Yes! By God's grace, it can!”As our thanks for your gift of any amount this month:Called to Thrive: Finding Freedom, Fullness, & Fruitfulness in Christ.Drawing from Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth's biblical teaching, Called to Thrive takes you through three life-giving themes: freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness—each grounded in Scripture, each deeply practical.Give today
S6:E51 What if the biggest limitation in your business isn't your circumstances? What if it's the story you've accepted about what is possible? In this episode of Small Business Stories, Dr. LL sits down with Patrick Engasser, who is blind. He is an exceptional speaker, coach, and author whose life challenges conventional assumptions about adversity, resilience, and achievement. If people don't trust you, they won't buy from you. If people don't remember you, they won't refer you. If people misunderstand your capabilities, they may never fully see your value. Patrick shares how being born blind shaped his perspective, how coaching transformed his sales career, and why confidence is built through action rather than waiting until you feel ready.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with interdisciplinary artist and photographer Sujata Setia about storytelling, trauma, healing and the role photography can play in creating connection.Sujata's work explores social justice, gender-based violence, identity and lived experience. Originally from India, she moved to the UK in 2009 and began her photographic journey while navigating new motherhood and an uncertain future. What started as photographing her daughter soon became a way to process emotion, communicate and rebuild connection.Angela and Sujata discuss how photography became a bridge between mother and child, before exploring the evolution of Sujata's practice from family portraiture into deeply personal and socially engaged work. Sujata shares the emotional journey behind her award-winning project A Thousand Cuts, which won the Creative category at the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards.The conversation explores the responsibility of photographing sensitive subjects, the importance of working ethically with survivors and how visual beauty can encourage audiences to engage with difficult themes. Sujata also talks honestly about imposter syndrome, financial realities in the arts and the courage required to keep sharing meaningful work.Throughout the episode, Angela and Sujata reflect on vulnerability, storytelling and the belief that photography can help create understanding and change.This is an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about using creativity to confront silence, process pain and connect with others through art.TakeawaysPhotography can become a powerful tool for communication when words feel difficult.Personal experiences often shape the most meaningful creative work.Vulnerability and honesty can help build trust with subjects.Difficult stories deserve thoughtful, ethical and respectful representation.Creative careers often evolve in unexpected directions over time.Persistence and courage matter more than waiting to feel confident.Connect with SujataWebsiteInstagramLinkedInSupport the show
S6:E51 What if the biggest limitation in your business isn't your circumstances? What if it's the story you've accepted about what is possible? In this episode of Small Business Stories, Dr. LL sits down with Patrick Engasser, who is blind. He is an exceptional speaker, coach, and author whose life challenges conventional assumptions about adversity, resilience, and achievement. If people don't trust you, they won't buy from you. If people don't remember you, they won't refer you. If people misunderstand your capabilities, they may never fully see your value. Patrick shares how being born blind shaped his perspective, how coaching transformed his sales career, and why confidence is built through action rather than waiting until you feel ready.
Dave puts together an all-star team: his starting 11 for if there was an American team in a Chef World Bowl. Difficult decisions are made, lots of incredible and important American chefs are discussed, and a roster is created, which Dave almost immediately regrets. He also answers an Ask Dave about his appearances on cooking competition shows as a judge, and if he would join as a contestant. Dave also talks about his recent inaugural visit to a Whataburger, and what the trip made him wonder about regional fast food chains. He finishes with a Home Ec, discussing kitchen equipment, starting with the potato ricer. Barbs B Q: https://www.barbsbq.com/The Last Course cookbook: https://amzn.to/4uifm4PWhataburger: https://whataburger.com/ With Vrbo, what you book is what you get. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Stay informed on current events, visit www.NaturalNews.com - Preparing for the Age of Scarcity (0:11) - Off-Grid Living Essentials (3:04) - Water Scarcity and Solutions (5:12) - Energy Scarcity and Solutions (19:25) - Food Scarcity and Preparedness (45:03) - Financial Considerations and Gold and Silver (54:43) - Knowledge and Intelligence Scarcity (59:49) - Practical Demonstrations and Resources (1:04:43) - Final Thoughts and Call to Action (1:08:05) - Laundry Detergent Recipe and Benefits (1:10:31) - Diesel Shortages and Geopolitical Implications (1:17:48) - Impact of Diesel Shortages on Various Sectors (1:20:10) - Introduction to Decentralized TV and Energy Discussion (1:26:47) - Background on LENR and Its Advocacy (1:28:49) - Technical Details and Market Potential of LENR (1:37:24) - Potential Applications and Market Disruption (1:39:28) - Challenges and Opportunities in Commercializing LENR (2:21:25) - Future Prospects and Vision for LENR (2:21:38) - Discussion on Cold Fusion and Its Impact (2:21:52) - Global Implications and Depopulation Concerns (2:24:49) - Promotion of Cold Fusion Technology (2:26:04) - Decentralized Energy and Its Benefits (2:28:18) - Future of Energy and Financial Systems (2:32:23) - Practical Applications and Investment (2:39:57) Watch more independent videos at http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport ▶️ Support our mission by shopping at the Health Ranger Store - https://www.healthrangerstore.com ▶️ Check out exclusive deals and special offers at https://rangerdeals.com ▶️ Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html Watch more exclusive videos here:
This discussion evaluates whether the Cleveland Cavaliers should build around Evan Mobley or Donovan Mitchell following their postseason exit. The analysis covers Koby Altman's lofty expectations for Mobley and explores potential trades for stars like Jaylen Brown or Giannis Antetokounmpo. 01:40 - Mobley Or Mitchell Dilemma 06:26 - Mobley Organizational Expectations 11:50 - Giannis Trade Potential
Greetings.Difficult to believe we are nearing the end of the month of May. Time is flying. I trust all is well and hope you know of my gratitude for taking time for this week's reflection.God bless.Fr. Kennedy
221. Leading Through Difficult Performance Conversations In this episode of The Visibility Factor Podcast, Susan M. Barber shares real-world leadership scenarios she has been discussing with coaching clients as mid-year reviews approach. She breaks down how leaders can have more transparent, strategic, and growth-focused conversations with team members about promotion readiness, performance expectations, and development opportunities. Sue explains why time in role alone does not determine readiness for advancement and why consistency, demonstrated competencies, and visibility matter more than assumptions or tenure. She also discusses how leaders can support employees by clearly identifying gaps, creating development opportunities, and delivering honest feedback in a way that builds trust rather than discouragement. This episode is especially valuable for new leaders, people managers, and anyone navigating difficult performance conversations with their teams. Episode Highlights Why many employees mistakenly equate tenure with promotion readiness The importance of demonstrating competencies consistently How to remove subjectivity from performance conversations What leaders should do when previous managers created unrealistic expectations Ways to help employees gain visibility with senior leadership Why promoting someone too early can ultimately hurt their confidence and success How transparency strengthens trust and development Top of Form Bottom of Form Connect with Susan M. Barber If this episode resonated with you, share it with another leader navigating change inside their organization. You can also connect with Susan M. Barber for coaching, leadership development, speaking engagements, and visibility strategy work focused on helping leaders become more influential, trusted, and impactful inside organizations. https://susanmbarber.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbarbercoaching/
We are all responsible for making the church a family and a safe place. Pastor and author Mark Atteberry helps us by sharing his insights on troublemakers. Mark joins us again to define some of the 25 troublemakers—can you guess the #1 most dangerous troublemaker in the church? Join us to find out! Pastors and leaders, this will be so helpful for your ministry.
"If a child is being difficult, they're showing you their honest parts. They're showing you the parts of themselves that are struggling." In this episode, Heather explores the friction that comes from holding responsibility for yourself and others while learning to stop controlling what was never yours to carry in the first place. This conversation moves through grief, fear, honesty, emotional regulation, and the uncomfortable but necessary work of recognizing where your children are reflecting back the very things you avoid within yourself. She talks about what it means to truly hold space for another human being without making their experience about your own discomfort, why presence matters more than performance or fixing, and how the relationships we build with our children are shaped in the smallest moments of connection and honesty. If you've been navigating change, questioning old ways of parenting or leading, or realizing that your (and your child's) emotional reactions are asking something deeper of you, this episode is an invitation to soften control, tell yourself the truth, and become a steadier guide for both your children and yourself. What to listen for: ☑️ Pulling back the curtain and giving a tiny look into my content creation process ☑️ The reason why you carry a lot of responsibility is because that's what leaders do ☑️ If you were honest, what would you finally be willing to admit to yourself? "Your child isn't intentionally trying to be difficult. They are being honest. And here you are, not being honest and trying to push and control their behavior." ☑️ A lot of fear comes right before the breakthrough, but that doesn't mean it's wrong ☑️ Navigating the unexpected loss and grief that comes with family and life transitions ☑️ The relationship you build while your kids are home determines whether they return "As a parent, there's a time and a place where you have to just get to this neutral place around, that's not my shit to figure out. They are souls having a human experience, and I am just here to walk beside them." ☑️ Holding space for your children's journeys while also holding space for yourself ☑️ What you learn as you hold space for experiences you never expected to walk through ☑️ Your kids don't need you to find external solutions; they need you to be present "What if after a tantrum, instead of being so angry and resentful and unregulated, you gave them a kiss on the forehead, and you said, 'Thank you for being honest'?" ☑️ We don't read verbal communication because people lie verbally, not in their actions ☑️ You signed up for a lifetime of being a guide to another human, so show up for it ☑️ Your emotional discomfort is not your child's to carry; it's your work to do *** For those of you who are ready to stop feeling drained, overextended, and out of alignment… join me inside the Energetic Time Management Accelerator, a focused experience designed to help high-achieving women uncover what's draining them, clarify what truly matters, and create a simple plan that fits their life. We'll pinpoint your biggest time + energy leaks, identify the top areas to focus on for quick momentum, and map out exactly what to let go of so you can reclaim your energy, your time, and your joy. Ready to make your time work for you without adding more to your plate? Join the Energetic Time Management Accelerator: www.heatherchauvin.com/time Explore the top episodes listeners come back to when they're stuck, burned out, or standing at the edge of a big shift: www.heatherchauvin.com/10 Follow Heather on Instagram: www.instagram.com/heatherchauvin_
ESPN NBA Analyst Bobby Marks joins Afternoon Drive on The Fan. He talks about the Cavs options this offseason, potential moves that could be made, the risk associated with making a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and more.
The church can be incredible in its ability to love and care for one another. It can also be challenging when people are thoughtless, selfish, or vicious. As a pastor for 46 years, author Mark Atteberry pretty much saw it all. With a love for people, humor, and candor, he reveals the 25 troublemakers, starting with the least dangerous. Let's make sure we aren't on this list! Join this important conversation!
Change can be difficult or inspirational. We get to decide. Dr. Rick explores the nature of change and how to embrace it with joy.
Nicole C. Mullen joins Kirk Cameron to discuss how to make God-honoring decisions in the midst of difficult situations. She examines both Biblical and modern examples of this and shares more from her book, "It's Never Wrong to Do the Right Thing." Don't miss this insightful interview on Takeaways with Kirk Cameron on TBN! Missed the last episode? Listen in as Alena Franklin shares how God revealed His faithfulness during a time of overwhelming grief. WATCH Takeaways with Kirk Cameron episodes for free on TBN+! Each episode of Takeaways with Kirk Cameron features knowledgeable guests having a respectful and thoughtful conversation surrounding topics that are impacting our society every day. Kirk's hope is that you will walk away from this show with practical steps on how to better your family, your community, and your nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What did you think of this episode?As a writer, your story behind the story plays a huge role in reaching future readers. Get ready to hear today's story with Angela Mackey. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I'm so glad you're listening in. During this episode, we continue a new addition to Your Best Writing Life with The Story Behind the Stories series.My industry expert Angela Mackey encourages people to experience God through His Word so that everything–from ordinary days to hard seasons–is transformed by Jesus. She lives with her family in the Arkansas River Valley, cheering on her adult kids and delighting in the surprising ways God shows up daily.Tell us the Story Behind Difficult to Conceive: A Godly Perspective for the Road Ahead.This is a nonfiction book for women dealing with infertility. Biblically based, encouraging, and providing guideposts to help you with your journey through infertilityObviously, this book is based on your journey of infertility. What prompted you to take on the responsibility to write it?Share some of the Scriptures…and how they helped you to help others. Wrestling with God, how to ask questions, lament, and walk away changed and blessed, Genesis 32:24-32.How to determine God's direction for you and your spouse based on knowing what Godly wisdom looks like from James 3:17-18.Often, our thoughts whirl out of control and do not help us focus on God and trust Him. So, we would discuss the battle for our minds based on 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and Philippians 4:8-9When things do not go as we prayed, we may wonder if we just did not have enough faith. We would discuss the kind of little faith Jesus condemned and see that God honors even faith as small as a mustard seed. Multiple scriptures are used here.When things are particularly dark, the best thing for us to do is put on the garment of praise. So we will discuss what it takes to put on a garment of praise in the midst of darkness and how that will not change your circumstance often, but it does change your perspectiveThree tips for writers.Prayer is your most important tool to effectively communicate God's message.Next, start with God's word, not your idea. Instead of saying I want to write about how important positive thinking is so I will find some verses about that, ask what does God's Word say about thinking? Seek His Word…the ideas will be rooted in Him.Trust that the Holy Spirit in you will give you all you need to effectively communicate His message as you write, rewrite, edit, and do the work to write well.Listener giveaway… is a downloadable 9-day devotion that is attached to my enewsletter. It is based on Philippians 4:8. Available here: http://eepurl.com/h3NafzAs we wrap up – Online Infertility Support Group Called Circle of Hope sign up link: https://www.twelve12ministries.org/circleofhopeYou can find out more in our show notes below:Website:https://angelamackey.com/Podcast:https://life-as-worship.com/Book:https://a.co/d/06FDQT7nFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mackeyal/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rethinking_my_thinking/Visit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024".Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast
In this transformative teaching, Prophet Robin-Huws Barnes unpacks the powerful realities of Christ in me and I in Christ. Drawing from Scripture, he reveals that salvation is more than receiving Christ into our lives—it is also being brought into Christ Himself. This divine union changes our identity, our authority, our inheritance, and the way we approach every aspect of life. Through practical examples and biblical insight, believers are encouraged to live daily from the consciousness that Christ is their foundation, source, atmosphere, and reality. As we grow in the awareness of Christ within us and our position in Him, we begin to walk in victory, fruitfulness, wisdom, boldness, and supernatural possibilities.
This Dhamma talk was offered on May 24, 2026 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.
Host Andrea Samadi welcomes Dr. Anna Lembke to explain how pleasure and pain share the same neural circuitry and how dopamine governs motivation. The episode explores why overconsumption of easy rewards dulls motivation, creates withdrawal-like deficits, and shifts the brain toward pain. Through clear takeaways—delay borrowed rewards, try temporary abstinence, create friction for temptations, and practice purposeful effort—the episode shows how recalibrating the brain's reward system restores enjoyment in ordinary activities and builds sustainable motivation. Welcome back to Season 15 of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast. I'm Andrea Samadi, and on this podcast, we bridge the science behind social and emotional learning, emotional intelligence, and practical neuroscience so we can create measurable improvements in well-being, achievement, productivity, and results. Season 15 Orientation This season, we're exploring what I call: The Brain's Operating System for Human Performance. Instead of looking at neuroscience, health, learning, motivation, and emotional intelligence as separate topics, (like we did for the past 14 seasons) we're exploring how these systems come online in sequence. Each phase builds on the one before it: ✔ Phase 1 — Regulation & Safety Is the nervous system safe enough to learn? ✔ Phase 2 — Neurochemistry & Motivation What drives behavior, focus, and sustained effort? ✔ Phase 3 — Movement, Learning & Cognition ✔ Phase 4 — Perception, Emotion & Social Intelligence ✔ Phase 5 — Integration, Insight & Meaning By the end of this year my hope is that we can step back and ask: Where am I out of alignment? Is it regulation? Is it my thinking? Is it my focus? Or Belief? Is it how I'm learning or connecting with others? Or do I need some work with integration, insight and meaning? Because once we can see our gap… We can begin to close it. “The goal is not more effort—it's better alignment.” “And when these systems are aligned… Effort feels easier Learning becomes faster And results become more consistent Because peak performance is not about doing more. It's about aligning the systems that drive our results. Recap Where We've Been In EP 392[i], we introduced the Motivation Loop and explored how the brain decides what is worth doing. In EP 393[ii], we looked at how our beliefs trigger neurochemistry that drives action, feedback, and repetition. In EP 394[iii] we looked at how our thought patterns impact our neurochemistry and results with Dr. Caroline Leaf. Then in EP 395[iv], reviewing Dr. John Medina's work on Theory of Mind, we explored something equally important: The brain pays attention to what it believes matters. Dr. Medina showed us that attention and reward are deeply connected. When the brain predicts something will be valuable, relevant, or meaningful, attention increases. And when attention and reward align: ✔ Learning improves ✔ Memory strengthens ✔ Motivation increases ✔ Behaviors become repeatable But that leaves us with an important question: What creates that sense of reward in the first place? What makes the brain continue pursuing something? What makes us stay motivated and what makes us lose interest? And why can effort sometimes feel rewarding—and other times feel exhausting? Today's Episode To answer those questions, we're turning to Dr. Anna Lembke, author of the book: Dopamine Nation who we first met September 2021 on EP 162.[v] Her work helps to explain the neurochemical engine underneath the Motivation Loop that we've been covering. While John Medina helped us understand how attention and reward influence learning, Dr. Lembke helps us understand: ✔ Why the brain seeks reward ✔ How dopamine drives motivation ✔ Why pleasure and pain operate on the same neural system ✔ And what happens when the balance gets disrupted Because the real goal isn't simply just feeling good. The goal is understanding how the brain learns to associate effort with reward. And when that happens, something powerful occurs: Effort itself becomes rewarding. That's where sustainable motivation begins. EP 393 — Motivation Loop ↓ EP 394 — Belief triggers neurochemistry ↓ EP 395 — Theory of Mind: Attention + Reward determine what matters ↓ EP 396 — Dopamine Nation: Why the brain seeks reward and how effort becomes rewarding It keeps the loop intact and shows listeners that Medina answered "What gets our attention?" while Lembke answers "Why does the brain keep pursuing it?". CLIP 1: The Neuroscience of Pleasure and Pain Based on Dr. Anna Lembke's Dopamine Nation CLIP SUMMARY Let's see what Dr. Anna Lembke has to say about the neuroscience of pleasure and pain. In this clip, Dr. Lembke explains one of the most important concepts in modern neuroscience: Pleasure and pain are processed in the same brain system and work like opposite sides of a balance. Whenever we experience something pleasurable—whether it's social media, sugar, shopping, gaming, alcohol, or even achievement—the brain's balance tips toward pleasure. But the brain is always seeking equilibrium. To restore balance, it responds by tipping the scale in the opposite direction, creating a corresponding feeling of discomfort, craving, dissatisfaction, or pain. The more often we seek quick pleasure, the harder the brain works to compensate. Over time, this can leave us in what Lembke calls a "dopamine deficit state" where we need more stimulation just to feel normal. The surprising solution? Activities that require effort and involve manageable discomfort—exercise, cold exposure, fasting, learning difficult skills, and meaningful human connection—can help restore balance and rebuild motivation. KEY TAKEAWAYS & HOW TO PUT THEM INTO ACTION 1. The Brain Is Always Seeking Balance IMAGE CREDIT: Dr. Anna Lembke Dopamine Nation. Dr. Lembke explains that pleasure and pain are not separate systems. They operate like opposite sides of a seesaw. When we repeatedly tip the brain toward pleasure, (you can see an image in the show notes with some examples like with eating chocolate, shopping or using social media) the brain compensates by tipping toward pain to restore balance. Brain Rule: Every pleasure has a neurobiological cost. Put This Into Action Ask yourself: Where am I getting large rewards with very little effort? Examples might include: ✔ Social media ✔ Sugar ✔ Constant news consumption ✔ Streaming ✔ Or Online shopping The goal isn't to eliminate pleasure. The goal is just with our awareness. Because what we measure, we can begin to manage. 2. Overconsumption Changes the Brain What feels exciting today becomes normal tomorrow. The brain adapts to repeated dopamine spikes through a process called neuroadaptation. Over time: ✔ Rewards feel weaker ✔ Cravings increase ✔ Motivation decreases ✔ More stimulation is needed to create the same feeling Put This Into Action Choose one highly stimulating habit and observe it for a week. Notice: ✔ How often you engage in it ✔ What triggers it ✔ How you feel afterward Simply collecting data can reveal patterns you didn't realize existed. 3. Not All Dopamine Is Created Equal: Borrowed vs. Earned Dopamine (we have covered this topic previously). Dr. Lembke's pleasure-pain balance helps explain an important distinction: Borrowed Dopamine Borrowed dopamine comes before effort. Examples include: ✔ Scrolling social media ✔ Energy drinks before a workout ✔ Sugar when stressed ✔ Online shopping ✔ Gaming ✔ Endless entertainment These rewards feel good immediately. But because they require little effort, they often weaken motivation over time. The brain begins expecting reward before work. Earned Dopamine Earned dopamine comes after effort. Examples include: ✔ Finishing a difficult workout ✔ Completing a challenging project ✔ Climbing to the summit of a hike ✔ Finishing a podcast episode (for me) ✔ Learning a new skill ✔ Solving a difficult problem These rewards feel different. The brain learns: Effort leads to reward. And over time: Effort itself becomes rewarding. This strengthens the Motivation Loop. Put This Into Action Ask yourself: Where am I borrowing dopamine? And where am I earning it? For the next week, look for opportunities to delay rewards until after effort. Examples: Instead of: Reward → Effort Try: Effort → Reward Instead of checking your phone before starting work... Complete one task first. Instead of rewarding yourself before your workout... Reward yourself after the workout. Instead of seeking immediate comfort... Lean into a small challenge. Each time you do this, you're teaching your brain: "Reward follows effort." And that's how motivation becomes sustainable. 4. Temporary Abstinence Reveals the Truth One of Dr. Lembke's most powerful strategies is taking a break from a highly rewarding behavior. When we step away from constant stimulation, the brain's reward system has an opportunity to recalibrate. Only then can we see whether a behavior is serving us—or controlling us. Put This Into Action Consider a short experiment. Choose one behavior that may be overstimulating your reward system and reduce or eliminate it temporarily. Notice: ✔ Energy ✔ Focus ✔ Motivation ✔ Mood ✔ Cravings The goal isn't punishment. The goal is information. 5. Lasting Change Requires Systems, Not Willpower Many people believe success comes from discipline alone. Dr. Lembke argues that creating the right environment is often more powerful. Instead of relying on willpower every day, create barriers that make unwanted behaviors harder to access. Put This Into Action Ask yourself: How can I create more friction between myself and temptation? Examples include: ✔ Turning off notifications ✔ Keeping unhealthy foods out of sight ✔ Scheduling device-free time Small environmental changes often produce large behavioral results. CLIP 2 How Chronic Overstimulation Creates a Dopamine Deficit State When The Motivation Loops Breaks In this clip, Dr. Anna Lembke explains why many people struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, low motivation, or emotional distress may actually be experiencing the consequences of chronic overstimulation. Her first recommendation is often surprisingly simple: Remove the "drug of choice" for a period of time. The "drug" isn't necessarily alcohol or drugs. It can be social media, gaming, shopping, sugar, constant entertainment, or any behavior that repeatedly floods the brain's reward pathways. Lembke explains that people often feel worse before they feel better because the brain has adapted to high levels of dopamine stimulation. When the stimulation is removed, the brain temporarily experiences withdrawal-like symptoms as it works to restore balance. Over time, however, the brain's pleasure-pain system recalibrates, allowing people to experience pleasure from ordinary, everyday rewards again. Her larger message is: We live in a society with unprecedented access to pleasure, and many of us have unintentionally shifted our pleasure-pain balance toward pain. The solution is not necessarily more pleasure. The solution is restoring balance. How Chronic Overstimulation Creates a Dopamine Deficit State KEY TAKEAWAYS & HOW TO PUT THEM INTO ACTION 1. Feeling Worse Can Be a Sign of Healing One of the biggest misconceptions about behavior change is that improvement should feel good immediately. The brain doesn't work that way. When a highly stimulating behavior is removed: ✔ Cravings increase ✔ Discomfort rises ✔ Mood may temporarily decline This is often the brain recalibrating rather than failing. Put This Into Action When reducing an overstimulating habit, don't judge success by how you feel in the first few days. Instead ask: "Could this discomfort be evidence that my brain is adjusting?" Sometimes the discomfort isn't a sign you're moving backward. It's a sign you're recovering. 2. The Brain Adapts to Excess Dopamine The brain is remarkably efficient. When exposed to constant stimulation, it reduces its sensitivity to reward. What once felt exciting becomes normal. What once felt normal may eventually feel boring. This is why people often need more stimulation to achieve the same feeling. Put This Into Action Identify your "drug of choice." Ask yourself: What do I consistently turn to when I'm stressed, bored, anxious, or uncomfortable? Examples: ✔ Social media ✔ Sugar ✔ Streaming ✔ Shopping ✔ Gaming ✔ Constant notifications Awareness creates choice. 3. Modern Life Makes Overstimulation Easy This is one of the central themes of Dopamine Nation. For most of human history, pleasure was scarce. Today: ✔ Entertainment is unlimited ✔ Food is always available ✔ Social media never stops ✔ Information is endless The challenge is no longer finding pleasure. The challenge is regulating access to it. Put This Into Action Look for places where you can create friction between yourself and temptation. Examples: ✔ Turn off notifications ✔ Keep unhealthy foods out of sight ✔ Schedule screen-free time ✔ Create boundaries around technology use Small barriers often create significant behavioral change. 4. Sustainable Motivation Lives Near Baseline The goal isn't to feel intensely excited all the time. The goal is to restore the ability to enjoy ordinary rewards. IMAGE CREDIT: Dr. Anna Lembke Dopamine Nation Put This Into Action Reconnect with activities that once felt naturally rewarding. Ask yourself: What activities did I enjoy before constant digital stimulation? Examples: ✔ Reading ✔ Walking ✔ Meaningful conversation ✔ Learning something new ✔ Creative work As the reward system recalibrates, many people discover these activities become enjoyable again (if the pleasure for them had disappeared). 5. Doing Hard Things Strengthens the Brain One of the most exciting findings in neuroscience involves the Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex (AMCC), sometimes called the "Do Hard Things" circuit. This region appears to strengthen when we voluntarily engage in difficult activities. Examples: ✔ Exercise ✔ Learning challenging skills ✔ Delayed gratification ✔ Difficult conversations ✔ Endurance challenges The brain learns: "I can handle discomfort." Put This Into Action Ask yourself each morning: What's one hard thing I can do today on purpose? Because we've learned that doing hard things is valuable. Every time you choose effort over comfort, you're strengthening the circuits that support resilience, persistence, and long-term motivation. REVIEW & CONCLUSION To review and conclude this week's EP 396, Clip 1 taught us that pleasure and pain share the same neural circuitry. Clip 2 teaches us what happens when that balance is disrupted. The lesson isn't that pleasure is bad. The lesson is that when pleasure becomes too easy and too abundant, the brain stops valuing effort. But when we reduce overstimulation, embrace manageable discomfort, and begin earning our dopamine instead of borrowing it, something remarkable happens: Motivation returns. Effort feels worthwhile. And the Motivation Loop begins working the way it was designed to work. As we close today's episode, let's return to our Phase 2 roadmap. If you're looking at this graphic, you'll notice that Dr. Anna Lembke sits right in the center. And that's intentional. Because everything we've covered so far in Phase 2 flows through this central motivation system. We began with Bob Proctor and the power of belief. Belief creates expectation. Expectation shapes what we think is possible. Then Dr. Caroline Leaf showed us how our thoughts influence our neurochemistry. The thoughts we repeatedly think shape the chemical signals that influence our behavior and performance. Last week, Dr. John Medina helped us understand attention and reward. The brain pays attention to what it believes matters. And what gets rewarded gets repeated. Today, Dr. Anna Lembke helped us understand the missing piece. She showed us that dopamine is not simply about pleasure. It's about motivation. It's about anticipation. It's about pursuit. And ultimately, it's about what the brain decides is worth the effort. When dopamine becomes disconnected from effort through constant stimulation and easy rewards, the Motivation Loop begins to break. But when reward becomes connected to effort, challenge, growth, and progress, the loop strengthens. And that's where sustainable motivation begins. THE "DO HARD THINGS" CONNECTION One final insight from today's episode. Dr. Lembke's work helps explain why doing hard things matters so much. Every time we choose effort over immediate gratification... Every time we choose growth over comfort... Every time we voluntarily do something difficult... We strengthen the brain circuits that support persistence, resilience, and long-term motivation. The brain begins learning: Effort is worth it. And eventually: Effort becomes rewarding. That's when motivation becomes self-sustaining. Not because the work gets easier. But because the brain learns that the effort itself has value. Dr. Anna Lembke isn't just another stop in the loop—she's the core motivation system that sits in the center of everything. But there's 2 more pieces still to cover in the Motivation Loop we haven't explored yet. We've learned that belief shapes expectation. Thoughts shape neurochemistry. Attention and reward determine what matters. And dopamine helps the brain decide what is worth pursuing. But once we're motivated... How do we turn that motivation into action? That's where we'll turn next. Next Week: Dr. Chuck Hillman Movement, Motivation, and Brain Activation We'll explore: ✔ How exercise activates the brain ✔ Why movement improves attention and learning ✔ The connection between physical activity and motivation ✔ How movement strengthens cognitive performance ✔ Why action often comes before motivation ✔ And how movement helps keep the Motivation Loop moving forward Because in Phase 2, we're not just asking: What makes effort feel worth it? We're also asking: What helps us take action once motivation is present? And Dr. Chuck Hillman's research shows that movement may be one of the most powerful ways to activate the brain for learning, performance, and sustained effort. Until next time, I'm Andrea Samadi, reminding you that when we understand how the brain works, we can align our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and actions to create measurable improvements in well-being, achievement, productivity, and results. Thanks for listening, and I'll see you next week. RESOURCES: Full Interview with Dr. Lembke from Sept 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pu82wZRZwo CLIP 1: The Neuroscience of Pleasure and Pain CLIP 2 How Chronic Overstimulation Creates a Dopamine Deficit State REFERENCES: [i] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 392 https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/belief-first-the-neuroscience-of-motivation/ [ii]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 393 https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/belief-first-the-neuroscience-of-motivation/ [iii]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 394 https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/thoughts-as-biology-how-your-mind-shapes-neurochemistry/ [iv] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 395 https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/theory-of-mind-the-missing-link-between-attention-reward-and-motivation/ [v]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 162 https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/medical-director-of-addictive-medicine-at-stanford-university-dr-anna-lembke-on-dopamine-nation-finding-balance-in-the-age-of-indulgence/
Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Host: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin) and Co-Host: (ronthe3manweav)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676
Tom Green takes a proverbial dump on culture with Freddy Got Fingered, an almost meta-textual take on giving an idiot a lot of money to fuel his creative desires. In this film you'll find Green donning a dead deer, playing music with sausages, and caning a disabled woman's legs; you'll also see some intentionally dumb-smart humor on display. Here we disagree with the Razzy nomination and the misunderstood belief that this is a "bad" movie. We're also drinking Keystone Light's new Apple beer!Approximate timeline0:00-8:00 Intro8:00-15:00 Beer talk15:00-end Freddy Got FingeredWe've got one final film in this edition of Difficult Films next week!
Legendary coach John Wooden shares his timeless philosophy on success, hard work, and reaching your full potential. In this inspiring message, he explains why true success is about peace of mind, self-satisfaction, and becoming your best — not comparing yourself to others. This episode will challenge you to pursue excellence with enthusiasm, discipline, and purpose.Source: John Wooden: The Pyramid Of SuccessHosted by Sean CroxtonFollow me on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of 5 Minutes of Peace, we are guided through a gentle reflection on navigating difficult conversations with greater presence and compassion.Rather than avoiding or bracing against these moments, this practice invites us to slow down, breathe, and soften our inner response. Through mindful awareness, we begin to notice the emotions that arise — tension, fear, defensiveness — and create space to meet them with calm instead of reaction.This episode reminds us that difficult conversations are not just challenges to get through, but opportunities to listen more deeply, speak more truthfully, and remain grounded in our own center.With a focus on breath, body awareness, and intention, we are encouraged to approach these interactions with clarity, kindness, and self-trust.Key Takeaways• Pause — a breath can shift the entire tone of a conversation• Stay connected to your body — grounding helps you remain present• You don't need to control the outcome — focus on how you show up• Compassion changes everything — for yourself and the other person• Difficult conversations can deepen connection when approached with awarenessMemorable Reflection“You can meet this moment with calm… and let your presence lead the conversation.”The next time a difficult conversation arises,pause…breathe…and remember —You can choose presence over reaction,and compassion over control.
Lily and Sebastian McGrath's 2 1/2 year old son Bryson was first thought to have a Wilms Tumor before his Pediatric Cancer diagnosis was changed to Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in the early days of 2023. Lily and Sebastian had to put up with a number of more than questionable medical decisions during Bryson's fight and also had to endure the final days of Bryson's life who while in Hospice Care, was promised 24 hour round the clock availability should they be needed and when they were needed the most, they were nowhere to be found. Lily also had to watch after Bryson passed away while one of the Hospice nurses attempted to rip off all of Bryson's dressings, instead of treating her son with the kid gloves that he more than deserved.
In the final hour, Laurence Holmes and Russ Dorsey discussed Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong's struggles at the plate to start this season. After that, they listened and reacted to the highlights of Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer's interview on the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show.
Romans 8:33-35 offers powerful reassurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of God through Jesus Christ. In this devotional, Vivian Bricker reflects on how struggles, suffering, illness, anxiety, and difficult seasons can sometimes make Christians question God’s love and presence. Yet Romans 8 reminds believers that God’s love is not dependent on circumstances. Even in hardship, Jesus is interceding for His people, and no trial, fear, or challenge can remove them from His care. This devotional encourages Christians to remain grounded in Scripture and to continually return to God’s Word for truth and hope. While life in a fallen world includes pain and suffering, believers can trust that God has not abandoned them. His love remains constant through every battle, and His promises provide strength, comfort, and peace in seasons of uncertainty and struggle. Highlights Romans 8 declares that nothing can separate believers from God’s love. Jesus Christ continually intercedes for His people. Difficult seasons do not mean God has abandoned us. Suffering and hardship are part of living in a fallen world. Daily time in Scripture strengthens faith and renews perspective. God’s love remains constant through illness, anxiety, and hardship. Believers can find hope and security in God’s unchanging promises. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Nothing Can Separate Us from GodBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:33-35). Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible because it speaks to God’s love for us. Whenever I'm struggling to know my worth, I turn to Romans 8, and it helps me feel more optimistic. There is power in the Word of God, and it can change our entire lives. However, these changes will not occur unless we read the Bible every day. This is why it is important for us to spend time in the Word daily. It is not enough to only listen to the Bible on Sunday mornings. Having a relationship with Jesus means we study the Bible each day, talk with Him in prayer, and apply His teachings in our lives. By doing these things, Christ will disciple us, and we will grow in our relationship with Him. Over the past year, I have often wondered whether God truly loves me. I see everyone else living joyful lives while I am struggling every day. My brain reasons that if God did love and care about me, I would be in a better situation than I am right now. I wouldn't have numerous medical health issues, mental health struggles, financial issues, or constant worries about the future. Once I sat down and surrendered everything to the Lord, I was led once again back to Romans 8. This chapter brought me back to a true understanding of God and who He is, rather than what my brain had created Him to be. God is not picking on me, nor is He causing these terrible things to happen. Instead, all the issues I'm having are just part of living in a fallen world. Rather than believing the lie that life will always be full of pain, grief, and sorrow, God has helped me to see that better things are coming. Even if these things don't happen overnight, they will come in the future. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:33-35). Paul tells us plainly in this passage that God is the One who justifies, and nobody can condemn us because we belong to Him. Jesus died for us to live, and He is constantly interceding for us. Nothing in all creation or any trouble can separate us from the love of Christ. Paul mentions that hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword will not separate us from the love of Christ. This tells us that our present season of suffering does not separate us from the love of Christ. Our physical illnesses, mental illnesses, and life challenges are nothing compared to the love of God. God knows these struggles exist in this world, but He will never leave us to face them alone. We are always on God’s mind, and He is always surrounding us with His love, care, and protection. Try to start noticing the little ways His love is shining through in your life. Have you ever felt your troubles have separated you from God? Why did you think this? How does it feel to know that nothing can separate us from the love of God? What are some ways you remind yourself of God’s love when times are hard? Further Reading: Romans 8:36-39 Psalm 23:1-6 Psalm 86:15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Don't miss out on your RACE-approved CE—completely free. Strengthen your veterinary dentistry skills with practical, case-based training you can apply immediately in practice. https://ivdi.org/free --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This week's episode tackles some of the most challenging and frequently misunderstood topics in veterinary dental extractions. Dr. Brett Beckman answers clinician-submitted questions from recent online trainings, focusing heavily on mandibular canine extractions, retained root tips, extraction instrumentation, mouth gag safety, and local anesthesia protocols in veterinary dentistry. The episode also explores when retained root tips should be monitored rather than surgically removed, how vet tomes can significantly improve extraction efficiency, and practical considerations for loupe selection and safer oral surgery workflows in general practice. What You'll Learn in This Episode
On today's edition of ZASLOW SHOW 2.0, Zaslow was faced with a very difficult task of being able to balance watching both the hockey and basketball, all during Tablet Time. Plus, Zaslow explains the most impressive part of Victor Wembanyama's Game 1 performance. Also, a huge return to Monday Night RAW by Brock Lesnar. And, Jaylen Brown continues to get crushed by the media and former Celtics. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine "ZASLOW SHOW 2.0" is presented by Anidjar & Levine, Accident Attorneys. Call 800-747-FREE (3733) and get the money you deserve. Sawgrass Infiniti - Florida's #1 Volume Infiniti Dealer. Financing as low as 0% APR Available. $0 Down Payment Required. 400 New Infiniti models in stock at all times. Where the Commercial Ends and the Savings Begin. Conveniently located off the Sawgrass & Commercial Blvd. Signature Real Estate Whether you're buying your dream home, selling your property, or looking to join the best in the business, contact Matthew H. Maschler at 561-208-3334 or Matt@RealEstateFinder.com Johnny Cuba Official beer of ZASLOW SHOW 2.0 - European Roots with a Caribbean Soul #StayTranquilo Brunt Insurance Official insurance agency of ZASLOW SHOW 2.0. Wherever you're located in Florida, from Pensacola to The Keys and beyond, Brunt Insurance delivers you comprehensive insurance tailored exactly to your needs. Home, auto, boat, life insurance, call 954-589-2204. Legacy Lab If something were to happen to you today, would your loved ones know what to do? Legacy Lab helps people organize their end-of-life and incapacity info in one convenient, secure location. Download the app today for peace of mind for you, your family and loved ones. If your business targets 25-54 year old Men, let's advertise on ZASLOW SHOW 2.0!! Email jonathanzaslow@gmail.com and join the growing list of partners!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On today's edition of ZASLOW SHOW 2.0, Zaslow was faced with a very difficult task of being able to balance watching both the hockey and basketball, all during Tablet Time. Plus, Zaslow explains the most impressive part of Victor Wembanyama's Game 1 performance. Also, a huge return to Monday Night RAW by Brock Lesnar. And, Jaylen Brown continues to get crushed by the media and former Celtics. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine "ZASLOW SHOW 2.0" is presented by Anidjar & Levine, Accident Attorneys. Call 800-747-FREE (3733) and get the money you deserve. Sawgrass Infiniti - Florida's #1 Volume Infiniti Dealer. Financing as low as 0% APR Available. $0 Down Payment Required. 400 New Infiniti models in stock at all times. Where the Commercial Ends and the Savings Begin. Conveniently located off the Sawgrass & Commercial Blvd. Signature Real Estate Whether you're buying your dream home, selling your property, or looking to join the best in the business, contact Matthew H. Maschler at 561-208-3334 or Matt@RealEstateFinder.com Johnny Cuba Official beer of ZASLOW SHOW 2.0 - European Roots with a Caribbean Soul #StayTranquilo Brunt Insurance Official insurance agency of ZASLOW SHOW 2.0. Wherever you're located in Florida, from Pensacola to The Keys and beyond, Brunt Insurance delivers you comprehensive insurance tailored exactly to your needs. Home, auto, boat, life insurance, call 954-589-2204. Legacy Lab If something were to happen to you today, would your loved ones know what to do? Legacy Lab helps people organize their end-of-life and incapacity info in one convenient, secure location. Download the app today for peace of mind for you, your family and loved ones. If your business targets 25-54 year old Men, let's advertise on ZASLOW SHOW 2.0!! Email jonathanzaslow@gmail.com and join the growing list of partners!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to Day 2864 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2864 – “The Love and Grace of Jesus” based on Luke 7:36-50 Putnam Church Message – 04/19/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “The Love and Grace of Jesus.” Last week's message was: “In Defense of a Doubter,” and we learned that “There is room near Christ for a doubter who still wants the truth.” Today, we continue with our nineteenth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “The Love and Grace of Jesus.” We will explore how Jesus's Love and Grace extend to those others reject. Our core passage today is Luke 7:36-50, which is found on page 1604 of your pew Bibles. Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which is living, true, and full of grace. Thank You for sending Jesus, who does not turn away the broken, the ashamed, the doubting, or the weary. As we open this passage today, open our hearts as well. Let us see ourselves honestly, see Jesus clearly, and receive Your mercy gladly. Break down our pride, soften our judgment, and teach us again what real love and real grace look like. May Your Holy Spirit speak to each person here in a personal way. And may we leave this place forgiven, changed, and filled with peace. In Jesus' name, amen. As we continue in this nineteenth message in our journey through Luke's Gospel, we come to one of the most tender, powerful, and unforgettable scenes in the ministry of Jesus. Luke has already been showing us who Jesus is. He is the One with authority to teach. He is the One with power to heal. He is the One who speaks hope into impossible situations. He is the One who raises the widow's son. He is the One who reassures the doubter. And now here in Luke 7:36–50, He is the One who receives the sinner. This is not just a story about a woman with a bad reputation. This is not just a story about a Pharisee with a hard heart. This is a story about the love and grace of Jesus. And if we are honest this morning, every one of us needs this story. Because some of us know what it is to feel like that woman—ashamed, wounded, carrying a past we wish we could erase. And some of us, if we are really honest, know what it is to sound a little too much like Simon—composed on the outside, religious on the surface, but cold in the heart. This story meets both kinds of people. It confronts the proud, and it comforts the broken. It exposes false religion, and it magnifies the beauty of grace. So let us walk into Simon's house and watch what happens when love and grace sit at the same table. A Simple Object Lesson Here are two jars, one beautifully polished and sealed on the outside, and the other cracked open and spilling perfume. Most of us would naturally be drawn first to the neat one. It looks respectable. It looks controlled. It looks presentable. But the truth is, the sealed jar may hold nothing that blesses anyone. The broken jar, however, fills the whole room with fragrance. That is our story in today's message. Simon looks polished. The woman looks broken. But Simon offers Jesus almost nothing. The woman pours out everything. Sometimes the people who look the most put together are the least aware of their need for grace, while the people who know they are broken become the very ones through whom the beauty of Christ fills the room. That brings us to our first of four truths or points in our message today. In your bulletin insert on the side, it says The Love and Grace of Jesus. Main Point 1: Jesus welcomes the people; / religion pushes people away. Luke tells us that a Pharisee named Simon invited Jesus to his home for dinner. Jesus accepted the invitation. Even that is grace. Jesus was willing to go into the home of a man who did not really understand Him and may not even have honored Him properly. Then suddenly, into that carefully managed dinner walks a woman the text calls “a sinful woman.” That phrase tells us everything about how the town saw her. She had a label. She had a reputation. She had a history. People did not say her name first; they said her shame first. And yet she comes. She comes into a place where she is unwelcome. She comes into a room where eyes will judge her. She comes near Jesus with tears, perfume, humility, and love. Now, in that first-century setting, this would have been a shocking scene. Meals among the wealthy would sometimes take place in semi-open courtyards, where others might observe from the edges. But this woman does not stand at the edge. She moves toward Jesus. / She falls at His feet. She wets His feet with tears. / She uncovers and lets down her hair. / She wipes his feet with her hair. / She kisses them. / She anoints them with perfume. Imagine this picture – in polite society, it would have been scandalous. What a picture. / The Pharisees saw contamination. / Jesus saw a heart. The religious world saw a problem to manage. / Jesus saw a soul to restore. This is the pattern we have seen throughout Luke. Jesus speaks to fishermen, touches lepers, heals servants, raises the dead, encourages doubters, and now receives a woman with a ruined reputation. Again and again, Luke shows us that Jesus moves toward the very people others avoid. This reminds us of the woman at the well in John 4. Society had pushed her to the margins, but Jesus met her there and offered living water. It reminds us of the woman caught in sin in John 8, when others reached for stones, but Jesus reached for redemption. It reminds us of Matthew 9, when Jesus sat at the table with tax collectors and sinners and said, “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners” (NLT). Now let's bring that into our day. As hard as we might try otherwise, we still label people, do we not? Divorced. Addicted. Difficult. Political. Unstable. Rich. Poor. Tattooed. Lazy. Obese. Uneducated. Too far gone. We may think they are not our kind of people. We may
Have you ever felt torn between staying loyal to a political party and voting for what actually aligns with your values?This episode dives into the growing frustration many people feel with today's political climate and the importance of becoming a critical thinker instead of blindly following party lines. Through an honest and unfiltered conversation, this discussion explores polarization, leadership, civic responsibility, and what it means to vote with discernment during a time when so many people feel disconnected from the systems meant to serve them.Tune in to this new episode of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, as Jackie and Maricela sit down for a passionate live conversation about politics, voting, and the future of Los Angeles and California. Together, they unpack the emotional exhaustion surrounding modern politics, discuss how identity politics and social media have changed public discourse, and share their thoughts on current leadership, the California governor race, and the LA mayoral race. This episode is ultimately a call for listeners to think critically, stay informed, and participate in the democratic process instead of voting out of habit or fear.Key Takeaways:✨ Critical thinking matters more than party loyalty✨ Difficult conversations are necessary for growth✨ Voting impacts everyday life and local communities✨ Leadership requires accountability and innovation✨ Identity politics can limit honest dialogue✨ Your voice and vote both matterConnect with Marisela Arechiga:InstagramNew Generation Home Improvements WebsiteNew Generation Home Improvements InstagramLet's Connect!WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInJackie Tapia Arbonne websiteBuy The Amiga Way's Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What's on your mind? Let CX Passport know...What does your team actually mean when they say "world class"? Melissa Bardsley has spent her career across banking, manufacturing, and SaaS ... and she keeps arriving at the same answer. Communication isn't a soft skill. It's the infrastructure.What you'll learn in this episode:Why transactional and SaaS support require completely different hiring profilesHow one interview question about a chicken coop reveals more than a resume ever willWhy leaders avoid difficult conversations ... and what it costs when they doHow average handle time can turn your support team into clock watchersWhy a fresh set of eyes on a broken process is one of the most underrated leadership toolsCHAPTERS00:00 Support across banking, manufacturing, and SaaS02:01 Transactional vs. complex support environments04:41 Hiring for curiosity and learning agility07:42 Rebuilding confidence after hiring mistakes09:02 Difficult conversations and why timeliness matters10:40 Defining "world class" so your whole team means the same thing12:59 Common language as the North Star for metrics and culture15:18 First Class Lounge19:32 Metrics as weapons vs. metrics as coaching tools22:54 Starting with data when you walk into a broken situation24:34 Low-hanging fruit and the power of a fresh set of eyes25:47 Navigating sacred processes that need to changeMelissa Bardsley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabardsleync/Listen: https://www.cxpassport.comWatch: https://www.youtube.com/@cxpassportNewsletter: https://cxpassport.kit.com/signupI'm Rick Denton and I believe the best meals are served outside and require a passport.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).
The most exceptional people on any team often come with the most friction. In this episode Darren Hardy names the pattern he's observed across thousands of top CEOs and leaders: the traits that make someone extraordinary tend to be the same traits that make them impossible to manage. The question isn't whether to tolerate that tension, it's how to channel it. He breaks down the paradox of the 'Difficult Genius' and reveals the strategies for harnessing that brilliance without wrecking your team; whether you lead one, work for one, or are one. Get more personal mentoring from Darren each day. Go to DarrenDaily at http://darrendaily.com/join to learn more.
Are you considering a non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty, or do you want to understand what it takes to completely rebuild the central feature of the human face? In this very special episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with her very first overseas guest from the UK, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anil Joshi. Dr. Joshi details the intense clinical complexities behind nasal reconstruction caused by severe trauma, skin cancer, or extensive cocaine abuse. He explains the three-dimensional architecture of the nose and why it represents the highest stakes in facial plastic surgery. We also dive into an urgent safety warning regarding liquid rhinoplasty (nasal fillers)—explaining how a single incorrect injection can accidentally hit an artery, leading to immediate tissue necrosis, severe nose destruction, or even permanent blindness. Social Media Accounts
Adam helps a deal with a difficult challenge by framing temporarily difficult things as a gateway to a much better future possibility. Adam uses a metaphor of a stream and the theory of the region beta paradox, the idea that sometimes it takes something to get worse in order for it to lead somewhere better.
Sit with me for a few minutes as we go over how to begin to accept hard things in life, and shift our energy from the inside out.All the good stuff:Meditation School: https://www.meditationschool.us The 7 Energies of the Soul Book: https://amzn.to/3mAByGN
Brandon Steele | 05.17.26 | ethoschurch.org
VERONIQUE DERUGY Successful private sector figures joining the Trump administration struggle with the rigid rules of government, finding it far more difficult to cut spending or fire employees than in the private sector. (14/16)1929 HOOVER INAUGURATION PARADE
Dr. Reed Lessing of Concordia University – St. Paul, MN Wrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages The Concordia Commentary on Lamentations The Concordia Commentary on Zechariah The Concordia Commentary on Isaiah 40-55 The Concordia Commentary on Isaiah 56-66 The Concordia Commentary on JonahThe post Difficult Old Testament Passages, Part 7 – Dr. Reed Lessing, 5/14/26 (1343) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Dr. Andrew Steinmann of Concordia University – Chicago Wrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages The Concordia Commentary on Daniel The Concordia Commentary on 1 Samuel The Concordia Commentary on 2 Samuel Prepare the Way of the Lord From Abraham to Paul: A Biblical Chronology Concordia Commentary: Ezra & Nehemiah Concordia Commentary: ProverbsThe post Difficult Old Testament Passages, Part 6 – Dr. Andrew Steinmann, 5/14/26 (1342) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
In this episode, I put five of Jesus' hardest sayings under the investigative spotlight. As a cold-case homicide detective, I've spent my career testing witness statements, examining context, and following the evidence wherever it leads. In this "case file," I apply that same approach to some of the most troubling verses in the Gospels. Along the way, I'll walk through investigative tools you can use on any tough passage: Examining the historical and literary context Comparing parallel gospel accounts Understanding ancient language and idiom Testing skeptical vs. Christian explanations to see which best fits the facts If you've ever wondered whether these verses disqualify Jesus as a trustworthy source of truth, this episode is for you. Want to go deeper and learn how to think like a detective about your faith? Check out my book Forensic Faith for an in‑depth look at building a case for Christianity and living it out with confidence.