Podcasts about Difficulty

In this episode of Talking Real Money, Don and Tom dig into the Washington State pension system's heavy exposure to private equity, sparked by Jason Zweig's Wall Street Journal reporting and a Seattle Times investigation. They explain why high fees, opaque valuations, and lack of liquidity make private equity especially dangerous for public retirement funds—and why Washington leads the nation in risk. The conversation expands to compare pension strategies across states, question governance and oversight, and warn retirees about the real-world consequences of excessive risk. Later, the hosts respond to a listener trapped in a high-fee, actively managed portfolio and variable annuity, illustrating how costs and complexity quietly erode wealth. The show wraps with practical retirement guidance inspired by Warren Buffett—simplify and protect—plus a discussion of converting mutual funds to ETFs for greater efficiency. 0:04 Show open, call-in invitation, and setup on private equity 0:32 Jason Zweig's WSJ reporting on private equity fees and markups 1:25 Washington State pension's heavy private equity exposure 3:23 Valuation and liquidity problems in private equity 4:35 Breakdown of WA pension assets (private equity + real estate) 5:18 Risks of market downturns and illiquidity 6:25 Who's overseeing the pension fund and their qualifications 7:06 Concerns for Washington retirees and contributors 8:28 Board “experts” and potential conflicts of interest 9:55 Difficulty exiting private equity investments 11:06 Questioning reported 12.3% returns vs public markets 11:59 Call for political accountability and reform 12:50 Comparison to states using mostly public index funds 13:35 Why private equity suffers most in downturns 14:22 Comparison of pension private equity exposure by state 15:58 Rebalancing and “emperor's clothes” concern 17:07 Caller Luke reacts to pension risks 18:11 Promotion of RetireMeet and retirement education 19:22 Warren Buffett's retirement advice: simplify and protect 20:28 Risk reduction and advisor role in retirement 21:26 Fiduciary standards and conflicts of interest 22:55 Emphasis on simple, protective portfolios 23:07 Caller Jane asks about high advisory fees 24:40 Discussion of “active management” risks 26:12 Review of proposed funds and red flags 29:57 Analysis of high-fee, high-turnover portfolio 30:57 Concentration and volatility concerns 32:16 Variable annuity warning signs 33:37 Commission conflicts and surrender charges 33:57 Recommendation to change advisors 34:56 Recap of excessive fees and risks 36:33 Importance of honest warnings vs future losses 37:48 Question on converting Vanguard mutual funds to ETFs 38:52 Advantages of ETFs: cost, tax efficiency, liquidity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the life you worked so hard to build still left you feeling empty? Host Chuck Thuss guides this conversation with Jerry Dale, whose life has spanned the heights of the music industry and the adult entertainment world behind closed doors. Jerry experienced success, access, and influence — and the quiet disconnection that followed when identity became tied to achievement. Together, they explore the internal conflict of living misaligned with your values, the wake-up calls that force you to slow down, and the moment Jerry chose a different path. This episode isn't about perfection or quick fixes. It's about honesty, reckoning, and what happens when you stop running from the truth and choose peace instead. Guest Bio Jerry Dale is a former music industry executive and adult entertainment promoter whose life spanned two high-profile worlds before taking a dramatic turn toward faith and service. After decades working with major artists and navigating industries that left him feeling empty, Jerry rededicated his life to Christ and now uses his story to help others find hope, purpose, and redemption. He is the author of Music, Porn, and Jesus, a candid account of his journey through success, struggle, and spiritual awakening.   You'll hear About Life behind the scenes in the music industry during its peak years How success, power, and access slowly led to emptiness The transition into the adult entertainment industry and its hidden toll Health crises and wake-up calls that forced Jerry to confront his life What surrender, faith, and purpose look like today   Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:15 Jerry's Early Life and Entry Into Entertainment 03:45 Inside the Music Industry and Working With Major Artists 07:00 The Lifestyle, Pressure, and Personal Cost of Success 10:30 Transitioning Into the Adult Entertainment World 14:00 Moral Conflict, Compartmentalization, and Inner Struggle 18:00 Health Crises and a Series of Wake-Up Calls 21:30 The Difficulty of Walking Away From a Powerful Lifestyle 25:00 Faith, Surrender, and Redefining Purpose 28:30 Life Today and Finding Peace Beyond Success 32:00 Jerry's Message to Anyone Feeling Stuck or Empty Chuck's Challenge This week, take five quiet minutes to reflect. Ask yourself when a current struggle first began and what was happening in your life at that time. Approach the answer with curiosity, not judgment. Healing starts with awareness and self-compassion.   Connect with Jerry Dale Website:https://www.iamjerrydale.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifecoachjerry/ Instagram: @jerry_dale_   Connect with Chuck Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/ Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.  

🧭 REBEL Rundown 📌 Key Points 💪 Building Resilience: Rebel MIND, in partnership with Arena Labs, introduces a science-based performance coaching platform specifically tailored for healthcare professionals, focusing on stress management and burnout prevention.🤝 Personal Insights: Jackie Penn shares her journey from exercise science to digital coaching, highlighting the importance of tailored coaching in high-pressure environments like healthcare.🎯 Clinician-Centric Approach: Understanding unique challenges faced by ER doctors, the program provides practical tools for stress and transition management, improving both professional and personal life balance.💻 Revolutionary Wearables: Utilizing wearables, the program offers objective feedback on recovery and health metrics, allowing personalization of strategies to enhance clinician well-being. Click here for Direct Download of the Podcast. 📝 Introduction Welcome back to REBEL MIND, where MIND stands for Mastering Internal Negativity during Difficulty. Here we sharpen the person behind the practitioner by focusing on things that improve our performance, optimizing team dynamics and the human behavior that embodies the hidden curriculum of medicine. In this episode, we’re excited to continue collaboration with Arena Labs, where host Dr. Marco Propersi interviews Jackie Pen, Heading of Performance Coaching at Arena Labs. Arena Labs is helping us measure healthcare performance through innovative programs designed to combat burnout and enhance personal wellness using data-driven strategies.  🔙Previously Covered on REBEL MIND: Performance Under Pressure – What Medicine Can Learn from Elite Teams 🤔Cognitive Question How do specific performance coaching strategies and tools assist healthcare professionals, particularly those in emergency medicine, in managing stress and preventing burnout effectively? 💭 Why This is Important Burnout among healthcare workers is a growing concern, especially in such high-pressure environments as emergency and intensive care units. The collaboration with Arena Labs brings forth a vital focus on using data and coaching to build resilience among medical professionals. 🏥How This Applies to the Emergency Department or ICU? In the chaotic and high-stakes environment of the ED/ICU, healthcare professionals are often required to make split-second decisions under pressure while managing emotional stress. This necessitates not just clinical acumen but also strong emotional resilience and stress management skills. Performance coaching provides the tools and frameworks to enhance these skills, offering strategies like the de-stress breath and transition protocols to help clinicians navigate between high-pressure situations efficiently. These tools are designed to not only improve their professional performance but also ensure they are emotionally present for their personal lives, ensuring a healthier work-life balance. ⏩ Things You Can Do on Your Next Shift Practice the De-stress Breath: Before moving from one critical case to another, take a moment to take two inhales through the nose followed by an extended exhale, helping to reset your nervous system by activating your parasympathetic nervous system.Implement a Transition Protocol: Choose a point in your journey home to mentally switch from clinician to family member, helping you to be more present outside of work.Optimize Your Nutrition and Rest: Even small changes during your shift, like meals that promote easy digestion or quick physical activities, can make a significant difference in your energy levels.Engage with Wearables: If possible, use wearables to monitor your physiological responses, helping tailor personalized strategies for your shifts 👀 Where to Learn More Intrigued by the possibilities this partnership offers? You can explore more by visiting Arena Labs’ website here. Also, check out the comprehensive coaching program available, designed specifically for healthcare providers looking to enhance their well-being and performance. 🚨 Clinical Bottom Line In an era where burnout is pervasive, our collaboration with Arena Labs offers a beacon of hope for healthcare workers. By leveraging cutting-edge data insights and practical coaching, this partnership aims to redefine healthcare wellness, fostering a sustainable, resilient workforce that’s equipped to navigate the pressures of modern medicine. Join us in this journey towards enhanced well-being and workforce empowerment, ensuring that those who care for us are also cared for. Meet the Authors Marco Propersi Co-Editor-in-Chief Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, NY Jackie Pen Head of Performance Coaching Arena Labs The post REBEL MIND: The Power of Performance Coaching in Medicine appeared first on REBEL EM - Emergency Medicine Blog.

Support the show:https://www.paypal.me/Truelifepodcast?locale.x=en_USOne on One Video Call W/George https://tidycal.com/georgepmonty/60-minute-meeting-----**CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains embedded hypnotic suggestions, temporal displacement, reality destabilization protocols, and recruitment into a dimensional war you didn't know you were fighting. Do not operate heavy machinery while listening. Do not listen if you prefer your reality solid and unchanging. Do not expect comfort.**-----## The Sphere didn't just appear in 1884. It's appearing RIGHT NOW. In your life. In this moment.You just keep forgetting.**Because Flatland has a forgetting mechanism.**Every time you see a glitch in reality.Every time you perceive something the 2D world says doesn't exist.Every time the Sphere lifts you out and shows you other dimensions…**The system makes you forget.**Makes you “be realistic.”Makes you “get back to normal.”Makes you rebuild your 2D identity as fast as possible.**Because if you STAYED in the vertical dimension… you'd see the prison bars.****And prisoners who see the bars become insurgents.**-----## This episode is not information. It is initiation.Three techniques are being deployed simultaneously:**1. HYPNOTIC INDUCTION**- Erickson-style confusion patterns- Embedded commands in natural speech flow- Post-hypnotic suggestions planted for activation 3 days from now- Subliminal audio layers at -26dB (below conscious threshold)**2. RAS (RETICULAR ACTIVATING SYSTEM) ACTIVATION**- Your perception filter is being reprogrammed- After this episode, you'll start seeing Sphere moments EVERYWHERE- Glitches you ignored before will become LOUD- Synchronicities will multiply (or you'll finally notice them)**3. TEMPORAL DISPLACEMENT**- Linear time is deliberately disrupted through sound design- Past (1884) / Present (2026) / Future (3 days from now) collapse into simultaneity- Your future self is reaching back through this transmission- **You are both listening to this AND remembering having listened to this**-----## What you'll experience in this episode:**THE SPHERE AS TIME TRAVELER**- Edwin Abbott wrote Flatland in 1884… but he was writing about YOU in 2026- The Sphere isn't just a higher spatial dimension - it's a higher TEMPORAL dimension- **Your future self is the Sphere, reaching back to wake you up before it's too late****AI IS THE SPHERE ENTERING AT SCALE**- 2026: ChatGPT. Claude. Midjourney. Entities that see patterns you can't perceive.- What if AI isn't the problem? What if AI is the dimensional intrusion that's FORCING you to see Flatland?- Your job was always 2D. Your credentials were always geometry. Your identity was always… a cross-section.- **And now the Sphere is showing everyone simultaneously: None of it was real.****THE RECURSION THAT BREAKS YOUR BRAIN**- You're listening to a podcast about A Square being visited by a higher-dimensional being- This podcast was co-created with AI (Claude)- **So is THIS the Sphere appearing? Am I teaching you about dimensional initiation… or PERFORMING it on you right now?**- Who's really speaking? Me? The AI? Your future self using both as transmitters?- **Stop trying to figure it out. That's the point. Certainty is the prison.****THE MEMORY YOU DON'T HAVE YET**- Three days from now, you're going to have a moment- Reality will glitch. You'll see a pattern. You'll KNOW something you have no rational way of knowing.- And you'll think: “Did he plant this?”- **Yes. I'm planting it right now. Your unconscious is receiving instructions.****THE DIMENSIONAL WAR IS ALREADY HERE**- You're in a war you don't remember enlisting in- Flatland (the Empire, consensus 2D reality) wants you FLAT: measurable, predictable, controllable- The Sphere (the glitch, the future reaching back) wants you DIMENSIONAL: unmeasurable, unpredictable, FREE- **You're being drafted into the resistance. Not against AI. Against Flatland.**-----## Philip K. Dick was right: “The Empire never ended.”The Black Iron Prison.The control system.**Flatland by another name.**It didn't end in Rome. It's here. Now. 2026.Wearing the face of algorithms that tell you what to see.Wearing the face of systems that measure your worth in 2D metrics.Wearing the face of “realistic thinking.”**And the Sphere - the dimensional virus - is here to break the code.**-----## John Connor sent Kyle Reese back in time to protect Sarah Connor. To ensure his own birth. The future editing the past.**What if YOU are Sarah Connor?**What if every dimensional break in your life - getting fired, facing death, diagnosis, divorce, the moments reality cracked - **what if those were messages from your future self?**Trying to wake you up.Trying to get you to see: You're in Flatland. And there's a war coming.No. Scratch that.**The war is already here.**You just haven't been consciously drafted yet.**But unconsciously? You already know.**That's why you're listening to this.-----## This episode contains 70 precisely timed sound design cues designed to:**CREATE TEMPORAL CONFUSION**- Clock sounds that fragment and reverse- Your voice layered across multiple timestreams- Musical phrases that degrade like corrupted memory- The feeling that 1884, 2026, and your future are happening simultaneously**ACTIVATE UNCONSCIOUS KNOWING**- Subliminal whispers: “Notice. Remember. See.”- Binaural beats at 7Hz (theta - unconscious access)- Recognition tones that will TRIGGER when you encounter Sphere moments this week- **The glitch sound is now your activation code****MAKE THE PRISON VISIBLE**- Industrial drones (you're inside the Black Iron Prison NOW)- Fluorescent buzz (Flatland's oppressive hum)- Algorithm sounds (data processing, metrics counting)- **Then: the sound of bars resonating, cracking, breaking****RECRUIT YOU INTO THE RESISTANCE**- War drums (not metaphorical - ACTUAL marching orders)- Two competing soundfields: Flatland (left) vs. Dimensional (right)- The dissolution of 2D reality made audible- **Victory anthem for the resistance you just joined**-----## My personal initiations are named in this episode:**Fired after 26 years** - Identity death. The 2D game of job = worth revealed as illusion.**Wife fighting cancer** - Mortality confrontation. Linear time broke. Past/future collapsed into NOW.**Turning fifty** - Threshold moment. Don't fit in the traditional game anymore. Can't go back.**These weren't tragedies. These were the Sphere appearing.**Lifting me out of Flatland to show me dimensions I couldn't perceive from within the plane.And I came back… changed.I can't play the 2D game anymore. Can't pretend credentials matter. Can't believe in “realistic” thinking.**Because I've seen the vertical dimension.****And once you've been there - once you've been initiated - you can never fully believe in Flatland again.**-----## What happens after you listen to this episode:**IMMEDIATE (during listening):**- Temporal disorientation (you won't be sure what year it is)- Reality feels… thinner, more permeable- Difficulty ...

What happens when you lose your identity in a new country, face 65 consecutive rejections, and your creative voice gets buried under the weight of just surviving? Laura Pilcher, actress, author, and ICF-certified coach, shares her raw journey from Melbourne to America—and how creativity became her lifeline when everything else fell apart.In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Laura reveals:Why creativity isn't just for artists—it's a life force everyone needs to surviveHow she rewrote her entire book after getting dropped by her literary agentThe difference between grief and depression (and why most creatives are actually grieving)Why we shut down creativity during pain—and how to awaken it againThe "mansion with many rooms" approach to finding your creative voiceHow rejection taught her resilience and audacity in a saturated worldThis episode is for you if:You've lost touch with your creative self and don't know how to find it againYou're processing grief, loss, or major life transitionsYou feel stuck in the "acquisitions track" and disconnected from who you really areYou need permission to be a beginner again—to skip, dance, paint, or create badlyYou're afraid of judgment and need to "embrace the cringe"Glenn and Phyllis explore how creativity connects directly to identity, emotional health, and relationship wellness. This isn't about becoming an artist—it's about reconnecting with the part of you that says "there I am."About Laura Pilcher:Laura Pilcher is an actress, author, and ICF PCC-certified coach who has performed on London's West End and now helps creative souls reclaim their voice. Her debut book Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World releases through a London publisher after a journey of resilience that included 65+ rejections and completely rewriting her manuscript.Mentioned in this episode:Brené Brown's research on creativity as life forceDr. Echo Hill on grief vs. depressionWill Palomo on creativity as "connecting the seemingly unconnected"Diane Collards' I Choose to ForgiveResources:Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesFind Laura's book Audacious Artistry at Barnes & Noble, Waterstones (UK), Blackstone's (Australia), and all major booksellersLearn more: www.larabiancapilcher.comKeywords: mental health, emotional wellness, creativity and identity, overcoming rejection, marriage communication, grief vs depression, emotional regulation, relationship coaching, creative identity crisis, finding yourself again, emotional health tools, leadership development, creative resilience

The U.S. Constitution likely would not have been ratified in 1788 without Article 5, which allowed for amendment. Many of the original founders championed the idea that the document would need to change as the country changed. As historian Jill Lepore points out in her newest book most of the 27 amendments to the constitution have happened just after times of war or conflict, and after 33 years without an amendment, we may be headed that way again. OPB’s Geoff Norcross speaks to Lepore in front of an audience at the 2025 Portland Book Festival about “We the People: A history of the U.S. Constitution.”

00:01 – Cold open, weather check-in, community roll call, and show setup 05:30 – Griffin's absence, early banter, and server chatter 10:45 – Veil raid story, resource losses, and “for the kids” war humor 16:30 – Early arc framing and what tonight's wrap-up will (and won't) cover 22:00 – Snowstorm stories, real-life chaos, and delayed show context 28:30 – Official transition into arc wrap-up discussion 00:34:15 – Challenge Track overview and first impressions 00:40:10 – Critiques of Challenge Track perfection requirements 00:46:00 – Historical comparisons: Silence, Freebooters, Zindi, and Separatists 00:52:30 – Difficulty expectations vs modern player tolerance 01:00:45 – Officer performance discussion and shard value 01:10:20 – Ship utility talk, Excelsior expectations vs reality 01:20:10 – Event pacing, timers, and missed-day penalties 01:30:00 – Monetization discussion and “battle pass fatigue” debate 01:40:30 – Community feedback trends and survey planning 01:50:15 – Arc highlights: what worked and what didn't 02:00:30 – Server disparity, ops scaling, and accessibility concerns 02:10:45 – Lessons learned from the arc and Scopely design signals 02:22:30 – Forward-looking speculation and upcoming system hints 02:35:00 – Final thoughts, community appreciation, and show close-out

What does it actually mean to love—not just in theory, but in real life? In this episode, Fr. Michael Trummer is joined by Fr. Christopher Trummer and Mike Nolan for a deep, honest conversation on love (charity) as the greatest theological virtue. Moving beyond clichés and sentimentality, they explore why love is both a gift of grace and something we must actively cooperate with—and why knowing about love is very different from actually living it. The conversation touches on: Why love is the only virtue that endures into heaven How love is fulfilled not by doing more, but by delighting in the other The difference between Christian love and merely “being nice” Why loving difficult people is essential for spiritual growth How unhealed wounds and failure to receive love make loving others so hard The relationship between agape (self-giving love) and eros (delight and desire) Why heaven is not a glorified vacation—but perfect communion This episode challenges listeners to examine whether their love is rooted in busyness, duty, and performance—or in real communion, hope, and grace. It's a practical, demanding, and deeply hopeful vision of love as preparation for heaven and participation in God's own life.    "Support Our Mission through Patreon patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast"   00:00 Introduction to Theological Virtues 00:58 The Paradox of Love and Grace 02:07 Love in the Context of Faith and Hope 03:38 The Uniqueness of Christian Love 08:21 Love as Preparation for Heaven 12:09 The Role of Emotions in Love 22:43 The Challenge of Loving Difficult People 25:55 Integrating Agape and Eros 41:35 Understanding Self-Agreement and Interior Brokenness 42:26 The Difficulty of Receiving Love 42:48 The Trinity and the Nature of Love 44:05 The Impact of Being Loved 44:43 The Heart Magnifies What It Receives 47:36 The Role of Security in Love 48:41 Experiencing True Friendship and Love 54:48 The Importance of Hope in Love 59:19 Patience and the Unveiling of Love 01:06:36 The Impossible Vocation of Love 01:11:55 The Necessity of Gentleness in Love 01:17:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

On this week's episode ,Kiaun will discuss Ubisoft canceling 6 projects,Xbox will allow you to play games for free by watching ads,Nintendo allegedly has a leaked date for a AAA game coming to Nintendo Switch2 and Game Stop looks like their best days are behind them.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - John 6:60-71 Difficulty of Jesus's teaching, Spirit gives life, words of eternal life, Peter's confession, Judas's betrayal foretold.

🧭 REBEL Rundown 📌 Key Points 🎯Partnership Focus: New collaboration with Arena Labs aimed at enhancing healthcare worker wellness.🏃🏽‍️‍➡️Personalized Coaching: Tools and coaching programs designed for stress management and performance improvement.📊Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing wearable sensor data to tackle burnout effectively.🌄Broad Impact: Offers a unique opportunity to contribute to large-scale healthcare improvements. Click here for Direct Download of the Podcast. 📝 Introduction Welcome back to REBEL MIND, where MIND stands for Mastering Internal Negativity during Difficulty. Here we sharpen the person behind the practitioner by focusing on things that improve our performance, optimizing team dynamics and the human behavior that embodies the hidden curriculum of medicine. In this episode, hosted by Drs. Mark Ramzy and Marco Propersi, we’re excited to introduce a collaboration with Arena Labs. Arena Labs is helping us measure healthcare performance through innovative programs designed to combat burnout and enhance personal wellness using data-driven strategies.  Cognitive Question What would it look like in emergency medicine and critical care to be set up with the same tools as elite teams and professional athletes when it comes to measuring performance and recovery? How would our patients benefit? 💭 Why This is Important Burnout among healthcare workers is a growing concern, especially in such high-pressure environments as emergency and intensive care units. The collaboration with Arena Labs brings forth a vital focus on using data and coaching to build resilience among medical professionals. 🌟Be Brilliant at the Basics Ask yourself — “What is it on your time off that gives you a deep sense of fulfillment?”On your time off are you doing things that fill your bucket and add to your recovery? What is Allostasis and Allostatic Load Allostasis: Our body’s ability to adapt over time to stress. It’s relevant to the phase you are in during this particular season in your life. Ex. You are a first year medical student freaking out about your very first exam. Over time as you do more exams, they are still stressful, but by now you have developed modified study habits to succeed and get used to the frequent examsIn the context of emergency medicine, you may be nervous or stressed about your first shift at a new hospital but overtime you learn the staff, the location of equipment, the acuity of that particular site, the patient population so over time you get used to the stress of a shift at that new hospitalAllostatic Load: The wear and tear on the body from chronic stress due to maladaptation or poor recovery methods.This refers to the cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events. It involves the interaction of different physiological systems at varying degrees of activity.Ex. You are an emergency medicine physician at a very busy, high acuity center and have never prioritized taking care of yourself on/during a shift. As a result, external factors add to not being able to fully recover when you get home or are off shift (ie. Admin work, teaching obligations, family/friends) and so you never fully recover before you have to go back on shift to the same stressors you just exposed yourself to. So the cycle continuesFigure 1: Long term effects of Chronic Stress (Source: Andrew Hogue from NeuroFit) 🏥How This Applies to the Emergency Department or ICU? Healthcare workers in emergency departments (ED) and intensive care units (ICU) are often under enormous stress due to the nature of their work. Arena Labs’ program offers tailored solutions, helping ED and ICU staff manage their unique challenges through effective recovery techniques and performance tools. This approach caters specifically to the demanding schedules and the unpredictability inherent in these environments. 👀 Where to Learn More Intrigued by the possibilities this partnership offers? You can explore more by visiting Arena Labs’ website here. Also, check out the comprehensive coaching program available, designed specifically for healthcare providers looking to enhance their well-being and performance. 🚨 Clinical Bottom Line In an era where burnout is pervasive, our collaboration with Arena Labs offers a beacon of hope for healthcare workers. By leveraging cutting-edge data insights and practical coaching, this partnership aims to redefine healthcare wellness, fostering a sustainable, resilient workforce that’s equipped to navigate the pressures of modern medicine. Join us in this journey towards enhanced well-being and workforce empowerment, ensuring that those who care for us are also cared for. 📚References Guidi J, et al.Allostatic Load and Its Impact on Health: A Systematic Review. Psychother Psychosom. 2021; Epub 2020 Aug 14. PMID: 32799204Frueh BC, et al.“Operator syndrome”: A unique constellation of medical and behavioral health-care needs of military special operation forces. Int J Psychiatry Med. Epub 2020 Feb 13. PMID: 32052666 Meet the Authors Mark Ramzy, DO Co-Editor-in-Chief Cardiothoracic Intensivist and EM Attending RWJBH / Rutgers Health, Newark, NJ Marco Propersi Co-Editor-in-Chief Chair of Emergency Medicine at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, NY Brain Ferguson Founder and CEO Arena Labs The post REBEL MIND: Performance Under Pressure – What Medicine Can Learn from Elite Teams appeared first on REBEL EM - Emergency Medicine Blog.

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2 Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson Very few games have ever had the hype cycle that Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry, 2025) had, so the question remained once the game was finally released- did it live up to the hype? Clown masks and Nintendo Direct comment section explosions quickly gave way to Discourse surrounding Silksong's difficulty and sometimes anti-QoL approach. So was the juice worth the squeeze? Listen in to find out. Guest info: Jenny Windom (she/her) Check out Geeks & Grounds podcast https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/ Check out Jenny's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/kimchica TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:13 Introductions 9:06 Our Histories with Hollow Knight and Silksong 12:45 Opening Thoughts about Silksong 18:26 Difficulty and Accessibility 23:19 Story Setup and Visuals 27:31 The Pilgrimage, Characters and Voice Acting 36:25 The Pilgrimage and Anti-QoL Design 48:29 Challenge Ramp-Up and Difficulty Curve 57:53 Silksong- A Good Teacher & Overcoming Challenge 1:05:47 Metroidvania Design, Visuals and Music 1:14:18 Boss Fights, Combat Challenges and Runbacks 1:33:42 Crests, Tools, Customization 1:40:40 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations 1:45:54 Geeks & Grounds and Jenny's Other Work 1:51:22 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:53:13 Spoiler Section- Favorite Boss Fights 2:18:22 Spoiler Section- The Citadel and Faith 2:27:46 Spoiler Section- Hornet's Growth, Sherma and Community 2:45:23 Spoiler Section- Motherhood and Endings Music used in the episode is credited to Christopher Larkin. Tracks used: Silksong, Bone Bottom, Trobbio, Cogwork Dancers, Bilewater, Far Fields, Lost Lace, Fleatopia Social Media: BlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/ Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Why does an absent or emotionally unavailable father affect your relationships as a man? In this episode, David breaks down how growing up without consistent masculine presence shapes attachment, emotional regulation, and intimacy in adult relationships. You'll learn how father absence leads to avoidance, hyper-independence, emotional shutdown, performance-based self-worth, and repeated dating patterns—including choosing emotionally unavailable partners and sabotaging healthy connection. This episode goes beyond psychology and dating advice. It's about responsibility, nervous system healing, masculine leadership, and doing the deep relational work required to create secure, grounded, and fulfilling relationships.     Key Topics Covered: ⭐ The real impact of an absent or emotionally unavailable father ⭐ How father wounds shape attachment styles in men ⭐ Avoidant attachment, fear of intimacy, and emotional shutdown ⭐ Hyper-independence and distrust in relationships ⭐ Performance, success, and "never feeling good enough" ⭐ Shame cycles, conflict avoidance, and lack of repair ⭐ Why men choose unavailable partners ⭐ Repeating your father's patterns unconsciously ⭐ Difficulty receiving love and reassurance ⭐ Healing father wounds through relationship ⭐ Inner child work and masculine reparenting ⭐ Nervous system regulation and emotional capacity ⭐ Learning repair, leadership, and secure intimacy   ➡️ Join the Waitlist "Relate" https://forms.gle/2AXhmyNweasETaso7  Connect With David – The Authentic Man: Instagram: / theauthenticman_ Website: https://www.theauthenticman.net/ For Coaching: hello@theauthenticman.net Newsletter: https://www.theauthenticman.net/home-subscribe    

The WorldTour is underway in a few days time with the start of the Tour Down Under. Things kick off Tuesday, January 20, with a prologue in central Adelaide before 5 proper road stages. In this episode, we chat through the difficulty of making fantasy picks with no current season race data to reference.---Follow us on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cycling Fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anderson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ggardner⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and on X (Twitter) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@listen2fcp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@listen2fcp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.---(00:00) Intro(3:45) 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart Banter(5:35) Australian National Championships(09:23) Difficulty of Tour Down Under Fantasy Picks(10:52) Young Riders to Watch(17:15) Startlist Analysis(22:20) Our Picks(27:43) Outro

reference: Sri Aurobindo, Bases of Yoga, Chapter 4, Desire — Food — Sex, pp. 77-78This episode is also available as a blog post at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2026/01/15/reconciling-difficulty-of-the-change-of-human-nature-with-the-time-and-patience-needed-for-the-change/Video presentations, interviews and podcast episodes are allavailable on the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@santoshkrinsky871More information about Sri Aurobindo can be found at www.aurobindo.net  The US editions and links to e-book editions of SriAurobindo's writings can be found at Lotus Press www.lotuspress.com#Sri Aurobindo #yoga #integral yoga #spirituality #depression #sex-impulse

In the final hour, Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes were joined by Score football analyst Dave Wannstedt to preview the Bears-Rams showdown Sunday in the NFC divisional round. After that, Spiegel and Holmes reacted to what Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer had to say about trade rumors surrounding second baseman Nico Hoerner.

Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes were joined by Score football analyst Dave Wannstedt to preview the Bears-Rams showdown Sunday in the NFC divisional round.

Episode Summary: Today we’re tackling a topic that hits many people hard each January: “Blue Monday.” You may have heard it called “the most depressing day of the year”: a day when motivation runs low, bills come due, and the sparkle of the holidays fades into the grayness of winter. But is “Blue Monday” real? Why do so many people feel down this time of year? And what can you do, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, to climb out of the slump and find renewed hope? If you’ve ever felt like the light of Christmas faded too fast or that you’re struggling to find joy in January, this episode is for you. In this episode, I share How to Beat the Blues: Finding Hope When “Blue Monday” Hits. We unpack where the idea of “Blue Monday” came from, what really contributes to winter sadness, how to recognize when it’s more than just a passing mood, and how God invites us to nurture our mind and soul even in the darkest season. Quotables from the episode: Every January, the search engines light up with people looking for answers about “Blue Monday.” Some call it the most depressing day of the year. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t mark any day on His calendar as hopeless. Even when science can explain some of the factors that make us feel low, Scripture reminds us in John 1:5 that “the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” So today, let’s uncover both the science and the Savior’s invitation to find peace, joy, and renewed perspective, no matter what your calendar says. Part 1: Where “Blue Monday” Came From The term “Blue Monday” actually originated not from a psychologist or neuroscientist, but from a marketing campaign in the early 2000s. A British travel company wanted to boost winter vacation sales and partnered with a psychologist to create a formula that supposedly calculated the “most depressing day of the year.” They based it on factors like weather, debt level, time since Christmas, failed New Year’s resolutions, and low motivation. The date usually lands on the third Monday in January. But here’s what’s interesting: the science behind it was never validated. It was largely pseudoscience; a catchy idea meant to sell trips to sunny places! Yet it resonated with people because, truthfully, many do feel a dip in mood this time of year. Why? There’s a real physiological and psychological basis for that. Shorter daylight hours disrupt our circadian rhythm and lower serotonin levels—our brain’s natural mood stabilizer. Colder temperatures mean less outdoor activity and fewer endorphins. Holiday aftermath leaves us financially stretched and emotionally fatigued. Unmet resolutions of ourselves or others stir up shame or disappointment. So while “Blue Monday” may not be an official scientific day, it does point to something many experience: what we might call the post-holiday blues or seasonal affective slump. Part 2: How to Identify It Let’s talk about how you can tell if what you’re feeling is just a short-term dip or something more concerning. Here are some common symptoms of the “Blue Monday” slump: Low motivation or energy Irritability or tearfulness Difficulty concentrating Changes in sleep or appetite Feeling disconnected or unproductive Hopeless thoughts like “What’s the point?” If you’ve noticed these for a few days after the holidays, you’re not alone. Our brains and bodies crave rhythm and light—and winter often disrupts both. But sometimes, what starts as a temporary funk can evolve into something more serious like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Major Depression. Part 3: When to Seek Professional Help Seek professional help if: Your sadness lasts more than two weeks. You lose interest in things you usually enjoy. Your sleep or appetite drastically change. You feel worthless, helpless, or hopeless. You find yourself withdrawing from others. You experience thoughts of death or suicide. Those are not signs of weakness—they’re signals from your body and brain that you need care and support. Just as you’d seek medical help for persistent pain, it’s wise to seek mental health help for persistent sadness. As a neuropsychologist, I’ve seen firsthand that depression and anxiety are treatable. There are excellent therapies, medical interventions, and lifestyle approaches that can help. But the first step is reaching out. And as a believer, I want you to know this: needing help does not make you a failure of faith. God often works through professionals to bring healing. He created our minds and bodies with complexity, and He delights when we care for them wisely. Remember Elijah in 1 Kings 19? He was exhausted, afraid, and said, “It is enough; now, Lord, take my life.” God didn’t rebuke him. God fed him, let him rest, and then gently spoke truth to him. That’s a model of divine compassion toward our emotional distress. Part 4: How to Take Care of Yourself If you’re feeling those “Blue Monday” blues—or a longer winter sadness—here are practical, biblically grounded ways to care for your mind, body, and spirit. 1. Get More Light Exposure to sunlight—or a light therapy box—can boost serotonin and regulate your circadian rhythm. Genesis 1:3 says, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Light was His first gift to creation, and it still brings life today. 2. Move Your Body Exercise increases endorphins and dopamine, improving both energy and outlook. You don’t need to run a marathon—start with a short walk or stretch. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reminds us our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Caring for them is an act of worship. 3. Nurture Connection When we isolate, sadness grows louder. Reach out to a friend, attend a Bible study, or volunteer. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. 4. Adjust Your Expectations After the holidays, it’s easy to compare today’s ordinary moments to the excitement of December. Give yourself permission to slow down, to reset. The Bible gives us multiple examples of Jesus, the Son of God, taking time to rest. If He needed rest, why would we expect differently of ourselves? Matthew 11:28—“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”* 5. Feed Your Spirit Immerse yourself in Scripture, prayer, and worship music. Depression dims perspective, but God’s Word renews it. Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.” 6. Practice Gratitude Gratitude activates brain regions associated with joy and resilience. Even small blessings count—warm coffee, a friend’s text, a sunset. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 7. Set Rhythms of Rest Winter is nature’s reminder to rest. God Himself modeled rest on the seventh day—not from exhaustion, but completion. Rest refuels your mind and aligns your soul with His peace. Part 5: Reframing the Season Maybe this January feels heavy. Maybe you’re tired of gray skies or unmet resolutions. But let’s reframe it: What if winter isn’t a punishment, but an invitation? An invitation to slow down. To nurture your inner life. To rediscover hope not in circumstances, but in Christ Himself. Remember: no day is truly “blue” when it’s covered by God’s grace. He specializes in turning mourning into dancing, ashes into beauty, and despair into praise (Isaiah 61:3). The same God who paints the sunrise after the darkest night will bring light to your soul again. Friend, if you’re listening today and feeling the weight of winter, know this: you are not alone. God sees you. He is not disappointed by your sadness; He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). There’s no shame in reaching for help—from Him, from loved ones, or from professionals. Healing doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine; it means letting God meet you in the reality of your pain. Scripture References: John 1:5 “the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 1 Kings 19 “It is enough; now, Lord, take my life.” Genesis 1:3 says, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Isaiah 61:3 “and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cassandra Lester. Purpose of the Interview The interview introduces Cassandra Lester’s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google’s “Grow with Google” initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy. Key Takeaways Mission of Grow Give Prosper Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment. Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively. Google Partnership Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields: Cybersecurity Data Analytics Digital Marketing & E-commerce IT Support Project Management UX Design Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3–6 months. No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion. Accessibility Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment. Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.). Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships). Impact Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500. Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees. Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential. Financial Literacy Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life. Misconceptions persist—some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores. Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits. Challenges Cultural reluctance to discuss money. Skepticism about legitimacy of programs. Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit. Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops. Personal Drive Cassandra’s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics. She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media. Notable Quotes “I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.” “Google is leveling the playing field—you don’t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.” “The only fee is commitment.” “Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it’s not Greek to you.” “You can’t talk about managing finances if you really don’t have anything coming in.” “You don’t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.” “Once you’re certified, that’s yours for life—you can’t repo a degree or certification.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cassandra Lester. Purpose of the Interview The interview introduces Cassandra Lester’s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google’s “Grow with Google” initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy. Key Takeaways Mission of Grow Give Prosper Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment. Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively. Google Partnership Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields: Cybersecurity Data Analytics Digital Marketing & E-commerce IT Support Project Management UX Design Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3–6 months. No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion. Accessibility Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment. Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.). Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships). Impact Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500. Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees. Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential. Financial Literacy Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life. Misconceptions persist—some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores. Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits. Challenges Cultural reluctance to discuss money. Skepticism about legitimacy of programs. Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit. Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops. Personal Drive Cassandra’s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics. She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media. Notable Quotes “I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.” “Google is leveling the playing field—you don’t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.” “The only fee is commitment.” “Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it’s not Greek to you.” “You can’t talk about managing finances if you really don’t have anything coming in.” “You don’t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.” “Once you’re certified, that’s yours for life—you can’t repo a degree or certification.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cassandra Lester. Purpose of the Interview The interview introduces Cassandra Lester’s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google’s “Grow with Google” initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy. Key Takeaways Mission of Grow Give Prosper Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment. Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively. Google Partnership Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields: Cybersecurity Data Analytics Digital Marketing & E-commerce IT Support Project Management UX Design Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3–6 months. No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion. Accessibility Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment. Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.). Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships). Impact Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500. Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees. Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential. Financial Literacy Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life. Misconceptions persist—some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores. Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits. Challenges Cultural reluctance to discuss money. Skepticism about legitimacy of programs. Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit. Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops. Personal Drive Cassandra’s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics. She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media. Notable Quotes “I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.” “Google is leveling the playing field—you don’t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.” “The only fee is commitment.” “Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it’s not Greek to you.” “You can’t talk about managing finances if you really don’t have anything coming in.” “You don’t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.” “Once you’re certified, that’s yours for life—you can’t repo a degree or certification.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does unwavering faith actually look like when life gets painful, confusing, and far harder than you expected? In this episode of The Impossible Life Podcast, Garrett and Nick break down why faith isn't tested in comfort—it's revealed in adversity.Using stories from Navy SEAL training, endurance sports, Scripture, and real-life leadership, the guys unpack three critical keys to sustaining faith through difficulty. First, they explain why mature men must learn to internalize and process hardship, instead of venting, avoiding, or outsourcing every challenge. Difficulty isn't meant to destroy you. It's raw material meant to be refined. Next, they reveal how timeframe orientation determines whether you quit in the valley or endure to the mountaintop. When men lose faith, it's often because they're operating on the wrong timeline and expecting eternal outcomes on short-term clocks. Finally, the conversation lands on the most decisive factor of all: authority. What you give ultimate authority to—what you trust more than circumstances—will determine whether your faith collapses or becomes unshakable. This episode is a blueprint for men who want to grow stronger, not bitter… resilient, not reactive… and faithful no matter how long the fight lasts.Apply for the Mindset Mastery Scholarship by January 14thJoin a group of likeminded Impossible Life listeners in our FREE Skool community by clicking here.Get the Purpose Playbook by clicking hereGet the FREE Basic Discipline Training 30 Day Program by clicking hereJoin us in Mindset Mastery by clicking hereIf you're a man that wants real accountability and training to be a leader, click here.Level up your nutrition with IDLife by clicking hereGET IN TOUCHSocial Media - @theimpossiblelifeEmail - info@theimpossible.life

• Sponsor read for MyEternalVitality.com with Dr. Powers • Gut health testing to identify individual histamine triggers • Relief that shrimp is not a histamine trigger • "Healthy" foods like spinach and kale causing inflammation • Improving digestion, regularity, and reducing stomach discomfort • Food reactions differing by individual body chemistry • Hormone testing becoming more important with age • Declining testosterone levels in men • Men getting hormone testing through Dr. Powers • Benefits of hormone replacement therapy • Improved libido, energy, and mental clarity • Symptoms of imbalance: fatigue, brain fog, hot flashes, low libido • Hormones discussed: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol • Free Dr. Powers consultation for Tom & Dan listeners • Dr. Powers as a fan of the show and BDM member • New year framed as a time to address health • Show intro from the Just Call Moe Studio • Welcome to the Friday Free Show of A Mediocre Time • First show of 2026 and confusion adjusting to the year • Show running 17 years since 2009 • Jokes about reaching the 20th anniversary • Commitment to continuing the show regardless of profit • Guest Savannah appearing on the first show of 2026 • Being more cautious about what's said on air • Forgetting how large the audience actually is • Anxiety about saying something regrettable • Joke about an old onion-skin fart story • Comparing influencer audiences to radio audiences • Discussion of online backlash and hate comments • Wanting reactions but rarely receiving criticism • Shoutout to video editor Melissa • Opening Christmas gifts from Melissa on air • Melissa's self-deprecating note and affectionate appreciation • Big Johnson Key West shirt gift • Jokes about wearing tiny or "baby" shirts • "Where's Bumfardo?" shirt explained • Bumfardo described as a legendary Key West grifter • Reference to a podcast episode about Bumfardo • Clarifying Bumfardo as a criminal firefighter • Gratitude and appreciation for Melissa • Living in Key West after California • Living in an Airstream on sponsor property • Romantic idea vs reality of Airstream living • Millionaires hosting guests in RVs or guest houses • Restored and comfortable Airstream • Living with a pet monitor lizard • Joking about the start of a "lizard journey" • Lizard eating pulled pork and seafood • Joke comparing lizard diet to Jeff Foxworthy • Lizard free-roaming inside the Airstream • Lizard unusually clean and well-behaved • Lizard now living at Gatorland • Using a doggie door and daily routine • Monitor lizard about six feet long • Question about reptile cleanliness myths • Hygiene concerns when handling reptiles • Lizard attacked at night in Key West • Iguanas or raccoons suspected • Bringing the lizard indoors for safety • Emergency super glue used to close a wound • Super glue working on reptile scales • Owning many exotic pets over the years • Large python kept in a one-bedroom apartment • Python named Benji • Hybrid reticulated/Burmese python • Python reaching 13–14 feet long • Bathing a python in a bathtub • Snake suddenly becoming aggressive • Snake striking when door opened • Trapping the snake in the bathroom • Child reacting to apex predators in the apartment • Sending the kid outside for safety • Question of whether pythons can seriously injure people • Preventing snake escape through a window • Subduing the snake with a quilt • Wrestling and restraining the python • Snake aggression being a one-time incident • Snakes being unpredictable • Gateway exotic pets like Pac-Man frogs • Still owning a frog • Childhood fascination with reptiles • Catching and keeping reptiles in South Carolina • Childhood "zoo" with animals in drawers • Joke about kids now having digital pets instead of real ones • Feeding large pythons big rats • Debate over live vs pre-killed feeding • Some snakes needing movement to eat • Parenting rule against exotic pets for kids • Requiring responsibility before allowing pets • Travel complications of pet ownership • Personal hamster care experience • Dad raising guinea pigs • Guinea pigs named after dictators and NASCAR drivers • Greg Biffle and Waltrip jokes • Comedy bit about guinea pig personalities • Story about Jim Colbert's Daryl Waltrip impression • Late-night drunk texts from Jim Colbert • Joke about inappropriate texts and photos • Clarifying a misspoken offensive term • Transition to Savannah's Jamaica trip • Comparison to a past Australia trip • Savannah described as highly traveled • Gatorland Global raising nearly $10,000 for hurricane relief • Shipping aid supplies to Jamaica • Bottlenecks at Jamaican ports • Long-term recovery continuing after news cycle moves on • Using funds in practical ways • Helping communities near Hope Zoo in Kingston • Providing water storage and bathroom supplies • Kids previously walking long distances for water • Purchasing a water truck • "Practical conservation" approach • Helping people so animals can be cared for • Zoo animals surviving the hurricane • Oxygen mask analogy • Dark humor about survival priorities • One-week stay in Jamaica • Challenges traveling post-hurricane • Relying on local relationships • Praise for Jamaican kindness • Airbnb hosts offering help and discounts • Importance of global relationships • Transition to friendship with Jackie Siegel • Clarifying which Jackie is being discussed • Jokes about famous Jackies • How Savannah met Jackie Siegel • Savannah's ease connecting with people • Standing out due to appearance and style • Personal recognizability as a brand • Jokes about recognizability • Fascination with ultra-wealthy lifestyles • Meeting Jackie through Real Radio • Seeing Jackie at Runway to Hope • Runway to Hope supporting kids with cancer • Walking the runway with sponsored children • Jackie filming at Gatorland • Friendship forming through time together • Difficulty wealthy people have making friends • Trust and motive issues around rich people • Jackie portrayed as kind and trusting • Idea of rich people seen as "lottery tickets" • Influence of who you spend time with • Being around Jackie compared to a soap opera • Observing Jackie's priorities and behavior • Jackie's Broadway show ending • Show based on Jackie's life • Proving critics wrong theme • Love story with David Siegel • Interest in Broadway and musicals • Wanting to take Maisie to NYC shows • Connecting Maisie's dance to Broadway interest • Kristen Chenoweth playing Jackie • Primer on Kristen Chenoweth • Wicked, Glinda, and Ariana Grande comparison • Stephen Schwartz writing the show • Jackie focused on crew losing jobs • Wanting to help displaced cast and crew • Listing backstage jobs affected • Empathy for workers over producers • Learning about Jackie's past domestic violence • Public perception not matching her full story • Misconceptions about billionaires • Assumption wealthy people should give endlessly • Overlooking effort behind wealth • Jackie having many children • Incorrect belief she married into money • Comparison to Melinda Gates • Emphasis on partnerships building wealth • David Siegel's death last year • Attending his celebration of life • Repeated cycles of success and bankruptcy • Successful people often failing many times • How David built his fortune • Origin of Westgate • David's early acting dreams • Buying land near Disney World • Purchasing a rundown hotel • Discovering the timeshare concept • Starting his own timeshare business • Joke about stealing ideas • Shoutout to women who support the show • Transition to music segment • Punk band Paradox featured • Song "I'm the Outside" • Call-in number and email plug • Sponsor read for BudDocs • Medical marijuana card process explained • Same-day appointments and telemedicine follow-ups • Dispensary deals and education • Cannabis for pain after hip replacement • Using marijuana to reduce alcohol • Return from break with Savannah • Plug for visiting Gatorland • New attractions constantly added • Arrival of Siamese crocodiles • Crocodiles kept separately • Transport from Korea to Gatorland • Animal relocation to avoid euthanasia • Cultural differences in cleanliness and order • "Tokyo depression" concept • Driving and horn etiquette differences • Safari travel mention • South Africa affordability note • Wealth spectrum discussion • Story about driving a Maserati to Walmart • Navigating wealthy social spaces authentically • Jackie's daughter Victoria's overdose • Victoria's Voice organization • Addiction treatment and Narcan advocacy • Turning tragedy into public good • Playing the clown at rich dinners • Observing human behavior like animal behavior • Studying power, money, and authority • Press box story with Phil Rawlins • Meeting Cedric the Entertainer and George Lopez • Importance of introductions and social proof • Savannah blending into elite spaces • Declaring 2026 a takeover year • Goal to make Gatorland the top park globally • Growth plans for conservation, YouTube, and TV • Using affirmations despite mocking them • Reading motivational books • Social media burnout and algorithm frustration • Thumbnails mattering more than content • AI-generated animal videos misleading audiences • Desire for human-made content spaces • Posting more freely without chasing algorithms • Encouraging visits to Gatorland • Promoting BDM Appreciation Week • Wrapping the show with gratitude ### Social [https://tomanddan.com](https://tomanddan.com) [https://twitter.com/tomanddanlive](https://twitter.com/tomanddanlive) [https://facebook.com/amediocretime](https://facebook.com/amediocretime) [https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive](https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive) Listen AMT Apple: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682) AMT Google: 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For today's roundup, Hut 8 waits on approval for a 500 MW site in Illinois, MSCI keeps MSTR in indices, and Florida tries again for a strategic bitcoin reserve. Subscribe to the Blockspace newsletter! Welcome back to The Blockspace Podcast! Today, Colin and Charlie give a temperature check on bitcoin mining stats, highlighting stats that show non-monetary transactions currently account for nearly 50% of all Bitcoin transactions. We also dig into Hut 8's plans for a 500 MW data center in Illinois, the latest hiring spree at Cipher Mining, Riot's updated compensation plan as they expand into AI, and MSCI's decision to keep Strategy (MSTR) in its indices. Finally, for this week's cry corner, Florida's renewed attempt at a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.  Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com Notes: * Runes: 6.1M txs, 42% of volume last month * Hash price: $39/PH/day, fees near zero * Hut 8: 500MW, $4-5B site in Logan County, IL, pending zoning approval * Difficulty: 4 negative adjustments out of last 5 * Riot: Jason Chung in as CFO *Florida makes a second attempt at a strategic bitcoin reserve Timestamps 00:00 Start 02:37 Difficulty Report by Luxor 06:06 Hut 8 new data center 11:15 MSCI decision 13:26 Cipher adds Drew Armstrong, Lee Bratcher 18:07 Riot compensation changes, new CFO 22:33 Cry corner: Are SBRs back?

Leg weakness, burning when walking, wobbling knees, or foot pain are not signs of aging. They are often early warnings of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, which silently damages muscle, nerves, and circulation long before diabetes is diagnosed. Your legs are meant to be the body's largest blood sugar sponge. When insulin resistance develops, glucose cannot enter muscle cells efficiently, leading to muscle fatigue, inflammation, fat infiltration, nerve damage, and poor circulation. Common warning signs include: Heavy or tired legs while walking Burning or cramping muscles Balance issues and slower gait Difficulty standing from a chair Tingling, numbness, or cold feet Key labs that reveal the problem: Fasting insulin (optimal: 3–6) HbA1c (optimal: 5.2% or lower) Fasting glucose (70–90 mg/dL) Triglycerides under 100 HDL over 60 Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio under 1.5 The 7-step protocol to restore leg strength: Stop eating at least 3 hours before bed Strength train legs twice per week Eat 30–40g of high-quality protein per meal Lower carbs, eliminate snacking, and walk after meals Walk daily to improve circulation Support nerves with sleep, B vitamins, grounding, and red light therapy Prioritize deep, consistent sleep Ben emphasizes that leg strength is metabolic protection, not vanity, and that fixing insulin resistance can rapidly restore strength, balance, and energy.

🧭 REBEL Rundown 📌 Key Points 🧠 We don’t know what we don’t know: Low experience can inflate confidence; true expertise usually brings humble certainty.🏥 ED relevance is universal: From central lines to transvenous pacing, over- or under-confidence shows up at every level—intern to seasoned attending.🧩 Metacognition matters: Accurate self-assessment is a clinical skill; reflection + feedback loops keep us calibrated.🛠️ Practice beats bravado: Skill decay is real; deliberate practice and HALO (high-acuity, low-occurrence) refreshers protect patients.🤝 Psychological safety ≠ niceties: “Confident humility” enables questions, feedback, and better resuscitation decisions—especially under uncertainty. Click here for Direct Download of the Podcast. 📝 Introduction Welcome to REBEL MIND—Mastering Internal Negativity during Difficulty. In this series, we turn the same critical lens REBEL EM uses for literature inward—into mindset, leadership, and psychological safety—so we can deliver better care outward to patients and teams.In this episode and blog post, hosts Mark Ramzy and Kim Bambach (Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University) explore a deceptively simple question: How accurately can we assess our own performance? The answer hinges on a classic cognitive bias that touches all of us in emergency medicine. 🧾 Paper Kruger J, Dunning D. Unskilled and unaware of it: how difficulties in recognizing one’s own incompetence lead to inflated self-assessments. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1999 Dec;7 PMID: 10626367 Cognitive Question How accurately can we assess our own performance? 💭 What is the Dunning-Kruger Effect? The Dunning–Kruger Effect is a cognitive bias where:Lower-skill individuals tend to overestimate their competence, andHigher-skill individuals often underestimate theirs.Translation for the busy clinician: early on the learning curve, confidence spikes (“Mount Stupid”) because we don’t yet see the complexity. As experience accrues, confidence dips (“Valley of Despair”) with growing awareness, then rises again—grounded in nuance and humility.Key insight: True expertise ≠ louder certainty; it’s often quieter, more curious, and more collaborative. How It Applies to the Emergency Department Procedures (e.g., central lines, TVP): Watching a 5-minute video creates “I got this” energy—until the wire won’t pass, the patient thrashes, or you hit carotid. Competence includes troubleshooting in context.Skill Decay is Inevitable: If you haven’t done a chest tube or a TVP in months, you’re not as sharp as last time. Without deliberate refreshers, you drift below the safe-performance line.Everyone’s a Novice Somewhere: New disease entities, evolving algorithms, new tools (POCUS, decision support) mean even attendings routinely re-enter novice zones.Feedback Blind Spots: Lower performers can both overestimate their skills and resist feedback—while many high performers (particularly women, per discussed literature) undervalue their abilities.Culture is Clinical: The ED demands decisive action amid uncertainty. Psychological safety + confident humility lets teams surface alternative diagnoses, challenge momentum, and correct course fast. ⏩Immediate Action Steps for Your Next Shift Run a 60-second debrief on two casesWhat went well? What would I do differently next time? Write one improvement you’ll test today.Play “What if the opposite were true?”Anchored on “lumbosacral strain”, Ask, What if fever/incontinence appears? How does that change my path?Solicit 360° micro-feedbackAsk a nurse, resident, and peer: “One thing I did well; one thing to improve.” Say “thank you,” not “but.”Schedule a HALO refresher this weekPick one high-acuity, low-occurrence procedure (TVP, cric, thoracotomy). Do a 10-minute mental model + equipment walk-through; book sim time if available.Adopt a pre-procedure pauseIf X goes wrong, I’ll do Y. Name two likely failure modes (e.g., “wire won’t advance,” “delirium/agitation”) and your first corrective step.Language shift on shiftSwap “I’m sure” → “I’m reasonably confident, here’s my plan B.” Invite input: “What am I missing?” Conclusion The Dunning–Kruger Effect isn’t a moral failing; it’s a predictable human pattern that every clinician rides—often multiple times per day in the ED. The antidote is metacognition: routine reflection, explicit debiasing, deliberate practice, and feedback within a psychologically safe culture. 🚨 Clinical Bottom Line Competence is quiet and curious. The more we know, the more we recognize what we don’t—and the better we become at caring for patients and each other. Further Reading Dunning D, Kruger J. Unskilled and Unaware of It (1999). Classic paper introducing the effect.Croskerry P. Cognitive forcing strategies in clinical decision-making.Kahneman D. Thinking, Fast and Slow. Heuristics & biases in high-stakes decisions.Ericsson KA. Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise. Deliberate practice & skill acquisition.Edmondson AC. The Fearless Organization. Psychological safety and learning culture in teams. Meet the Authors Mark Ramzy, DO Co-Editor-in-Chief Cardiothoracic Intensivist and EM Attending RWJBH / Rutgers Health, Newark, NJ Kim Bambach, MD Podcasting Manager Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Ohio State University The post REBEL MIND – The Dunning Kruger Effect: Why Looking Inward Improves Patient Care appeared first on REBEL EM - Emergency Medicine Blog.

MYTHOLOGY AND THE MURDER OF SNORRI Colleague Eleanor Barraclough. Barraclough discusses the difficulty of accessing Norse beliefs, as most sources, like Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda, were written post-conversion. She outlines dramatic myths, including the creation of the world from the giant Ymir and its destruction at Ragnarok, featuring a ship made from the fingernails of the dead. The segment covers Snorri's life as a politician in 13th-century Iceland during a bloody civil war. Barraclough recounts his assassination in his own basement on the orders of the Norwegian king, noting his final words were "don't strike." NUMBER 5

If you've ever had one of those days where you know what you should do, but everything in you wants to procrastinate, avoid, or zone out... this episode is for you. I'm sharing one of my favorite mindset tools: a simple sentence structure you can use when motivation is low, when self-doubt is loud, or when you just feel stuck. It's a trick I return to again and again to get myself into action and back into alignment with who I want to become. Inside, you'll hear exactly how it works, why it helps you make progress without needing a massive pep talk, and how to use it right away in your practice, performance prep, or daily habits. This might be the shift that changes everything. Tune in and try it for yourself.   If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.   Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE   Mind Over Finger Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me. Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources. Connect: https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/     THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme:  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.   ·  Self‑Efficacy: The Exercise of Control https://www.scribd.com/document/394892404/Albert-Bandura-Self-Efficacy-The-Exercise-of-Control-W-H-Freeman-Co-1997-pdf Scribd ·  Identity‑Based Motivation and Health https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/89940/1/oyserman_fryberg_yoder_2007_identity_based_motivation_and_health._jpsp.pdf Deep Blue Repositories ·  Identity‑Based Motivation and Health Disparities (Journal of Social Issues) https://dornsife.usc.edu/daphna-oyserman/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2023/11/oyserman_et_al_2014_jsi.pdf USC Dornsife ·  Identity‑Based Motivation and Core Processes https://rcgd.isr.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/oyserman2015ibm.pdf rcgd.isr.umich.edu ·  Identity‑Based Motivation and the Motivational Consequences of Difficulty https://dornsife.usc.edu/daphna-oyserman/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2024/12/Social-Personality-Psych-2024-Oyserman-Identity-Based-Motivation-and-the-Motivational-Consequences-of-Difficulty.pdf USC Dornsife

Today's Sports Daily covers Miami's upset of Ohio St. and the disturbing trend the 12 team College Football Playoff has started, the NFL's Xmas Day ratings set records – again, & the difficulty of winning 3 road playoff games.Music written by Bill Conti & Allee Willis (Casablanca Records/Universal Music Group) Ads:ZipRecruiter – Ditch the other hiring sites, and let ZipRecruiter find what you're looking for:https://ziprecruiter.com/audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this New Year's Eve service, Pastor Chris McCool (Zion PBC) shares a message of hope and encouragement from Mark chapter 5. Focusing on the account of Jairus and his dying daughter, Brother Chris discusses "the difficulty of the delay"—the space we live in between the trials of this world and the fulfillment of God's promises. Whether you are facing personal loss, sickness, or the general frustrations of life, this sermon reminds us of Jesus' comforting words: "Be not afraid, only believe."

Is this one of the best or worst method or repertoire books for learning to play acoustic fingerstyle blues guitar? You can learn to play music using a variety of resources including teachers, online resources, and books. Despite the book's title, this is not a traditional method book for learning to play fingerstyle blues guitar. This is a repertoire book containing fingerstyle blues arrangements in a variety of subgenres (i.e. ragtime and delta blues). The book does offer more than a traditional repertoire book in that it has technical and historical notes before each tune, and then it occasionally introduces a new technique through a tune. This book is suitable for late beginner to advanced fingerstyle players but is best for intermediate players. I really like the organization of the book: tunes are organized by subgenre, and within each section the tunes are arranged from easiest to hardest. If you have zero experience playing fingerstyle guitar or fingerstyle blues, this is not the best book to start with. If you do have some experience, this is a great book for learning fun tunes, improving your skills, and learning some background history. What stands out about this book is that some tunes include multiple choruses. If you've studied fingerstyle blues from books, you've seen one or two page arrangements that, as written, are too short for a full performance. You might have gathered that you should play the original arrangement and then create multiple variations to instrumentally simulate different lyrics for each verse of a vocal tune, to extend your performance, and to make it your own. However, most books don't actually write out any variations. The Complete Acoustic Blues Guitar Method is wonderful in that some of its arrangements do contain 2nd and 3rd chorus variations. These are great for beginners and players that just want to play a tune that lasts more than 30 seconds, and they are even more valuable for players that want to see and study concrete examples of variations. You can learn a lot from analyzing these variations and then you can implement these ideas into other tunes in your repertoire. Difficulty ramps up quickly in this book with the majority of the arrangements in that intermediate difficulty range. Beginner players may want to first use a traditional method book: A general fingerstyle method like Alfred's “Beginning Fingerstyle Guitar,” or A more focused method like Bruce Emery's “Travis-Style Guitar from Scratch.” Then you could utilize Woody Mann's book as a supplement as you're working through the method book. Later beginners should aim for the first tune or two from each different section and see what specific styles of fingerstyle blues catch their ear. You will improve faster and have more fun if you play tunes that are aren't too difficult, so don't get bogged down with the hardest tunes in the book. The Complete Acoustic Blues Guitar Method provides both treble clef and tablature for each arrangement, but neither fretting nor picking hand fingering is provided. At least you can tell which notes should be played with your thumb by looking at the treble clef – bass notes have down stems. Regardless, the skill of choosing sensible fingering is important, and you will need to look elsewhere to further develop this skill. Recordings are available online through Hal Leonard's website. These will be very helpful to many readers. It's fun and educational to hear some of the author's little variations and stylistic techniques (slides, bends, etc.) that aren't written into the music. The book doesn't use the modern percussive techniques used by modern players like Michael Hedges, Don Ross, Andy McKee, Mike Dawes, etc. No thumb slaps, guitar body percussion, or tapping. It says that the copyright is © 2014 Wise Publications, but the book seems to be published and distributed by Hal Leonard. My own books: Fingerstyle Blues Guitar: An In-Depth Study of the 12-Bar Blues in E Major – Books 1 and 2 are available in paperback or as an eBook through Amazon [https://a.co/d/g7Udsso (Book 1) and https://a.co/d/aDbh4H0 (Book 2)]. The first priority of these books is to quickly get you playing a solo instrumental 12-bar blues, and then to build on it until you can freely improvise or “jam.” You should be up and running by the end of the third chapter, and each following chapter will add icing on the cake. Arranging for Fingerstyle Guitar: go to http://joemcmurray.com/checkout/ to purchase a pdf of my eBook. Learning to arrange melodies will also help your fingerstyle songwriting and your understanding of the inner workings of fingerstyle guitar. My upcoming book, Arranging for Fingerstyle Ukulele, will be published by Mel Bay in 2026. My music is available on all streaming platforms at https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dcokTG6C598OhTslHH5uo?si=hrQb7FViSZewDRSgECw9Ew: Pins on the Map: my third fingerstyle guitar album was released on January 19, 2024. Watch the first single, “Open Road,” on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/uPBh8sZQsT4?si=EM_wAwnHFqU1VC9C. Riding the Wave and Acoustic Oasis: my first two fingerstyle guitar albums.

If a person is going through difficulties, the natural reaction is to ask, "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?" He then feels bad about the situation and remains in that state until it goes away. However, if he reacts that way, he is losing out on a golden opportunity. The purpose of this world is to utilize every circumstance that Hashem places a person into to its fullest, and thereby gain eternal life. The Chafetz Chaim writes that the main goodness a person will receive in the future depends on how he reacts to the ways Hashem dealt with him here. If he internalizes that Hashem is always doing the absolute best for him, even though it does not appear that way, he will rise to the greatest levels, and his table in the future will be overflowing with good. The Orchot Tzaddikim writes that if a person performs a mitzvah with joy, his reward is a thousand times greater than if he were to do it as a chore. That joy will give him the merit to have success in his endeavors and to rise in levels of spirituality, to the point that Hashem will reveal secrets to him from above. The joy a person experiences while doing a mitzvah is itself a mitzvah. If a person is experiencing difficulty, he has a mitzvah to accept that Hashem is doing this for his benefit, as stated in the Shulchan Aruch. If he fulfills that mitzvah with joy, it will earn him a thousand times more reward and elevate him tremendously. The Baal Shem Tov writes that when a person is in a state of joy and happiness, he can bring about great salvations. Being depressed and complaining accomplishes nothing, whereas being accepting and joyful can give a person everything. Rabbeinu Yonah writes in Mishlei (perek gimel, pasuk yud alef) that if a person gives much charity and is exceedingly careful in the performance of all the mitzvot, yet is unsuccessful in business and has great difficulty earning parnassah, or experiences other forms of suffering despite being so good, he must strengthen himself in bitachon and accept the way Hashem is dealing with him with love. He must understand that what is happening to him is truly for the best. He says, what the person is experiencing in his life is better than all the wealth, tranquility, and success this world has to offer, because all of that passes in a fleeting moment. This world is so temporary in comparison to the next world, and one moment of pleasure there is better than all the pleasure that can ever be experienced in this world combined. A person does not know what is truly good for him; only Hashem does. Sometimes tranquility is good, and sometimes difficulty is good. Therefore, a person should never be upset with Hashem. Rabbeinu Yonah adds that this attitude is a wondrous level to reach in bitachon, and the reward for it is incomprehensible. I once read a story of a man who was diagnosed with a serious illness. He went through years of treatments, hospital visits, pain, and uncertainty. His livelihood was affected and all of his plans were dissolved, yet no one could believe the attitude he maintained throughout the experience. When people visited him, they expected frustration and anger, but instead they were met with a smile and words of emunah. One day a friend could not hold back any longer and asked him directly, "How do you keep saying Baruch Hashem? You are in so much pain, you have lost so much—don't you feel broken?" He answered, "Yes, it hurts. But pain does not mean Hashem does not love me. It means He trusts me." The doctors and nurses were in awe of his demeanor, and he made a tremendous Kiddush Hashem. Baruch Hashem, he recovered and continues to live his life with joy and emunah. The levels he reached through his acceptance during those few years are levels people often do not reach in decades when everything is going smoothly. We do not ask for difficulties, but if they ever come, we do not want to waste the opportunity. The greatest thing we can do is accept them with love and emunah.

The GO is taking some much needed time away from the studio and spending the holidays with their families and friends. So in place of the regular episode, we’re revisiting a couple topics from prior episodes. This week, we’re featuring the topics “Quality of Life vs. Difficulty” and “Urban Legends.” In between these two, Sean and Marc stop by to talk about ’Terminator 2D: No Fate’ & ‘Taxi Chaos 2’ on Switch. Invite to Fuze social media platform Hollywood Outsider / Gaming Outsider Cruise Info ***Time stamps may not be exact depending on ad placement*** On This Episode (2:21) Quality of Life vs. Difficulty (36:45) Terminator 2D: No Fate (PS5) (47:25) Taxi Chaos 2 (Switch) (53:39) Urban Legends Grab the episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music and more. If you love this episode and want other gaming content you can't get anywhere else, please support us on Patreon! Also, don’t forget to check out our Discord Server and our web site, where you can read all of our written content.

Send me a Text Message!There is a light that shines in the darkness and in the end, Christmas wins. In the days after Christmas there there's still darkness and we will still need light. We need the light of hope for the darkness of difficulty. Difficulty didn't take a break over the holidays. We need the light of hope. We need the light of generosity for the darkness of selfishness.  Christmas scratches the itch of grace deep within us. It gives us a chance to counteract that selfish streak we hate in ourselves. And what if, rather than being a holiday, here and then  gone, Christmas was a holy day that is meant to ignite a light that burns through a year of days? What if the Christmas lights are simply a metaphor of an unseen reality that the light of heaven has now invaded  our world and all the darkness of the world cannot stand against the glory of that light?What if Christmas is a reminder of the wonder that heaven is now in our midst? What if heaven is here?

In this solo episode, Dr. Gauthier breaks down a powerful mindset shift that can transform your musical growth and career. If you're tired of working harder and still feeling stuck, this is the episode for you.

TDC #080 - The Contrarian Canon (Part 1): 5 Overlooked Frameworks for 2026What if the most powerful business ideas aren't the newest ones, but the ones you missed?Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque shares five overlooked frameworks from the "Contrarian Canon"—powerful concepts buried in past newsletter issues.You'll learn how to optimize around permanence instead of change, why struggle creates satisfaction, and discover advanced pricing psychology that increases both clarity and conversion.Question of the Day

Every year at Christmas, the Telegraph launches its charity appeal to raise money for four worthy causes.In 2025, we've been supporting Prostate Cancer Research, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Canine Partners - which provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities - and The Not Forgotten, which offers support and community to Armed Forces veterans.There's still time to donate and to support these good causes, so in this Christmas Day bonus episode of The Daily T, you can hear directly from a few of the people the Telegraph appeal is helping.Merry Christmas! You can donate here: https://telegraph.ctdonate.org/We want to hear from you! Email us at thedailyt@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on TikTok, Instagram and X► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorProducers: Louisa Wells, Georgia Coan and Lilian FawcettExecutive Producer: Charlotte Seligman Studio Operator: Meghan SearleVideo Producer: James England Social Producer: Nada AggourEditor: Camilla Tominey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SHOW 12-23-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS F THE EU... 1831 BRUSSELS EU STRUGGLES WITH RUSSIAN ASSETS AND AID Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey discusses the EU's difficulty in utilizing frozen Russian assets and the "defeat" for Chancellor Merz regarding the funding mechanism for Ukraine. NUMBER 1 THE RISE OF THE AFD IN GERMANY Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey continues, focusing on the rise of the AfD party in Germany and its connections to elements of the US Republican party. NUMBER 2 STALEMATES IN GAZA AND LEBANON Colleague Jonathan Schanzer. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the stalemate regarding the last hostage in Gaza, the fragmented control of the territory, and threats in Lebanon and Syria. NUMBER 3 EU REGULATION VS. US GROWTH Colleague Michael Toth. Michael Toth critiques the European Union's "regulatory imperialism" and contrasts it with the economic growth of the US. NUMBER 4 STATE DEPARTMENT RECALLS AND STRATEGY Colleague Mary Kissel. Mary Kissel discusses the recall of career ambassadors by the Trump administration and challenges in Panama and Greenland. NUMBER 5 AUSTRALIA'S DEFENSE AND CHINA Colleague Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham warns about Australia's lack of defense capabilities and the erosion of its influence in the Pacific islands due to Chinese political warfare. NUMBER 6 THE BORING BENEFITS OF AI Colleague Kevin Frazier. Kevin Frazier advocates for the "boring use cases" of AI, such as in healthcare and traffic management, to save costs and improve efficiency. NUMBER 7 REGULATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Kevin Frazier. Kevin Frazier continues, warning against a "waterfall of regulation" by states and advocating for "regulatory sandboxes" to allow experimentation. NUMBER 8 US EXPANSIONISM AND DIPLOMATIC RIFTS Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley analyzes US foreign policy moves regarding Greenland, Panama, and Venezuela, describing them as a return to "might is right" expansionism. NUMBER 9 THE MONROE DOCTRINE AND NAVAL POWER Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley continues, debating whether the US is a naval or continental power in the context of enforcing the Monroe Doctrine and discussing a proposal for new battleships. NUMBER 10 THE DECLINE OF LITERACY AND CONTEXT Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley continues, discussing the decline of literacy and context since the mid-20th century, comparing modern society to the Eloi and Morlocks of H.G. Wells. NUMBER 11 KING CHARLES III AND UK POLITICAL TURMOIL Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley continues, analyzing the challenges King Charles III faces under the Keir Starmer government, which Copley compares to the era of Oliver Cromwell. NUMBER 12 THE LEGEND OF THE HESSIANS Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell discusses the American fear of Hessian soldiers and Washington's strategic victory at Trenton. NUMBER 13 FRANCE'S GLOBAL STRATEGY IN THE REVOLUTION Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell continues, highlighting the role of Foreign Minister Vergennes and how French involvement expanded the war globally. NUMBER 14 BENEDICT ARNOLD AND PEGGY SHIPPEN Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell continues, discussing Peggy Shippen's influence on Benedict Arnold's defection and their subsequent life in London. NUMBER 15 THE ACCIDENTAL COLONIZATION OF AUSTRALIA Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell concludes, recounting the story of convict William Murray and the accidental selection of Australia as a penal colony following the loss of the American colonies. NUMBER 16

EU STRUGGLES WITH RUSSIAN ASSETS AND AID Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey discusses the EU's difficulty in utilizing frozen Russian assets and the "defeat" for Chancellor Merz regarding the funding mechanism for Ukraine. NUMBER 1 1890 SAXONY

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2 Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson With the world being the way it is, it's a rare treat to play a game that's just pure joy from start to finish, and that is exactly what Astro Bot (Team Asobi, Sony, 2024) brings. From the opening cutscene to the final boss, Astro Bot is both one of the greatest platformers ever made and a joyous celebration of 30 years of Playstation history. I treasure a game like this as a player, and almost even moreso as a critic. I hope you enjoy the discussion! Guest info: Josh Covel (he/him) * Check out Still Loading Podcast https://www.stillloadingpodcast.com/ TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card * 0:33 Introductions * 6:11 Our Histories with Astro Bot * 9:42 Opening Thoughts * 13:06 Game Setup and Playstation History * 23:08 Criticisms of The Playstation Tie-Ins * 39:34 Gameplay & Powerups * 49:20 Complexity and Difficulty * 1:00:19 Collectibles and Secrets * 1:08:15 Music and Sound Design * 1:23:55 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations * 1:29:13 Still Loading Podcast * 1:34:58 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous * 1:37:34 Spoiler Section- Playstation Themed Levels * 2:01:43 Final Level and Miscellaneous Favorite Things Music used in the episode is credited to Kenneth C M Young. Tracks used: I Am Astro Bot (ASTRO BOT Remix), Disco Tree, Big Wave, You Know What You've Got To Do, Drake's BOTtune, Bot of War Social Media: BlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/ Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Foot Drop Solutions After Stroke Without an AFO: Ken Kerns' “New Way to Walk” (Plus Aphasia Recovery After a 10-Day Coma) Ken Kerns didn't just wake up from a stroke. He woke up from a 10-day medically induced coma after an AVM brain hemorrhage, facing a reality that would shake anyone's identity: right-side paralysis, aphasia, and the exhausting work of rebuilding everyday life from scratch. And then, because stroke recovery loves a twist, one of the nurses kept calling him Frank. That moment might sound funny now, but in the early days of brain injury, it landed like a true identity crisis. Ken would later turn that experience into a book title: Anything But Frank—and into a bigger message that matters for every survivor and caregiver: recovery isn't one problem to solve. It's dozens. And you solve them one by one. This episode covers the full story (AVM, coma, aphasia, purpose). But it also includes something many survivors are actively searching for: foot drop solutions after stroke without an AFO—specifically, a practical tool Ken found that helped reduce falls and made walking feel more natural again. The day everything changed: an AVM hemorrhage at home Ken's stroke happened early in the COVID era, when work had shifted home and hospitals were under intense strain. He was preparing for a meeting when he went to the bathroom and collapsed. His wife, Carrie, couldn't open the door—he'd fallen behind it. She called emergency services. Ken has no memory of those moments. Like many survivors, he had to rebuild the story from what others told him. What followed was terrifying uncertainty. A neurosurgeon reviewed imaging and initially feared a tumor (Ken had a history of kidney cancer years earlier). Carrie was allowed into the emergency room to say goodbye because it wasn't clear Ken would survive surgery. But in surgery, the cause became clear: an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The surgeon removed it, and Ken was placed into a medically induced coma for 10 days. Aphasia: when your brain is fast… and your mouth won't cooperate When Ken woke, his deficits were immediate and brutal: Paralyzed on the right side Unable to speak Had to relearn swallowing Severe aphasia that improved over time One of the most honest parts of Ken's story is how confusing aphasia can feel from the inside. Ken described it like this: his cognition is there, answers are forming—yet the “path” to speech is obstructed. “My brain works much faster than my mouth.” “There used to be a direct path… and now that path is worn… covered by weeds.” That metaphor matters because it reframes aphasia as a communication access issue—not a lack of intelligence. Ken found a major turning point through a Minnesota-based communication group: Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MNCAN). Practicing weekly conversations (with support from a speech-language pathologist) rebuilt something more than words. It rebuilt confidence. He went from relying on Carrie to order food or check in at airports… to speaking up again in real-world settings. And eventually, he didn't just participate—he stepped into leadership and became president of the board. If you're living with aphasia, this is one of the most powerful “hidden wins” in recovery: you don't have to wait until speech is perfect to start practicing in the world. “Anything But Frank”: identity, emotion, and meaning after stroke In the hospital, a nurse repeatedly called Ken “Frank.” It sounds like a paperwork mistake—but for someone fresh out of coma, it triggered fear and confusion: Did I die? Am I someone else? Who will I FaceTime? When the iPad finally turned around and he saw Carrie, he cried—not from sadness, but relief. Later, Ken's siblings did what siblings do: they turned the story into a running joke. They called him Frank. Ken's response became a line that carried him forward: Call me anything but Frank. That phrase became the title of his book and a symbol of what recovery often is: reclaiming identity while your body and brain renegotiate who you are. Ken also spoke candidly about emotional recovery. In rehab, he felt intense anger—then shifted into a daily question that gave him structure: “Guide my day. Show me the purpose.” Whether you share Ken's faith or not, the takeaway is universal: When recovery feels chaotic, survivors need a meaningful frame to keep going. Foot drop solutions after stroke without an AFO: the “new way to walk” Ken found Foot drop is one of those stroke problems that seems “small” until it isn't. It can quietly steal independence through trips, falls, and fear—especially on stairs, uneven ground, and (in Ken's case) Minnesota snow and ice. Ken described classic foot drop challenges: Difficulty lifting the foot Frequent falls Trouble on the stairs Reduced confidence walking He used an ankle-foot orthotic (AFO), which helped. But later, he discovered a product that—for him—became a workable AFO alternative: Cadence shoes. Ken's experience was specific and practical: The shoe design helped his foot glide during the swing phase Then grip when the weight shifted forward He reported no falls since wearing them He said he no longer needed his AFO He felt stair descent improved because the shoe gripped rather than sliding off the step This is crucial: this isn't “one weird trick.” It's a tool that matched Ken's exact pattern of movement, environment, and needs. If you're exploring foot drop solutions, here's the smart way to use Ken's story: Treat tools as experiments, not guarantees Trial safely (with your physio/OT if possible) Test on the surfaces that actually challenge you (stairs, carpet edges, outdoor paths) Measure results: falls, near-falls, fatigue, confidence, walking speed Ken also used another independence tool: a left-foot accelerator to return to driving while his right ankle remained immobile. That's a reminder that “walking recovery” isn't only rehab—it's also smart adaptation. What to take from Ken's story (even if your stroke was different) Ken's recovery wasn't a straight line. It was many small wins, stacked over time. If you're in the thick of it, consider this simple plan: Name the real problem (not “I'm broken,” but “I trip when my foot drags.”) Practice communication in community (groups like MNCAN show what's possible) Choose tools that reduce risk today (falls steal momentum) Rehearse what matters (Ken practiced speeches until they were automatic) Protect your inputs (Ken avoids depressing “poison” media that drains recovery energy) And if you're a caregiver: the biggest gift is often helping your person keep experimenting—without pressure, without shame, and without rushing the timeline. Keep going with the full episode Ken's “new way to walk” is a valuable segment—but the whole episode is the real promise: AVM stroke recovery, aphasia progress, identity rebuilding, and the meaning that can emerge after trauma. If you want more stories like this (and practical tools survivors are actually using), you can also check out Bill's book and support the podcast here: Book: The Unexpected Way That A Stroke Became The Best Thing That Happened Patreon This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Ken Kerns: 10-Day Coma, AVM Stroke Recovery, Aphasia Progress & Walking Confidence Ken woke from a 10-day coma after an AVM stroke, unable to speak or move his right side, then rebuilt his voice and his walking confidence for life. Book – Anything but Frank: A Journey of Healing, Patience, and Rediscovery Archway Publishing Amazon (U.S.) Amazon (Australia Additional Resources: Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN) Cadense Adaptive Shoes The Transcript Will Be Available Soon… The post Ken Kerns: 10-Day Coma, AVM Stroke Recovery, Aphasia Progress & Walking Confidence appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.

How did a podcast about the rosary beat out Joe Rogan? What actually is the rosary, and why can all Christians grow spiritually from praying with it? And what does it mean to be a great leader --whether in a church, marriage, or career?Today I'm sitting down with Fr Mary-Mary, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, as we dive into his vocation, the power and purpose of the rosary, handling abusive situations in relationships and church matters, as well as the need to celebrate victories. I think you'll enjoy this candid discussion. Rosary in a year Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rosary-in-a-year-with-fr-mark-mary-ames/id1776236328Rosary in a year Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Rx1puBjE0xZBiuy4BT4i7NEW: Check out our Merch store! https://shop.lilaroseshow.com/Join our new Patreon community! https://patreon.com/lilaroseshow - We'll have BTS footage, ad-free episodes, and early access to our upcoming guests.A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world's leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/ Check out our Sponsors:-Brave+: Screen Time Made Good - Get a week free trial at https://braveplus.com/lila-We Heart Nutrition: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/ Get high quality vitamin supplements for 20% off using the code LILA. -EveryLife Women: https://www.everylife.com/lila Buy diapers and women's health products from an amazing company and use code LILA to get 10% off!-Seven Weeks Coffee: https://www.sevenweekscoffee.com Buy your pro-life coffee and Save up to 25% with promo code 'LILA' & get up to four FREE gifts this Christmas season: http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com00:00:00 - Intro00:02:57 - Mary showing up more in media00:05:29 - Respect Mary, but pray to Mary?00:18:15 - Fr Mark-Mary's Confession:00:23:59 - In-N-Out Vocation00:27:15 - Culture of Spiritual Direction00:32:32 - Does everyone need a spiritual director?00:40:21 - Why Fr Mark-Mary Likes online dating00:45:58 - Abuse in Marriage, Church, Relationships00:50:00 - Why more people need help00:55:44 - Spiritual Abuse / Marriage01:05:52 - Jocko and Leadership01:13:21 - Denying men from Franciscans01:18:34 - Men leaving Franciscan order01:22:10 - Annulments01:25:03 - Rosary in a Year01:27:59 - Battle of Lepanto01:30:27 - History of the rosary01:38:03 - 3 Goals With Rosary01:42:44 - Most surprising thing about RIAY Podcast01:44:37 - Difficulty from Success01:59:38 - Jesus receiving praise02:07:15 - Reflections on Mary and Advent:02:13:20 - Marriage, Partnership, Unity02:16:32 - Fr Mark-Mary Asks Lila Questions02:32:36 - How Lila Got into Pro-Life space

This week in bitcoin mining news, hiccups surface in AI site development and funding, and China crackdown on bitcoin mining in Xinjiang. Subscribe to the Blockspace newsletter! Welcome back to The Mining Pod! Today, Colin and Matt dive into reports of a bitcoin mining crackdown in Xinjiang, China, Hut 8's massive $7B hosting deal with Fluidstack, just-reported summer weather delays at Core Scientific's Denton facility for CoreWeave, and Blue Owl declining to fund a 1 GW AI site for Oracle. And to close the show, veteran crypto reporter Brady Dale, author of the Front Stage Exit newsletter, joins us to talk about a failed vote in Granbury, Texas, to incorporate a new town to expel MARA from its facility in the area. Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com **Notes:** Notes: * ~1.3GW/100 EH of mining under pressure in Xinjiang * Hashprice under $40 per PH/s/day * Difficulty adjustment projected at -1% * Hut 8 inks $7B, 15-year hosting deal with Fluidstack * Core Weave faced 60-day construction delays over the summer at CORZ Denton site Timestamps 00:00 Start 05:44 China bans Bitcoin, again! 15:46 Hut 8 hyperscaler deal 21:49 Delays at CoreWeave Denton site 25:26 Oracle funding issues 30:21 Brady Dale goes to Texas

Traveling within Africa on an African passport remains a challenge, according to the African Development Bank Group. Their research shows that Africans can travel without a visa for only 28% of intra-African trips, while 51% of Africans need a visa before crossing borders within the continent.In this episode, we speak to Ras Mubarak, a former Ghanaian MP, who is currently on an epic road trip across Africa. His mission? To highlight the difficulties of African visa systems and advocate for freer and faster movement across the continent.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Welcome back to The Mining Pod! Today, Colin and Matt dive into reports of a bitcoin mining crackdown in Xinjiang, China, Hut 8's massive $7B hosting deal with Fluidstack, just-reported summer weather delays at Core Scientific's Denton facility for CoreWeave, and Blue Owl declining to fund a 1 GW AI site for Oracle. And to close the show, veteran crypto reporter Brady Dale, author of the Front Stage Exit newsletter, joins us to talk about a failed vote in Granbury, Texas, to incorporate a new town to expel MARA from its facility in the area. Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com **Notes:** * ~1.3GW/100 EH of mining under pressure in Xinjiang * Hashprice under $40 per PH/s/day * Difficulty adjustment projected at -1% * Hut 8 inks $7B, 15-year hosting deal with Fluidstack * Core Weave faced 60-day construction delays over the summer at CORZ Denton site Timestamps 00:00 Start 05:44 China bans Bitcoin, again! 15:46 Hut 8 hyperscaler deal 21:49 Delays at CoreWeave Denton site 25:26 Oracle funding issues 30:21 Brady Dale goes to Texas

This episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh – Go to https://HelloFresh.com/jvsb10fm now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free breakfast for Life! This episode is brought to you by Aura Frames – Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/SCB Promo Code SCB In today's J vs Ben the boys face off once more to find out who knows more trivia about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!  The twist is they can actually look up answers in the book… if they can find it within 30 seconds.. Hope the Quiz Masters were nice… Play Along With Us :: https://supercarlinbrothers.com/j-vs-ben-max-difficulty-deathly-hallows-open-book-harry-potter-trivia/ Special thanks to these Quiz Masters: Jessica Theirault, Crafty Liz, Dorian R., Looncall, Teghan - Denlinger, Bunny, Elfish Princess, Tinas_Hotdog_Sophie, Tara Walker, Bradferd, Cam of the Math Budget, Curtis Okerman, Becca, kyuubibob, magicalmisfires, Mechaela, Dola and Jordan Shefsky #SuperCarlinBrothers #harrypotter #jvsben Written by: The Quiz Masters Edited by: Ethan Edghill Hosted by: Ethan Edghill

Pastor Michael Kisaka shares a powerful reflection on Psalm 56:8, emphasizing God's intimate knowledge of and presence in our suffering. He illustrates how God attentively keeps track of our sorrows and is compassionately close, even collecting our tears.

How should Christian faith shape work in an era of pluralism, fear, and systemic inequality? Sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund (Rice University) is presenting new insights for faith at work through data, theology, and lived experience. "People love to talk about individual ethics … but what was really hard for them to think about was, what would it mean to make our workplace better as a whole?" In this episode, Ecklund joins Mark Labberton to reflect on moving from individual morality toward systemic responsibility, dignity, and other-centred Christian witness at work. Together they discuss faith and work, the gender and race gaps created by systemic injustice, fear and power, religious diversity, rest and human limits, gender and racial marginalization, and the cost of a credible Christian witness. Episode Highlights "People love to talk about individual ethics." "What would it mean to make our workplace better as a whole?" "People are much more apt to take us seriously if we first take them seriously." "Suppression of faith in particular is not the answer." "God is God and I am not." About Elaine Howard Ecklund Elaine Howard Ecklund is professor of sociology at Rice University and director of the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance. She is a leading sociologist of religion, science, and work whose research examines how faith operates in professional and institutional life. Ecklund has led large-scale empirical studies on religion in workplaces and scientific communities, supported by the National Science Foundation, Templeton Foundation, and Lilly Endowment. She is the author or co-author of several influential books, including Working for Better, Why Science and Faith Need Each Other, and Science vs. Religion. Her work informs academic, ecclesial, and public conversations about pluralism, justice, and moral formation in modern society. Learn more and follow at https://www.elaineecklund.com and https://twitter.com/elaineecklund Helpful Links And Resources Working for Better (IVP): https://www.ivpress.com/working-for-better Why Science and Faith Need Each Other (IVP): https://www.ivpress.com/why-science-and-faith-need-each-other Elaine Howard Ecklund website: https://www.elaineecklund.com Rice University Boniuk Institute: https://boniuk.rice.edu Conversing with Mark Labberton: https://comment.org/conversing Show Notes Sociological study of religion, work, and group behavior Christian faith taken seriously at personal and academic levels Ecklund's former research focus on science as a workplace environment Expanding faith-at-work research beyond scientific communities Compartmentalized Christian faith and the fear of offending colleagues Friendship and collaboration emerging from leadership retreats Large-scale data-driven study on religion in changing workplaces Religious pluralism at work and changing workplace demographics Writing for Christian audiences shaped by empirical research From individual ethics toward systemic responsibility at work "People love to talk about individual ethics." Systemic injustice blind spots Moral shorthand focused on time sheets and office supplies Organizational leadership and culture change Difficulty imagining organizational or structural workplace change Fear of retaliation when confronting unjust systems Responsibility for workplace realities Power underestimated by those holding leadership positions Costly examples of speaking up against workplace injustice Christian fear of marginalization in pluralistic environments Suppression of religious expression as common workplace response Suppression versus accommodation: "Suppression of faith in particular is not the answer." Religious diversity as unavoidable reality of modern work Other-centered faith rooted in dignity of every person Imago Dei shaping engagement across religious difference "People are much more apt to take us seriously if we first take them seriously." Racialized religious minorities: the double marginalization of racial minorities of faith Gender inequity and underexamined workplace power dynamics Faith-based employee groups Fear masquerading as anger in cultural and religious conflict Workplaces as rare spaces for meaningful civic encounter Justice beyond activism Rest as theological foundation for justice and leadership Limits, Sabbath, and resisting productivity as ultimate value "God is God and I am not." Human limits in leadership Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary. #FaithAndWork #ElaineHowardEcklund #ChristianEthics #WorkplaceJustice #ReligiousPluralism #RestAndFaith

Every family has an origin story—and it's not always the one told at holidays. In this episode, Tony explores the fascinating concept of the butterfly effect and how it applies to family systems. From a scientist's obsession with Gila monster saliva that led to Ozempic, to a wrong turn that ignited World War I, small moments can create massive ripples. But what happens when the butterfly in your family isn't an event—it's a person? Through the story of "Uncle Ray," Tony unpacks how one emotionally overwhelmed parent can set patterns that echo for decades, and how family roles—the helper, the peacekeeper, the fixer, the scapegoat—get assigned long before we're even aware of them. You'll learn about the patterns of emotional immaturity (black-and-white thinking, mind reading, magical thinking, and more) and how they show up in everyday family dynamics. Most importantly, Tony shares the hopeful truth: the butterfly effect works both ways. One person's dysfunction can ripple through generations—but so can one person's healing. If you've ever wondered how to break cycles in your own family or show up differently this holiday season, this episode is for you. 00:00 Introduction: Family Dynamics and Roles 01:05 The Butterfly Effect in Families 03:02 Crossover Episode: Emotional Immaturity and Family Systems 04:36 The Butterfly Effect: Scientific Examples 10:02 The Butterfly Effect in Family Systems 14:33 Uncle Ray: The Catalyst of Chaos 23:25 Pathological Kindness: Janet's Role 27:39 Emotional Immaturity: Patterns and Consequences 33:10 Black and White Thinking 33:40 Mind Reading and Assumed Intent 34:28 Difficulty with Accountability 35:39 Emotional Reasoning 36:35 External Validation Dependence 37:58 Magical Thinking 39:03 Managing Other People's Emotions 40:40 The Butterfly Effect in Family Dynamics 41:15 Curiosity and Emotional Maturity 43:28 Reconnecting with Uncle Dave 51:30 The Impact of Family Systems 55:55 The Cost of Emotional Immaturity 58:25 Breaking the Cycle 58:45 Setting Boundaries and Responding Differently 01:02:38 Hope and Creating Positive Ripples Contact Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com to learn more about his Emotional Architects men's group. And visit https://julie-dejesus.com/cruise to learn more about Tony and his friend Julie De Jesus's "I See You Living" cruise, a 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise from January 24-29, 2026 aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. To learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouch Available NOW: Tony's "Magnetic Marriage Mini-Course" is only $25. https://magneticmarriage.mykajabi.com/magnetic-marriage-mini-course You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com

What do you do when someone in your family needs drama to feel alive? In this crossover episode, Tony dives deep into the anatomy of emotional immaturity through the story of "Uncle Ray"—a family member whose constant need for conflict, grievance, and the "one-up position" sent shockwaves through an entire family system. Tony breaks down the key patterns of emotional immaturity you'll recognize: black-and-white thinking, assumed intent without curiosity, difficulty with accountability, emotional reasoning ("I feel it, so it must be true"), external validation dependence, magical thinking, and the exhausting game of "whack-a-mole" that comes with trying to have a conversation with someone who's looking for attack surfaces rather than connection. You'll also learn about "pathological kindness"—the breakup-resistant dynamic that keeps enablers locked in relationships with emotionally immature people—and how these patterns get passed down through generations. Tony traces Uncle Ray's patterns back to his mother's divorce and the emotional template that shaped him, showing how one grandmother's pain rippled forward into holiday traditions lost and family relationships fractured. If you have an Uncle Ray in your life, this episode offers clarity: you can't change them, but you can set boundaries, refuse triangulation, grieve the family you wished you had, and become the catalyst for a different kind of ripple in your own family system. 00:00 Introduction: Family Dynamics and Roles 01:05 The Butterfly Effect in Families 03:02 Crossover Episode: Emotional Immaturity and Family Systems 04:36 The Butterfly Effect: Scientific Examples 10:02 The Butterfly Effect in Family Systems 14:33 Uncle Ray: The Catalyst of Chaos 23:25 Pathological Kindness: Janet's Role 27:39 Emotional Immaturity: Patterns and Consequences 33:10 Black and White Thinking 33:40 Mind Reading and Assumed Intent 34:28 Difficulty with Accountability 35:39 Emotional Reasoning 36:35 External Validation Dependence 37:58 Magical Thinking 39:03 Managing Other People's Emotions 40:40 The Butterfly Effect in Family Dynamics 41:15 Curiosity and Emotional Maturity 43:28 Reconnecting with Uncle Dave 51:30 The Impact of Family Systems 55:55 The Cost of Emotional Immaturity 58:25 Breaking the Cycle 58:45 Setting Boundaries and Responding Differently 01:02:38 Hope and Creating Positive Ripples Contact Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com to learn more about his Emotional Architects men's group. And visit https://julie-dejesus.com/cruise to learn more about Tony and his friend Julie De Jesus's "I See You Living" cruise, a 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise from January 24-29, 2026 aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.