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Regular listeners of this series will know that there is a certain festival that is near and dear to my heart, the Albino Skunk Music Festival. It is an event that insiders love passionately, and outsiders often puzzle over. What an unusual name! What an unlikely and often under-the-radar roster of artists! As I have said many times before in introducing the festival to a newcomer, I had long been a skeptic before setting foot on the property, at which point it took only minutes to realize that not only would I return to that festival; I would always return to it. As we enter the winter season, we are about as far away from festival season as one can get. But festivals are a year round endeavor -- practically all the spring and early summer festivals next year are already booked, and are rolling out their artist lineups in stages as they promote their events. Usually that means a headliner or a first volley of artists and bands announced in fall and winter, followed by one or two more updates which fill in the rest of the blanks. There is a ton of work going on right now for festivals happening next fall, and onwards to the following year. The teams that plan and staff these events never really have down periods. Even immediately after a festival ends, they go over what went right, what went wrong, what could be improved for next time, and then fill their calendar with meeting dates, dates when ticket prices go from early bird to full price, dates when they make marketing pushes, dates when they have to have new logos and merchandise, you name it. We will focus a lot on festivals here on Southern Songs and Stories over the coming months, beginning with this episode on the California band Wolf Jett. Soon, we will bring you a conversation from Time Sawyer front man and Milltown Get Down festival's Sam Tayloe. Also in our cue is a band that I got to sit with at Milltown Get Down in Elkin, NC, which was one that I got to enjoy at both Albino Skunk Music Festival and the Earl Scruggs Music Festival beforehand -- western NC's Holler Choir. Chris Jones of Wolf Jett performs at the Albino Skunk Music Festival 10/03/25 Songs heard in this episode:“Straight Back To You” by Wolf Jett, from Letting Go“Nothin' But Trouble” by Wolf Jett, live at Albino Skunk Music Festival 10/03/25, excerpt“Feel the Way I Feel” by Wolf Jett, live at Albino Skunk Music Festival 10/03/25, excerpt“Letting Go” by Wolf Jett, live at Albino Skunk Music Festival 10/03/25Please take a moment and give us a top rating on your podcast platform of choice, and where you can, a review. It makes a big impact on the ranking and therefore the visibility of this series to all the other music fans who also follow podcasts. This is Southern Songs and Stories, where our quest is to explore and celebrate the unfolding history and culture of music rooted in the American South, and going beyond to the styles and artists that it inspired and informed. - Joe Kendrick

In this episode, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Nancy Dewald — renowned leadership consultant, owner of Lead Up Training & Consulting, consultant with Kleinman Performance Partners, and named one of Vision Monday's Most Influential Women in Optometry.Nancy brings her extensive experience in staff development, leadership, and organizational culture to break down two major topics every clinic owner should understand:The Working Genius framework — a simple, powerful way to understand team strengths and improve implementation.Blending generations in the workplace — strategies to reduce conflict, build empathy, and support a stronger, more connected team.⭐ Key Topics Discussed1. The Working Genius ModelWhy burnout is often not “too much work” but the wrong type of work.The six Working Geniuses — Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, Tenacity — and how every task or project requires all six.How identifying your team's geniuses prevents false starts, failed initiatives, and implementation bottlenecks.Using team maps to see missing strengths and make better hiring decisions.Real-world insights on how certain genius combinations drive momentum, while others can unintentionally stall progress.2. Avoiding Burnout Through AlignmentEnsuring team members are doing work that aligns with their strengths.Why tasks in your “frustration zone” drain your energy and how to rebalance your workload.When to delegate, outsource, or strategically schedule difficult tasks.3. Leadership EssentialsWhy clear expectations are the most commonly missed leadership skill.How leaders can build more effective teams by understanding roles, gaps, and what each person needs to succeed.Lessons from Patrick Lencioni's Five Behaviors of a Team: trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, results.4. Blending Generations in the WorkplaceWhy “we are more alike than we are different” — and how focusing on differences harms teams.Understanding values and experiences that shape Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.The importance of empathy, curiosity, and individualized support.Practical adjustments clinics can make to support different generations (communication styles, flexibility, additional benefits, etc.).

Ryan "Birdman" Parrott grew up without direction, failed classes, and struggled to connect. One sentence from a Marine teacher flipped a switch and pushed him toward the Navy SEALs. That decision dropped him into one of the toughest training pipelines on the planet and later into Iraq, where a roadside bomb almost killed him.   In this episode, Ryan breaks down the mindset that carried him from a chaotic childhood to SEAL Team deployments, a near-fatal blast, and the long climb to rebuild purpose after war. His story shows what grit, discipline, and resilience look like when the pressure is real. If you want a clear picture of mental toughness from someone who earned it, this conversation will push you to get moving. Three Key Learnings 1. How daily discipline builds real toughness. 2. Why taking care of your body keeps you in the fight. 3. How purpose and forward movement rebuild you after hard hits Timestamps 00:00 Who is Ryan "Birdman" Parrott 01:00 Growing up without direction 03:08 The teacher who changed his life 04:09 Discovering the SEALs and committing fully 05:53 What it really takes to survive BUD/S 00:00 Ryan "Birdman" Parrott 00:13 Growing up lonely without direction 03:14 Committing to becoming a SEAL 05:48 Surviving BUD/S and learning real toughness 07:24 Entering the teams and finding meaning 08:42 First deployment realities 12:30 Explosion & how Team survived 17:00 Returning injured to deployment 18:47 Leaving the Teams 19:42 Rebuilding purpose 21:08 Sons of the Flag Tools & Frameworks Mentioned Win the fight first Get off the X Take care of your body after training Repetition as progression Movement prevents idleness Stay busy to avoid complacency Remember that omorrow is not promised. Discipline and movement keep you sharp, intentional, and ready for whatever comes next.   What's your hard? If this story moved you, sign up, show up, and do something about it. Spartan.com. No more excuses.

What should you expect when you step onto Disney's newest Wish class ships for the very first time? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Megan to compare their recent sailings on the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. They share their first impressions of each ship and explore how the theming, atmosphere, and design shape the experience from the moment you enter the grand hall.   They highlight the major elements that stood out during their sailings, including the overall vibe of each ship, the stateroom layouts, the dining options, the entertainment, and the ways the design choices create different moods across the Wish class. Whether this is your first sailing or you are already a Disney Cruise Line fan, this episode offers a helpful look at what sets these ships apart and why each one has something unique to offer.   You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/158   Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/   Points Talk is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad   Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

What if spirits had been trying to reach you your entire life?"I saw things no one else could see. I talked to them, too. At first, I thought it was normal—until I realized no one else could hear them."For as long as she can remember, Jackie Kenner has lived between two worlds. In Parked By the Exit, this psychic medium lifts the veil, sharing firsthand encounters with Spirit, multidimensional beings, and the unseen forces that shaped her path.What began as whispers and visions in childhood led to the awakening of her mediumship abilities, the discovery of soul memories, and undeniable proof that reality is far more expansive than most people realize.But awakening comes at a cost. What happens when you know things others don't? When the world tells you to doubt yourself? When your gifts challenge everything you've been taught about life and death?With raw honesty and an unfiltered, direct style, Kenner explores the family disapproval, societal skepticism, and personal struggles that come with embracing a calling most refuse to understand.This is more than a memoir—it's a mirror for those awakening to their own intuitive abilities. If you've ever wondered whether your visions, dreams, or gut feelings mean something more, this book is for you.Inside, you'll explore:Firsthand accounts of spirit communication, ghosts, and multidimensional encountersThe truth about mediumship—what it really feels like to open up to SpiritThe emotional and social cost of psychic awakening—and why it's worth itPast lives, spirit guides, soul memories, and what they reveal about the afterlifeFor readers of:Dr. Michael Newton, Robert Monroe, Dolores Cannon, Theresa Caputo, Tyler Henry, Suzanne Giesemann, Laura Lynne Jackson, Sonia Choquette, Brian Weiss, and anyone fascinated by mediumship, the afterlife, reincarnation, spiritual awakening, and the unseen world.BioJackie Kenner is an established Psychic Medium and Spiritual Business Consultant in Dallas. Before her current endeavors, Kenner pursued graduate studies at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. Her professional journey led her to New York City, where she spent over a decade serving in management consulting and operational capacities within the technology startup sphere.With a wealth of experience, Kenner has guided numerous authors to successful publication, specializing in esoteric and spiritually-driven subjects. Her debut solo publication, Parked by the Exit, chronicles her transformative path to Psychic Mediumship. Kenner's literary contributions have been translated into multiple languages, including German, French, and Spanish. Additionally, she is recognized as an Amazon Bestselling co-author of Project Starmaker, a compelling narrative exploring the realms between lives and the shadowy underpinnings of dark budget government programs.https://jackiekenner.com/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXJ6KDCH https://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/ourparanormalafterlifeMy book 'Verified Near Death Experiences' https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXKRGDFP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Adrienne Caldwell — a survivor, author, and advocate whose journey proves that even the darkest beginnings can lead to a life filled with purpose, peace, and hope. Adrienne opens up about a childhood marked by trauma and instability, but also the powerful turning point that set her on a path toward healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming her voice. Today, she uses her story to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered in their own healing. This conversation is emotional, courageous, and ultimately uplifting — a reminder that no matter what you've been through, it's never too late to rise, heal, and write a new chapter. Guest Bio Adrienne Caldwell is the author of the forthcoming memoir Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines — a raw and unflinching account of her journey through trauma, survival, and ultimately, healing. The book sheds light on the darkest corners of the human experience, including untreated mental illness, homelessness, foster care abuse, incest, addiction, and sexual violence, and emerges with a message of fierce resilience and unbreakable hope. More than a chronicle of pain, Unbroken is a story of identity, family, love, and finding your voice when the world refuses to listen. It's about reclaiming power and choosing purpose over despair. You'll hear About The childhood trauma that shaped Adrienne's early life How repression, addiction, and self-medicating became survival tools The moment that changed her healing journey How writing her book forced her to face decades of buried trauma Finding peace, stability, and purpose after a lifetime of hardship   Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:10 Adrienne's Mission and Early Life 02:14 Trauma Beginning at Age Five 04:39 Suicide Attempts and a Life-Changing Moment 07:01 Growing Up with Mental Illness in the Home 09:23 Moving Homes, Instability, and Emotional Repression 11:51 Attachment Disorder and Numbing the Pain 13:50 The Psychiatric Ward Epiphany 16:41 Discovering the Truth in Her CPS Files 18:49 Emotional Abuse in Foster Care 20:53 Beginning the Writing and Healing Process 23:36 Overcoming Grief, Loss, and Hardship 26:07 Family Patterns and Lack of Awareness 28:30 Gratitude, Stability, and a New Life 30:53 Living with Purpose and Inspiring Others 33:20 A Message to Anyone Who Feels Hopeless 35:42 Chuck's Closing Reflections Chuck's Challenge This week, take one honest step toward facing something you've been avoiding. Stop the numbing, stop the running, and give yourself permission to feel what needs healing. You don't have to do it alone — just start with one step. Connect with Adriene Caldwell Book: https://www.unbrokencaldwell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UnbrokenCaldwell Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/UnbrokenCaldwell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnbrokenCaldwel/ 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.

In today's epidsode at You Can Overcome Anything! Podcast Show, CesarRespino.com brings to you two speical guest.Bobby Layne Giblaint and Tracy Boone both have incredible stories of overcoming unimaginable obstacles. Bobby was raised on the “other side of the tracks” and made some life choices that led down a road of addiction, but God miraculously saved his life. Through it all Bobby was called into a full-time ministry and he touches countless lives with the messages God has given him to speak. Tracy likewise has a story of tragically losing her husband when their son was only 6. She has spent the last decade leaving a lasting impact and changing lives everywhere she goes. God led her to develop a unique ministry where she coaches people using horses in a way that strengthens their relationship with God in a real way. After what she and her son experienced, she wants everyone to know they are never alone, that God is there in a real tangible way.Their message to you is:"You are not alone and there is hope and healing through having a real and lasting relationship with Jesus."To Connect with Bobby and Tracy go to:angelsinthearena.comTo Connect with CesarRespino go to:

What if the very thing you think is impossible for your body is actually just one metabolic reset away?Dr. Katie Deming sits down with Jenny Davis, world-class judo athlete and elite track cyclist now navigating a stage 4 diagnosis. Jenny was doing everything right. She'd spent over a year mastering the metabolic approach with the discipline and precision of an elite athlete.Yet despite her discipline and conditioning, she struggled to get into ketosis. Then she completed a 30-day water fast with Dr. Katie, and something remarkable shifted. Within 20 hours of fasting now, her body enters the healing state that used to take days to reach. But the metabolic changes were just the beginning of what this experience unlocked.Chapters:04:30 - Becoming a fat burning machine07:20 - Letting go of genetic limits10:15 - World class athlete to cancer patient13:45 - Discovering the root causes17:50 - When grief surfaces in silence21:30 - The healing power of being seen26:10 - Messages from ancestral trauma31:40 - Surprising lab shifts after fasting36:20 - Vision, smell, and senses rebooted41:15 - Scars waking up to heal46:30 - Turning a tumor into a teacher52:10 - Meeting the authentic self againJenny shares processing grief she thought she'd already released, receiving messages from ancestors through vivid dreams, and watching her body heal surgical scars that were years old. Her eye doctor, physical therapist, and other specialists documented improvements that left them calling her body "a complete miracle." Yet the most profound shift wasn't captured in any lab result.Dr. Katie walks us through the science of what's happening during a prolonged fast, from mitochondrial rejuvenation to the body's innate intelligence taking over when we finally get out of its way.  Plus, you'll hear how Jenny's relationship with her remaining lung nodule transformed from viewing it as a ticking time bomb to seeing it as something entirely different.Stay until the end to hear her powerful reframAccess the FREE Water Fasting Masterclass Now: https://www.katiedeming.com/the-healing-power-of-fasting/ Transform your hydration with the system that delivers filtered, mineralized, and structured water all in one. Spring Aqua System: https://springaqua.info/drkatieMORE FROM KATIE DEMING M.D. Work with Dr. Katie: www.katiedeming.com 6 Pillars of Healing Cancer Workshop Series - Click Here to Enroll Follow Dr. Katie Deming on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedemingmd/ Email: INFO@KATIEDEMING.COM Please Support the Show Share this episode with a friend or family member Give a Review on Spotify Give a Review on Apple Podcast Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5LplU70TE9i01tW_7Tozi8b6X6rGBKA2&si=ZXLy5PjM7daD6AV5 DISCLAIMER: The Born to Heal Podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual medical histories are unique; therefore, this episode should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease without consulting your healthcare provider.

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"If you give nature—within your own body—the right preconditions, it finds a way to thrive." — Jordan Perry In this episode, KO sits down with Jordan Perry, founder of Repose Health, a groundbreaking, integrative therapy designed to heal the gut at the root cause — not just manage symptoms. From navigating seven years of chronic illness to building a science-backed system that has helped people with IBS, Crohn's, eczema, chronic fatigue, food sensitivities, UTIs, and more, Jordan shares the full origin story behind his innovative approach. We dive into: The real role of the gut microbiome in immune health, mental clarity & inflammation Why gut issues often show up only after deeper dysfunction has already begun How the Repose system combines prebiotics, probiotics, spore-based biotics, gut-lining repair, suppository therapy, hydration, self-massage, and breathwork to create whole-system healing Why suppository-based therapy is common internationally — and why the U.S. is late to the conversation How breathwork and somatic regulation support digestive healing and nervous-system balance Why your gut may actually be your first brain — not your second What the future of personalized gut health, microbiome testing & metabolite-driven solutions looks like Jordan is currently piloting clinical programs and connecting directly with people searching for answers after years of feeling dismissed by traditional healthcare. His mission is simple: help people get their lives back. If you've struggled with chronic digestive issues, fatigue, food sensitivities, or unexplained inflammation — or you're just curious about the next frontier of wellness — this conversation is a must-listen. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila + sponsor shout-outs 01:10 – Introducing guest Jordan "Dozzi" Perry of Repose Health 02:00 – Jordan's upbringing: Italian restaurant roots, community, nature & creativity 04:10 – How his personal health crash led to a 7-year struggle with chronic symptoms 07:20 – Discovering the microbiome and the scientific breadcrumb trail that changed everything 09:00 – Building the first version of the Repose Health kit — and why it worked when nothing else did 11:40 – Why chronic disease isolates people + the emotional/mental toll of poor gut health 13:00 – What Repose actually is: capsules, lining repair, suppository therapy, breathwork + why it's different from probiotics 18:20 – Why suppository-based therapy matters + why other countries use it more 20:00 – Who Repose Health is for: IBS, Crohn's, eczema, chronic constipation, fatigue, food sensitivities, UTIs & more 23:10 – The gut-brain connection + why digestive issues often show up after deeper problems begin 25:30 – Breathwork, somatic healing & nervous system regulation as part of real recovery 27:00 – Your "first brain": why the gut is the true engine of human behavior & cognition 30:00 – Microbiome individuality vs. universal needs of the gut lining 33:00 – The future of gut health: personalized testing, metabolites & next-gen therapies 35:00 – Jordan on being early in the movement + how Repose is entering clinical pilot studies 37:00 – How listeners can learn more, reach out, and explore whether Repos is right for them   Jordan Dozzi- Perry: Jordan is the founder of Repose Health, a novel integrative digestive health therapy born of his own personal health journey. His self-directed research revealed to him how the gut microbiome and one's inflammation status both play critical roles in immune health and general resilience, inspiring his innovative therapeutic program that addresses root cause. With training in both science and fine art, he blends academic rigor with storytelling from his work in documentary film. When he's not building gut-health solutions or making inspiring media, you'll find him gardening, surfing, or exploring mountains by foot or splitboard. www.repose.health https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-dozzi-perry-b64655215/?skipRedirect=true @repose.health T&T DISCOUNT CODE: T&TKOA15%   Connect with T&T: IG: @TurmericTequila Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero Tik Tok: @Madonnashero Website: www.KOAlliance.com WATCH HERE   MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF   https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH

In this episode of The Wealthy Practitioner Podcast, Steph sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Jill Cherry— founder of Cherry Picked WebCo (@cherrypickedwebco) — for one of the most honest and expansive conversations we've had on the show. Jill's story is a powerful example of what happens when identity, motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship collide — and what becomes possible when a woman finally decides to build a business on her own terms. From helping run her husband's chiropractic practice, to navigating the pressure and guilt of being a stay-at-home mom, to accidentally discovering the skillset that would change her entire life, Jill shares the journey that led her to build a thriving online business that now supports their entire family. Steph and Jill dive into the identity shifts required to trust yourself, raise your standards, and command your value. They explore the real dynamics of marriage during seasons of role reversals, the pressure of being the breadwinner, and how switching responsibilities ultimately saved their relationship. Jill also opens up about homeschooling, structure, creativity, and what it looks like to build a business that gives your child access to the best opportunities — including moving their entire family from New Jersey to Texas. This is an inspiring, grounded, and deeply relatable conversation for any woman who has ever felt torn between motherhood and ambition, questioned her next move, or battled imposter syndrome on her rise to the next level. In this episode, we cover: 0:00 – Welcome + how Steph and Jill originally met 1:22 – Jill's story: when entrepreneurship "chooses you" 4:18 – The pressure of being a stay-at-home mom & identity conflict 7:06 – COVID, shutting down in-person marketing & learning digital skills 10:40 – Discovering website design + the birth of Cherry Picked WebCo 13:55 – Champagne & CEOs: the event that changed everything 16:42 – Commanding your fees, raising your rates & imposter syndrome 20:30 – How switching roles in marriage strengthened their relationship 25:14 – Homeschooling, honesty, and redefining family rhythms 28:55 – Living and dying by the calendar: structure as freedom 32:40 – Moving from New Jersey to Texas & building location independence 35:22 – Creating opportunities for your child through entrepreneurship 38:18 – Navigating seasons of marriage, teamwork & communication 42:05 – The importance of checking in with your spouse and recalibrating 45:44 – Closing thoughts + details on the January TWP Popup If you're ready to be in the room where identity shifts, clarity drops in, and your next level becomes non-negotiable, join us inside our January TWP Popup in St. Pete. Two days. A powerful room. And the breakthroughs that change everything.

Hillary Allen, famously known as the "Hillygoat," is a world-class ultrarunner celebrated for her fearless climbs on steep, technical terrain. But in 2017, at the peak of her career as the #1 ultrarunner in the world, Hillary faced a life-changing setback: during a race in Norway, she fell 150 feet off a ridge, breaking 14 bones. Doctors told her she'd never run again. Yet Hillary didn't just defy the odds—she redefined them. Today, she's back competing at the elite level and inspiring others to rewrite their own stories of resilience.  With a background in neuroscience and a master's in physiology and structural biology, Hillary combines science, grit, and empathy in her work as an author, coach, and speaker.  Her book, Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds, chronicles her incredible comeback. In this episode, Hillary shares: How her lifelong love of running and science shaped her journey The mental and physical challenges of recovering from a life-threatening fall Practical tips on mindset, self-belief, and self-compassion Why she believes your best athletic days can be ahead of you Whether you're an athlete, adventurer, or someone looking to overcome setbacks in life, Hillary's story is a powerful reminder that resilience, courage, and persistence can take you farther than you ever imagined. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Hillary Growing up in Boulder Colorado, USA Being an athlete all her life Coming from an outdoorsy, academic family Describing herself as a science nerd Currently in a Masters Program for Applied Sports Psychology Having an older sister Growing up camping with her family Her parents both being professors  Studying chemistry and neuroscience Not finishing her Phd Getting her first running sponsorship  Her running journey to get to being a sponsored athlete Starting running in graduate school  Needing an outlet to reset  Starting to run with a running group  Discovering the trail running scene  When things clicked after running a road marathon  Wondering if she could do it… Being drawn to running and feeling satisfaction in the challenge Working hard on her weaknesses  Working on her ability to run on technical trails and push herself when feeling tired Getting into skyruning  Being named the Hilly Goat! Why its a skill you need to practice The challenges of 2017 Heading over to Europe to race Tromsø Skyrace  Thinking she was dying Falling 150ft, breaking 14 bones, damaging ligaments and being lucky to be alive Book: Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds  Being depressed  Starting to think about running again Believe that your best athletic days are ahead of you  Helping her mindset and the mental side of the challenge Working with a counsellor Working past fear Breaking her ankle and dealing with another injury Going back to do the race again Getting her nervous energy out  Closing the chapter off Practical tips around mindset The power of self compassion and self belief The next plan/goals Signing up for a road marathon in January  Working on building up some speed Podcast - Trail Society  How to connect with Hillary  Final words of advice for other women  The importance of daily practices  Journalling  Mantra - believe your best athletic days are ahead of you Affirmations - I am statements "I am a runner" Start small, and start with self belief     Social Media Website www.hillaryallen.com  Instagram @hillygoat_climbs  Facebook @hillaryallenrunner  Podcast - Trail Society  

Erik Van Horn and Jeff Herr break down one of the most explosive franchise categories ever created: salon suites. They reveal how the model went from unknown to industry-dominating, why private equity rushed in, and what made it one of the highest-leverage real estate plays in franchising. From early headwinds and financing challenges to scaling 10,000–29,000 sq ft locations, this episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at disruption, growth, and building enterprise value in a new market.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Creating a Disruptive Franchise Category 02:50 – Storytelling Lessons From Napa 05:10 – Discovering the Salon Suite Opportunity 08:20 – The Real Estate Insight Behind Salon Suites 11:50 – When Sola Took Over the Industry Conversation 17:10 – Industry Resistance & Stylist Education Challenges 23:00 – The Million-Dollar Buildout Era Begins 27:30 – Financing Breakdowns and SBA Pullback 31:50 – Why Private Equity Loves This Model 38:40 – Scaling Into 10,000–29,000 Sq Ft Mega-Locations   Connect with Erik Van Horn:

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"It can be scary to examine spiritual messages we've heard all our lives, but it sometimes can also be the path to experiencing God more truly, deeply, and biblically. Steve Cuss is an author, speaker, and pastor who has a passion for understanding what drives Christians to feel anxiety, fear, and exhaustion about their faith & relationship with God. He has written books that examine the role anxiety plays in leadership (Managing Leadership Anxiety), and the troubling gaps we notice in our spirituality (The Expectation Gap).In an illuminating conversation, Steve talks about the importance of...Leaders and caregivers being spiritually and emotionally healthy.Realization that not every dramatic spiritual story is meant to be an exact template for exactly how all Christians should react.Understanding that self-condemnation about lack of spiritual progress actually keeps us stuck and frozen.Discovering gentle steps we can take to increase resilience and move in the directions we desire.#stevecuss #expectationgap #managingleadershipanxiety #humansized #spirituality #growth #change #curiosity #kindness #selftalk #spiritualpractices #therapy #healing #trauma #vulnerability #recovery #grace #gospel #transformationSteveCussWords (Steve's website)Steve's books (Amazon)Five Steps to Christmas Sanity PDF (signup download) Support the showAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

In this powerful and deeply emotional episode, I sit down with my good friend Sean Cochran, CEO of Men for Life, to have one of the rawest conversations we've ever shared on this podcast. Sean opens up about losing his first child to abortion at 19 and the seven-year spiral that followed—addiction, gambling, overdoses, isolation, and hitting rock bottom on the floor of a dirty hotel room. His story is one of unimaginable darkness, but also unbelievable redemption.   We explore how culture has silenced men in the abortion conversation, the devastating emotional impact so many men carry in secret, and Sean's journey from shame to recovery, fatherhood, and ultimately becoming a national voice for men who feel unseen in this space. We also dive into the mission behind Men for Life, the data behind father involvement, and how redefining authentic masculinity can change families and communities for generations.     Timeline Summary   [0:00] Sean begins sharing why abortion is not just a "women's issue." [2:03] The staggering data on how many men are affected by abortion every year. [3:56] Sean's personal story begins—19 years old, his girlfriend is pregnant. [5:06] Learning the abortion would happen despite his desire to keep the baby. [6:34] The counselor who told him "this doesn't affect you"—and how that shaped years of silence. [8:05] Addiction escalates: cocaine, ecstasy, gambling, and stealing. [9:25] Hitting rock bottom in a hotel room and believing he would die. [10:59] A moment of surrender and prayer that changed everything. [12:50] Entering treatment, beginning healing, and naming his son "Michael." [15:38] Rebuilding: finishing college, law school, starting a family. [17:04] Adopting three children—and the powerful contrast between two mothers' choices. [18:28] Realizing he was failing as a lawyer, husband, and father—and shutting down his law practice. [21:00] Discovering men everywhere carry hidden abortion wounds after speaking publicly for the first time. [23:03] How Sean was led—against his own plans—to become CEO of Men for Life. [26:05] The mission: creating a fatherhood program that transforms young men and saves lives. [28:00] Why authentic masculinity is rooted in service, courage, sacrifice, and Christ-like leadership. [30:00] How men can get involved and support Men for Life.     Five Key Takeaways Men are deeply impacted by abortion, yet culture has told them their voice doesn't matter. One in five men will lose a child to abortion by age 45—and most carry that pain alone. Sean's seven-year spiral was fueled by unprocessed grief, shame, and the belief that he "didn't matter." Father involvement changes outcomes: when men see an ultrasound and go through a fatherhood program, 97% choose life. Authentic masculinity isn't domination—it's service, courage, sacrifice, and living for something bigger than yourself.     Links & Resources Mentioned Men for Life Website: https://menforlife.org Contact Sean Directly: Email: sean@menforlife.org or https://menforlife.org/contact-us Sean's Instagram: https://instagram.com/lseancorcoran Dad Edge Mastermind: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind Episode Show Notes Page: https://thedadedge.com/1411   Closing Remark If today's episode moved you, inspired you, or helped you feel less alone, please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more men who need these conversations.

Scott and CJ go live from JS Nation NYC to talk about how developers can actually stay current without drowning in the constant churn of new tools and trends. They break down how to see through the fluff, focus on why tech exists before adopting it, and build a healthier, curiosity-driven approach to learning in 2025 and beyond. Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! 00:39 Scott delivering a non-technical talk at JS Nation. 03:24 Lamenting the frequency of change as developers. 03:46 Understanding why things exist before deciding to learn them. 05:11 Learning styles are a myth? 07:41 First dates and psychology exams. 10:39 Discovering is step one, playing is step two. 13:32 Learn with a project that you actually want. 18:16 Brought to you by Sentry.io. 18:34 Cutting through the noise of new tech. 21:40 Using AI as a learning tool 25:12 Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs. Sick Picks Scott: dbrand Ghost Case 2.0 CJ: analog watches Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

What does it really take to build a multi-six-figure author business with no advertising? Is running your own warehouse really necessary for direct sales success — or is there a simpler path using print-on-demand that works just as well? In this conversation, Sacha Black and I compare our very different approaches to selling direct, from print on demand to pallets of books, and explore why the right model depends entirely on who you are and what your goals are for your author business. In the intro, Memoir Examples and interviews [Reedsy, The Creative Penn memoir tips]; Written Word Media annual indie author survey results; Successful Self-Publishing Fourth Edition; Business for Authors webinars; Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant; Camino Portuguese Coastal on My Camino Podcast; Creating while Caring Community with Donn King; The Buried and the Drowned by J.F. Penn Today's show is sponsored by Bookfunnel, the essential tool for your author business. Whether it's delivering your reader magnet, sending out advanced copies of your book, handing out ebooks at a conference, or fulfilling your digital sales to readers, BookFunnel does it all. Check it out at bookfunnel.com/thecreativepenn This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Sacha Black is the author of YA and non-fiction for authors and previously hosted The Rebel Author Podcast. As Ruby Roe, she is a multi-six-figure author of sapphic romantasy. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights, and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Two models for selling direct: print on demand vs running your own warehouse. Plus, check out Sacha's solo Rebel Author episode about the details of the warehouse. Cashflow management Kickstarter lessons: pre-launch followers, fulfillment time, and realistic timelines How Sacha built a multi-six-figure business through TikTok with zero ad spend Matching your business model to your personality and skill set Building resilience: staff salaries, SOPs, and planning for when things change You can find Ruby at RubyRoe.co.uk and on TikTok @rubyroeauthor and on Instagram @sachablackauthor Transcript of the interview Joanna: Sacha Black is the author of YA and nonfiction for authors, and previously hosted the Rebel Author podcast. As Ruby Roe, she is a multi-six-figure author of sapphic romance. So welcome back to the show, Sacha. Sacha: Hello. Thank you for having me. It's always a pleasure to be here. Joanna: I'm excited to talk to you today. Now, just for context, for everybody listening, Sacha has a solo episode on her Rebel Author podcast, last week as we record this, which goes into specific lessons around the warehouse in more detail, including financials. So we are going to come at this from a slightly different angle in our discussion today, which is really about two different ways of doing selling direct. I want us to start though, Sacha, in case people don't know your background, in case they've missed out. Can you just give us a quick recap of your indie author journey, because you haven't just come out of nowhere and jumped into this business and done incredibly well? Sacha's Indie Author Journey Sacha: No, I really haven't. Okay. So 2013, I started writing. So 12 years ago I started writing with the intention to publish, because I was writing before, but not with the intention. 2017 I first self-published and then two years after that, in 2019, I quit the day job. But let me be clear, it wasn't because I was rolling in self-published royalties or commissions or whatever you want to call them. I was barely scraping by. And so those are what I like to call my hustle years because I mean, I still hustle, but it was a different kind. It was grind and hustle. So I did a lot of freelance work. I did a lot of VA work for other authors. I did speaking, I was podcasting, teaching courses, and so on and so forth. 2022, in the summer, I made a realisation that I'd created another job for myself rather than a business that I wanted to grow and thrive in and was loving life and all of that stuff. And so I took a huge risk and I slowed down everything, and I do mean everything. I slowed down the speaking, I slowed down the courses, I slowed down the nonfiction, and — I poured everything into writing what became the first Ruby Roe book. I published that in February 2023. In August/September 2023, I stopped all freelance work. And to be clear, at that point, I also wasn't entirely sure if I was going to be able to pay my bills with Ruby, but I could see that she had the potential there and I was making enough to scrape by. And there's nothing if not a little bit of pressure to make you work hard. So that is when I stopped the freelance. And then in November 2023, so two months later, I started TikTok in earnest. And then a month after that, December the eighth, I went viral. And then what's relevant to this is that two days after that, on December the 10th, I had whipped up my minimum viable Shopify, and that went live. Then roll on, I did more of the same, published more Ruby Roe books. I made a big change to my Shopify. So at that point it was still print on demand Shopify, and then February 2025, I took control and took the reins and rented a warehouse and started fulfilling distribution myself. The Ten-Year Overnight Success Joanna: So great. So really good for people to realise that 2013, you started writing with the intention, like, seriously, I want this to be what I do. And it was 2019 when you quit the day job, but really it was 2023 when you actually started making decent money, right? Sacha: Almost like we all need 10 years. Joanna: Yeah. I mean, it definitely takes time. So I wanted just to set that scene there. And also that you did at least a year of print on demand Shopify before getting your own warehouse. Sacha: Yeah, maybe 14 months. Joanna: Yeah, 14 months. Okay. So we are going to revisit some of these, but I also just want as context, what was your day job so people know? Sacha: So I was a project manager in a local government, quite corporate, quite conservative place. And I played the villain. It was great. I would helicopter into departments and fix them up and look at processes that were failing and restructure things and bring in new software and bits and bobs like that. The Importance of Business Skills Joanna: Yeah. So I think that's important too, because your job was fixing things and looking at processes, and I feel like that is a lot of what you've done and we'll revisit that. Sacha: How did I not realise that?! Joanna: I thought you did know that. No. Well, oh my goodness. And let's just put my business background in context. I'm sure most people have heard it before, but I was an IT consultant for about 13 years, but much of my job was going into businesses and doing process mapping and then doing software to fix that. And also I worked, I'm not an accountant, but I worked in financial accounting departments. So I think this is really important context for people to realise that learning the craft is one thing, but learning business is a completely different game, right? Sacha: Oh, it is. I have learnt — it's wild because I always feel like there's no way you can learn more than in your first year of publishing because everything is brand new. But I genuinely feel like this past 18 months I have learnt as much, if not more, because of the business, because of money, because of all of the other legal regulation type changes in the last 18 months. It's just been exhausting in terms of learning. It's great, but also it is a lot to learn. There is just so much to business. Joanna's Attempts to Talk Sacha Out of the Warehouse Joanna: So that's one thing. Now, I also want to say for context, when you decided to start a warehouse, how much effort did I put into trying to persuade you not to do this? Sacha: Oh my goodness, me. I mean a lot. There were probably two dinners, several coffees, a Zoom. It was like, don't do it. Don't do it. You got me halfway there. So for everybody listening, I went big and I was like, oh, I'm going to buy shipping containers and convert them and put them on a plot of land and all of this stuff. And Joanna very sensibly turned around and was like, hmm, why don't you rent somewhere that you can bail out of if it doesn't work? And I was like, oh yeah, that does sound like a good idea. Joanna: Try it, try it before you really commit. Okay. So let's just again take a step back because the whole point of doing this discussion for me is because you are doing really well and it is amazing what you are doing and what some other people are doing with warehouses. But I also sell direct and in the same way as you used to, which is I use Bookfunnel for ebooks and audiobooks and I use BookVault for print on demand books, and people can also use Lulu. That's another option for people. So you don't have to do direct sales in the way that you've done it. And part of the reason to do this episode was to show people that there are gradations of selling direct. Why Sell Direct? Joanna: But I wanted to go back to the basics around this. Why might people consider selling direct, even in a really simple way, for example, just ebooks from their website, or what might be reasons to sell direct rather than just sending everything to Amazon or other stores? Sacha: I think, well, first of all, it depends on what you want as a business model. For me, I have a similar background to you in that I was very vulnerable when I was in corporate because of redundancies, and so that bred a bit of control freakness inside me. And having control of my customers was really important to me. We don't get any data from Amazon or Kobo really, or anywhere, even though all of these distributors are incredible for us in our careers. We don't actually have direct access to readers, and you do with Shopify. You know everything about your reader, and that is priceless. Because once you have that data and you have delivered a product, a book, merchandise, something that that reader values and appreciates, you can then sell to them again and again and again. I have some readers who have been on my website who have spent almost four figures now. I mean, that is just — one person's done that and I have thousands of people who are coming to the website on a regular basis. So definitely that control and access to readers is a huge reason for doing it. Customising the Reader Relationship Sacha: And also I think that you can, depending on how you do this model, there are ways to do some of the things I'm going to talk about digitally as well. But for me, I really like the physical aspect of it. We are able to customise the relationship with our customers. We can give them more because we are in control of delivery. And so by that I mean we could give art prints, which lots of my readers really value. We can do — you could send those digitally if you wanted to, but we can add in extra freebies like our romance pop sockets, that makes them feel like they are part of my reader group. They're part of a community. It creates this belonging. So I think there is just so much more that you can do when you are in control of that relationship and in control of the access to it. Joanna: Yeah. And on that, I mean, one of the reasons we can do really cool print books — and again, we're going to come back to print on demand, but I use print on demand. You don't have to buy pallets of books as Sacha does. You can just do print on demand. Obviously the financials are different, but I can still do foiling and custom end papers and ribbons and all this with print on demand through BookVault custom printing and bespoke printing. The Speed of Money Joanna: But also, I think the other thing with the money — I don't know if you even remember this, because it's very different when you are selling direct — you can set up your system so you get paid like every single day, right? Or every week? Sacha: Yes. Joanna: So the money is faster because with Amazon, with any of these other systems, it can take 30, 60, 90 days for the money to get to you. So faster money, you are in more control of the money. And you can also do a lot more things like bundling and like you mentioned, much higher value that you could offer, but you can also make higher income. Average order value per customer because you have so many things, right? So that speed of money is very different. Sacha: It is, but it's also very dangerous. I know we might talk about cashflow more later, but— Joanna: Let's talk about it now. Managing Cashflow With Multiple Bank Accounts Sacha: Okay, cool. So one of the things that I think is the most valuable thing that I've ever done is, someone who is really clever told me that you're allowed more than one business account. Joanna: Just to be clear, bank accounts? Sacha: Yes, sorry. Yeah. Bank accounts. And one of my banks in particular enables you to have mini banks inside it, mini pots they call it. And what I do with pre-orders is I treat it a bit like Amazon. So that money will come in — you know, I do get paid daily pretty much — but I then siphon it off every week into a pot. So let's just say I've got one book on pre-order. Every week the team tells me how much we've got in pre-orders for that one product and all the shipping money, and I put it into an account and I leave it there. And I do not touch it unless it is to pay for the print run of that book or to pay for the shipping. Because one of the benefits of coming direct to me is that I promise to ship all pre-orders early, so we have to pay the shipping costs before necessarily Amazon might pay for its shipping costs because they only release on the actual release day. But that has enabled me to have a little savings scheme, but also guarantee that I can pay for the print run in advance because I haven't accidentally spent that money on something else or invested it. I've kept it aside and it also helps you track numbers as well, so you know how well that pre-order is doing financially. Understanding Cashflow as an Author Joanna: Yeah. And this cashflow, if people don't really know it, is the difference between when money comes in and when it goes out. So another example, common to many authors, is paying for advertising. So for example, if you run some ads one month, you're going to have to pay, let's say Facebook or BookBub or whoever, that month. You might not get the money from the sale of those books if it's from a store until two months later. In that case, the cash flows the other way. The money is sitting with the store, sitting on Amazon until they pay you later. This idea of cashflow is so important for authors to think about. Another, I guess even more basic example is you are writing your first book and you pay for an editor. Money goes out of your bank account and then hopefully you're going to sell some books, but that might take, let's say six months, and then some money will come back into your bank account. I think this understanding cashflow is so important at a small level because as it gets bigger and bigger — and you are doing these very big print runs now, aren't you? Talk a bit about that. The Risks of Print Runs Sacha: Yeah. So one of the things I was going to say, one of the benefits of your sell direct model is that you don't have to deal with mistakes like this one. So in my recent book, Architecti, that we launched at the end of September, we did a print run of a thousand books, maybe about 3,000 pounds, something like that, 2,000 pounds. And basically we ended up selling all thousand and more. So the pre-orders breached a thousand and we didn't have enough books. But what made that worse is that 20% of the books that arrived were damaged because there had been massive rain. So we then had to do a second print run, which is bad for two reasons. The first reason is that one, that space, two, the time it's going to take to get to you — it's not instant, it's not printed on demand. But also three, I then had to spend the same amount of money again. And actually if we had ordered 2,000 originally, we would've saved a bit more money on it per book. So you don't — if you are doing selling direct with a print on demand model, the number of pre-orders you get is irrelevant because they'll just keep printing, and you just get charged per copy. So there are benefits and disadvantages to doing it each way. Obviously, I'm getting a cheaper price per copy printed, but not if I mess up the order numbers. Is Running a Warehouse Just Another Job? Joanna: So I'm going to come back on something you said earlier, which was in 2022 you said, “I realised I made a job for myself.” Sacha: Yeah. Joanna: And I mean, I've been to your store. You obviously have people to help you. But one of my reservations about this kind of model is that even if you have people to help you, taking on physical book — even though you are not printing them yourself, you're still shipping them all and you're signing them all. And to me it feels like a job. So maybe talk about why you have continued — you have pretty much decided to continue with your warehouse. So why is this not a job? What makes this fun for you? The Joy of Physical Product Creation Sacha: I wish that listeners could see my face because I'm literally glittering. I love it. I literally love it. I love us being able to create cool and wacky things. We can make a decision and we can create that physical product really quickly. We can do all of these quirky things. We can experiment. We can do book boxes. So first of all, it's the creativity in the physical product creation. I had no idea how much I love physical product creation, but there is something extremely satisfying about us coming up with an idea that's so integrated in the book. So for example, one of my characters uses, has a coin, a yes/no coin. She's an assassin and she flips it to decide whether or not she's going to assassinate somebody. We've actually designed and had that coin made, and it's my favourite item in the warehouse. It's such a small little thing, but I love it. And so there is a lot of joy that I derive from us being able to create these items. Sending Book Mail and Building Community Sacha: I think the second thing is I really love book mail. There is no better gift somebody can give me than a book. And so I do get a lot of satisfaction from knowing we're sending out lots and lots of book presents to people and we get to add more to it. So some of the promises that we make are: I sign every book and we give gifts. We have character art and, like I've mentioned before, pop sockets and all these kinds of things. And I get tagged daily in unboxings and stories and things like this where people are like, oh my gosh, I didn't realise I was going to get this, this, and this. And I just — it's like crack to me. I get high off of it. So I can't — this is not for everybody. This is a logistical nightmare. There are so many problems inherent in this business model. I love it. Discovering a Love of Team Building Sacha: And I think the other thing, which is very much not for a lot of authors — I did not realise that I actually really like having a team. And that has been a recent realisation. I really was told that I'm not a team player when I was in corporate, that I work alone, all of this nonsense. And I believed that and taken it on. But finding the right team, the right people who love the jobs that they do inside your business and they're all as passionate as you, is just life changing. And so that also helps me continue because I have a really great team. Joanna: I do have to ask you, what is a pop socket? Sacha: It's a little round disc that has a mechanism that you can pull out and then you — and it has a sticky command strip back and you can pop it on the back of your phone or on the back of a Kindle and it helps you to hold it. I don't know how else to describe it. It just helps you to hold the device easier. Joanna: Okay. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was confused. I'm like, why are you doing electrical socket products? Know What Kind of Person You Are Joanna: But I think this actually does demonstrate another point, and I hope people listening — I hope you can sort of — why we are doing this partly is to help you figure out what kind of person you are as well. Because I can't think of anything worse than having lots of little boxes! And I've been in Sacha's thing and there's all these little stickers and there's lots of boxes of little things that they put in people's packages, which make people happy. And I'm like, oh, I just don't like packages of things. And I mean, you geek out on packaging, don't you as well? Sacha: Oh my goodness. Yeah. One of the first things I did when we got the warehouse was I actually went to a packaging expo in Birmingham. It was like this giant conference place and I just nerded out there. It was so fun. And one of the things that I'm booked to do is an advent calendar. And that was what drove me there in the first place. I was looking for a manufacturer that could create an advent calendar for us. I have two. I'm not — I have two advent calendars this year because I love them so much. But yeah, the other thing that I was going to say to you is I often think that as adults, we can find what we're supposed to do rooted in our childhood. And I was talking the other day and someone said to me, what toy do you remember from your youth? And I was like, oh yeah. The only one that I can remember is that I had a sticker maker. I like — that makes sense. You do like stickers. And I do. Yeah. Digital Minimalism vs Physical Products Joanna: Yeah, I do. And I think this is so important because I love books. I buy a lot of books. I love books, but I also get rid of a lot of books. I know people hate this, but I will just get rid of bags and bags of books. So I value books more for what's inside them than the physical product as such. I mean, I have some big expensive, beautiful books, but mostly I want what's in them. So it's really interesting to me. And I think there's a big difference between us is just how much you like all that stuff. So if you are listening, if you are like a digital minimalist and you don't want to have stuff around your house, you definitely don't want a warehouse. You don't want all the shipping bits and bobs. You are not interested in all that. Or even if you are, you can still do a lot of this print on demand. Then I think that's just so important, isn't it? I mean, did you look at the print on demand merch? Did you find anything you liked? The Draw of Customisation Sacha: Yeah, we did, but I think for me it was that customisation. We are now moving towards — I've just put an order in this morning for 10,000 customised boxes. We've got our own branding on them. We've got a little naughty, cheeky message when they flip up the flap. And it's little things like that that you can't — you know, we wouldn't have control over what was sent. So much of what I wanted, and some of the reasons for me doing it, is that I wanted to be able to sign the books. I was being asked on a daily basis if people could buy signed books from me, and it was driving me bonkers not being able to say yes. But also being able to send a website mailing list sign-up in the box, or being able to give them a discount in the box. I mean, I know you do that, but yeah, there was just a lot more customisation and things that we could do if we were controlling the shipping. Also, I wanted to pack the boxes, the books better. So we wanted to be able to bubble wrap things or we wanted to be able to waterproof things because we had various different issues with deliveries and so we wanted a bit more control over that. So yeah, there were just so many reasons for us to do it. Print on Demand Is Still Fantastic Sacha: Look, don't get me wrong, if I suddenly wanted to go off travelling for a year, then maybe I would shut down the warehouse and go back to print on demand. I think print on demand is fantastic. I did it for 14 months before I decided to open a warehouse. It is the foundation of most authors' models. So it's fantastic. I just want to do more. Joanna: Yeah. You want to do more of it. Life Stage Matters Joanna: We should also, I also wanted to mention your life stage. Because when we did talk about it, your son is just going to secondary school, so we knew that you would be in the same area, right? Sacha: Yeah. Joanna: Because I said to you, you can't just do this and — well, you can, you could ditch it all. But the better decision is to do this for a certain number of years. If you're going to do it, it needs time, right? So you are at that point in your life. Sacha: Yeah, absolutely. We — I mean, we are going to move house, I think, but not that far away. We'll still be in reachable distance of the warehouse. And yeah, the staying power is so important because it's also about raising awareness. You have to train readers to come to you. You have to show them why it's beneficial for them to order directly from you. Growing the Business Year Over Year Sacha: And then you also have to be able to iterate and add more products. Like you were talking earlier about increasing that average order value. And that does come from having more products, but more products does create other issues like space, which may or may not be suffering issues with now. But yeah, so for example, 2024, which was the first real year, I did about 73 and a half thousand British pounds. And then this year, where — as we record this, it's actually the 1st of December — and I'm on 232,000. So from year one to year two, it's a huge difference. And that I do think is about the number of products and the number of things that we have on there. Joanna: And the number of customers. I guess you've also grown your customer base as well. And one of the rules, I guess, in inverted commas, of publishing is that the money is in the backlist. And every time you add to your backlist and every launch, you are selling a lot more of your backlist as well. So I think as time goes on, yeah, you get more books. Kickstarter as an Alternative Joanna: But let's also talk about Kickstarter because I do signed books for my Kickstarters and to me the Kickstarter is like a short-term ability to do the things you are doing regularly. So for example, if you want to do book boxes, you could just do them for a Kickstarter. You don't have to run a warehouse and do it every single day. For example, your last Kickstarter for Ruby Roe made around 150,000 US dollars, which is amazing. Like really fantastic. So just maybe talk about that, any lessons from the Kickstarter specifically, because I feel like most people, for most people listening, they are far more likely to do a Kickstarter than they are to start a warehouse. Pre-Launch Followers Are Critical Sacha: Yeah, so the first thing is even before you start your Kickstarter, the pre-launch follow accounts are critical. So a lot of people think — well, I guess there's a lot of loud noise about all these big numbers about how much people can make on Kickstarter, but actually a lot of it is driven by you, the author, pushing your audience to Kickstarter. So we actually have a formula now. Somebody more intelligent gave this to me, but essentially, based on my own personal campaign data — so this wouldn't necessarily be the same for other people — but based on my campaign data, each pre-launch follower is worth 75 pounds. And then we add on seven grand, for example. So on campaign three, which was the most recent one, I had 1,501 pre-launch followers. And when you times that by 75 and you add on seven grand, it makes more or less exactly what we made on the campaign. And the same formula can be applied to the others. So you need more pre-launch followers than you think you do. And lots of people don't put enough impetus on the marketing beforehand. Almost all of our Kickstarter marketing is beforehand because we drive so many people to that follow button. Early Bird Pricing and Fulfillment Time Sacha: And then the other thing that we do is that we do early bird pricing. So we get the majority of our income on a campaign on day one. I think it was something wild, like 80% this time was on day one, so that's really important. The second thing is it takes so, so very much longer than you think it does to fulfil a campaign, and you must factor in that cost. Because if it's not you fulfilling, you are paying somebody else to fulfil it. And if it is you fulfilling it, you must account for your own time in the pricing of your campaign. And the other thing is that the amount of time it takes to fulfil is directly proportionate to the size of the campaign. That's one thing I did not even compute — the fact that we went from about 56,000 British pounds up to double that, and the time was exponentially more than double. So you do have to think about that. Overseas Printing and Timelines Sacha: The other lesson that we have learned is that overseas printing will drag your timelines out far longer than you think it does. So whatever you think it's going to take you to fulfil, add several months more onto that and put that information in your campaign. And thankfully, we are now only going to be a month delayed, whereas lots of campaigns get up to a year delayed because they don't consider that. Reinvesting Kickstarter Profits Sacha: And then the last thing I think, which was really key for us, is that if you have some profit in the Kickstarter — because not all Kickstarters are actually massively profitable because they either don't account enough for shipping or they don't account enough in the pricing. Thankfully, ours have been profitable, but we've actually reinvested that profit back into buying more stock and more merchandise, which not everybody would want to do if they don't have a warehouse. However, we are stockpiling merchandise and books so that we can do mystery boxes later on down the line. It's probably a year away, but we are buying extra of everything so that we have that in the warehouse. So yeah, depending on what you want to do with your profit, for us it was all about buying more books, basically. Offering Something Exclusive Sacha: I think the other thing to think about is what is it that you are doing that's exclusive to Kickstarter? Because you will get backers on Kickstarter who want that quirky, unique thing that they're not going to be able to get anywhere else. But what about you? Because you've done more Kickstarters than me. What do you think is the biggest lesson you've learned? Reward Tiers and Bundling Joanna: Oh, well I think all of mine together add up to the one you just did. Although I will comment on — you said something like 75 pounds per pre-launch backer. That is obviously dependent on your tiers for the rewards, so most authors won't have that amount. So my average order value, which I know is slightly different, but I don't offer things like book boxes like you have. So a lot of it will depend on the tiers. Some people will do a Kickstarter just with an ebook, just with one ebook and maybe a bundle of ebooks. So you are never going to make it up to that kind of value. So I think this is important too, is have a look at what people offer on their different levels of Kickstarter. And in fact, here's my AI tip for the day. What you can do — what I did with my Buried and the Drowned campaign recently — is I uploaded my book to ChatGPT and said, tell me, what are some ideas for the different reward tiers that I can do on Kickstarter? And it will give you some ideas for what you can do, what kind of bundles you might want to do. So I think bundling your backlist is another thing you can do as upsells, or you can just, for example, for me, when I did Blood Vintage, I did a horror bundle when it was four standalone horror books in one of the upper tiers. So I think bundling is a good way. Also upselling your backlist is a really good way to up things. And also if you do it digitally, so for ebooks and audiobooks, there's a lot less time in fulfillment. Focus on Digital Products Too Joanna: So again, yours — well, you make things hard, but also more fun according to you, because most of it's physical, right? In fact, this is one of the things you haven't done so well, really, is concentrate on the digital side of things. Is that something you are thinking about now? Sacha: Yeah, it is. I mean, we do have our books digitally on the website. So the last — I only had one series in Kindle Unlimited, and I took those out in January. But so we do have all of the digital products on the website, and the novellas that we do, we have in all formats because I narrate the audio for them. So that is something that we're looking at. And since somebody very smart told me to have upsell apps on my website, we now have a full “get the everything bundle” in physical and digital and we are now selling them as well. Surprising. Definitely not you. So yeah, we are looking at it and that's something that we could look at next year as well for advertising because I haven't really done any advertising. I think I've spent about 200 pounds in ads in the last four months or something. It's very, very low level. So that is a way to make a huge amount of profit because the cost is so low. So your return, if you're doing a 40 or 50 pound bundle of ebooks and you are spending, I don't know, four pounds in advertising to get that sale, your return on that investment is enormous for ads. So that is something that we are looking at for next year, but it just hasn't been something that we've done a huge amount of. A Multi-Six-Figure Author With No Ads Joanna: Yeah. Well, just quoting from your solo episode where you say, “I don't have any advertising costs, customers are from my mailing list, TikTok and Instagram.” Now, being as you are a multi-six-figure author with no ads, this is mostly unthinkable for many authors. And so I wonder if, maybe talk about that. How do you think you have done that and can other people potentially emulate it, or do you think it's luck? It's Not Luck, It's Skill Set Sacha: Do you know, this is okay. So I don't think it's luck. I don't believe in luck. I get quite aggressive about people flinging luck around. I know some people are huge supporters of luck. I'm like, no. Do I think anybody can do it? Do you know, I swing so hard on this. Sometimes I say yes, and sometimes I think no. And I think the brutal truth of it is that I know where my skill set lies and I lean extremely heavily into it. So what do I mean by that? TikTok and Instagram are both very visual mediums. It is video footage. It is static images. I am extremely comfortable on camera. I am an ex-theatre kid. I was on TV as a kid. I did voiceover work when I was younger. This is my wheelhouse. So acting a bit like a tit on TikTok on a video, I am very comfortable at doing that, and I think that is reflected in the results. Consistency Without Burnout Sacha: And the other part of it is because I am comfortable at doing it, I enjoy it. It makes me laugh. And therefore it feels easy. And I think because it feels easy, I can do it over and over and over again without burning out. I started posting on TikTok on November the 19th, 2023, and I have posted three times a day every day since. Every single day without stopping, and I do not feel burnt out. And I definitely feel like that is because it's easy for me because I am good at it. Reading the Algorithm Sacha: The other thing that I think goes in here is that I'm very good at reading what's working. So sorry to talk Clifton Strengths, but my number one Clifton Strength is competition. And one of the skills that has is understanding the market. We're very good at having a wide view. So not only do I read the market on Amazon or in bookstores or wherever I can, it's the same skill set but applied to the algorithm. So I am very good at dissecting viral videos and understanding what made it work, in the same way somebody that spends 20,000 pounds a month on Facebook advertising is very good at doing analytics and looking at those numbers. I am useless at that. I just can't do it. I just get complete shutdown. My brain just says no, and I'm incapable of running ads. That's why I don't do it. Not Everyone Can Do This Sacha: So can anybody do this? Maybe. If you are comfortable on camera, if you enjoy it. It's like we've got a mutual friend, Adam Beswick. We call him the QVC Book Bitch because he is a phenomenon on live videos on TikTok and Instagram and wherever he can sell. Anything on those lives. It is astonishing to watch the sales pop in as he's on these lives. I can't think of anything worse. I will do a live, but I'll be signing books and having a good old chitchat. Not like it's — like that hand selling. Another author, Willow Winters, has done like 18 in-person events this year. I literally die on the inside hearing that. But that's what works for them and that's what's helping grow their business models. So ah, honestly, no. I actually don't think anybody can do what I've done. I think if you have a similar skill set to me, then yes you can. But no, and I know that I don't want to crush anybody listening. Do you like social media? I like social media. Do you like being on camera? Then yeah, you can do it. But if you don't, then I just think it's a waste of your time. Find out what you are good at, find out where your skill set is, and then lean in very, very hard. Writing to Your Strengths and Passion Joanna: I also think, because let's be brutal, you had books before and they didn't sell like this. Sacha: Yep. Joanna: So I also think that you leaned into — yes, of course, sapphic romance is a big sub-genre, but you love it. And also it's your lived experience with the sapphic sub-genre. This is not you chasing a trend, right? I think that's important too because too many people are like, oh, well maybe this is the latest trend. And is TikTok a trend? And then try and force them together, whereas I feel like you haven't done that. Sacha: No, and actually I spoke to lots of people who were very knowledgeable on the market and they all said, don't do it. And the reason for this is that there were no adult lesbian sapphic romance books that were selling when I looked at the market and decided that this was what I wanted to write. And I was like, cool, I'm going to do it then. And rightly so, everyone was like, well, there's no evidence to suggest that this is going to make any money. You are taking a huge risk. And I was like, yeah, but I will. I knew from the outset before I even put a word to the page how I was going to market it. And I think that feeling of coming home is what I — I created a home for myself in my books and that is why it's just felt so easy to market. Lean Into What You're Good At Sacha: It's like you, with your podcasting. Nobody can get anywhere near your podcast because you are so good at it. You've got such a history. You are so natural with your podcasting that you are just unbeatable, you know? So it's a natural way for you to market it. Joanna: Many have tried, but no, you're right. It's because I like this. And what's so funny — I'm sure I've mentioned it on the show — but I did call you one day and say, okay, all right, show me how to do this TikTok thing. And you spent like two hours on the phone with me and then I basically said no. Okay. I almost tried and then I just went, no, this is definitely not for me. And I think that this has to be one of the most important things as an author. Maybe some people listening are just geeking out over packaging like you are, and maybe they're the people who might look at this potential business model. Whereas some people are like me and don't want to go anywhere near it. And then other people like you want to do video and maybe other people like me want to do audio. So yeah, it's so important to find, well, like you said, what does not work for you? What is fun for you and when are you having a good time? Because otherwise you would have a job. Like to me, it looks like a job, you having a warehouse. But to you, it's not the same as when you were grinding it out back in 2022. Packing Videos Are Peak Content Sacha: Completely. And I think if you look at my social media feeds, they are disproportionately full of packing videos, which I think tells you something. Joanna: Oh dear. I just literally — I'm just like, oh my, if I never see any more packaging, I'll be happy. Sacha: Yeah. That's good. The One Time Sacha Nearly Burnt It All Down Sacha: I have to say, there was one moment where I doubted everything. And that was at the end — but basically, in about, of really poor timing. I ended up having to fulfil every single pre-order of my latest release and hand packing about a thousand books in two weeks. And I nearly burnt it all to the ground. Joanna: Because you didn't have enough staffing, right? And your mum was sick or something? Sacha: Yeah, exactly that. And I had to do it all by myself, and I was alone in the warehouse and it was just horrendous. So never again. But hey, I learned the lessons and now I'm like, yay, let's do it again. Things Change: Building Resilience Into Your Business Joanna: Yeah. And make sure there's more staffing. Yes, I've talked a lot on this show — things change, right? Things change. And in fact, the episode that just went out today as we record this with Jennifer Probst, which she talked about hitting massive bestseller lists and doing just incredibly well, and then it just dropped off and she had to pivot and change things. And I'm not like Debbie Downer, but I do say things will change. So what are you putting in place to make sure, for example, TikTok finally does disappear or get banned, or that sapphic romance suddenly drops off a cliff? What are you doing to make sure that you can keep going in the future? Managing Cash Flow and Salaries Sacha: Yeah, so I think there's a few things. The first big one is managing cash flow and ensuring that I have three to six months' worth of staff salaries, for want of a better word, in an account. So if the worst thing happens and sales drop off — because I am responsible for other people's income now — that I'm not about to shaft a load of people. So that really helps give you that risk reassurance. Mailing Lists and Marketing Funnels Sacha: The second thing is making sure that we are cultivating our mailing lists, making sure that we are putting in infrastructure, like things like upsell apps. And, okay, so here's a ridiculous lesson that I learned in 2025: an automation sequence, an onboarding automation sequence, is not what people mean when they say you need a marketing funnel. I learned this in Vegas. A marketing funnel will sell your products to your existing readers. So when a customer signs up to your mailing list because they've purchased something, they will be tagged and then your email flow system will then send them a 5% discount on this, or “did you know you could bundle up and get blah?” So putting that kind of stuff in place will mean that we can take more advantage of the customers that we've already got. Standard Operating Procedures Sacha: It's also things like organisational knowledge. My team is big enough now that there are things in my business I don't know how to do. That's quite daunting for somebody who is a control freak. So I visited Vegas in 2025 and I sat in a session all on — this sounds so sexy — but standard operating procedures. And now I've given my team the job of creating a process instruction manual on how they do each of their tasks so that if anybody's sick, somebody else can pick it up. If somebody leaves, we've got that infrastructure in place. And even things down to things like passwords — who, if I unfortunately got hit by a car, who can access my Amazon account? Stuff like that, unfortunately. Joanna: Yeah, I know. Well, I mean, that would be tragic, wouldn't it? Sacha: But it's stuff like that. Building Longer Timelines Sacha: But then also more day-to-day things is putting in infrastructure that pulls me out. So looking more at staffing responsibilities for staffing so that I don't always have to be there, and creating longer timelines. That is probably the most important thing that we can do because we've got a book box launching next summer. And we both had the realisation — I say we, me and my operations manager — had the realisation that actually we ought to be commissioning the cover and the artwork now because of how long those processes take. So I'm a little bit shortsighted on timelines, I think. So putting a bit more rigour in what we do and when. We now have a team-wide heat map where we know when the warehouse is going to be really, really full, when staff are off, when deliveries are coming, and that's projected out a year in advance. So lots and lots of things that are changing. And then I guess also eventually we will do advertising as well. But that is a few months down the line. Personal Financial Resilience Sacha: And then on the more personal side, it's looking at things like not just how you keep the business running, but how do you keep yourself running? How do you make sure that, let's say you have a bad sales month, but you still have to pay your team? How are you going to get paid? So I, as well as having put staff salaries away, I also have my own salary. I've got a few months of my own salary put away. And then investing as well. I know, I am not a financial advisor, but I do invest money. I serve money that I pay myself. You can also do things like having investment vehicles inside your business if you want to deal with extra cash. And then I am taking advice from my accountant and my financial advisor on do I put more money into my pension — because did I say that I also have a pension? So I invest in my future as well. Or do I set up another company and have a property portfolio? Or how do I essentially make the money that is inside the business make more money rather than reinvesting it, spending it, and reinvesting it on things that don't become assets or don't become money generating? What can I do with the cash that's inside the company in order to then make it make more for the long term? Because then if you do have a down six months or worse, a down year, for example, you've got enough cash and equity inside the business to cover you during those lower months or years or weeks — or hopefully just a day. Different Business Models for Different Authors Joanna: Yes, of course. And we all hope it just carries on up and to the right, but sometimes it doesn't work that way. So it's really great that you are doing all those things. And I think what's lovely and why we started off with you giving us that potted history was it hasn't always been this way. So if you are listening to this and you are like, well, I've only got one ebook for sale on Amazon, well that might be all you ever want to do, which is fine. Or you can come to where my business model is, which is mostly even — I use print on demand, but it's mostly digital. It's mostly online. It's got no packaging that I deal with. Or you can go even further like Sacha and Adam Beswick and Willow Winters. But because that is being talked about a lot in the community, that's why we wanted to do this — to really show you that there's different people doing different things and you need to choose what's best for you. What Are You Excited About for 2026? Joanna: But just as we finish, just tell us what are you excited about for 2026? Sacha: Oh my goodness me. I am excited to iterate my craft. And this is completely not related to the warehouse, but I have gotten myself into a position where I get to play with words again. So I'm really excited for the things that I'm going to write. But also in terms of the warehouse, we've got the new packaging, so getting to see those on social media. We are also looking at things like book boxes. So we are doing a set of three book boxes and these are going to be new and bigger and better than anything that we've done before. And custom tailored. Oh, without giving too much away, but items that go inside and also the artwork. I love working with artists and commissioning different art projects. But yeah, basically more of the same, hopefully world domination. Joanna: World domination. Fantastic. So basically more creativity. Sacha: Yeah. Joanna: And also a bigger business. Because I know you are ambitious and I love that. I think it's really good for people to be ambitious. Joanna: Oh, I do have another question. Do you have more sympathy for traditional publishing at this point? Sacha: How dare you? Unfortunately, yeah. I really have learnt the hard way why traditional publishers need the timelines that they need. This latest release was probably the biggest that — so this latest release, which was called Architecting, is the reason that I did the podcast episode, because I learned so many lessons. And in particular about timelines and how tight things get, and it's just not realistic when you are doing this physical business. So that's another thing if you are listening and you are like, oh no, no, no, I like the immediacy of being able to finish, get it back from the editor and hit publish — this ain't for you, honey. This is not for you. Joanna: Yeah. No, that's fantastic. Where to Find Sacha and Ruby Roe Joanna: So where can people find you and your books online? Sacha: For the Ruby Empire, it's RubyRoe.co.uk and RubyRoeAuthor on TikTok if you'd like to see me dancing like a wally. And then Instagram, I'm back as @SachaBlackAuthor on Instagram. Joanna: Brilliant. Thanks so much for your time, Sacha. That was great. Sacha: Thank you for having me.The post Two Different Approaches To Selling Books Direct With Sacha Black And Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Elina Panteleyeva is the founder of Dood Woof, a 7-figure brand built specifically for Doodle dog breeds. After getting laid off, she bootstrapped her business from $0 to 7 figures in 15 months with no prior Ecommerce experience, no team and no outside investors. outside funding. Elina scaled fast by focusing on niche product-market fit, building a raving fan base, and using scrappy organic marketing to drive Amazon and TikTok Shop growth. Now, she helps other founders grow and scale their eCommerce brands profitably by building a brand that serves a specific group of people. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[00:34] Sponsor: Taboola[01:44] Building products around customer pain points[02:53] Identifying problems through community research[05:19] Sponsor: Next Insurance[06:32] Balancing product creation with marketing[06:48] Building trust through storytelling[09:15] Collecting feedback to shape products[10:50] Creating scarcity to drive excitement[12:38] Identifying niches with specific pain points[13:47] Sponsor: Electric Eye[14:56] Sponsor: Freight Right[16:56] Collecting reviews to build credibility[18:37] Training mindset to handle uncertainty[21:59] Discovering entrepreneurial instincts early[22:29] Focusing on one channel before diversifying  [25:34] Leveraging micro-influencers for growthResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeCreating Healthy Happy Lives for Doodles doodwoof.com/Follow Elina Panteleyeva instagram.com/doodwoofco/?hl=enReach your best audience at the lowest cost! discover.taboola.com/honest/Easy, affordable coverage that grows with your business nextinsurance.com/honest/Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Hey guys! We're bringing our TV podcasts over onto the main podcast feed from YouTube for you to listen to on the go!Monumentally significant events for our Capeside crew in the two episodes this week as Dawson has his first outing with Gretchen and her friends as her boyfriend, and has to contend with his emotional journey with Mr Brooks as he reaches the end of his life, with an extremely difficult decision to make. Joey & Pacey find themselves at odds with Drue again, forcing some much needed sensible communication and leading to the most significant event of their relationship so far! And after Jack helps tutor some kids, and rejects Tobey's advances, he and Jen have a very surprising drunken night on a ski trip!Join Jeannine and Morgan talking S4 Episode 13: HOPELESS & Episode 14: A WINTER'S TALE!Our YouTube Channel for all our video content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvACMX8jX1qQ5ClrGW53vow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The It's A Wonderful Podcast Theme by David B. Music.Donate:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ItsAWonderful1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/ItsAWonderful1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IT'S A WONDERFUL PODCAST STORE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teepublic.com/user/g9design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sub to the feed and download now on all major podcast platforms and be sure to rate, review and SHARE AROUND!!Keep up with us on (X) Twitter:Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ItsAWonderful1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Morgan:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/Th3PurpleDon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeannine:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/JeannineDaBean⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_Keep being wonderful!!

This is a recap of the top 10 posts on Hacker News on December 07, 2025. This podcast was generated by wondercraft.ai (00:30): Using LLMs at OxideOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46178347&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(01:53): The state of Schleswig-Holstein is consistently relying on open sourceOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46181491&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(03:17): Over fifty new hallucinations in ICLR 2026 submissionsOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46181466&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(04:40): Google Titans architecture, helping AI have long-term memoryOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46181231&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(06:04): I failed to recreate the 1996 Space Jam website with ClaudeOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46183294&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(07:27): Z2 – Lithographically fabricated IC in a garage fabOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46178789&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(08:51): Dollar-stores overcharge customers while promising low pricesOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46181962&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(10:14): Trains cancelled over fake bridge collapse imageOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46178108&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(11:38): The C++ standard for the F-35 Fighter Jet [video]Original post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46183657&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(13:01): Discovering the indieweb with calm techOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46178892&utm_source=wondercraft_aiThis is a third-party project, independent from HN and YC. Text and audio generated using AI, by wondercraft.ai. Create your own studio quality podcast with text as the only input in seconds at app.wondercraft.ai. Issues or feedback? We'd love to hear from you: team@wondercraft.ai

Humble the Poet (Kanwer Singh) opens up about the years nobody saw — the debt, the failed deals, the fear, the self-judgment — and how these became the foundation for his creative success and his powerful new book, Anxious. We explore his 90-day nervous system reset, what anxiety really is (and isn't), how to stop outsourcing your safety, and why progress is simple but never easy. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or tangled in your own thoughts, this episode will feel like a blueprint for reclaiming your mind and building real inner capacity.This is mental fitness at its most practical, honest, and human.Timestamps:00:00 — Who are you?01:00 — Humble breaks down the mechanics of words, poetry, and meaning02:00 — Childhood creativity: the first book and early signs of a writer04:00 — Performing for the first time and peeling off the layers of insecurity06:00 — The four-year tunnel: debt, denial, and rebuilding from zero10:00 — Extreme frugality and the financial habits that changed everything14:00 — Fear, creativity, and learning to feed the wallet vs. the ego17:00 — Discovering business as a creative art form23:00 — Harmony vs. balance: reframing how creatives work25:00 — Curiosity as courage: shifting away from fear-based judgment27:00 — How anxiety blocks opportunity — and why the pendulum has swung too far30:00 — Why anxiety is a signal, not a disease32:00 — The 90-day nervous system reset: dopamine, abstinence, and awareness37:00 — Identifying real addictions: validation, reassurance, overthinking42:00 — Sitting with discomfort: the foundation of mental fitness45:00 — Redefining freedom and building inner capacity49:00 — The burn of real growth — and why Humble sticks with it51:00 — The simplest mental fitness practice: sit quietly for 10 minutes54:00 — Simple vs easy, slow progress, and compassionate self-talk****Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life Connect with Marc >>> Website | LinkedIn | Instagram |*A special thanks to our mental fitness + sweat partner Sip Saunas.

The way you show love to others—especially your spouse—has a lot to do with how you were taught to love as a child. Discover your love style and learn what steps you can take toward loving the way God does.

Pam Rivet is an empowerment speaker, podcast host, and founder of MBS | The Woman Beyond The Cape, a faith-based lifestyle brand dedicated to helping women discover their authentic identity. From teen mom to top-producing banker to keynote speaker, Pam's journey proves that your greatest struggles become your most powerful tools for serving others. After hitting rock bottom in August 2022, a moment that included drunk driving with her kids, Pam experienced a complete identity transformation that became the foundation of her speaking career. Now 20 months sober and walking boldly in her faith, Pam delivers her signature keynote “Beyond The Cape: Your Identity is Calling” to audiences across the country. Her mission? Help people recognize the patterns of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and performance-based living before they crash, removing the ‘capes' they were never meant to carry and stepping into who God created them to be. Pam is a wife, mother of three daughters, bonus mom to three, and grandmother to two. She currently lives with her family and speaks from her heart about the transformation that happens when you finally stop performing and start living authentically.Connect with Pam here!

Unlocking High-Performance Leadership: Lessons from John Murphy on Mindful Management and Business TransformationIn this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with John Murphy, founder of Venture Management Consultants, Inc. and author of more than 20 books including Miracle Minded Manager. Their conversation explores the intersection of nature, spirituality, process improvement, and the art of simplifying leadership in today's complex business environment. This blog distills the most powerful ideas from their discussion, giving leaders actionable takeaways to elevate performance, mindset, and organizational culture.Leadership Insights That Transform Teams and OrganizationsJohn Murphy's leadership philosophy is grounded in deep observation of nature and the role simplicity plays in high performance. He explains that nature operates without stress or overthinking—trees grow, rivers flow, and ecosystems adapt effortlessly—and leaders can benefit by mirroring this same natural alignment. When leaders learn to be fully present rather than pressured, they unlock clarity, creativity, and more intuitive decision-making that supports healthier teams and stronger business results.Another major topic John explores is the power of Kaizen events—intensive improvement workshops that rapidly redesign business processes within days rather than months. These transformation sprints dismantle silos, build cross-functional collaboration, and demonstrate what's possible when teams are given focus, data, and permission to fix what's broken. The speed and sustainability of Kaizen outcomes often reignite organizational momentum and help leaders rediscover the power of disciplined simplicity.John also emphasizes mindful leadership, teaching leaders to shift from resistance to acceptance when confronting uncertainty or change. Instead of reacting from fear, mindful leaders recognize what is, examine the root causes of problems, and respond with clarity. This is paired with his advocacy for the art of subtraction—removing unnecessary steps, roles, tools, or habits that drain energy. By simplifying rather than adding more complexity, organizations experience greater flow, higher productivity, and dramatically improved morale.About John MurphyJohn Murphy is a renowned leadership consultant, speaker, and author with over 20 published books focused on business transformation, mindfulness, and high-performance leadership. His teachings combine spiritual principles, lean methodologies, and decades of executive coaching experience. Learn more about his work at johnjmurphy.org or connect with him on LinkedIn.About Venture Management Consultants, Inc.Founded by John Murphy, Venture Management Consultants specializes in business transformation, leadership development, and operational excellence. The firm supports organizations globally through Kaizen events, executive coaching, culture transformation initiatives, and high-performance training programs. Explore resources and offerings at johnjmurphy.org.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeJohn Murphy's WebsiteJohn Murphy on LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsNature teaches leaders the power of presence, alignment, and simplicityKaizen events accelerate...

This episode of Airey Bros Radio was originally streamed LIVE on YouTube on November 3, 2025 and is now available on all podcast platforms.

Episode 147 - Legacy Life Reflections COMPETITION WINNER Pete Townsend (Pt 1) - Clutter, Concorde, Lost Causes and Cake! And the Story of Discovering his Long-Lost-Twin at 46. Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Discovering Friendship & Inspiration in the Cinque Terre Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2025-12-06-23-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Le nuvole erano dense sopra le Cinque Terre quel giorno d'inverno.En: The clouds were dense over the Cinque Terre that winter day.It: Giovanni e Lorenzo camminavano lungo il sentiero stretto.En: Giovanni and Lorenzo were walking along the narrow path.It: La scuola li aveva portati lì per una gita scolastica.En: The school had taken them there for a school trip.It: Il mare era scuro e mosso.En: The sea was dark and rough.It: La pioggia cadeva a tratti, battendo contro gli ombrelli dei pochi turisti.En: Rain fell intermittently, beating against the umbrellas of the few tourists.It: Giovanni amava il paesaggio.En: Giovanni loved the landscape.It: I colori delle case, il verde delle colline, il blu del mare.En: The colors of the houses, the green of the hills, the blue of the sea.It: Tutto lo ispirava.En: Everything inspired him.It: Ma la pioggia era un problema.En: But the rain was a problem.It: Voleva disegnare, trovare il momento perfetto per catturare la magia delle Cinque Terre nel suo quaderno.En: He wanted to draw, to find the perfect moment to capture the magic of the Cinque Terre in his notebook.It: Lorenzo invece non vedeva l'ora di muoversi.En: Lorenzo, on the other hand, could not wait to move.It: "Corri, Giovanni, andiamo!"En: "Hurry, Giovanni, let's go!"It: diceva lui, impaziente di esplorare.En: he said, impatient to explore.It: Giovanni sentiva la pressione.En: Giovanni felt the pressure.It: Doveva trovare il posto giusto.En: He had to find the right spot.It: "Andiamo al punto panoramico," suggerì.En: "Let's go to the viewpoint," he suggested.It: "Da lì vedremo tutto meglio.En: "From there we'll see everything better.It: Forse smetterà di piovere."En: Maybe it will stop raining."It: Lorenzo sbuffò ma accettò.En: Lorenzo huffed but agreed.It: Salirono lungo il sentiero.En: They climbed along the path.It: Il vento era gelido.En: The wind was icy.It: Passi dopo passi, le scarpe bagnate facevano rumore sulle pietre umide.En: Step by step, their wet shoes made noise on the damp stones.It: Finalmente, raggiunsero il punto più alto.En: Finally, they reached the highest point.It: Un attimo di pausa, e la pioggia smise.En: A moment of pause, and the rain ceased.It: Le nuvole si aprirono leggermente.En: The clouds parted slightly.It: Davanti a loro, le case colorate brillavano contro il cielo grigio.En: In front of them, the colorful houses shone against the gray sky.It: Giovanni si mise a disegnare velocemente.En: Giovanni started drawing quickly.It: I suoi occhi brillavano di passione.En: His eyes shone with passion.It: Lorenzo, a sua sorpresa, guardava davvero.En: Lorenzo, to his surprise, was really watching.It: Vedeva quello che Giovanni vedeva.En: He saw what Giovanni saw.It: Il mare, le case, la bellezza nascosta nei dettagli.En: The sea, the houses, the hidden beauty in the details.It: "È fantastico," mormorò Lorenzo, osservando il disegno prendere forma.En: "It's fantastic," Lorenzo murmured, watching the drawing take shape.It: Giovanni sorrise, continuando a tracciare linee sicure e veloci.En: Giovanni smiled, continuing to draw sure and swift lines.It: Le gocce d'acqua sulla carta non lo fermavano.En: The drops of water on the paper did not stop him.It: Quando la pioggia tornò, Giovanni chiuse il quaderno.En: When the rain returned, Giovanni closed the notebook.It: Aveva disegnato ciò che sentiva.En: He had drawn what he felt.It: "Grazie, Lorenzo," disse, sentendo una nuova fiducia.En: "Thank you, Lorenzo," he said, feeling a newfound confidence.It: "Non sapevo che fossi così bravo," rispose Lorenzo.En: "I didn't know you were so good," Lorenzo replied.It: "Devi diventare un artista, Giovanni."En: "You must become an artist, Giovanni."It: Giovanni sentì il cuore riscaldarsi.En: Giovanni's heart warmed.It: Sapeva che era giunto il momento di seguire il suo sogno.En: He knew it was time to follow his dream.It: E sapeva che avrebbe avuto il supporto di un amico vero.En: And he knew he would have the support of a true friend.It: Lorenzo imparò a rallentare, ad apprezzare quel che c'è, e Giovanni ebbe la prova che i suoi sogni contavano davvero.En: Lorenzo learned to slow down, to appreciate what is there, and Giovanni had the proof that his dreams really mattered.It: Le Cinque Terre restarono dietro di loro, ma nei cuori di Giovanni e Lorenzo il viaggio stava appena cominciando.En: The Cinque Terre remained behind them, but in the hearts of Giovanni and Lorenzo, the journey was just beginning. Vocabulary Words:dense: densenarrow: strettointermittently: a trattito capture: catturarehuffed: sbuffòicy: gelidodamp: umideceased: smiseparted: si aprironoswift: velocito trace: tracciareimpatient: impazienteto suggest: suggerìviewpoint: punto panoramicoattimo: pause/momentdetails: dettaglito murmur: mormoròpassion: passioneto inspire: ispiravato explore: esploraresurprise: sorpresaconfidence: fiduciato warm: riscaldarsifriend: amicodream: sognohidden: nascostato appreciate: apprezzarereal: verosupport: supportoto learn: imparò

In this episode of "Transform Your Mind to Transform Your Life," Myrna Young is joined by Kevin D. St Clergy to explore the compelling theme of "blind blaming." Through captivating storytelling and professional insights, Kevin delves into how the concept of blind blaming, where individuals fail to see the real issues due to instinctive blame, often keeps them stuck in unproductive cycles. With a poignant story from his youth of going from a star baseball player to a complete slump due to unseen vision issues, Kevin illustrates how we often blame ourselves and others without understanding the true underlying problems.The episode navigates Kevin's RCD Method, which stands as a powerful solution to tackling blind blaming. Kevin unfolds the importance of awareness, connection, and the decisive action of 'making an effing decision.' Listeners will gain insights into moving beyond the superficial blame, accessing hidden obstacles, and unlocking true potential—both in personal and professional realms. This enlightening episode presents a framework for change, urging listeners to discover the real issues behind their stagnation and take bold steps toward transformation.Key Takeaways:Blind Blaming Explored: Kevin introduces the concept of blind blaming, highlighting how instinctive blaming can mask the real problems in our lives.The RCD Method: Kevin's method—Reflect, Connect, and Decide—offers a structured approach to overcoming blind blaming by consulting outside perspectives and taking decisive action.Role of Awareness: Understanding cognitive biases like availability and confirmation bias can help in identifying when we are solving the wrong problems.Practical Application in Business: Kevin gives real-world examples of how uncovering hidden obstacles can lead to substantial breakthroughs in both business growth and personal development.Transformative Outcomes: By addressing root causes through the RCD Method, individuals can trigger ripple effects leading to improved relationships, business success, and fulfilled purpose.Resources:Website: Blind BlamingBook: "Beyond Blind Blaming" available on Amazon and the websitePodcast: Beyond Blind Blaming PodcastTo advertise on our podcast, visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TransformyourMindor email kriti@youngandprofiting.com See this video on The Transform Your Mind YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MyhelpsUs/videosTo see a transcripts of this audio as well as links to all the advertisers on the show page https://myhelps.us/Follow Transform Your Mind on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/myrnamyoung/Follow Transform Your mind on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738390977Please leave a rating and review on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transform-your-mind/id1144973094 https://podcast.feedspot.com/personal_development_podcasts/

A wise woman once said, “You can tell the ocean anything, but it has to be the truth.“ Chion Wolf boards the MSC Meraviglia expecting a week of small talk and sunscreen. But the farther she gets from land, the more people become willing to hang out in the deep end to talk about love, loss, faith, sobriety and stories they’ve been holding onto for years. When they speak, the ocean listens. And in this hour, so do you. Listen to a BONUS track featuring more voices from the ship: Latisha from the Bronx; Vincent Ferrito and Lauren Englemann from Brooklyn, NY; Brittney and Jeana Lockhart from New Bedford, MA; Henry Armbrister, Barbara Williams, Dellie Maycock, and Giovanni Ferguson from Nassau, Bahamas. Suggested episodes: The Big E: What it takes to create 17 days of magic Life advice, one Audacious guest at a time It's A Brand Nude Day! Discovering delight - and despair - in dumpster diving Welcome to the Punderdome! We're entering NYC's punniest pun competition SOLD! Audacious Auctioneers Plus, Advice on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, a project Chion did interviewing passengers on a 48-hour train ride GUESTS: A segment: Keith Miller from Long Island, NY; Kevin Luong from New York, NY; Vin Panday from Ontario, Canada; Jessica Struble from Holly, PA; Ruby Selver from Turks and Caicos; and Marty and Mary Pasternak from Buffalo, NY B segment: Mike Turner from Levittown, PA; Brian Martignetti from El Paso, TX; Darrell Floyd from New Haven, CT; and Randy Deveaux and Sylvia Wilson from Nassau, Bahamas C segment: Joe and Valerie Leone from Blue Bell, PA; Tommy and Cindy Lazarz from Ware, MA; John and Ada Sue Siler from Richmond, VA; and Javier and Angela Mahon from Brooklyn, NY Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, Casey's business partner and long time friend, Dave Jensen sits down at the MW3 conference with Kalani Sitake, head coach of the BYU Cougars football team. Kalani, reflects on his upbringing sharing stories from his early years, the impact of his multicultural background, and his experiences with legendary figures like BYU coach LaVell Edwards and Nike founder Phil Knight. He discusses how the relationships in his life have shaped his coaching philosophy, focusing on humility, empathy, and genuine connection. With powerful anecdotes of overcoming adversity, Kalani emphasizes the value of kindness and its profound impact on people's lives. Kalani shares his commitment to creating a positive environment where his players grow as athletes and individuals. He discusses his belief that true success is measured not just in victories but in the character and values instilled in those he mentors. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that shows how sports can transform lives and build stronger communities.00:00 | Welcome, MW3 setup & Kalani's intro00:06 | Dave introduces Kalani's journey & coaching career01:46 | What excites Kalani most about BYU football right now02:39 | Visiting Nike, meeting Phil Knight & LaVell Edwards stories03:21 | The voicemail from LaVell that changed a 1–3 season06:15 | Mission call, faith, and early mentoring from LaVell07:19 | Growing up Tongan: divorce, moving, and feeling broken10:11 | A BYU player's hug that “fixed” a nine-year-old kid12:09 | Kindness as a superpower & what really matters more than wins13:44 | Spotting people who are hurting & choosing to reach out15:16 | Family storytelling, heritage, and choosing happiness with little17:21 | Discovering the commandment that changed how he honored his parents18:41 | His father's last day of work & a quiet act of integrity22:06 | Meeting Timberley, raising kids, and the realities of coaching life23:11 | How Timberley prepped him for the BYU head coach interview25:33 | The line that sealed the BYU job (and who really wrote it)27:03 | Lessons from Kyle Whittingham & gratitude to Utah28:34 | Family, rivalry, legacy, and letting love lead29:42 | Closing challenge: use your strengths to lift the world Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Book Drop, we take you into the world of Dungeons and Dragons with special guests who guide us, like true DMs, through the storytelling and player-driven adventure that is at the heart of the game! THIS IS THE BOOK DROP.All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast.Happening at the Library:The Pen and the Sword: D&D Club | Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch25th Annual Teen Poetry Bash | Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Milton R. Abrahams BranchCalm & Centered: Practices for Stress Relief and Resilience | Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 6 to 7 p.m. at W. Clarke Swanson BranchExplore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.Join the conversation for the next episode! Answer the Query of the Week “What do you make or create?” by email at thebookdrop@omahalibrary.org or DM on social media!

From the Battlefield to the Recording Studio: The Donnie Reis Story.What does a classical violin, a military uniform, and a Nashville songwriting session have in common? They are all instruments in the symphony of Donnie Reis's life.In this raw and riveting episode of Talking Tipsy, host Dallas Jackson sits down with the War Hippies co-founder to trace his path from disciplined violinist to celebrated producer and composer.This is a masterclass in reinvention, exploring how to harmonize every part of your life—even the most dissonant experiences—into a career that resonates with truth.Themes We Explore:⌁ The Art of the Pivot: Trading the classical canon for the storytelling heart of Country music.⌁ Composing from Conflict: How combat in Iraq forged a deeper, more resonant songwriting voice.⌁ Inside the Producer's Booth: The shift from performer to the architect of a record's sound.⌁ Stories from the Road: Behind-the-mic moments from the Grand Ole Opry and touring with legends.⌁ Building a Band: The genesis and mission of the War Hippies.If Donnie's journey resonates with you, what was your biggest takeaway?What part of your own story is waiting to be written?

Photographs preserve what daily life cannot—moments that would otherwise fade into obscurity. In today's show, we explore this topic through a nexus of American culture, popular folklore, and photographic archives in a chat with Alan Govenar and Adam Forgash, two photographers and visual historians who are passionate about unearthing and preserving forgotten stories. Coming from different backgrounds, Alan's formal training and experience with the non-profit Documentary Arts complements Adam's hands-on skills hunting for treasures and selling vintage photographica at New York's Chelsea Flea Market. A few of the points they discuss include: the central role of the community photographer in twentieth-century life, the cultural significance of Route 66 as a favored connection point, the painstaking process of resurrecting century-old portraits from damaged glass plates, and much more. As Adam notes about these rescued portraits now titled "Faces of the Mother Road," "I've had these kinds of collections over the last 30 years and kind of let them go, but this one, I knew there was something special about it. So, as soon as I realized what I was looking at, I stopped. I put it in climate control storage. I got archival paper to put it in. I started a numbering system.  "It feels pretty good," he adds, "to get more serious about my craft, realizing that I am a photo historian, even though I don't have a degree." Guests: Alan Govenar & Adam Forgash Episode Timeline: 3:07: Alan Govenar's early connections to photography and his introduction to Stoney, the hunchbacked tattoo artist who jumpstarted his photo career. 8:33: The role various media has played in Alan's work as an interdisciplinary artist and how changes to media has influenced his storytelling. 11:37: Adam Forgash describes New York's Chelsea Flea Market and the treasure trove of 8,000 glass negatives he discovered there. 16:18: A peek into the Texas African American Photography Archive, and the era of the community photographer. 22:02: Storytelling within a historical context and a photographer's accountability in reverse engineering a story from vestiges of the past. 27:01: Adam's accidental discovery of a second half to SJ Tyler's archive and tracking down information about the photographer. 30:49: Connecting the story of SJ Tyler's portrait studio to an exhibit celebrating the centennial of Route 66. 32:28: Episode Break 33:47: Making distinctions between Alan's formal education in folklore and Adam's schooling at the hands of New York's Chelsea flea market crowd.  40:23: Adam's approach to beginning this project, and how SJ Tyler's collection differed from past archives he's worked on. 42:52: Connections between Tyler's photographs and the significance of travel on Route 66, plus Adam's relationship to Tulsa. 44:26: Placing photographic stories in a wider historical context and their connection to the communities being served. 49:54: Funding and sponsorship for large photographic projects and the benefits to working with a registered non-profit as a pass-through organization. Guest Bios: Alan Govenar is an acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, writer and folklorist. A 2010 Guggenheim Fellow and the author of more than 40 books, Alan is also founder and president of the organization Documentary Arts, which he created to spotlight marginalized voices and cultures, through projects such as the Texas African American Photography Archive. As a filmmaker, Alan has produced and directed documentaries in association with NOVA, ARTE, and PBS. And as a playwright, he has written and produced musicals that have been performed from New York City to major venues across Europe. This year marks some major milestones in Alan's career, with a photography retrospective at the Center for Photography at Woodstock, a new documentary film premiering at New York's Cinema Village, and the publication of three new books, including Kinship & Community, released by Aperture.  Adam Forgash is a photographer, filmmaker, photo history specialist, and proud former Oklahoman. In 2023, while foraging for visual treasures at New York's famed Chelsea Flea Market, Adam happened upon the archive of the undiscovered portrait photographer Sidney J Tyler. From 1913 to 1943, Tyler operated a photo studio in Afton, Oklahoma, making portraits of everyday subjects as they passed through the region, during a break in their travels along Route 66, otherwise known as the "Mother Road". This once-lost visual history of northeast Oklahoma features working-class people of all races and communities, including the famed Tuskegee airmen.  After two years of intensive research into Tyler's archive, Adam's project, now titled Faces of the Mother Road: The Lost Portraits of S.J. Tyler - A Route 66 Story, is poised to make a lasting impact on Oklahoma's visual and historical narrative, just in time for the centennial of Route 66 in 2026. Stay Connected: Alan Govenar Documentary Arts Website: https://www.docarts.com/  Adam Forgash Website: https://adamforgash.com/  Adam Forgash Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamforgash/ Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens  

What if the opposite of addiction isn't sobriety… but connection?In this raw and powerful episode of the Manlihood Podcast, Josh Hatcher interviews Yeadon Smith, a coach who broke free after 34 years of pornography addiction and now helps men walk the same path toward freedom and purpose.Yeadon shares his journey—from discovering porn at age eight, to growing up under rigid, fear-based religious pressure, to the shame and secrecy that nearly destroyed his life. His story is a real look at how porn addiction develops, why it's so hard to escape, and how healing actually begins.This episode digs deep into emotional regulation, trauma, faith, fatherhood, marriage, and the hidden coping mechanisms men use when life gets overwhelming. If you've ever struggled with porn, stress-eating, scrolling, numbing out, or feeling disconnected from yourself and your family, this conversation will hit home.You'll learn why porn “almost works” as a painkiller, how it rewires the brain, why isolation keeps men trapped, and why community and honesty are essential for real recovery. We talk about what true masculinity looks like, how to build emotional self-awareness, and how men can break the cycle of shame and secrecy—no matter how long they've been stuck.This isn't an episode about judgment.It's an episode about hope, transformation, and reclaiming your life.

Ten reasons to develop a lifestyle characterized by praise and worship (based on various Scriptural passages) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29?v=20251111

Being highly sensitive or autistic has often been misunderstood, dismissed, or labeled as “too much.” Many of us grew up hearing painful messages that we were too emotional, too anxious, too quiet, too intense, or too sensitive for the world around us. In this special episode, therapist and author Julie Bjelland, LMFT, offers a powerful message of validation and belonging: there is nothing wrong with you.This episode celebrates the global reach of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, listened to in 193 countries, shared more than 98 percent of other podcasts, and with listeners staying longer than 96 percent of shows worldwide. These statistics tell a meaningful story. Sensitive and autistic people exist in every culture. Millions of us share similar experiences with sensory overload, emotional depth, empathy, exhaustion, masking, and nervous system sensitivity. We are not alone. We are a worldwide community.Julie explains why so many highly sensitive adults are discovering they are autistic, especially women and those who were socialized to mask and overachieve. She explores the overlap between high sensitivity and autism, how outdated diagnostic criteria missed autistic women for decades, and why learning the truth about your neurotype often brings profound relief instead of fear. Understanding yourself replaces shame with clarity and self-compassion.This episode also highlights why sensory sensitivity and sensory overload are among the most common struggles for sensitive and autistic adults, and why this topic became the most listened-to episode of 2025. Julie shares how sensory overwhelm impacts emotional health, physical health, relationships, and identity, and offers insight into how to care for your nervous system in ways that honor your neurodivergent wiring.Listeners will find hope, science-informed validation, and a compassionate reminder that your brain and body make sense. Julie also shares her personal journey as a deeply sensitive person, her passion for neuroscience and brain training, and her mission to support sensitive and autistic people worldwide through education, assessments, courses, and community resources.Whether you are highly sensitive, autistic, exploring your identity, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a healing message:✨ You are not flawed. You are wired differently. And your sensitivity is real, valid, and valuable.Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a psychotherapist, author, and global educator specializing in sensitivity, autism in women, and nervous system science. She is the founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community and host of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, listened to in more than 193 countries. Julie develops neurodiversity-affirming tools, assessments, and brain-training resources to help highly sensitive and autistic adults reduce overwhelm, increase self-understanding, and live with greater compassion for their neurotype. https://www.juliebjelland.com/

» Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship and cognitive optimisationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/Website: https://hackyou.media/Kevin Levrone spent 30 years chasing the Olympia title — and he's here to show you why the platform you build matters more than the trophies you didn't win.Most people think success is only measured by first place.Kevin proves your legacy is defined by how you treat people on the way up, and what you do with your influence once you have it.You'll hear the mental shift required to go from training for aesthetics to training for sustained performance and what happens when you stop chasing perfection and start embracing simplicity.00:00 Introduction02:13 Training together and pushing past mental limits04:11 Shifting from physique to full-body conditioning08:57 Balancing intense travel schedules with fan dedication12:43 Being overlooked and using it as lifelong fuel16:00 Childhood trauma and the real roots of ambition20:33 Discovering martial arts and visualisation after losing his dad24:27 Competing from a place of pain and survival27:46 When your life feels broken, it's actually building30:00 Why not winning Mr Olympia was a gift34:46 The crushing stage that creates long-term purpose38:24 Struggles with emotional expression and acceptance42:03 Hitting your peak later and not fearing age45:38 Life as a contracted pro bodybuilder in the '90s49:17 Travel stories, rivalries and beating Ronnie Coleman55:07 Ronnie's willpower after all the muscle is gone58:59 Natural lifters and ageing with strength intact01:03:26 Why kids today need more real guidance01:04:42 Fatherhood as the completion of your journey01:09:02 Being a role model for the next generation01:12:07 Perfectionism and missing life's real moments» Escape the 9-5 and build your dream life: https://www.digitalplaybook.net/» Transform your physique: https://www.thrstapp.com/» My clothing brand, THRST: https://thrstofficial.com» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston• 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO• 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO» Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode:https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/» Join Whoop and get your first month for free:https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst» Follow KevinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinlevrone/?hl=enWebsite: https://levrosupplements.com/

Today as we worship around our Lord's table, as we celebrate with our family their bold declaration, as we honor our King, remember His sacrifice, remember His crucifixion is so much more than our passage to Heaven. Days like today acknowledge that we are “born again” new creations in Christ! John 3:3, 5-6 (NKJV) “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” v.5-6, Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Uncle Si helps his best friend, Philip McMillan, baptize the sister he never knew he had, and Philip credits Jase and Phil with changing the trajectory of not just his own life but generations of his family. Si gets real about what happens when people keep putting off the decision to follow Jesus, and the guys dig into what the Bible says about trusting God even in moments of fear or anxiety. Plus, Si reveals what happened when he dared to preach to an inmate who was not interested in anything he had to say. In this episode: Acts 2; Hebrews 11, verse 6; Hebrews 11; Romans 4, verse 17; 1 Peter 3, verse 15; John 3, verses 19–21; Luke 17, verses 20–21; Matthew 5; Romans 8, verse 11 “Unashamed” Episode 1221 is sponsored by: Stand firm for values that matter. Join the fight today at https://www.frc.org/unashamed https://ruffgreens.com — Get a FREE Jumpstart Trial Bag for your dog today when you use promo code Unashamed! https://tomorrowclubs.org/unashamed — Join this disciple-making movement by supporting Tomorrow Clubs! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @‌trueclassic at http://trueclassic.com/ROBERTSON! #trueclassicpod https://donewithdebt.com — Start building the life you deserve and talk with one of their strategists today. It's FREE! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-13:27 Discovering long-lost sisters 13:28-19:57 What does faith truly mean? 19:58-28:12 Dealing with fear & anxiety as a Christian 28:13-37:33 How to miss eternity by a single moment 37:34- 45:31 Jesus pays his taxes supernaturally 45:32-56:18 How a wise man spends his gold  — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turn online alignment into an offline community — join us at TheWayFwrd.com to connect with like-minded people near you.She found aluminum and other metals in her rainwater, uncovered a decades-long cloud-seeding program running over her county without public notice, and then drove to the airport to confront the pilots — and you'll hear her full conversation.In this episode, I sit down with Kathryn “Mellow Kat” Saari, a former flight attendant turned homesteader who started noticing grid patterns and flight clusters during storms in her part of California. Her curiosity led her into rainwater testing, public records digging, and decades of cloud-seeding programs that no one in her community had ever been told about.Mellow Kat walks me through what she uncovered: silver-iodide cloud seeding, adulticide spraying, organophosphate insecticides, genetically modified mosquito proposals, and the contracts counties hold with Weather Modification Inc. She also shares the night she followed the aircraft to their airport and spoke with the pilots face-to-face.If you've been curious about weather modification, cloud seeding, geoengineering, or how these programs are actually run on the local level, this conversation brings the details into full view without hype or guesswork.You'll Learn:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:21:06] Why Mellow Kat believes her son's neurological issues stem from vaccines, and the aluminum levels that shocked her[00:35:00] The moment she first noticed grid patterns in the sky[00:39:32] What Mellow Kat found in her rainwater samples after tracking cloud seeding flights[00:42:20] Discovering a 30+ year cloud seeding operation happening directly over her county without public notice[00:55:17] How $6.6 million from Bill Gates led to trees being cut down and trucked to Nevada to be buried underground[00:59:27] Confronting the adulticide spray pilot who admitted he's releasing a nerve agent over neighborhoods to kill mosquitoes[01:16:34] The full unedited audio: driving to an airport in the middle of the night to confront the cloud seeding pilots face-to-face[01:52:21] How Mellow Kat and 5,400 people stopped a biotech company from releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in California[01:56:27] What an arborist found at wildfire sites that suggests energy weapons—trees burned from the inside out while leaves stayed intact[02:05:26] Why Mellow Kat is no longer afraid of death and how that freed her to speak without holding backResources Mentioned:Alfacast episode #262 The Atmospheric End Game w/ Mellow Kat | Spotify or Apple or DeezerThe Way Forward episode #183 Geoengineering: How Weather Is Manipulated, And How We Reclaim It with Dr. Rob Williams | YouTubeI finally confront the pilots who have been geoengineering Tuolumne's skies | ArticleHarms of Cloud seeding: It's not "just silver iodide." | ArticleSanta Barbara County and Twitchell Reservoir Cloud Seeding Program | PDFWritten instructions on identifying aircraft, testing rain samples, and PRA requests | ArticleAriana Masters | SubstackIf you want to learn more from Mellow Kat, visit her Substack.Find more from Alec:Alec Zeck | InstagramAlec Zeck | XThe Way Forward | InstagramThe Way Forward is Sponsored By:Create a cleaner energetic space, go to AiresTech.com and use code TWF25 at checkout for 25% off your entire order.Sleep Deeper with BiOptimizers MagnesiumStruggling with restless nights? Magnesium deficiency may be the reason.Try Magnesium Breakthrough use code ALEC10 for 10% off.RMDY Academy & Collective: Homeopathy Made AccessibleHigh-quality remedies and training to support natural healing. Enroll hereExplore hereNew Biology Clinic: Redefine Health from the Ground UpExperience tailored terrain-based health services with consults, livestreams, movement classes, and more. Visit www.NewBiologyClinic.com and use code TheWayForward for $50 off activation. Members get the $150 fee waived

Ten reasons to develop a lifestyle characterized by praise and worship (based on various Scriptural passages) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29?v=20251111

This week on Sinica, I speak with Zhong Na, a novelist and essayist whose new piece, "Murder House," appears in the inaugural issue of Equator — a striking new magazine devoted to longform writing that crosses borders, disciplines, and cultures. In January 2024, a young couple, both Tsinghua-educated Google engineers living in a $2.5 million Silicon Valley home, became the center of a tragedy that captivated Chinese social media far more than American outlets. Zhong Na explores how the case became a collective Rorschach test — a mirror held up to contemporary Chinese society, exposing cracks in the myths of meritocracy, the prestige of global tech firms, and shifting notions of gender, class, and the Chinese dream itself. We discuss the gendered reactions online, the dimming of America's appeal, the emotional costs of the immigrant success story, and the craft of writing about tragedy with compassion but without sentimentality.5:06 – How the story first reached Zhong Na, and the Luigi Mangione comparison 7:05 – Discovering she attended the same Chengdu high school as the alleged murderer Chen Liren 8:10 – The collaboration with Equator and Joan Didion's influence 10:30 – Education, class, and the cracks in China's meritocracy myth 16:01 – Tiger mothers vs. lying flat: two responses to a rigged system 19:12 – The pandemic and the dimming of the American dream 22:49 – Chinese men as perpetrators: immigrant stress and the loss of patriarchal privilege 25:56 – The gender war online: moral autopsy and victim-blaming 30:25 – The obsession with the ex-girlfriend and attraction to the accused 34:37 – The murder house, Chinese numerology, and the rise of Gen Z metaphysics 37:08 – Geopolitics, the China Initiative, and rethinking America as a destination 39:42 – Craft and moral compass: learning from Didion and Janet Malcolm 42:31 – Zhong Na's fiction: writing Chinese experiences without catering to Western expectationsPaying it forward: Gavin Jacobson and the editorial team at EquatorRecommendations: Zhong Na: Elsewhere by Yan Ge Kaiser: Made in Ethiopia, documentary by Xinyan Yu and Max Duncan (available on PBS)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Esther Zeledon on the POWER Framework & Finding Alignment in the ChaosEpisode IntroductionWhat if the metrics you've been chasing aren't the ones that matter?In this deeply reflective Noise of Life conversation, Steve reconnects with Dr Esther Zeledon - scientist, diplomat, and founder of Be at Change - to explore how we rediscover purpose and power when life takes a different route than planned.After losing her contracts and rebuilding from the ground up, Esther realised that fulfilment doesn't come from titles, money or status, but from living in alignment with our values. She unpacks her POWER framework - a simple yet profound guide to finding clarity, purpose, and joy when you feel stuck - and shares practical tools for rewriting your story from within.This episode is a gentle reminder that the view may change, but sometimes the detour leads to something far better.About Our GuestDr Esther Zeledon is the founder of Be at Change, a global coaching and leadership consultancy helping people lead with purpose and authenticity. A former US diplomat and humanitarian scientist, she holds a PhD in Environmental Science and Policy and has dedicated her career to designing initiatives across Latin America, Africa and the United States that drive inclusion, sustainability and human potential.She is also the author of Creating a Limitless Life: How to Discover Your Purpose, Redefine Success, and Build a Life You Love.Follow Our GuestWebsite: https://www.beatchange.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatchangeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherzeledonFollow Us OnHost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgsonShow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteveEpisode Highlights00:00 – The view changes — and sometimes it's better than you imagined.00:36 – Esther on rediscovering gratitude and impact after hitting rock bottom.01:15 – The uncomfortable chase between ambition and alignment.02:10 – Steve shares how The Noise of Life name came to him — and why it resonates so deeply.03:20 – When you haven't had enough “noise” yet to understand life's lessons.03:50 – The truth about resilience: why impact matters more than image.04:05 – Introducing the POWER framework: Peace, Purpose, Organisational Flow, Work–life Integration, Enjoyment, and Resilience.04:20 – Writing your “living obituary” — a transformative exercise to realign your life.05:00 – Why legacy constantly evolves — and how to identify the gap between who you are and who you want to be.06:10 – How to visualise your ideal day to uncover your truest purpose.07:00 – The $40 billion question: what global problem would you solve, and how?08:00 – Discovering your superpower — and how you uniquely solve problems.09:30 – Steve's revelation: helping people remove roadblocks is his true gift.10:30 – How to turn your lifelong patterns into a roadmap for purpose.11:40 – The importance of knowing your values — and living them daily.13:00 – Meaningful work, contribution and why “alignment” is non-negotiable.14:20 – Resilience as a daily practice — not a comeback story.15:00 – The “love calendar” ritual: reminding yourself of your impact each morning.

Episode 372: LAIDBACK LUKE “Discovering Avicii, DJing on an iPhone, and the Rise of Pre-Recorded Sets” This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @LaidbackLuke for a rare deep dive into his Vegas roots, the peak of EDM, and what keeps him inspired after three decades behind the decks. He recalls returning to Las Vegas and the opening of Hakkasan in 2012, a moment he calls the “we won” era of dance music when pop stars like @Pitbull and @IAmWill jumped on the EDM wave (01:66). Luke breaks down those early residencies that felt exotic at the time and how Vegas became a second home (06:10). The conversation turns to his most viral controversy: DJing on an iPhone. Luke explains the real setup behind it, the backlash, and how he uses feedback from that experience to push technology forward (11:27). Between laughs about “Do Not Disturb” mode during sets and Optic calling him the “Kevin Gates of EDM,” Luke shares how he balances innovation with the physical toll of performing that way. Luke also opens up about his respect for open-format DJs, calling them “heavily underrated,” and breaks down his approach to preparing for festivals while staying spontaneous on stage (28:01). Comparing DJing to martial arts, he says the real mastery comes from being prepared enough to adapt in real time (34:01). From there, he dives into the darker side of modern EDM: pre-planned sets, ghost production, and DJs who are “famous for being famous.” He estimates that 80 to 90 percent of festival sets are no longer fully live (36:35). Luke also revisits his time mentoring Avicii, running one of the first online DJ forums, and the wild story of downloading “Levels” on Limewire after fans wouldn't stop requesting it (45:59). Later, he gets personal about burnout, sobriety, and finding longevity in an industry that rarely slows down (53:01). He shares the creative spark behind “Show Me Love” with @SteveAngello (1:19:05), and how that track evolved from “Leave the World Behind” into one of EDM's defining remixes. The episode closes with Luke reflecting on control, collaboration, and his remixes being available on @Beatsource as he continues shaping the next generation of DJs (1:30:01). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

We can actually build a better world, but we have to break the cycle of cynicism, first.THE CYCLE OF CYNICISM1. Finding out about a problem2. Wanting to do something to help3. Not seeing how you can help4. Not doing anything about it5. Feeling sad, powerless, angry6. Deciding that nothing can be done7. Beginning to shut down8. Wanting to know less about problems9. Repeat until apathy results.THE CYCLE OF HOPE1. Taking personal responsibility for being a good person2. Creating a vision of a better world based on your values3. Seeking out quality information about the world's problems4. Discovering practical options for action5. Acting in line with your values6. Recognizing you can't do everything7. Repeat until better world results.Read the Inner Self Article on How to Make the World a Better Place. SUPPORT JULIE (and the show!)DONATE to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund AND THE Sudan Relief FundGET AN OCCASIONAL PERSONAL EMAIL FROM ME: www.makeyourdamnbedpodcast.comTUNE IN ON INSTAGRAM AND YOUTUBESUBSCRIBE FOR BONUS CONTENT ON PATREON.The opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JB Thibodeaux shares how he became the “Duplex King,” scaled pocket developments, and created a $100M+ housing portfolio through innovation and relationships.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with JB Thibodeaux, founder of JB Thibo Homes & Properties and the man known as the “Duplex King.” JB explains how growing up in construction became both an advantage and an Achilles heel — and why relying on hustle alone nearly destroyed his early real estate career.He shares the full story behind his pocket development strategy, how he scaled from flipping to building dozens of duplexes at a time, and how he created an efficient 18x67 duplex design that opened the door to $100M+ worth of sustainable housing projects.JB also breaks down his Duplex Flex Giveaway, a partnership with Prosperity Bank and the NAACP designed to help working-class individuals move from surviving to thriving. He explains why real estate is “the ultimate relationship business,” how he overcame mistakes (like buying 23 houses too fast), and why mindset and delegation drive scale more than construction skills ever could.This is a masterclass in development, mindset, and creating generational wealth.What You'll LearnWhy growing up in construction helped—and hurt—his early careerHow he went from flipping to developing high-density duplex projectsThe innovation behind his 18x67 duplex designHow to avoid overbuilding and manage engineering costsThe biggest mistakes new investors make when scalingWhy relationships matter more than tacticsHow delegation unlocked his ability to growHow the Duplex Flex Giveaway works and who it helpsA practical framework for moving from service provider to developer

Today's guest is the producer behind some of the biggest songs of the last 15 years — from “Wrecking Ball,” “Timber,” and “Dark Horse” to early records with The Weeknd and Britney Spears.From teaching himself production on cracked software and vinyl turntables… to going on a run of genre-defining hits.And the writer is… Cirkut!In this episode, he opens up about his early grind, the moment Britney cut his beat, his first sessions in LA, working alongside Max Martin and Dr. Luke, and the mindset that helped him go from unknown kid with an MPC to one of the most important producers in modern pop.A special thank you to our sponsors...Our lead sponsor, NMPA aka the National Music Publisher's Association. Your support means the world to us!And @splice -- the best sample library on the market, period.00:00 — Intro: Who is Cirkut?00:04:37 — Early music influences: hip-hop, DJ culture00:05:49 — Discovering DJ gear & beat manipulation00:07:55 — First exposure to FruityLoops & early production00:10:24 — DJ'ing pep rallies with vinyl00:12:36 — Applying early skills later for Lady Gaga00:14:14 — Skipping audio classes to make beats00:16:46 — Early Drake encounter in Toronto00:18:40 — How the name “Cirkut” was born00:21:35 — How a CD of his beats got to Britney Spears00:22:10 — First big cut: Britney's “Papi”00:23:01 — Discovering electronic music & the blog era00:23:49 — Learning from Masterkraft (the MySpace era)00:33:00 — Working with The Weeknd on “High For This”00:33:57 — Recognizing Abel's early greatness00:35:06 — Moving to LA & hustling through the rat race00:38:49 — What finally got him out of the rat race00:39:33 — The call from Dr. Luke00:41:11 — The Flo Rida / Levels / Good Feeling near-miss00:42:37 — Losing a big cut overnight00:43:19 — When the hits start stacking: “Where Have You Been,” “Wrecking Ball,” “Timber”00:44:48 — The thing he brought that cut through the noise00:47:18 — What it's like creating with Max Martin00:49:36 — Winning Producer of the Year (Junos)00:50:17 — When Cirkut realized he belonged at the top00:52:04 — Why his ego is different00:53:15 — His quiet superpower in the roomHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadWatercolor by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten reasons to develop a lifestyle characterized by praise and worship (based on various Scriptural passages) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29?v=20251111

We can actually build a better world, but we have to break the cycle of cynicism, first.THE CYCLE OF CYNICISM1. Finding out about a problem2. Wanting to do something to help3. Not seeing how you can help4. Not doing anything about it5. Feeling sad, powerless, angry6. Deciding that nothing can be done7. Beginning to shut down8. Wanting to know less about problems9. Repeat until apathy results.THE CYCLE OF HOPE1. Taking personal responsibility for being a good person2. Creating a vision of a better world based on your values3. Seeking out quality information about the world's problems4. Discovering practical options for action5. Acting in line with your values6. Recognizing you can't do everything7. Repeat until better world results.Read the Inner Self Article on How to Make the World a Better Place. SUPPORT JULIE (and the show!)DONATE to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund AND THE Sudan Relief FundGET AN OCCASIONAL PERSONAL EMAIL FROM ME: www.makeyourdamnbedpodcast.comTUNE IN ON INSTAGRAM AND YOUTUBESUBSCRIBE FOR BONUS CONTENT ON PATREON.The opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.