Podcasts about dming

In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal. The Subtext Society Journal is a collaborative publication dedicated to thoughtful essays on romance, romantasy, fan culture, and publishing ethics. We explore moral questions, genre evolution, power dynamics, and the real-world impact of stories, guided by values of literary rigor without gatekeeping, community over hierarchy, and ethics-first analysis. Today's discussion focuses on the article: “The Impact of Romance Novels on Real-Life Expectations." This article interrogates the long-standing claim that romance novels give women “unrealistic expectations” about men, arguing instead that the genre often clarifies (not distorts) what readers actually want. By unpacking the appeal of romance novel MMCs, she reframes the conversation away from abs, wealth, and fantasy physiques, and toward emotional availability, respect, loyalty, and genuine desire. Drawing on pop-culture examples, therapy insights, and personal reflection, the article positions romance novels as a form of emotional exposure therapy: a safe space where readers can examine what triggers them, what heals them, and what healthy connection can look like. Rather than setting women up for disappointment, Sahlin suggests romance fiction can help readers recognize that asking to be cherished, listened to, and liked is not unrealistic at all—it's foundational. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season of Aquarius, our book club season on Book Talk for BookTok, a fantasy and romantasy podcast centered on thoughtful discussion and literary analysis. This season is created for readers who want more than quick takes and star ratings, offering space to explore how and why stories work on the page. This is not a traditional book review podcast; it's an analysis and conversation. Each week, we share flash literary analysis that examines themes, authorial intent, character arcs, symbolism, world-building, and key plot devices. Our discussions move beyond initial impressions to unpack narrative choices, emotional resonance, and the craft behind fantasy and romantasy storytelling. We aim to bridge academic literary insight with the modern reading experience shaped by BookTok and online reading communities. This week, we discuss Silver Elite by Dani Francis. Season of Aquarius Book Club Reading List: Alchemized by SenLinYu Phantasma by Kaylie Smith Silver Elite by Dani Francis An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo Belladonna by Adalyn Grace As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli New episodes release twice weekly. Every Tuesday, we publish a book club episode focused on that week's featured novel. Every Thursday, we zoom out for deeper conversations about bookish culture, reading communities, genre trends, and the larger ideas shaping fantasy, romantasy, and BookTok today. If you're searching for a fantasy book podcast, romantasy podcast, or book club podcast that blends thoughtful literary analysis with a genuine love of reading, Season of Aquarius invites you to read, reflect, and discuss alongside us. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal. The Subtext Society Journal is a collaborative publication dedicated to thoughtful essays on romance, romantasy, fan culture, and publishing ethics. We explore moral questions, genre evolution, power dynamics, and the real-world impact of stories, guided by values of literary rigor without gatekeeping, community over hierarchy, and ethics-first analysis. Today's discussion focuses on the article: “Romantasy: The next frontier of feminism, or where feminism goes to die?" This article explores romantasy as both a powerful feminist space and a revealing site of internalized misogyny, examining why female main characters in women-written fantasy are so often criticized as “too much” in every direction. It connects modern fandom discourse to long-standing cultural conditioning that encourages women to compete rather than support one another, and questions whether those critiques reflect genuine narrative flaws or unresolved discomfort with women claiming power, desire, and complexity. Ultimately, the piece argues that romantasy has the potential to become a training ground for a more thoughtful, generous feminism. One that challenges how we read, write, and talk about women. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Liquid IV Liquid I.V. Go to LiquidIV.com and get 20% off your first order with code BOOKTALK at checkout. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season of Aquarius, our book club season on Book Talk for BookTok, a fantasy and romantasy podcast centered on thoughtful discussion and literary analysis. This season is created for readers who want more than quick takes and star ratings, offering space to explore how and why stories work on the page. This is not a traditional book review podcast; it's an analysis and conversation. Each week, we share flash literary analysis that examines themes, authorial intent, character arcs, symbolism, world-building, and key plot devices. Our discussions move beyond initial impressions to unpack narrative choices, emotional resonance, and the craft behind fantasy and romantasy storytelling. We aim to bridge academic literary insight with the modern reading experience shaped by BookTok and online reading communities. This week, we discuss An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. Season of Aquarius Book Club Reading List: Alchemized by SenLinYu Phantasma by Kaylie Smith Silver Elite by Dani Francis An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo Belladonna by Adalyn Grace As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli New episodes release twice weekly. Every Tuesday, we publish a book club episode focused on that week's featured novel. Every Thursday, we zoom out for deeper conversations about bookish culture, reading communities, genre trends, and the larger ideas shaping fantasy, romantasy, and BookTok today. If you're searching for a fantasy book podcast, romantasy podcast, or book club podcast that blends thoughtful literary analysis with a genuine love of reading, Season of Aquarius invites you to read, reflect, and discuss alongside us. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Liquid IV Liquid I.V. Go to LiquidIV.com and get 20% off your first order with code BOOKTALK at checkout. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey guys! This Monday I thought we'd do something special and release our bonus episode to everyone so that you guys can hear some of the exclusive content we do over on the Patreon! Hope you like it!Support the show

Are you overthinking…or under-processing? What if reflection was the missing piece to becoming (and receiving) everything you've ever wanted?Today, Tara Schuster returns to the Expanded Podcast to explore one of the most impactful healing modalities there is: journaling. Her latest book, This Journal F*cking Works, offers a science-backed and historical look at why journaling is so powerful, woven together with humor and Tara's own journey of rewriting internal narratives to break free from toxic, repetitive thought loops. It's an invitation to start “DMing with your soul” and to open up neural pathways of self-understanding, emotional processing, and healing.Jessica and Tara unpack why ritual matters. Not everything is about maximizing habits, productivity, or “doing it right.” Real transformation often comes from giving your brain space to process lived experience: to be honest, imperfect, and fully human. With this outlook, journaling becomes a bridge between science and intuition, seamlessly supporting your own TBM and personal growth practice.This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck in mental loops, wants a grounded and research-backed way to connect more deeply with intuition, and yearns to understand who they are at their core.**Trigger warning: Discussion of self-harm and abusive family dynamics at 00:07:10 through 00:09:28**Find the complete show notes here -> https://tobemagnetic.com/expanded-podcast Resources: Return to Magic - 15 Day Manifestation ChallengeA 15-day guided journey to reparent your inner child, reconnect with your magic, and step into this new year as your most confident, regulated, and magnetic self yet. Join our membership to access! (It's not too late to join in. Start any time!) The Pathway Membership gives you unlimited access to all of our manifestation workshops—including How to Manifest, Unblocking Your Inner Child, Shadow, Love, Money, Rock Bottoms, Ruts, and Energetic Updates —plus 70+ self-hypnosis tracks designed to unlock your full potential.LEARN MORE HERE Get the latest from TBMJoin the Pathway now - Return to Magic Challenge available now! New to TBM? Free Offerings to Get You StartedLearn the Process! Expanded Podcast - How to Manifest Anything You Desire Get Expanded! The Motivation - Testimonial LibraryReady to find out what's holding you back? Try our Free Clarity Exercise Be an EXPANDER! Share Your Manifestation StorySubmit to Be a Process GuestWhat did you manifest during the Money Challenge? Share a voice note of your question, block, or Process to be featured in an episode! This Episode Is Brought to You By: MASA Chips - Get 25% off your first order with code MAGNETICMASA OriginalMASA LimeMASA Churro In this episode we talk about:Tara's personal journey and initial skepticism with the effectiveness of journalingWhy “thinking harder” doesn't always lead to clarity, and how writing helps the mind complete emotional cyclesThe difference between habits that automate and rituals that animateHow rituals create meaning, presence, and emotional rangeWhy writing by hand deepens comprehension and self-awarenessThe power of naming emotions without storytelling and how journaling builds self-trust over timeWhy clarity often comes after discomfort, not beforeUsing journaling to track energy, not just emotionsHow to approach journaling without shame or perfectionismWhy falling off a practice isn't failure—it's proof you careHow writing reconnects you to your intuition in a distracted world Mentioned In the Episode: Join Tara's free 14 day journaling challenge!This Journal F*cking Works: The Science, Ritual, and Art of JournalingExpanded x Ep. 288 - How To Build High Self-Worth: The Process with Tara SchusterThe Ritual Effect by Michael NortonExpanded x Ep. 99: Dr. Tara Swart on Neuroplasticity and ManifestationExpanded x Ep. 206 - EXPLAINED Aligned Action with Dr. Tara SwartExpanded x Ep. 376 - Dr. Tara Swart on Signs from the Other Side: Love, Loss, and Connection Beyond DeathExpanded x Ep. 176 - Elise Loehnen - Getting Back into Balance & Finding ExpansionExpanded x Ep. 252 - When Will You Be Good Enough? - The Price Women Pay To Be Good - Elise LoehnenExpanded x Ep. 371 - How to Reframe Jealousy and Step Into Your Power with Elise LoehnenThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronDr. Jennifer Freed on IGWatch our full-length video episodes on Youtube!Find our Return to Magic Challenge plus all our workshops and all workshops mentioned inside our Pathway Membership! (Including the Return to Magic Challenge, Surrender DI Playlist, Validation DI, and Worst Case Scenario DI) Connect with Tara SchusterThis Journal F*cking Works: The Science, Ritual, and Art of JournalingJoin Tara's free 14 day journaling challenge!Connect on IG @TaraschusterSubstack @taraschusterCheck out her other books Glow in the Fucking Dark and Buy Yourself the Fucking Lilies  HOW TO MANIFEST by Lacy Phillips (with exercises by Jessica Gill)Available now! The Expanded Podcast, from To Be Magnetic™ (TBM), is the leading manifestation podcast rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and energetics. Hosted by TBM's Chief Content Officer Jessica Gill, with monthly appearances from founder Lacy Phillips, Expanded is where science and the mystical meet to help you manifest in the most grounded, practical, and life-changing way.At TBM, we've redefined manifestation through Neural Manifestation™—our proven, science-backed method developed with neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart. This process helps you reprogram limiting beliefs at the subconscious level so you can create the life most aligned with your authenticity.Each week, we take you inside the TBM practice to help you expand your subconscious to believe what you desire is possible. Through expert interviews, thought leader conversations, TBM teachings, and real member success stories, you'll learn how to: – Rewire your subconscious mind and step into your worth – Heal your inner child and integrate shadow work – Set boundaries, strengthen intuition, and reclaim self-worth – Manifest relationships, careers, abundance, and experiences that align with your true selfWith over than 40 million downloads and a global community in over 100 countries, Expanded has become the gold standard in manifestation content. Think of it as your weekly practice for expanding your mind, believing what you want is possible, and manifesting the life you're meant to live.Past guests include leading voices such as Mel Robbins, Lewis Howes, Jenna Zoe, Martha Beck, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. Gabor Maté, Mark Groves, and Brianna Wiest. Where To Find Us!@tobemagnetic (IG)@LacyannephillipsLacy Launched a Substack! - By Candlelight - Join Here@Jessicaashleygill@tobemagnetic (youtube)@expandedpodcast

This week Seth and Drew have a lot to say about the things that actually matter whenever it comes to playing a TTRPG. Now, that doesn't mean you have to go all minimalist and not own a single product made by WotC, but you definitely shouldn't be putting your stuff on layaway just to get some inspiration for a one-off.Support the show

In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. Today's discussion focuses on Heated Rivalry: In this episode, we dive into Heated Rivalry and explore how its recent adaptation from beloved romance novel to television series highlights the growing cultural appetite for queer love stories on screen. We unpack what makes this particular story resonate so deeply, especially with women readers and viewers, from emotionally rich character development to the safe exploration of intimacy, vulnerability, and desire outside of traditional heterosexual power dynamics. By looking at the broader popularity of gay romance among women, we examine how these narratives offer space for emotional authenticity, mutual longing, and romance untethered from the gendered expectations often placed on female characters, ultimately asking what these stories reveal about what audiences are craving from modern love stories. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and non-consensual behavior. Listener discretion is advised. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and non-consensual behavior. Listener discretion is advised. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Monarch Use code BOOKTALK at Monarch.com for 50% your first year. Sponsor: Liquid IV Liquid I.V. Go to LiquidIV.com and get 20% off your first order with code BOOKTALK at checkout. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what actually happens at a healing retreat? In this episode of Boss Bitch Radio, I'm sharing my real, unfiltered experience attending a small, intimate women's healing retreat - the kind that isn't rushed, isn't performative, and goes way deeper than journaling and yoga poses. I talk about why I chose a retreat focused on healing the heart, what it felt like being in such a small group (only five women), and why that intimacy completely changed the experience for me. We get into nervous system regulation, breathwork, silence, somatic healing, and what happens when you finally give yourself the space to slow down and actually feel. And yes - this experience directly inspired me to create my own small, intimate retreat for women, so if you've been DMing me asking to be on the list, make sure you're on the newsletter

In this episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we sit down with T.C. Kraven, author of Of Prophecies and Pomegranates, a dark mythological retelling that grapples honestly with one of the most contested stories in Greek mythology: Hades and Persephone. Together, we explore how Kraven approached retelling a myth that has been romanticized, sanitized, and rewritten countless times. We discuss what it means to engage with the original mythos, including the complicated history behind the so-called “Rape of Persephone,” and how linguistic nuance, power, and consent shaped her interpretation of Persephone's story. This conversation also dives into one of the novel's central thematic threads: self-deception. From Demeter's possessive motherhood, to Helios's obsession, to Hades's self-punishment, we unpack how characters lie to themselves in the name of love, protection, and control. We pay special attention to Kraven's striking portrayal of Demeter as an abusive parent and why that interpretation felt both mythologically grounded and narratively necessary. We also talk about Narcissus, whose arc moves beyond vanity into something far more human and tragic, and why his emotional depth matters to the story as a whole. Finally, for aspiring writers, Kraven shares candid insight into her journey through self-publishing and her transition into traditional publishing, offering thoughtful advice for authors navigating both paths. This episode is a must-listen for readers interested in mythological retellings, feminist reinterpretations of Greek myths, and stories that refuse to look away from uncomfortable truths. Find T.C Kraven Her Website: https://tc-kraven.square.site/ Instagram: t.c.kravenauthor TikTok: oracleoforleans Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and non-consensual behavior. Listener discretion is advised. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Monarch Use code BOOKTALK at Monarch.com for 50% your first year. Sponsor: Liquid IV Liquid I.V. Go to LiquidIV.com and get 20% off your first order with code BOOKTALK at checkout. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season of Aquarius, our book club season on Book Talk for BookTok, a fantasy and romantasy podcast centered on thoughtful discussion and literary analysis. This season is created for readers who want more than quick takes and star ratings, offering space to explore how and why stories work on the page. This is not a traditional book review podcast; it's an analysis and conversation. Each week, we share flash literary analysis that examines themes, authorial intent, character arcs, symbolism, world-building, and key plot devices. Our discussions move beyond initial impressions to unpack narrative choices, emotional resonance, and the craft behind fantasy and romantasy storytelling. We aim to bridge academic literary insight with the modern reading experience shaped by BookTok and online reading communities. This week, we discuss Phantasma by Kaylie Smith. Season of Aquarius Book Club Reading List: Alchemized by SenLinYu Phantasma by Kaylie Smith Silver Elite by Dani Francis An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo Belladonna by Adalyn Grace As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli New episodes release twice weekly. Every Tuesday, we publish a book club episode focused on that week's featured novel. Every Thursday, we zoom out for deeper conversations about bookish culture, reading communities, genre trends, and the larger ideas shaping fantasy, romantasy, and BookTok today. If you're searching for a fantasy book podcast, romantasy podcast, or book club podcast that blends thoughtful literary analysis with a genuine love of reading, Season of Aquarius invites you to read, reflect, and discuss alongside us. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Monarch Use code BOOKTALK at Monarch.com for 50% your first year. Sponsor: Liquid IV Liquid I.V. Go to LiquidIV.com and get 20% off your first order with code BOOKTALK at checkout. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Drew and I are going back into our gaming past and trying to come up with ideas for a cool D&D horde mode session!Support the show

In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal. The Subtext Society Journal is a collaborative publication dedicated to thoughtful essays on romance, romantasy, fan culture, and publishing ethics. We explore moral questions, genre evolution, power dynamics, and the real-world impact of stories, guided by values of literary rigor without gatekeeping, community over hierarchy, and ethics-first analysis. Today's discussion focuses on the article: “Is Dark Romance Allowing a Dark Space?” Using the Sinners and Stardust controversy as a case study, we examine accountability in fandom spaces, consent versus cosplay, and whether increased freedom within romance and dark romance has been misunderstood or misused. This conversation challenges us to hold women to the same ethical standards as men, interrogate harmful behavior without demonizing the genre itself, and ask how communities can protect spaces meant to feel safe. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and non-consensual behavior. Listener discretion is advised. These Subtext Society episodes are designed to be reflective, critical, and grounded— creating space for nuance, responsibility, and care within the bookish community. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Denny Giamazzo, leadership and resilience speaker, veteran, and author of the new bestselling book "Wired for Action." Denny shares his powerful journey from childhood trauma and foster care to becoming an infantry sergeant and successful software sales professional. This raw conversation explores authentic leadership principles forged in combat and tested in the corporate world, emphasizing the importance of taking action, building the right network, and leading with both strength and empathy. Episode Highlights: 1:08] - Overcoming Adversity Without Special Operations Background Denny discusses why he almost didn't write his book, feeling his story wasn't "special" enough without a Green Beret or SEAL background. His mentor John Doolittle convinced him that his relatability—surviving childhood abuse, foster care, and combat—makes his message even more powerful for everyday people facing their own battles. [10:05] - The Leadership Lesson That Changed Everything Fresh into a leadership role before deploying to Afghanistan, Denny shares his critical mistake of leading without empathy. He reveals the turning point when he learned that demanding respect doesn't work—you have to earn it by showing your team you genuinely care about them while maintaining high standards. [34:22] - Nearly Dying Before Deployment Denny recounts the harrowing story of almost dying twice during surgery from an infected wisdom tooth extraction at the end of basic training. This medical emergency kept him from deploying to Iraq but gave him time to earn his sergeant stripes ahead of peers who did deploy. [50:03] - The Power of Strategic Networking Denny explains why he turned down multiple introductions to Nick Lavery before finally meeting him in person at a speaking event. He emphasizes that networking isn't about kicking down doors or DMing everyone—it's about being strategic, adding value, and doing it the right way. Denny Giamazzo is a leadership, resilience, and business engagement speaker, bestselling author, and U.S. Army veteran (11 Bravo Infantry). Born two months premature and raised in foster care after experiencing childhood abuse and losing his mother to AIDS, Denny defied statistical odds to serve his country and build a successful career in software sales at companies like Oracle and Workday. He co-hosts the "Be the Standard" podcast and is a key member of Nick Lavery's Forge community. His new book "Wired for Action" is currently #1 in the military category on Amazon. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Season of Aquarius, our book club season on Book Talk for BookTok, a fantasy and romantasy podcast centered on thoughtful discussion and literary analysis. This season is created for readers who want more than quick takes and star ratings, offering space to explore how and why stories work on the page. This is not a traditional book review podcast—it's a book club conversation. Each week, we share flash literary analysis that examines themes, authorial intent, character arcs, symbolism, world-building, and key plot devices. Our discussions move beyond initial impressions to unpack narrative choices, emotional resonance, and the craft behind fantasy and romantasy storytelling. We aim to bridge academic literary insight with the modern reading experience shaped by BookTok and online reading communities. This week, we discuss Alchemized by SenLinYu Season of Aquarius Book Club Reading List: Alchemized by SenLinYu Phantasma by Kaylie Smith Silver Elite by Dani Francis An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo Belladonna by Adalyn Grace As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli New episodes release twice weekly. Every Tuesday, we publish a book club episode focused on that week's featured novel. Every Thursday, we zoom out for deeper conversations about bookish culture, reading communities, genre trends, and the larger ideas shaping fantasy, romantasy, and BookTok today. If you're searching for a fantasy book podcast, romantasy podcast, or book club podcast that blends thoughtful literary analysis with a genuine love of reading, Season of Aquarius invites you to read, reflect, and discuss alongside us. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm sorry guys, we had no time this week and I couldn't fully edit the episode. BUT Drew and I had a great time talking about our cool one-shot ideas we used in our recent Christmas session, Fairly Odd Parents, and bread.

The link you are looking for: https://sociallyausome.com/flowfirst_waitlist-page

Romance is a touchy subject, because it can go from fun and harmless to inappropriate very quickly. This week, Seth and Drew share their personal experiences with romance in D&D, and give tips on how to make it a useful tool at your table!Support the show

It's natural to get to the end of the year and assess and appraise the 12 months that have just passed. As someone who has, for a few years now, found the 'new year, new you' and the whole resolutions/manifesting/visualisation/vision board culture borderline offensive AND ONLY TARGETED AT WOMEN, I haven't indulged too much in the idea that I need to make huge changes.However, 2025 has involved a fair few realisations, epiphanies and general 'what has worked before is no longer working now' and it's become clear that it's time to try a different tack.But what does that look like and, as someone who has been programmed to do more and just 'up the effort' when you want better, bigger and more results, is it time to embrace an entirely less 'throw everything at it' approach?I'd love to know what you think of this episode so let me know by DMing me on instagram where I'm @emmaguns, commenting underneath this substack post (and don't forget to subscribe) or emailing me at office@emmaguns.comHey! Why not share your thoughts and insights to make your listening experience even better. Complete this listener survey to tell me what you want to hear: http://bit.ly/theemmagunsshow-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drew and Seth both have their fair amount of nerdy hobbies. This week, they're gonna go over some of their favorite fantasy worlds and determine which of them would be the best to live in. Not only from a fun standpoint but also from a safety standpoint as well. Where would you live if you could get teleported there instantly?Support the show

Law enforcement Explorer programs were created to mentor teens interested in policing. But decades of weak oversight created an environment where officers could manipulate that trust. Some exploited their roles, using their authority to groom, abuse, and silence the very teens they were entrusted to guide.Resources:RAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: 24/7 hotline and resources for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visitrainn.orgNational Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): Research, education, and tools to support prevention and survivor recovery. Visitnsvrc.orgJoyful Heart Foundation: Works to transform the response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, while supporting healing and survivor advocacy. Visitjoyfulheartfoundation.orgChildhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Confidential support for anyone concerned about child abuse. Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visitchildhelphotline.orgVictimConnect Resource Center: Provides free, confidential support and referrals for people affected by crime, including sexual abuse and misconduct by authority figures. Call 1-855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) or visitvictimconnect.orgNational Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Expert guidance, therapist locators, and educational tools for families navigating trauma and abuse. Visitnctsn.orgBloom365: Youth-focused organization working to end teen dating abuse, sexual violence, and trauma through prevention, peer advocacy, and healing services. Call or text the Bloom helpline at 1-888-606-HOPE (4673) or visitbloom365.orgCDC – Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Evidence-based strategies and data about child sexual abuse in the U.S. Visit cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childsexualabuseState Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers: Directory to report child abuse to agencies. Visit childwelfare.gov/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting-numbers988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources. Call 988 or visit988lifeline.orgCrisis Text Line: 24/7 mental health support via text. Text "HOME" to 741741 or visitcrisistextline.orgNational Domestic Violence Hotline: Support for those experiencing abuse or coercive control. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text "START" to 88788, or visitthehotline.orgLove is Respect: Help for teens and young adults in abusive relationships.Call 1-866-331-9474, text "LOVEIS" to 22522, or visitloveisrespect.orgNational Center for Victims of Crime: Provides advocacy, legal information, and trauma-informed resources for survivors of sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation. Visitvictimsofcrime.orgMale Survivor: Support for male survivors of sexual abuse and assault, including institutional or authority-based abuse. Visitmalesurvivor.orgStaying Safe in Youth Law Enforcement Programs:If you or your child is involved in a Police Explorer program – or any youth mentorship run by law enforcement – there are steps you can take to reduce risk and create safer boundaries.Ask direct questions. Who runs the program? What are the policies around texting, ride-alongs, and one-on-one interactions? Are there rules that limit contact between adult officers and minors outside of scheduled events?Insist on transparency. Reputable programs should have clear, written guidelines about communication, supervision, and conduct. Ask to see them.Monitor ride-alongs. Know who your child is riding with, how long they're gone, and what the reporting procedures are.Watch the tech. Officers or advisors should never be Snapchatting, DMing, or texting minors privately. Monitor app usage and discuss healthy boundaries.Get involved. Show up to meetings. Get to know the adults running the program. Your presence as a parent or guardian helps make the space safer for everyone.Keep communication open. Let your child know they can talk to you about anything -- especially if something makes them uncomfortable. Make it clear that they won't be in trouble for speaking up.Getting Help:If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in a Police Explorer or similar youth program, here's what to do:Believe them. If a child or teen discloses abuse, believe what they say. Stay calm, listen, and affirm that it's not their fault. Praise them for coming forward.Report it. If the child is in danger, call 911. Otherwise, contact your local police, sheriff's department, or state child protection agency. If you're concerned local police might have a conflict of interest, contact your state police, state attorney general, or the FBI.Document/preserve everything. Save messages, screenshots, call logs — anything that could help support the report.Seek emotional support: Abuse by a trusted adult is incredibly disorienting. You and/or your child deserve compassionate care from someone trained in trauma -- like a therapist, school counselor, or crisis line advocate.Connect with survivor resources. Many organizations offer specialized support for young people.Consult legal counsel: Some survivors explore civil legal action against individuals or institutions. An attorney familiar with institutional abuse cases can help assess your options.Red Flags: Signs of Grooming or Abuse in Explorer Programs:Abuse by authority figures often begins with grooming -- a gradual, often-subtle process that builds trust before violating it. Here are common warning signs in youth law enforcement programs:“Special” treatment. One teen is singled out for attention, gifts, mentorship, or exclusive opportunities not given to others.Excessive one-on-one contact. Repeated private ride-alongs, late-night messages, or invitations to hang out off-duty.Private communication. The adult uses personal texting apps, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, or other unmonitored channels to talk to a minor.Overstepping/blurring boundaries. Inappropriate compliments, jokes about relationships, or sharing personal details not appropriate for a mentor-mentee dynamic.Isolation. The adult discourages the teen from talking to others about their relationship or makes the teen feel responsible for their secrecy.Gaslighting or guilt. The adult blames the teen for misunderstandings, manipulates their emotions, or makes them feel they'll “ruin someone's life” if they speak out.Physical contact. Touch that's unnecessary, prolonged, or makes the teen uncomfortable -- even if it's framed as casual or accidental. You can learn more about The Good segment and even submit a story of your own by visiting The Good page on our website! Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit:  https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/scandal-police-explorer-programs/Did you know you can listen to this episode ad-free? Join the Fan Club! Visit https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/fanclub/ to view the current membership options and policies.Don't miss out on all things Crime Junkie!Instagram: @crimejunkiepodcast | @audiochuckTwitter: @CrimeJunkiePod | @audiochuckTikTok: @crimejunkiepodcastFacebook: /CrimeJunkiePodcast | /audiochuckllcCrime Junkie is hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. Instagram: @ashleyflowers | @britprawatTwitter: @Ash_Flowers | @britprawatTikTok: @ashleyflowerscrimejunkieFacebook: /AshleyFlowers.AF Text Ashley at 317-733-7485 to talk all things true crime, get behind the scenes updates, and more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Seth and Drew delve into the many table disputes they've experienced while playing D&D, and brainstorm some ways that situations like these can be resolved, both in the moment and after a session. Oh and there's more Magic the Gathering talk, sorry.Support the show

This week, join Seth and Drew as they create Seth's character for a one-shot they're playing this weekend! Drew is the DM, so maybe he'll let Seth get away with some powerful and creative ideas...or not. Either way, Farmer Jenson is the coolest farmer in all of Triboar. Also, they talk about a lot of Magic: the Gathering if you're into that.Support the show

Getting contacts doesn't have to be a hassle. Order online at https://www.1800contacts.com or download the free 1-800 Contacts app today.   Use code DWKT at https://jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! These sell out fast so get them while they last! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Get unlimited access to over 200+ classes over at https//masterclass.com/dwkt   In today's episode, we discuss the recent resurfacing of allegations against James Charles by a now 20-year old named Ethan who was only 14 at the time he says that James was DMing him inappropriately. This is the third time he's tried to come out with his story but his previous attempts were met with people calling him a liar and threatening him and his family. Then for our second topic we are discussing another OG Beauty YouTuber, Jaclyn Hill, who has been facing some ruthless backlash and a bit of a reality check after posting a video where she complained about her views on social media while ranting about the platform. But whatever reaction she thought that her rant was going to receive - likely was not the onslaught of comments explaining to her that the app is not the problem, it is the fact that she has lost any sense of relatability and her content has become so out of touch to the average person, leaving most with no desire to watch her flaunt her excessive wealth and then complaining that no one wants to watch it.  We Love the Internets: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTr5TKuXQ/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRdYphKAWTn/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== 00:00 - Introduction 3:09 - Jame Charles Allegations 55:39 - Jaclyn Hill Is Out of Touch 1:24:26 - We Love the Internet We hope you enjoyed this episode! Please let us know on Twitter or Instagram if you have any topic suggestions for a future episode! (@lily_marston & @jessismiles__) PS. The girlies have officially entered their short form content era!  Follow our official accounts: https://instagram.com/doweknowthempodcast & https://tiktok.com/@doweknowthempodcast Business Inquiries: doweknowthempodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover The DM Mindset. This is the foundational philosophy every great dungeon master needs. https://youtube.com/live/FWxWs7Cxmq4 Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Frostkolt the 8th, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Today we are going to discuss the foundational philosophy of the dungeon master in this The DM Mindset episode. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links in the description below. Discussion Core Idea: A Dungeon Master's First Job Is Understanding People Before rules, before worldbuilding, before prep — the DM's responsibility begins with recognizing the humanity at the table. Every player brings different backgrounds, expectations, and motivations. Differences are not obstacles — they are fuel for the game. A DM's mindset should start with celebration, not control. Principle 1 — Personal Responsibility You are responsible for the tone and environment of the table. Players follow your emotional lead: calm → calm, stressed → stressed. You control what you can: pacing, clarity, fairness, and your reactions. You do not control players — you facilitate them. Principle 2 — Perspective Awareness No group is a monolith. Every player experiences the game differently. Avoid assuming that what engages you engages them. Effective DMing means recognizing: Roleplay comfort levels Tactical interest Social dynamics Individual limits and preferences Adapt your approach to the humans, not to the rules. Principle 3 — The Table as a Shared Space You aren't performing for the players; you are collaborating with them. The world exists because everyone agrees to hold it up together. Your players are not obstacles to your story — they are the engines of it. A DM's mindset should always prioritize the shared experience over personal plans. Principle 4 — Intent Over Perfection Great DMing is not about flawless preparation. It is about intention, empathy, and flexibility. The table will forgive mistakes if they trust your intent. Confidence is not knowing the perfect rule; it's being steady when you make a ruling. Principle 5 — Curiosity & Humility Ask questions. Learn what excites your players. Let players surprise you — that's where the best stories come from. You are not the sole creative force at the table; you're a conductor of many. Principle 6 — Emotional Regulation Is a DM Skill Your energy sets the emotional climate. When things get chaotic, you become the stabilizing force. When momentum lags, you initiate a spark. A professional DM mindset includes managing your own reactions and reading the room. Principle 7 — Trust > Control The goal is not to make players follow your plan. The goal is to build trust so that the players feel safe making bold decisions. Trust leads to engagement. Engagement leads to story. Story leads to the unforgettable moments everyone comes for. Principle 8 — The Mindset Before the Mechanics Rules can be learned. Encounters can be built. NPCs can be improvised. But none of it matters if the mindset is wrong. DMing begins with the understanding that you are not building a game — you are building an experience. Summary Takeaway A Dungeon Master is: A facilitator A stabilizer A narrator A collaborator A student of human behavior The DM Mindset is the foundation on which every technique rests. Once this mindset is established, everything else becomes easier — prep, improv, worldbuilding, encounters, and rulings all flow naturally from it. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, The DM Mindset! Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below. Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate links in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, and Developer Patron Chris Androu! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

This time... On City On A Hill...Welcome back, and welcome to DarkSpace! We are playing a new Sci-Fi TTRPG, courtesy of DMing the World Press, called DarkSpace. You can find their website and Kickstarter down below. Join us as we get into nonsense almost immediately, and keep getting into it, the more we go!DarkSpace - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dmingtheworld/darkspace-sci-fi-rules-for-shadowdarkhttps://www.dmingtheworld.com/Derek - http://geekpreacher.org/https://linktr.ee/thegeekpreacherJustin - Saving the Game Discord or City On A Hill DiscordGreg - https://bsky.app/profile/taos777.bsky.socialShanna - Saving the Game Discord or City On A Hill DiscordGrant - https://linktr.ee/vaguegrantBig thanks to our supporters! Grizzly Rich, JD, Bryan, Sir Lord Epicname, Andrew, Christina, Tonyhttps://www.patreon.com/cityonahillgamingCheck us out at @cityonahillgaming.bsky.social on BlueSky or email us at cityonahillgaming@gmail.comUs on the Discord - https://discord.gg/N2Qj8fk5wELeave us a rating/review on iTunes or whatever awesome podcast app you use. And tell us where you listen to the fun!

In this episode of the Mind Gap Podcast, Doug and special co-host, Eric Drezner, dive into the world of Dungeons & Dragons, discussing favorite monsters, homebrew creations, and the challenges of DMing. They share personal experiences and the joy of friendship through gaming. The conversation then shifts to a critical analysis of doomsday devices in media, particularly focusing on the Death Star from Star Wars and the League of Shadows' fear gas plan from Batman Begins. They explore the logistics, economics, and storytelling complexities behind these iconic elements, highlighting the flaws and absurdities that often accompany them. Things are wrapped up with another round of "Guess the movie from the audio clip."   Check out our YouTube channel for full video episodes, clips, and other fun content.   We have MERCH now!   Follow us on all of our social medias and other platforms!  

This week the boys go through a laundry list of house rules and how they can be used at the table. Also, Chase has never read the Player's Handbook. Just thought I'd put that out thereSupport the show

This time... On City On A Hill...Welcome back, and welcome to DarkSpace! We are playing a new Sci-Fi TTRPG, courtesy of DMing the World Press, called DarkSpace. You can find their website and Kickstarter down below. Join us as we get into nonsense almost immediately!DarkSpace - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dmingtheworld/darkspace-sci-fi-rules-for-shadowdarkhttps://www.dmingtheworld.com/Derek - http://geekpreacher.org/https://linktr.ee/thegeekpreacherJustin - Saving the Game Discord or City On A Hill DiscordGreg - https://bsky.app/profile/taos777.bsky.socialShanna - Saving the Game Discord or City On A Hill DiscordGrant - https://linktr.ee/vaguegrantBig thanks to our supporters! Grizzly Rich, JD, Bryan, Sir Lord Epicname, Andrew, Christina, Tonyhttps://www.patreon.com/cityonahillgamingCheck us out at @cityonahillgaming.bsky.social on BlueSky or email us at cityonahillgaming@gmail.comUs on the Discord - https://discord.gg/N2Qj8fk5wELeave us a rating/review on iTunes or whatever awesome podcast app you use. And tell us where you listen to the fun!

This week Seth and Drew debrief each other after a pretty rough session involving that massive heist they planned last week with Chase. Seth goes over some concerns he had with his DMing, and Drew talks in-depth about what he feels went wrong during the session.Support the show

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations. A breakdown of the DM's real responsibilities: arbiter, storyteller, referee, facilitator, audience, and performer https://youtube.com/live/XPrJiFyrOEg Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Darkember the 24th, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Every Dungeon Master begins in the same place: excitement tempered by uncertainty. You're about to guide a group of wildly different human beings through a story that only exists because all of you choose to believe in it together. That takes responsibility. That takes awareness. And it takes a willingness to understand not just rules… but people. Today, we're laying the foundation. Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101: Core Foundations. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion Understanding People Before Dice Before you think about combat mechanics, monster stat blocks, or worldbuilding, you must start with the most important element at your table: the human beings sitting around it. Each player is a mixture of: personal history, culture and beliefs, unique motivations, individual learning styles, and different comfort levels with performance, math, and social dynamics Your job as a DM is not to homogenize them. Your job is to celebrate their differences and build a game that allows each one to shine. Recognize that no two people come to your table with the same expectations. The moment you embrace that, you begin to see the game not as a rigid structure… but as a living conversation. The Three Roles of a Dungeon Master A beginner DM often thinks their job is to “tell the story” or “run the monsters.” But those are only pieces of a larger whole. You actually play three roles at once: The Facilitator: You provide structure. You decide the pace. You keep the game moving, gently guiding everyone toward a shared experience. The Arbiter: Rules exist to support fun, not dominate it. You interpret them, make quick judgments, and maintain fairness — even when the entire table is watching. The Story Shepherd: You don't force a plot; you cultivate it. The players bring energy, curiosity, chaos, and creativity. You channel that into a narrative that feels meaningful. A great DM doesn't control the story. A great DM leads it. The Five Pillars of Running the Game Every session you run rests on five foundational pillars. Understanding these early will save you from the most common beginner mistakes. Combat: Not about numbers — about tension, stakes, and cinematic moments. Exploration: Let players discover, investigate, and poke around in a world that reacts to them. Social Interaction: NPCs, factions, rumors, alliances — all opportunities for the players to express themselves. Downtime: Breathing room. Character reflection. Progression. The glue between adventures. Character Arcs: The emotional throughlines. Every player is the protagonist of their own personal story, even within the larger campaign. Your best sessions mix these like ingredients. Too much of one throws everything off balance. Player Motivations (The 8 Types) If you want your table to stay engaged, you must understand why each person sits down to play. These correlate with teh Player Types I mentioned last week: Actor, Explorer, Instigator, Power Gamer, Slayer, Storyteller, Thinker, and Watcher. Most players fall into blends of these eight motivations: Combat-Driven – loves the fight, tactics, and victory Story-Driven – wants narrative depth Social-Driven – thrives on roleplay and interactions Puzzle-Driven – enjoys clever problems to solve Power-Driven – wants to grow stronger, gain prestige Discovery-Driven – loves lore, secrets, and worldbuilding Character-Driven – focuses on personal arcs and emotional journeys Chaos/Thrill-Driven – wants surprise, randomness, and wild moments Your job? Identify each player's blend, then feed them the content that lights them up. This alone can transform your DMing. Practical Skills Every Beginner Should Practice You don't need to master everything at once. Start with these reliable skills: Keep the Game Moving: Perfect decisions are less important than decisive ones. Make a call, keep the energy flowing. Learn to Say “Yes, But…”: “Yes, you can attempt that… but here's the risk.” This protects player agency while preserving challenge. Prep for Flexibility, Not Control: Prepare situations, not scripts. Players will destroy your plot — let them. It usually leads to something better. Share the Spotlight: Track who hasn't had a moment to shine, then give them one. Players remember how you make them feel far more than any plot twist. The First Big Secret of DMing Here's the truth: You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to know every rule. You don't even need to be the most creative person at the table. You just need to be present, attentive, and willing to learn* session by session. Every great DM started by fumbling through their first adventure. Closing Takeaway Dungeon mastering isn't about control — it's about collaboration. It's not about rules — it's about people. And it's not about perfection — it's about intention. If you embrace that mindset now, everything that comes later — encounters, villains, worldbuilding, arcs — becomes easier. This is your foundation. This is where your journey begins. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations! Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below. Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy and Developer Patron Chris Androu! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Send us a textIn this episode, I go deeper into the visibility work we started last week. I explore two blocks that show up for every entrepreneur I know: imposter syndrome and perfectionism. These patterns often present as hesitation, overthinking, procrastination, or feeling like you need everything perfect before you show up online. I share how they show up in life and business, how they have shown up in my own journey, and how you can move forward with confidence even when doubts and fears are present. I also talk about the power of DM automation and how it keeps your business running even when you step away from your phone.What You'll Learn[00:00] Why visibility work matters and why hesitation usually comes from deeper blocks [00:28] Introduction to imposter syndrome and perfectionism [00:59] My mission to help entrepreneurs get visible and monetize on Instagram [02:07] How DM automation allows your content to drive leads while you are offline [03:03] How keywords in comments or DMs trigger links and next steps automatically [08:43] How imposter syndrome signals growth rather than weakness [10:12] The emotional journey leading up to speaking at Wedding MBA [14:04] How perfectionism shows up through planning, delaying, and waiting [15:00] How writing my book has challenged my own perfectionism [20:30] Why sustainability matters more than hustling in every directionKey TakeawaysImposter syndrome and perfectionism are not signs that you lack readiness. They are signals that you are growing.You do not need to eliminate doubt. You need to learn how to move forward with it.Confidence comes from taking action, not waiting for perfection.Visibility and results come from consistency, not flawless execution.DM automation helps your business continue to sell and serve while you rest or focus elsewhere.Links MentionedTry ManyChat Pro free for 30 days or by DMing me LEADS on InstagramJoin the Hot Reels waitlist or by DMing me HOT on InstagramCONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

In today's episode we give the breadsticks a preview of the new merch we're going to be dropping soon, Zach may or may not be messaging ChatGPT again, Danny is obsessed with Trader Joe's chocolate chip cookies, we give out our NFL picks for Week 12, answer questions from the breadsticks, and more!! Be sure to tune in every Monday and Thursday for new episodes!

This week Seth and Drew are joined by Chase once more to discuss immersion mechanics in their games. Get ready to hear how they include survival mechanics, weather, etc. and brainstorm new ideas that they might use in future games!Support the show

Want to listen to this episode ad-free? Visit our Patreon! Welcome true believers to X-Men Horoscopes where each week our host Lodro Rinzler is in conversation with a special guest to discuss the X-Men issue that aligns with a significant month and year from their life and what that issue reveals about their future. With us this week is current X-artist Phillip Sevy and their partner, comic writer and journalist Christie Porter! We dive into their anniversary issue where Polaris. Is. Pissed. Also in this episode: Skinwalker Ranch Phillip's penis comic Wolverine chooses to be a short king Polaris is bipolar, finished her PhD, and loves coffee - get on board If you're FWB with a cosmic force you assume you know best Iceman isn't a top "To me, my fillings" Jean was right All this and we go deep on the very human thing we all fall into: self doubt. What does any of this mean for their future as a couple? Tune in to find out! Phillip Sevy is an artist who has spent the last few years drawing for Marvel on titles like X-Men (Astonishing, Unlimited, and From the Ashes), Avengers, Venom, Deadpool, and others. They broke into the comics industry through the Top Cow Talent Hunt, where they drew The Tithe and The Freeze, before moving over to Dark Horse for a lengthy run on Tomb Raider. They wrote The House (with artist Drew Zucker), and wrote and drew Triage, Paradox, and Kepler (with David Duchovny). When they're not feverishly working on comics, you can find them (literally) running around their neighborhood, hiking in the hills, or DMing endless sessions of DnD. Check out their website here. Christie Porter is a writer, journalist, editor, and producer based in Salt Lake City, where they live with their found-family. They also write short comics, appearing in “When I Was Young…” An LGBTQIA+ Charity Comic Anthology, “Bi Visibility: A Bisexual Anthology,” A Wave Blue World's “Color of Always,” and Dark Horse's “Headless Horseman” Halloween anthology. Occasionally, they cosplay superheroes, but their only superpower is identifying dog breeds. Check out their website here. More of Lodro Rinzler's work can be found here and here and you can follow the podcast on Instagram at xmenpanelsdaily where we post X-Men comic panels...daily. Have a question or comment for a future episode? Reach out at xmenhoroscopes.com   Want to listen to these episodes early/ad-free and get your own X-Men Horoscope read/an awesome t-shirt? Check out our brand-new patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why are your webinars packed with value but crickets at checkout? You can teach circles around your competition, but if you're not weaving in demand and trust first, you'll still struggle to make sales.  I learned this the hard way—running one webinar where I felt on fire, only to see zero sales… until a random DM popped up hours later saying, "Shut up and take my money." That moment flipped my world. It wasn't my pitch; it was my messaging, my relevancy triggers, and my ability to diagnose their exact problem. Today on the podcast, I'm pulling back the curtain on our new AI-powered messaging system by letting you in on Day 2 of our new Messaging Meets AI workshop. We've trained it on 15 years of our most successful launches and 3,000+ students so you can discover why sales actually start the second someone sees your ad—not when you pitch, build all three levels of trust (including trusting their own ability to win with you), teach powerful concepts with metaphors and stories that spark "I can do this", diagnose your audience's daily pain points so they're DMing you first, and use simple AI prompts to pull relevancy triggers and pre-empt objections. Ready to stop giving away free info and start creating real demand? Listen now and learn how to have people begging to buy—before you even open cart.  Did you enjoy this episode? I'd love it if you'd share it on Instagram and tag me @iambrandonlucero! Thank you for supporting the show.   Find me on: IG: @iambrandonlucero Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmBrandonLucero  Website: https://www.brandonlucero.com 

The days of easy entry into data jobs over. Maggie Wolff joins the show to discuss the new reality of the data career landscape. We dive into why the bar is higher than ever and why "cold DMing" on LinkedIn is a terrible strategy.Maggie also breaks down her secret strategy for networking as an introvert: treating events like a game or role-playing a more extroverted friend. Plus, we discuss the rise of AI in education, the problem with "lazy" learning , and why companies replacing humans with AI are making a mistake.

This week the gang is back after a few weeks off, we try to address it but to dive deeper, Summer was moving across the country, house hunting, living in hotel rooms. Stephen was getting back into the grind of home renovations and ensuring quality time was also spent with the mom and lady during the spooky holidays but we couldn't be happier to be back on the mic and catching up with all of you, its been too long let us not do that again, we appreciate you all holding us accountable and DMing us to get back on and record, we need you as much as you need us, Much Love!

Have you ever wondered, "How do I kill my player character in a way that feels fun?" or "What makes a balanced consequence for a character?" If these questions sound familiar, you're in the right place! In today's episode, we sit down with dungeon master and improvisor, Danny Belel. We dive deep into the inspiration behind this haunting adventure, discussing how to effectively weave consequences, dread, and player agency into TTRPG campaigns. Whether you're planning to run a deadly ttrpg game or simply want to elevate your DMing, these expert insights will help you take your campaigns to the next level.In this episode, you'll discover:How to kill your players in a fun way!The different outcomes behind stakes at the tableHow to enforce consequences that feels like everyone is agreeingJoining us are our experienced panel of GMs: Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade. With over 50 years of combined Game Mastering experience, we explore the art of running immersive TTRPG games, covering everything from pacing to player psychology.LINKS!→ ⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠ Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!

https://lnk.bio/Jeditalk Episode 414 We're starting BEEF with the Juggalos! OK -- not really. But listen to the open of the episode to find out why we would have.  Chewie is coming to Jollywood Nights - so Jedi Talk is going for you. And for us.  If the Mando and Grogu movie BOMBS - Are you done with Star Wars? As always, our Podcast Protocol Droid has a lot to say.  Thanks for listening! Find out how to see The Mandalorian and Grogu with us in a private theater for FREE by DMing us on IG @jeditalkpodcast https://lnk.bio/Jeditalk

This week Seth and Drew talk about what it's like to design a really big and intricate dungeon for a heist they have coming up tomorrow. Supposedly this is Seth's "Biggest Map Ever" but personally I don't think it could be THAT big. Maybe like, a little above average at best. But map size doesn't matter, it's how you use it...I thinkSupport the show

In this raw and authentic episode, we sit down with Sarah Parise, a certified personal trainer with 21 years of experience who now specializes in perinatal wellness. Sarah shares her powerful personal journey through postpartum depression and how it transformed her mission to help moms prioritize their wellness through her signature "2% of the day" approach. This episode offers practical insights into maternal health, body image, and finding yourself beyond motherhood.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to Sarah's background and specialization in perinatal wellnessThe "2% of the day" approach: Making wellness accessible for busy momsRedefining healthy choices and moving away from restrictive mindsetsSarah's personal postpartum journey and struggle with depressionThe importance of professional support during subsequent pregnanciesBreaking the stigma around maternal mental healthNavigating body image and weight loss conversations with childrenBuilding sustainable healthy habits as a familyMentioned Links:Instagram: @GreatDaysBySarahFacebook Group: "Timeout for Moms Wellness, Accountability and Support"Actionable Steps/Key Takeaways:Start with dedicating 2% of your day (28.5 minutes) to self-care - break it into smaller chunks if neededFocus on how foods make you feel rather than counting calories or restrictingBuild a support system before, during, and after pregnancyModel healthy behaviors and positive body image for your childrenAbout Our Guest:  Sarah Parise is a certified personal trainer and perinatal wellness specialist with over 21 years of experience. After experiencing her own postpartum struggles, she dedicated her career to helping moms find strength and wellness through sustainable, realistic approaches. Her signature "2% of the day" method has helped countless women, including grandmothers, reclaim their health and vitality.Ready to prioritize your wellness journey? Join Sarah's free Facebook community "Timeout for Moms Wellness, Accountability and Support" for immediate access to free workouts, live meditations, and a supportive community of like-minded moms. Download her free "Back to School Fit Blueprint" to start implementing simple, effective changes today.***Help Us Help More People. When you leave a review on Apple or Spotify, it helps us share the message so that we can raise the industry standards and help more people for free. Join the Facebook community!Are you a new fitness entrepreneur looking to attract clients? Maybe you're looking to dial in your messaging? Or perhaps you're experienced and looking to scale your business?Head on over to Facebook, and request access to my Online Marketing for Fitness Professionals group. Post an introduction about yourself, ask some questions, or let us celebrate your wins with you.BSimpsonFitness Best Next Steps Simple Scaling - Want the fastest most efficient way to start and scale a profitable business in the health and wellness space, with less than 2k followers or DMing 100 cold people a day? Watch this short free training and I'll show you how for free. Tap here to register: https://ptprofitformula.com/simple-scaling-optinPT Profit FormuSupport the show

Visit today's blog post here. At the start of my business, I actually Googled, "How do I get clients without selling?"...  Anything but having to be icky and cold DMing people. Or making them feel small in order to get them to buy. I felt a shrinking, a contraction, a nervousness.  Then I had an ah-ha moment. What if instead of 'selling' I could just 'invite' people in a kind, clear, direct, pressure-free way to my programs? What if it could feel light and easy and generous? And then it really did start to feel that way.  In this episode, I'm sharing 7 EXACT reframes that changed how I felt about getting clients, and my clients use these NEW WORDS to this day (I even hear them circulating online sometimes!). It may sound wild, but our words matter and can totally change how we take action and make lasting money in our business.  You can use these reframes to shift how you approach selling, too. –– Connect with Anna on Instagram: @heartcentered.entrepreneur

This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy are raising their mugs to five years of spilling the tea on all things Long Island. Discover Long Island created the Long Island Tea Podcast during the pandemic to share authentic stories and showcase the heart of our destination. From that initiative came projects like the award-winning Long Island TV series, a valued partnership with News12's East End Show, and continued success for our now five-year-strong podcast—loved by Hot Teas in 114 countries around the world. To celebrate, Sharon and Stacy are kicking off this episode with some fun Long Island Tea Trivia, “Who Said It?” moments, and “Most Likely To” laughs that longtime listeners will love.As the ladies celebrate this milestone, they're also honoring Veterans Day (today, November 11th) with great places across Long Island to celebrate and recognize our local heroes, plus highlighting inspiring community causes that bring Long Islanders together to support one another.#ShowUsYourLongIslanderThis week's spotlight shines on Keesha Bailey, a Huntington resident who unknowingly ordered the one-millionth pizza at Jonny D's Pizza, celebrating 21 years in business. Keesha's surprise came with confetti, music, and a full year of free pizza—a fun reminder to support the local spots that make Long Island special.Know someone making an impact? Show us YOUR Long Islander by DMing us or emailing spillthetea@discoverlongisland.com.#LongIslandLifeVeterans Day (Nov. 11): Long Island proudly honors our heroes with free or discounted admission at local attractions including:Long Island AquariumLong Island Game FarmPaddles Up Pickleball“Through Our Eyes” Exhibition at the Long Island MuseumLong Island Comes Together Amid SNAP Delays:With delays impacting 160,000 Long Islanders, local organizations are stepping up. Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, and One Fair Wage are leading the charge—proving once again that Long Islanders always rally for their neighbors.You can help by donating, volunteering, or hosting a mini food drive this season to make a difference.#ThisWeekendOnLongIslandFriday, November 14Long Island Wine Country Blanc & Franc Summit | RG|NY Vineyard | 4:30 PMSecond Annual Turkey Drive | Station Yards, Ronkonkoma | 7:30 AM–6 PMAnnie | The Argyle Theatre, Babylon | 7:30 PMSaturday, November 15Annie | 2:30 PM & 7:30 PMWarriors Rock | Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center | 7 PMSunday, November 16Annie | Final Show | 2 PMBindlestiff Family Cirkus | Staller Center, Stony Brook | 4–6 PMPlan your weekend at DiscoverLongIsland.com or download our mobile app.#ChariTEATap Room Bay Shore is hosting “Cocktails for a Cause” on November 15 to support Jackson Berry, a one-year-old from West Babylon battling acute myeloid leukemia. The event includes an open bar, raffles, and a Chinese auction—with all proceeds benefiting the Berry family to assist with medical expenses, travel, and care.Learn more or donate at: https://lateknightwarriors.com/lkw-cocktail-partyThis episode is sponsored by East End Getaway, your source for seasonal events, family fun, and hidden gems across Long Island.#ConnectWithUsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/longislandteapodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscoverLongIslandNYTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@longislandteapodcastX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/liteapodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/longislandteapodcastEmail: spillthetea@discoverlongisland.comShop: https://shop.discoverlongisland.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here on BattleTactics Tuesday: A Battlefield Podcast, we talk strictly about Battlefield and our experiences playing it. But, on TableTalk Friday: A D&D Podcast, we have a discussion this week on how we can make games so emotional that our players will cry. There's also a lot of discussion about recent scheduling issues, creative character ideas, and more!Support the show

Have you ever wondered, "How do I bring a Souls-like Lovecraftian horror game to life at my D&D table?" or "What makes a truly unforgettable horror module?" If these questions sound familiar, you're in the right place! In today's episode, we sit down with Leroy Benson, the mastermind behind Chaplewick—the upcoming D&D module that's redefining Lovecraftian horror for 5th Edition. We dive deep into the inspiration behind this haunting adventure, discussing how to effectively weave mystery, dread, and player agency into a pre-written campaign. Whether you're planning to run Chaplewick or simply want to elevate your horror DMing, these expert insights will help you take your dark fantasy campaigns to the next level.In this episode, you'll discover:The twisted secrets lurking in Chaplewick and what makes this module differentHow to balance scripted module moments with player-driven investigationTips for using atmosphere, pacing, and NPC roleplay to maximize dreadBehind-the-scenes stories from the module's developmentWhen and where you can get your hands on ChaplewickJoining us are our experienced panel of GMs: Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade. With over 50 years of combined Game Mastering experience, we explore the art of running immersive TTRPG games, covering everything from pacing to player psychology.LINKS!→ ⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!Theme music by ⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠ Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!

He finally did it! Chase wrapped up his first series of one-shots this past weekend and Drew and Seth are here with him to talk all about it! The sessions were awesome, so relax and listen to these three go on about how it went and what could have been better/different!Support the show

Office autopsy time! Kiera and Dana review a "practice" that went from broke to success in a handful of months, and how tracking their numbers saved them. Every single office will go through a cash flow crunch at least once, so it's important to understand the right flotation devices to utilize. This could mean pulling overhead apart, identifying production and collections percentages, analyzing fixed costs, and more. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: Kiera Dent (00:00) Hello, Dental A Team listeners. This is Kiera and today is a special day. I have the one and only Dana Morsell on the podcast today. And prior to this, asked her, she's gone through a few nicknames and Dana, believe it or not, I was actually thinking about this last night. No joke. I was thinking like, there's Spiffy Tiffy and there's no BS Britt. And I was like, Dana, you've been with me for a long time. Like, why have I not gotten like a good nickname for you? And like, Britty Gritty. And I was like, okay, I just like throw wise on the end of these names like Tiffy, that is their TT DM does not sound quite right. Like that's like DMing on Instagram. And so I thought like, it's just Dainey. And now you told me I to do it with a Southern draw. So it's going to be like Dainey on the far. So well. Dana (00:44) Yep, it has to have it. I feel like it reminds me so much of my dad and like it just has to have that. Kiera Dent (00:51) Well, it's my dad. grew up on a dairy farm for all the listeners. Don't worry. We have like a really good podcast today. It's an office autopsy that Dana has taken these three incredible practices, like one owner, like they went from just stress and chaos and burnout to complete an absolute just like freedom, which and Dana has done it so quickly. So we're going to get there. I'm just going to tell you about this dairy farm real fast. ⁓ my dad grew up on a dairy farm and he used to say his mom would always like, Ricky, like that's how he would call him. imagine myself on this like beautiful estate and like sweeping my porch and having this like big white porch out there. And I'm like, Dainey! So that's how I envisioned this so, you know, that's that's the vision over here So whether you like it or not, otherwise we can go back to donuts with Dana. What do you prefer? Dana (01:38) ⁓ I actually love you standing on your white porch shouting that, so we'll take it. Kiera Dent (01:41) I think it just fits and if you haven't heard other podcasts, if you haven't been with us as long, Dana has the most random stories like running her bicycle into a deer. She has so many animals. She's got kids like Dana will always come to the table with the most random stories and she whoops everybody on trivia. We play games in our company and it's always like team trivia. Dana will whoop them. So, you know, here we go Dana. Welcome to the podcast. How are you over there Dana? Special Dana? Dana (02:09) doing pretty good. Yeah, doing pretty good. think all of my wild stories and my trivia comes from like, I don't know, I just have this like weird memory thing where I can like memorize things very quickly. Even like applying for a car loan, they're always shocked that I know all of my account numbers, all of my balances down to the penny, like just off the top of my head. And so I think that that's kind of where some of that comes from. Kiera Dent (02:28) No. I didn't even know that about you. So that's also a really interesting thing to note. All right, so Dana will remember, mean, is this okay? Is it something where you can remember numbers like past past? Or is it like your banking out is just current right now, but you couldn't remember like a month ago. Dana (02:47) No, so it is past-past, but it's because I don't know, my brain does this weird, like I make a riddle out of everything and I'm constantly like, okay, well, if I run and remember something, like if it's, you know, two, three, six, I'm like, well, two times three is six. And like, I just, I don't know, create like weird connections, especially with numbers in my brain and like riddle it so that I remember it. Kiera Dent (03:07) Fascinating. Fascinating. Okay. Well, there's another random fact about Dana. So Dana is one of my absolute fave humans in the entire world. Dana, truly, I say that on the podcast and I genuinely mean it. And we have talked about it on show, off show. Dana is just a super incredible human and offices who get to work with her are so lucky. So we thought it'd be fun. Office autopsy time. If you're new to the podcast, this is where we kind of go behind the scenes. ⁓ We mash up a few practices. just so you know, you'll never really fully know exactly who it is just to keep a client patient confidentiality. But we want to highlight of things that we do in real life, because I think consulting can be kind of hard. Like what do you actually do and what are the results you actually get? And so Dana just had some really solid wins with some practices. And I thought, Dana, let's get on the podcast and do our office autopsy, where we lift up the hood and we look behind the scenes. And what were some of the things you as a consultant did for this practice? What are some of the wins and gains that they've had? ⁓ that I think will just be fun. So Dana, let's take it away. ⁓ kind of like, where did this practice start? What have we implemented and where are they now? Maybe even tell them like where they started, where they got to. And then we'll talk about the how, because that's really fun. I don't like to wait for the like end result. I want to know quickly like, okay, they were like dying, drowning, broke, and then they got like hundreds of dollars and they got it in like a month. How did they do it? So take us away. Where were they? Where did they get to? And then let's go into the house. Dana (04:30) Yeah, and I think that this practice is just a really cool example of like the importance of knowing your numbers, especially when you have multiple practices and knowing what each practice is bringing to the table and having really clear separated numbers for those things. And so it was just really fun and I think a cool way to highlight how when you know those things, then you can fix systems that are broken or aren't working to see massive progress. So when this office came, they were at a negative profit. ⁓ each month and Kiera Dent (05:03) We're talking like they're losing money, losing sleep, stressed out of their minds. Dana (05:04) Yeah, yes. So stressed, they're pulling personal, you know, they're pulling boatloads of personal cash every month to cover expenses to keep these practices open. ⁓ You know, doctor is going from office to office. And it's truly, truly really stressful time and they don't really know where the leaks are coming from. And they can't put their finger on what's going on that's causing it. And yeah, stressed out to the max and just really, really wanting help and wanting to kind of pinpoint and give them a clear picture of why they are so stressed and why these practices that feel as if they're booming or are starting to get busy aren't profitable at that point. Kiera Dent (05:35) This And I think this is so common for so many practices, which is why we were talking morning huddle. We share all of our client wins every single day. You guys, we have a morning huddle. It's very fun. We talk about team wins, client wins. And when Dana talked about this, I'm like, Dana, we're podcasting. Like, can you get on the podcast with me? I think this is such a big win because it, yes, it's, it's quote unquote one practice that we've kind of mashed a few of them, but this is like every single office. And so many of them don't realize what's going on with my profit numbers. They feel like it's booming. but they have no money left over and then they're stressed to the max and they're countless hours. And this isn't just a brand new practice. Like this is a business owner who'd been in business for a long time. Like it's almost that I should with air quotes know what I'm doing, but I just don't know where it is. And Dana, I'm so proud of you for saying like they need to know their numbers. We harp on this like crazy because when you actually can dig in, which I'm excited for you to kind of do like the grand reveal and then the how, but I mean, how many practices, Dana, this is, I hope people realize one, practices all go through this. So this is not just a siloed to one or two practices. This is every office at some point is going to go through cashflow crunches, stressed out, working all hours and not being able to pinpoint. And just because you're profitable today does not mean you're forever going to be profitable. It is something you have to constantly work at, constantly be vigilant on. And it's not just like, set it, forget it, we're on our way. And so I think for that, but also I think so many people because they don't know what to do. they spin their wills that creates this cycle of death in my opinion. Like you truly are spinning, you're burning the candle at all ends. I remember when I met, cause I'm, I talked to this office when they were joining our company and I'm like, my gosh, like I can't want this more than they want it. Like they have to make the decision to join us, but my gosh, I see your problem. see your pain and we have got to fix that like an ASAP and get CPR because the owner was just running frantic and it was impacting family life and financials. And to me, you worked so hard that you should not be living that life this far into business ownership, whatever stage you're in. So I'm ready for the grand reveal. I hope people just realize this is not siloed and it's not something that's permanent. And it's also once you become profitable, that's also not permanent too. No season is permanent, but we want profitability to be more permanent because you're vigilant on it. Dana (08:07) Yeah, yeah. And you know, after looking at things, developing systems really honing in on their numbers and kind of what they were telling us, we were able to get them to be on track to hit 16 % profit in August. So going from negative profit to actually having a decent amount of profit sitting there, and they're producing in one less office now too. So. Kiera Dent (08:30) Okay. So breaking this down, how many months are we talking? Is this like five months, 10 months, 12 months? How long of a timeline did we go for? Five months. Okay. Again, why I wanted Dana to come on because consulting is not an overnight diet pill. It's not something that we can just inject and say, here you go. Like you're on your way. It is something. And also I want you to realize that any person listening, getting to negative profit also did not usually happen overnight. Now buying a practice, you might be a little bit negative. So there is a space where that can be negative. but this was someone who was running multiple offices and Dana kudos in five months, you got them from negative cash. We're talking like broke. There's no money to a 16 % profit. So there is, and we're talking, we're in the multimillions. So you can just do some math that even on 1,000,000 10 % profit is a hundred grand. Okay. You add 16 % that's 160,000 of profit. Now you can do the math for your own practice of a 16 % profit. and that was done in five months. So can you just imagine this practice going from like, my gosh, I'm broke to having this much slush on the other hand, and you got one less practice. There was multiple practices. You got rid of a practice, which there's strategy behind. Do we keep it not? What do we do there? And this doctor I guarantee you is having way more time, less stress as well. So the numbers, the money is always what people want to hear. Every time I talk to people on like... sales calls, wondering about working with us. Like what's your ROI, Kiera? How are we going to like make sure we pay for this? And I'm like, well, the numbers will be there. But what I actually care more about is the life you're living. Yes, I'm going to always cover numbers. Like that's the result. People need to have that. But I think the piece that people don't realize and why you're usually reaching out is you're looking for life of no stress. You're looking for your problems to actually get resolved. And Dana, that gift in five months, like, and that's fast. That's a fast turn. Not all practices are this quick. so I'm really curious, what did you guys do? How did you get that turn? I'm really proud of you. That's why I wanted you on the podcast to highlight dynamite Dana. mean, this one feels a little bit more like Dainey on the white porch. get, but dynamite Dana, being able to get those results in five months. That's impressive. Like that is dynamite to be able to do. So walk us through what were some of the pieces of how did we do this? What did we do? Five months is not, it might feel long to people, but when in the grand scheme of things, that's not even half a year to go from net negative. to positive 16%. Dana (10:48) Yeah. And I think sometimes too, it just helps to translate. Like what that looks like is we really cut expenses, right? Some of the expenses and they on average are collecting about 35,000 more per month too. Kiera Dent (11:01) Nice. Dana (11:02) ⁓ So it really came down to first step was getting them to understand which of the offices were profitable if any of them and you know what each individual office looked like. So we basically did an office autopsy. We pulled apart overhead. We pulled apart fixed costs for every office. We pulled apart their percentages of production and collections over the last year and really created a very clear picture of how each practice was doing as well as then moving forward what numbers do we need to hit in each practice to hit various profit points. Kiera Dent (11:40) Awesome. So breaking this down, I think when people have multi-practices, this is a huge problem that offices do is they bundle it all together and they have no idea where the true cashflow week is. And what I found is in multi-practice ownership, usually it's one practice that is the bleeding child and all the rest of them are doing well, but you don't know that. And so I did this, I had multiple businesses, I had all lumped into one and I didn't know, you have no idea where to fix things, where to move levers. what needs to happen. And so what we do is we do this like buckshot approach where we try to do everything for all of them, but don't actually know when we can pinpoint. So we're working hard or not smarter on that. So I love that you broke it apart. So basically you got to have separate tax IDs for each practice. I know that seems annoying. It's also annoying to break it down for your insurance companies, but choose your heart. Would you rather know where you are profitable or where you're not? The answer is hard pass. Yes. Like we absolutely want that. And so from there, then you looked at how much it's costing each practice. And this is so fascinating to me and people are like, but Kiera, Dana, like people travel with me to all the offices and I'm like, fantastic. You have to actually put that salary, that amount for that practice. So we know, and what's wild is that team member technically is working for three different companies. Technically they are, when you break it down this way. So technically they could work 40 hours at each location. That's technically okay. Talk with your, like, we are not CPAs. We're not financial advisors, but you have to look at this. They're separate tax IDs. used to do this at multi practices. So pending upon how it structured. not to say to work your employees 120 hours a week. That's not what I'm saying. What I am saying though is if you've got a regional, you've got dental assistants that are going with you, they need to be clocking in at one location, clocking out, clocking in the next location, clocking out. And if you're paying them like gas or whatever in between, they need to actually be allocated to each practice individually so you can see actual costs per practice per business. This is how you run multi-businesses. You like think about it. If I have a dental practice and I have a coaching business and I have my real estate, they're like, all the money technically comes to you as a person, but you have to have those separated to see which business is doing well. And when you can look at all three of your practices as separate businesses under one roof of your own, this then helps you. Like you said, Dana, you laser focus and you pinpointed. So I'm very curious when you did this and you broke it apart, what did you find on expenses? Like how, like was one like just so expensive? I imagine it probably was just like cashflow negative. Like it was just gobbling all the money and the other ones were probably doing fine. Dana (14:05) Mm-hmm. Yeah, that's it. Pretty much exactly what we found ⁓ and in breaking down all of those things then secondary to that just like you were saying with with team members We had team members doing various roles depending on which practice they were in and so there was just a lot to really clean up clarify and streamline per practice ⁓ outside of even just expenses and knowing financially where the practice stood. So that was our second journey kind of after we figured out the finances and you know once they had a reality of each practice then it was really easy I think to hone in on what systems we had to work on and make some tough decisions too. Kiera Dent (14:48) And when you said that, I was just thinking it also creates clarity for team members too. I know you've also been helping like with the regional manager and like what system should be in place. So mind you, yes, we're working on profit, but then we're also putting all these systems into play looking at all of them. But I will tell you when I had team members traveling to multi offices, that's hard on teams too. They have no clue. They don't have clarity. So they're just kind of like running with you. So everybody's running at full steam, but actually not making progress. I want you just to imagine like you are literally spinning your wheels. So it sounds like you're making progress. but the distance you're going is so minimal versus we want less sound, AKA less chaos and way more forward momentum. And so really love that you were able to do that and dial it in, figure it out. Now, how did the conversation go to sell a practice? Cause I mean, five months and selling a practice, like what did that even look like? How do you even have that conversation? How did this practice execute that quickly? Cause I'm actually really proud of them on that too. Dana (15:42) Yeah. So honestly and truly when we review the numbers, I think the conversation just naturally happened because you could clearly see, you know, that they're ultimately either we need to pump in a fair amount in team expenses, marketing and things like that to get the practice to where it needed to be or ultimately make the other decision. so I think just reviewing the numbers, the conversation naturally came up because it was a glaring, you know, kind of red light. ⁓ and honestly and truly it just was kind of a luck of knew someone in the area that was looking for a multi-practice venture and like just having a network and connections that it worked out so quickly and honestly it finalized within 60 days so it was a very very quick but it just you know happened to be that it was a very strong network ⁓ and made a local connection Kiera Dent (16:13) Mm-hmm. incredible. Yeah, which is also incredible to like have good connections and people often say, think it's, think kudos to this office that you worked with of they were willing to execute and take action quickly and not sit here and give excuses and say, my gosh, there's no one that will ever be there. It was great. see the bleed. And what I love when you talk about numbers, and this is why I think we're so passionate in Dental A Team like numbers, numbers, numbers. Like I harp on this day to know that I am like, ladies, what are the numbers telling us? Look at the numbers that's going to tell you. where you need to go and what you need to get. And like it's literally the treasure map to what needs to happen. But sometimes we're so in the weeds. I do it too. This is why I have coaches for Dental A Team. I'm so in the weeds and I need to get somebody outside of that. But looking at this, there are decisions now to be made. And I think numbers create clarity. So this practice could have like another scenario if we want to choose our own adventure, there are offices that see this practice is bleeding money. So then what do we do? How can we stop the bleed? Let's look at our costs. Let's look to see where we're producing. And sometimes it's a slow grow. So we're only gonna open up one day, but we're gonna open up on Monday, be closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. The next week we're gonna be open Tuesday. The next week we're gonna be open Wednesday, next week Thursday, next week Friday. So we can say we're open five days a week, but we're not putting the cost in five days a week. So we're strategic on doing this. We can also have it to where we don't have to staff it as high. So if we know we've got doctors in there that can produce. bring them in for hygiene, if there's dentistry to be done, do the dentistry, move hygiene over to a Friday where a lot of hygienists are off. You can get a part-time hygienist that can come in as that Friday hygienist. You can stack a whole hygiene schedule so we're not paying a hygienist to be on staff every day. ⁓ There are ways that they can do it. They could bring on an associate. They could look at, like you said, the marketing costs, but when you look at the numbers, numbers give so much clarity and then you can make decisions. And then the decision's pretty simple of, Do we need money right now? This practice was needing money. They needed to have the bleed stop. They needed to become profitable. And for them time and profit was more important, it sounds like, than growing and expanding. For other people, like, no, we need to grow and expand. So we're to pump money over here. We're going to grow this, but we now know a more strategic path. So I just want you to know, like, you don't have to sell. But I think being realistic, I remember listening in ⁓ early on in my career and it said, like, sometimes knowing when to close a business. is actually one of the smartest things that a CEO can do. And I remember I listened to that. were doing Dental A Team, tip or no, a Spiffy Tiffy back to dental placement pros days when we used to do recruiting. I should have stayed in that business Dana, like man recruit. I was starting at, I think I charged, I think a thousand, maybe 3000 max to hire and place an associate doctors. should have like hired me. Like I was a hot cake. Like I was so, I mean, now it's like 15 to 50,000 bucks. Like man, but Dana (19:19) Yeah. Kiera Dent (19:26) I remember listening to that podcast and dental place and pros was taking so much time and was so unprofitable. like we had higher and then people would wait the like 90 days and on day 89 they'd like we're terminating them. I was like, my gosh, I gotta go higher again. That business was consuming so much time, energy and effort when it wasn't the one that was going to, it wasn't my passion. It just was out of necessity. Dental A team was my passion by far. And I remember like it, as a business owner is actually really hard to admit that a business is failing. I'm not going to lie. Like I remember driving. I remember exactly where it was. It was like a snowy day. It was very overcast. And I just like had to have that hard, honest conversation with myself of you need to close dental placement pros and you need to put all your focus on Dental A Team. That's actually the, like the practice, if you will, the business that makes me excited. Um, and I think swallowing ego, I think looking and learning what I did wrong in that business. Today, I do that way differently. I'd run it so much differently. It'd be completely separate. I wouldn't be pulling my employees. There were just so many things I did wrong. But I think having the humility and knowing when it's time to close something down versus open something up, I think sometimes it can feel really sexy and exciting to grow. But if we're just growing for the sake of growth, but we're not getting the time and profit that's truly our driver, I think those are great questions to ponder when we're looking at this. So those are kind of my thoughts. Any other thoughts you have? It's such an amazing. Dana (20:45) And then. Kiera Dent (20:48) like transformation story. Dana (20:49) Yeah, and it's been really fun. you know, you're absolutely right. And we spent a lot of time on our calls kind of choosing our own adventure. What would it look like if you know, what's been our average marketing budget? And and and if we spent more and we had this book, what would that timeline look like to get it to what is the active number of patients we need to make it profitable? We did say, okay, if we pull and we add days, what does that pull from the profitable practice if we move the doctor, you know, to the other practice, we talked about expenses for an associate and what we felt like they could produce as we added a certain amount of new patients each month. And so it's been also fun for me as a consultant to kind of do that choose your own adventure with them and honestly and truly just give them the numbers and give them the timelines that then they can really, really make a decision that I feel like they were super confident in because they had all of that information and kind of made the decision I feel like eyes wide open. Kiera Dent (21:48) Yeah, and I think as consultants, this is what drives us. This is our passion to help practices and owners be empowered to make decisions that they want, not ones that they have to make. And so it's a, you're not forced into a decision. You made it with eyes wide open. You had all the numbers. You had all the facts you knew. You knew the pros and cons. And like you said, it is a choose your own adventure. And I think when we can take the, I don't know, it's almost like the stress, the heaviness of business. and turn it into a light, fun game. like, yeah, pretend we're reading a book and your book is your business. And it's like, I could do this way and end up at this chapter. I could go this way and end up at this chapter. Both endings are great. Both endings are your story. Both are filled with highs and lows and all the way around. But I agree with you, Dana. I think it's a beautiful thing to be able to empower our clients, to help them see, to get them out of the death spike, like, sirel downward and help them actually come to like a space of I don't know. It's almost like what you, took this. I feel like the way this office probably felt is they were walking in a heavy, dark cloud, like head down, hunkered down, staring at the ground and just trying to figure out how to get there. And you took them into this like beautiful new neighborhood. It's bright. It's cheery. The birds are singing. They're skipping along there with their family. Like they are living their best life. And that was done in five months. And so just really an incredible thing for us to look at. And so I think for you listening, like, where are you at? Maybe you're on cashflow row. Maybe you're on growth row. Maybe you are on trying to figure out your next adventure. But I don't think this practice even knew that this is their choose your own adventure. think Dana, you are able to be that guiding light shining for them, helping them see, peel apart under all the pieces. And I think really giving them the guidance that they need. So any last thoughts you've got on the choose your own adventure, going from negative to 16 % profit in five months, dang, that's a title and something you should be proud of. Dana (23:41) Yeah, this is definitely an office that I'm super proud of. ⁓ And you're right. These are the things that I think we live for. We love, we hope we see, you know, and we want to see for every client that comes our way. ⁓ And I think it just shows possibilities. And when you really hone in and you are able to make decisions with ease and clarity, it just massively, massively changes your stress level and just your entire life. Kiera Dent (24:11) Yeah, we say is life and business on purpose. so Dana, just love, love, I mean, Dynamite Dana, might stick girl. That is a dynamite story and really freaking proud of you and proud of the client too. Proud of them showing up. It takes grit, it takes humility, it takes courage. And I think just if you're sitting in that boat, if you're wondering, reach out. ⁓ This office five months ago did not know how to see forward. And now they're able to live a much different life very quickly. And I think if that's you. if you can relate to this office autopsy. That's why we do office autopsy sharing it. So hopefully you can see yourself painted in the fabric of someone else's story, knowing what's possible, what's real for you. You don't have to have multi-practices. You don't have to have any of that, but it might be you're on cashflow row. You're negative. You don't know how to see out. You're at a spin or you want to optimize you like this. came to us literally. They came in wanting to have help with systems and training a regional manager and look at what was uncovered. So what you might think is your pain point might actually not be the true pain point. there might be something deeper below. So Dana, real proud of you, real proud of this client. For all of you questioning, wondering, reach out. Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. This is what we live for. Truly seeing you succeed is what makes us so lit up. Like it's, it is the highlight of our year, our week, our month. So for all of you, take the call, let's, let's chat and let's get you these same success stories. So Dana, proud of you. Love having you on the podcast. Thanks for being here. And for all of you, of course. And for all of you listening, thanks for listening. And I'll catch you next time on the Dental A Team Podcast. Dana (25:34) Thanks for having me.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Chanin, a former nurse of 20+ years who transformed her life by losing over 100 pounds and launching her own health coaching business, Flexi Fit Transformations. Chanin shares her personal journey from experiencing a work injury and COVID-19 complications to rediscovering joy through fitness and healthy living. Her story demonstrates how personal transformation can lead to a powerful mission of helping others achieve their health and wellness goals.Key Discussion Points:Chanin's background as a nurse and transition to health coachingThe turning point: Vacation in Florida that sparked changeFinding the right gym and overcoming fitness anxietyThe importance of tracking progress and non-scale victoriesBuilding a comprehensive coaching programThe value of professional certifications and continuous learningBalancing business growth with authentic client careThe importance of mindset in transformationCreating sustainable lifestyle changesMentioned Links:Flexi Fit Transformations: [https://flexyfittransformations.com/]Instagram: [@flexyfitwithchanin]Facebook: [Flexy Fit Transformations]Resources:Nutrition tracking app for clients [Details to be provided by Chanin]Customized workout programsMindset coaching materialsProgress tracking toolsActionable Steps/Key Takeaways:Start with your "why" - Make sure your motivation for transformation is stronger than temporary obstaclesTrack both scale and non-scale victories to maintain motivationInvest in professional guidance and support systems for sustainable changeFocus on building healthy habits that become part of your daily routineRemember that transformation is about more than just weight loss - it's about finding joy and confidence in life***Help Us Help More People. When you leave a review on Apple or Spotify, it helps us share the message so that we can raise the industry standards and help more people for free. Join the Facebook community!Are you a new fitness entrepreneur looking to attract clients? Maybe you're looking to dial in your messaging? Or perhaps you're experienced and looking to scale your business?Head on over to Facebook, and request access to my Online Marketing for Fitness Professionals group. Post an introduction about yourself, ask some questions, or let us celebrate your wins with you.BSimpsonFitness Best Next Steps Simple Scaling - Want the fastest most efficient way to start and scale a profitable business in the health and wellness space, with less than 2k followers or DMing 100 cold people a day? Watch this short free training and I'll show you how for free. Tap here to register: https://ptprofitformula.com/simple-scaling-optinPT Profit Formula - 10k in 90 Days or you don't pay, let me show you how it works for free. Learn more here: https://ptprofitformula.com/optin The Complete 10k Per Month Blueprint - FREE - A step -by - step guide to generate consistent 10k months and beyond online https://ptprofitformula.com/your-10k-blueprint Support the show