Podcasts about The Dreamers

The Trump Administration's crackdown on undocumented and documented immigrants hasn't stopped — even for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. Since Trump returned to the White House last year, his administration has made life harder and harder for the estimated half a million DACA recipients living in the US. The Trump Administration has said it's deported nearly 100 DACA recipients — and that's not including everyone who has been detained. To talk more about what Dreamers are having to endure under Trump, we spoke with Laura Barrón-López. She's a White House reporter for MSNOW.And in headlines, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly plans to ask Congress for $200 billion to fund the war with Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a press conference just to prove he's still kickin', and rapper Afroman is — legally — serving up Lemon Pound Cake.Show Notes: Check out Laura's interview – https://tinyurl.com/4ujxrtxu Call Congress – 202-224-3121 Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/y4y2e9jy What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

Today, we're focusing in on one of the 3 A's that are helpful in feeling alive, Awareness. Hope you enjoy this one!Find the diagram here if for example you are in your favorite podcast app, and it doesn't support images.Thanks for being here. See you for part three next week!KayNuts & BoltsIn-Person Retreat! Stay tuned for more info on the epic Fall Frolic (so-named by one potential retreat-goer :) taking place on a beautiful lake, at a beautiful location, here in my home state of Maine this coming September 19-23.View Art Creativity & Wellbeing in YouTube here, find it in your favorite podcast app, or subscribe below so it shows up right into your inbox.Dreamers and Doers Group: Click this link to to learn about the online community I created to do just that… Be in community together.Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

Gerald Peters explores how holding a larger self-image and relentless action—what he calls the millionaire code—turns dreams into real wealth. He shares personal stories of failure and success, the idea of "falling forward," and practical principles from The Science of Getting Rich, like giving more value than you take and working the "eighth day." The episode encourages dreamers to expand their vision beyond current circumstances, set concrete goals, and take consistent action while offering a free e-book and ways to connect with Gerald for further guidance.

Voxtrot's second LP in 19 years not only lives up to the high standards of their first incarnation, but brings a level of wisdom and musical experimentation that shows how they've grown.

It's time for DD series 7! Dean & Robert are back to review this hit and miss Stephen King series. For the latest episodes (up to series 11), plus the latest Playboys and Film Fellows, head to patreon.com/booksboysCheck out booksboys.com for links to our social media, merchandise, music, etc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it possible to find points of agreement on some of the most heated and divisive issues in American politics? Can people who profoundly disagree sit down and learn from each other? The answers to both questions is an emphatic "yes!".In this episode we hear about the current work of the Citizens Commission on Immigration from its Director, Braver Angels co-founder, David Lapp. The goal of the Citizens Commission is to demonstrate to Congress and the nation that Americans with differing views on immigration can find common ground. The Commission works in a red/blue balanced way and includes Americans from all sides of the issue. Over the past two years, grassroots Americans and national experts and advocates of all sides of the immigration issue have met together."There have now been about 50 immigration events across the country," David tells us. "We can find some meaningful areas of agreement." Large majorities of participants from the left and right agree on the need for secure borders, and believe that businesses should face penalties for hiring undocumented workers. Some agreement was also found on a pathway to citizenship for "Dreamers" who came to the US as children. The Commission was launched after about 750 delegates at the 2024 Braver Angels National Convention voted to establish immigration as a Braver Angels priority issue. By the end of this year The Commission aims to hold one hundred grassroots events across the country, and eight National Roundtable meetings.The point of having a citizens commission on immigration speaks to what Abraham Lincoln said: "In America we're a government of the people, by the people, for the people", says David. "Our laws and our policies should reflect what we the ordinary people think."In our interview we also discuss what David has learned in his years of committed work with Braver Angels. If you want to get a sense of the heart and soul of this movement, it's well worth listening to him. Before helping to start Braver Angels, David spent several years interviewing working-class Ohioans about their life experiences and families. He lives with his wife, Amber, and their six children in South Lebanon, Ohio—the site of the first-ever Braver Angels workshop in December 2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm explores how bold vision and big ambitions are shaping the sports world — from college football sidelines to NBA ownership and the dreams of one of the NFL's most famous owners. Norm begins by examining the recent wave of college football coaching firings across major programs. According to Norm, the ripple effect may trace back to one coach: Curt Cignetti. With a remarkable record of turning struggling programs into winners, Cignetti's success has forced major schools to rethink what's possible — and sparked a nationwide search for the next transformational coach. Then Norm turns to the business side of sports with a look at the Adelson family's purchase of the Dallas Mavericks. The casino empire behind the acquisition appears to have bigger plans in Texas, including lobbying efforts aimed at legalizing casino gambling and building a massive entertainment complex tied to a future Mavericks arena. Finally, Norm reflects on Jerry Jones, the ultimate dreamer in professional sports. Jones has openly stated that he wants to retire as the NFL owner with more Super Bowl championships than anyone in league history — a goal that would require the Cowboys to win four more titles before he steps away. Is that ambition visionary leadership or unrealistic optimism? From coaching revolutions to billion-dollar sports ownership and the power of big dreams, Norm connects the threads that continue to shape the sports landscape. Chapters 0:00 Sponsor – Fluent Financial 0:06 Welcome to Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges 2:10 Why So Many College Football Coaches Are Getting Fired 3:00 The Rise of Indiana Coach Curt Cignetti 4:06 Curt Cignetti's Remarkable Coaching Record 6:10 How Cignetti's Success Is Changing College Football Expectations 7:01 Bob's Steak & Chop House Sponsor Segment 7:58 Full Moon Healing Balm Story 9:19 The Adelson Family Buys the Dallas Mavericks 10:47 Casino Gambling and the Push to Change Texas Law 12:24 Millions Spent Lobbying Texas Politicians 14:09 Why Casino Gambling Still Isn't Legal in Texas 16:10 Sunset Lounge Podcast Network Promo 16:52 Serenian Bay Resort in Belize 18:08 Jerry Jones the Dreamer 18:56 The Cowboys' 30-Year Championship Drought 19:50 Jerry Jones' Goal to Surpass Bob Kraft's Super Bowl Record 20:42 Why Great General Managers Must Be Ruthless 21:23 Closing Thoughts   Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW Just Wondering is a long-form sports commentary podcast hosted by longtime broadcaster Norm Hitzges, offering thoughtful, numbers-driven analysis of the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and the business and culture surrounding them. Each episode blends experience, history, and curiosity to explore why things happen — not just what happened. New episodes feature clear-eyed perspective, context you don't hear elsewhere, and questions worth sitting with a little longer.

SHENANIGANS ARE AFOOT!! Tonight, we discuss our upcoming plans for the 2026 spring and summer convention and concert scenes!! From AwesomeCon down in D.C., Astronomicon in April, and Motor City Comic Con in May and so much more!!! Special shoutout to our homies Timecop1983, The Bad Dreamers and Tyrian84 for dropping so many amazing tracks we get to jam out to on the podcast. Hope you enjoy GOHO Bros- Maddison and IsaacWE DO NOT OWN THE MUSIC PLAYED, PLEASE GO CHECK OUT AND SUPPORT TIMECOP1983, THE BAD DREAMERS AND TYRIAN84 FOR SOME AMAZING MUSIC

It's time for DD series 7! Dean & Robert are back to review this hit and miss Stephen King series. For the latest episodes (up to series 11), plus the latest Playboys and Film Fellows, head to patreon.com/booksboysCheck out booksboys.com for links to our social media, merchandise, music, etc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I brought back Becky Pierson Davidson to compare notes on where community is headed — and we found a few areas of disagreement. Becky works with 6, 7, and 8-figure businesses helping them build memberships and courses through design thinking and customer research, and she's seeing a major shift right now: course businesses are slowing down, and the smart ones are pivoting to membership models. The difference? Shared learning experiences are replacing self-paced education. Community is what people stay for. We dig into the real mechanics: how to set expectations that don't feel like a bait-and-switch, why meaningful engagement isn't what most people think it is, the mastermind paradox (increases retention, decreases forum activity), and why in-person events might be the most important retention lever you're not using. Becky's hot take for 2026: content drops are dying. People don't need more stuff — they need connection and programming that moves them forward. Affinity Collective Build with Becky podcast Episode 197: Building Raving Fans (with Becky & Chanel) Circle (community platform) TightKnit (Slack archive plugin) Dreamers and Doers Full transcript and show notes *** TIMESTAMPS (02:35) Defining community as a product, not a growth engine (04:09) Why community is rising as a business model in 2026 (06:02) The reality of transitioning from courses to memberships (08:01) Finding the right community design for your appetite (10:02) How to avoid the bait-and-switch with member expectations (13:06) Value perception vs. value experience (13:57) The smallest viable promise for your sales page (16:44) Where we disagree: transformation vs. community of practice (21:14) Forum design: why fewer spaces wins (23:17) Solving the engagement problem (what meaningful engagement actually is) (25:50) How the best members actually use your community (29:46) The mastermind paradox: retention up, forum participation down (32:09) In-person experiences and the graduation weekend model (36:39) The economics of offline events (39:35) 2026 Hot Take: Content drops are dying (43:07) Retention rethink: Did I get my money's worth vs. Will I next year? (46:04) Why connection drives retention more than results (48:23) Tool stack: Circle 9 times out of 10 (51:14) The future: personalization in community software *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → Episode 197: Building Raving Fans *** ASK CREATOR SCIENCE → Submit your question here *** WHEN YOU'RE READY

What an interesting podcasting experiment, to return to the same subject matter once each month and see what shows up. I see progress with strengthening my muscles of staying with what's aligned, and of remembering that I can give my body feelings of safety and love, no matter the environment that I find myself in.Also - I am hosting an in-person retreat on a beautiful lake here in Maine in September! It is six days, beginning Thursday, 17 September to Wednesday, 23 September.The theme is Grown-up Summer Camp. It's an antidote to the stress, the overwhelm, the burnout that is so prevalent right now as we grown-ups work to find solutions for what's wrong in our society.Stay tuned for more info on that, I am so excited to be able to offer it out. Thank you for being here with me. I'm glad to be here with you.Love, KayNuts & BoltsDays of Creation 2026: Read about – and play along at – the Days of Creation 2026 game (that this episode is about) by clicking here.Dreamers and Doers Community: Click this link to see the About page in the Skool platform. If joining fields aligned, that's awesome! And if you have any questions, please get in touch at https://kaylockkolp.com/contact View Art Creativity & Wellbeing in YouTube here, find it in your favorite podcast app, or subscribe below so it shows up right into your inbox.Art Creativity & Wellbeing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kaylockkolp.substack.com/subscribe

A few weeks ago, I sat down with Dr Andy Roark and he dropped a line that lit up the internet:“You, my friend, are a dick.”His point was simple and uncomfortable. In veterinary medicine, one of the biggest career killers is being someone others simply do not want to work with. You might be clinically excellent. You might work hard. But if you consistently damage relationships, you quietly lose opportunities, influence and growth.The feedback to that episode was fascinating. Many of you agreed. Many pushed back, sharing stories of abrasive leaders who still climbed the ladder.So this week, I unpack it properly.I break leadership down into a series of “Big D” styles - Direct, Ditherer, Dreamer and Democrat - and explore how each one shapes the way we make decisions. We look at when directive leadership works and when it corrodes culture, why indecision is often a clarity problem, how conflict avoidance erodes trust, and why collaboration without ownership stalls progress.Underpinning it all is one core truth: leadership is decision-making.And great leaders are not defined by personality. They are defined by flexibility.So grab a coffee and join me for a practical conversation about leadership agility, self-awareness and choosing the right mode for the moment.Episode Outline:[00:00] Big D leaders in vet med[02:03] Is being a dick really a career killer?[03:14] The Direct leader – results vs relationships[05:40] The Ditherer – clarity before action[07:41] Dreamers – vision vs avoidance[11:28] The Democrat – collaboration and responsibility[15:52] Why data sharpens decisions[17:11] Leadership is about flexibilityBecome the Leader Your Team DeservesIf you want to sharpen your decision-making, build clarity around what good looks like, and develop the flexibility your team needs from you. Book a call with us at the Veterinary Leadership Academy.We'll help you identify where you're strong, where you're stuck, and what to do next.Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:Follow Dr. Dave: @drdavenicolLearn more about the Veterinary Leadership AcademyEnjoyed this episode?Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

It's time for DD series 7! Dean & Robert are back to review this hit and miss Stephen King series. For the latest episodes (up to series 11), plus the latest Playboys and Film Fellows, head to patreon.com/booksboysCheck out booksboys.com for links to our social media, merchandise, music, etc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the second episode of our series based on interviews for the documentary film, Dreamers and Doomers, about the SF Bay Area in the last days before AGI. Steve interviews Jesse Hoogland, co-founder and executive director of Timaeus, an AI safety research org working on applications of Singular Learning Theory (SLT) for AI safety. SLT establishes a connection between the geometry of the loss landscape and internal structure in models. This connection is used to develop scalable, rigorous tools for evaluating, interpreting, and aligning neural networks. Jesse is one of the leading young minds in the new generation of AI safety researchers.https://www.jessehoogland.com/(00:00) - Jesse interview at FAR Labs, Berkeley (00:54) - Introduction (01:50) - From Physics to AI Safety (08:36) - AI Is Dangerous (26:08) - Funding, P(Doom), and Futures (56:21) - Trauma and Safety Vibes (01:00:39) - Asymptotic Guarantees Debate (01:03:54) - Mapping the Safety Tribes (01:26:09) - Timelines, AI Pause, and Failure Modes –Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at MSU and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Science at the University of Oregon. Hsu is a startup founder (SuperFocus.ai, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram) and advisor to venture capital and other investment firms. He was educated at Caltech and Berkeley, was a Harvard Junior Fellow, and has held faculty positions at Yale, the University of Oregon, and MSU. Please send any questions or suggestions to manifold1podcast@gmail.com or Steve on X @hsu_steve.

Singer‑songwriter Steve Koester, the creative force behind Two Dark Birds, joins Brett in the Kaatscast studio for a deep, generous conversation about songwriting, place, and the long arc of making music in the Catskills. With the band's fifth studio album, Dreamers of the Golden Dream, Vol. 1, arriving February 27, Steve reflects on the evolution of his sound—from full‑band records to quiet, introspective work and back again—and how living in the mountains continues to shape his writing.Steve shares the origin story of Two Dark Birds, the move from New York City to the Catskills, the band's shifting lineup, and the role of analog recording in a digital world. He talks about the emotional terrain behind songs like “Born to Fall,” “Good Boy Good,” and “Kid, I'm Fried,” and performs several tracks live in the studio.The conversation also explores the realities of releasing music in 2026, the joys and limits of streaming platforms, the resurgence of vinyl, and the creation of Steve's independent label, Vfib Records. Music Featured“Born to Fall” — live in studio“Good Boy Good” — from Dreamers of the Golden Dream, Vol. 1“Kid, I'm Fried” — live in studio“Girl of Summer” — album track (closing)Links & ResourcesTwo Dark Birds — ⁠⁠https://twodarkbirds.com⁠⁠Vfib Recordings — ⁠⁠https://www.vfibrecordings.com⁠⁠The Woods Studio (Todd Adelman) — ⁠⁠https://thewoods.studio⁠⁠Bearsville Theater — ⁠⁠https://bearsvilletheater.com⁠⁠Photo credit: Sam Erickson

In this episode of Clover, I'm joined by Camille Ricketts, now a partner at XYZ Venture Capital and formerly a marketing leader at Tesla, First Round Capital, and Notion.Camille's career journey has been anything but linear—starting as a journalist at The Wall Street Journal, moving into communications at Tesla, where she worked directly with Elon Musk, then pioneering content marketing with First Round Review, and later scaling community-led growth at Notion. Today, she brings that breadth of experience to her work in venture capital, helping founders and startups thrive.We cover:What it's like to pivot when the path you've been working toward isn't the right fit.Lessons from building Tesla's early communications team and learning from Elon's leadership style.How Camille created the First Round Review, one of the most influential startup content platforms.What it takes to scale community and user-led storytelling at Notion.Why understanding which “stage” of company you thrive in is essential to building your career.How Camille defines success today—by helping others rise and giving credit away.Camille's story is a reminder that careers aren't ladders—they're winding, evolving journeys built on curiosity, adaptability, and purpose.Related links or mentions within the episode:Communities / Resources:Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets (book)'Give Away Your Legos' and Other Commandments for Scaling Startups (article)Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (book)Social Media / Links:Twitter/X: @CamilleRickettsLinkedIn: Camille Ricketts

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, hosts Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello sit down with Giorgia Lupi to explore her journey from an architecture student and musician in Italy to a pioneer of data humanism and partner at Pentagram in New York City. Giorgia discusses her latest books, her Love Letter to the New York City subway, and why she recently broke up with ChatGPT. Whether you're a seasoned designer or a curious learner, Giorgia's insights invite us to see data as a profoundly human, creative, and essential storytelling tool.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction to Giorgia Lupi and her focus on data humanism02:00 - Giorgia's early influences: architecture, music, and data collection at her grandmother's tailor shop05:00 - Spark moments: designing band album artwork and transitioning into data visualization06:40 - Discussing her book Speak Data and the process behind it09:00 - The human stories within data: interviews with leading thinkers on data's meaning13:15 - The Dear Data project: weekly postcards and framing personal data conversations16:00 - Inspired by data visualizations and how personal relationships shape data storytelling18:00 - Data as a love letter to the NYC subway system: poetic visualization of transit data25:00 - Designing data for children: This Is Me and Only Me and engaging young audiences27:30 - The challenge of complex data: finding human stories in big or aggregated datasets30:20 - Designing the data set: choosing what to include and how to add context32:00 - Combining qualitative and quantitative data: mentoring teams and storytelling strategies34:30 - The evolving role of data in design and how to navigate cross-disciplinary data practices38:00 - Perspectives on AI: cautious optimism, data as a resource, and preserving human creativity43:00 - Inspirations and making for the sake of making: art exhibitions, painting, and experimentation45:30 - Final thoughts: cultivating critical thinking and curiosity in a data-driven worldREFERENCESOur previous episode of the AIGA Design Podcast with Giorgia Lupi from 2020: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/aigadesign/episodes/Giorgia-Lupi-on-Data-Humanism-ecs2f7Giorgia Lupi's personal website: https://giorgialupi.com/Pentagram – The World's Largest Independent Design Consultancy: https://www.pentagram.com/ Speak Data: Artists, Scientists, Thinkers, and Dreamers on How We Live Our Lives in Numbers: https://amzn.to/4qXAQl4 Dear Data: https://amzn.to/3Msgrqj This is Me and Only Me: https://amzn.to/46pMrlHA Data Love Letter to the Subway: https://www.mta.info/agency/arts-design/digital-art/data-love-letter Two Craigs Take on a 1-Year Performance Challenge (2025 AIGA Design Conference): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdjkZu_qvDM 2Craigs: https://www.2craigs.com/ Ruth Asawa, A Retrospective: https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/5768Wifredo Lam, When I Don't Sleep I Dream at MoMA: https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/5788Alfred Jensen at the Pace Gallery: https://www.pacegallery.com/artists/alfred-jensen/ 

It's time for DD series 7! Dean & Robert are back to review this hit and miss Stephen King series. For the latest episodes (up to series 11), plus the latest Playboys and Film Fellows, head to patreon.com/booksboysCheck out booksboys.com for links to our social media, merchandise, music, etc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Desde su campaña, el alcalde de la Ciudad de Nueva York, Zohran Mamdani, ha defendido a los inmigrantes que viven en la Gran Manzana. Como alcalde firmó una orden ejecutiva que busca reforzar las leyes santuario en la ciudad, para evitar que autoridades cooperen con agentes de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE). Sin embargo, el gobierno de Mamdani enfrenta presión de la administración del presidente Donald Trump para cooperar en asuntos migratorios, sin que haya un acuerdo concreto al momento, como lo explica el periodista Edwin Martínez, de El Diario en Nueva York, quien ha cubierto la campaña y gobierno de Mamdani, además de asuntos migratorios. Además, Factchequeado aclara sobre un supuesto plan del gobierno de Trump para otorgar la ciudadanía a Dreamers con DACA.

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo gets extremely tactical with Dan Wentzel, laying out what he calls the Daily Storage Playbook. This is where the journey moves from clarity into consistent execution—daily actions, weekly rhythms, and non-negotiables that turn intention into momentum.   There's no magic here. No shortcuts. Just a clear, repeatable process that—when done consistently—creates opportunities, relationships, and eventually deals. This episode is designed to eliminate confusion and replace it with structure, discipline, and forward motion.     You'll Learn How To: Build daily non-negotiables that actually move your storage business forward Create momentum even when deals aren't immediately materializing Focus on controllable actions instead of outcomes you can't control Turn consistency into confidence through repeatable daily habits Engineer progress through relationships, not random deal chasing     What You'll Learn in This Episode: [2:15] Why clarity without a plan still leads to failure [3:25] Introducing the "Daily Storage Playbook" [6:58] Why deals don't appear—you earn them through reps [8:27] The danger of failing to plan and how it kills efficiency [9:06] Why progress—not results—is the real driver of happiness [10:19] Defining 3–5 daily non-negotiables for your storage business [11:21] How to measure success when outcomes are out of your control [50:57] The power of five meaningful conversations per day [52:23] What 100 meaningful conversations in 30 days can create [53:13] Why most people want the finish line—but not the work       Who This Episode Is For:   Aspiring storage investors who feel busy but not productive Listeners who struggle with consistency and follow-through Anyone unsure what to do daily to move closer to their first deal People ready to replace motivation with discipline     Why You Should Listen:   Most people don't fail because they lack knowledge—they fail because they lack structure. This episode removes ambiguity and gives you a simple, repeatable framework for showing up every day in your storage business.   If you've ever asked, "What should I actually be doing right now?"—this episode answers that question.   Follow Alex Pardo here: Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/   Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/  

CRUISE TO MARS | THREE DUCKS ON A JOURNEYMama duck had two daughters, and she loved taking them on trips to faraway places. The two ducklings had few friends, but they often went out and about.They played in the farmyard pretending to be a group, and even on their birthday, they ate the big cake all by themselves.As a gift, Mama decided to take them on a cruise to Mars. She organized the trip on a spaceship for tourists, got tickets for an intergalactic Martian party, and departure as soon as possible — before you could say "quack quack."While all three of them were in the yard ready for the trip, they saw a strange object flying low over the farm. Landing on the ground, a small square figure appeared at a hatch and said:"Excuse me, are you the ones with three tickets to Mars and three for the intergalactic party?"The ducklings looked at each other in amazement. They had never seen a square creature before — square head, square eyes, even the smile seemed square."Yes, that's us!" replied Mama duck."Quack! Quack! Quack!" chimed the ducklings in chorus, hopping with excitement."Please, come aboard," said the Martian with a little squared bow. "The journey to Mars is about to begin."And in one leap they boarded the spaceship, so curious and excited for this new adventure. The strange vehicle took off as fast as a gust of wind.In space, it was rush hour. The spaceship found itself in a queue, and the Martian pilot honked the horn: "Bleep, bleep!"He leaned out the window and grumbled: "It's getting harder and harder to travel! Look at that, there's even a playful little planet spinning around on itself like it's a carousel! Oh, what fun — move over, let me pass, and keep on playing!"Due to the cosmic traffic jam, the spaceship landed on Mars slightly behind schedule."How wonderful!" exclaimed the ducklings when they saw a ship made entirely of glass, ready for the cruise, where they were invited to come aboard.There was a great bustle of small square Martians."Good morning, Mrs. Duck, please make yourself comfortable!" they said with a bow, while the ducklings — quack, quack, quack — chattered and hopped about happily.In the background, square guitars played Interplanetary Rock.The three travelers, with their little faces pressed against the windows, gazed in wonder at the red color of the planet.The ship set off slowly across the sand, but suddenly the engines began to roar and up, toward the top of a mountain, then down over the red rocks — it felt like being on a roller coaster, up and down, up and down. Then it would settle again and slowly cross immense valleys."What a strange sight! What a strange vehicle that travels over rocks and sand!" the tourists commented.The hours passed amid wonders and discoveries. Time flew by.Evening came. On the Martian ship, Mama duck and the ducklings showed up all dressed up, with bows and ribbons, for the intergalactic birthday party.The waiters danced, offered their arms to the tourists, and served to the sound of Rock music. Small Martians approached the ducklings and, showering them with compliments, hopping and dancing, played with them.The party had begun."Everything here is square — the glasses, the bottles!" the ducks whispered to each other.The sweet treats were salty, the salty ones were sweet, the cake was... well, well, what kind of world is this!The balloons with "Happy Birthday" written on them were — guess what — square.The evening was coming to an end and fireworks lit up the sky to celebrate the tourists... and they were square too."How kind and lovely these Martians are!" said Mama duck, and continued: "We made it to Mars, we've seen what there was to see, we've had our fun. Now let's think about going back to Earth."Suddenly, the ship commander's voice announced the imminent arrival of a spaceship for the return trip.The three ducks couldn't wait. They said their goodbyes and, crossing a connecting bridge, stepped directly into the spaceship. And down, toward their planet.Watching the tourists depart through the ship's windows, the Martians in their waiter uniforms launched dozens of colorful balloons into space.In the universe, under a starry sky, satellites wandered around the spaceship. Venus shone in the distance, and the Moon, ever closer, smiled with her full face.Arriving back on Earth, all three stepped down onto the farmyard, happy.Square balloons with "Happy Birthday" written on them floated in the air.What a surprise! This is certainly the work of the Martians.And by telling everyone about their galactic adventure, the two ducklings made lots of friends. Everyone wanted to hear about their trip to Mars.Our planet may be round, may be big, may be small, may be beautiful, and it will always be our home.— Written by Lucia & Marco Ciappelli Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's time for DD series 7! Dean & Robert are back to review this hit and miss Stephen King series. For the latest episodes (up to series 11), plus the latest Playboys and Film Fellows, head to patreon.com/booksboysCheck out booksboys.com for links to our social media, merchandise, music, etc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Nixon is a prominent AI researcher, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of AGI House, a leading "hacker house" community for artificial intelligence developers in Silicon Valley. He studied Applied Math, Computer Science, and Economics at Harvard and was previously a researcher at Google Brain.This footage was shot for a documentary project, "Dreamers and Doomers," about the SF Bay Area and the dawn of AGI.(00:00) - Dreamers and Doomers: Jeremy Nixon at AGI House – #105 (01:47) - Introduction and Welcome (05:56) - Jeremy Nixon's biography (08:48) - AGI House and collectives (43:59) - AI and Scientific Research (45:52) - Existential Risks and Doom (54:14) - AI and Human Progress (01:26:42) - Job Automation and Society (01:31:35) - Future of AI and Technology –Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at MSU and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Science at the University of Oregon. Hsu is a startup founder (SuperFocus.ai, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram) and advisor to venture capital and other investment firms. He was educated at Caltech and Berkeley, was a Harvard Junior Fellow, and has held faculty positions at Yale, the University of Oregon, and MSU. Please send any questions or suggestions to manifold1podcast@gmail.com or Steve on X @hsu_steve.

This is our second of FOUR FanGuide episodes covering the Throne of Glass series. In this episode, Nicole & Lexi walk through everythingggg you need to know about Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows! Part one of the episode contains PLOT SPOILERS for Assassins Blade, Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight – but it's spoilers for those three books ONLY!! Part two will have spoilers for the whole series. There is SO much happening in these two books, you don't want to miss this!Want more Massverse? Check out our Massverse Connections Playlist here!CHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANFELLAS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JVloDSbL0b6NSeztH88PA?si=cb02cb48bd0e4f7fCheck out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Upcoming events:* The Dreamers & Readers Festival - Use code FFG for a discount off your ticket!FFG Live Show in Seattle, WA- https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0F006425E9997A20?brand=neptuneseattleThe Dragon Gauntlet - Chapter 3: Use code FFG15 at checkout to get $15 OFF!*For all Event Discounts - go to https://fantasyfangirls.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/posts/6891Listen now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24KydMMzrYfVpDggkFZx4j?si=fd7dc956393041b8Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-fangirls/id1706179464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirlsFollow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fantasy FanFellas: @fantasyfanfellasFantasy FanReads: @fantasyfanreads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for DD series 7! Dean & Robert are back to review this hit and miss Stephen King series. For the latest episodes (up to series 11), plus the latest Playboys and Film Fellows, head to patreon.com/booksboysCheck out booksboys.com for links to our social media, merchandise, music, etc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let it be known, that it's Black History Month…and Crowned ReRe and Mr. Al Pete have a double dose of flowers to give!It's been a minute since ReRe and Pete have given flowers to a person/place/thing/idea. On this episode, they share two recipients each. ReRe handles the ladies (Mabel King and Oprah Winfrey) and Pete holds it down for the fellas (Roland Martin and D-Nice).  Per usual, they go through their segments (A Rose Is A Rose and Cactus), Pete shares an exciting story of him meeting Ari Lennox and D-Nice, and ReRe always blesses the FFTC Gang with new music and intellectual introvert thoughts. Also, Alyce Rose makes a quick appearance on the show!Enjoy the show and be on the lookout for the 6 year anniversary of the show. February 25th! Something special will happen!Stay connected and keep the flowers blooming. Follow the podcast and hosts: https://www.mpn-llc.com/fftcpodcast @fftcpodcast on all socialsFollow Crowned ReRe and Mr. Al Pete on their websites and platforms to see what's next in their journeys!Crowned ReRe: https://crownones.com | Instagram: @crowned_re_re_becca Mr. Al Pete: https://mralpete.com | Instagram: @mralpete Recorded and produced by The MPN Network/Mr. Al Pete.

DML's morning insight on a hot topic trending in the United States.

Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor speaks with Christiana Ebohon-Green on her latest film Dreamers which tells the story of Nigerian migrant Isio, who finds hope in an unexpected love that gives her the strength to fight a broken system. Joy discusses her the work that went into directing this tremendous feature debut, why she thought it was important to add colour to this story of struggle, and more. 

Welcome welcome welcome to our first of FOUR FanGuide episodes covering the Throne of Glass series. Nicole & Lexi walk through everythingggg you need to know about Assassin's Blade, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight! Part one of the episode is plot spoiler free for the entire series, while part two will have spoilers for the whole series! It's been a long time coming, and we are so excited to dive deeeeepppp into the world of Erilea!Want more Massverse? Check out our Massverse Connections Playlist here! CHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANFELLAS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JVloDSbL0b6NSeztH88PA?si=cb02cb48bd0e4f7fCheck out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Upcoming events:* Dreamers & Readers Festival - Use code FFG for a discount off your ticket!FFG Live Show in Seattle, WA- https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0F006425E9997A20?brand=neptuneseattleThe Dragon Gauntlet - Chapter 3: Use code FFG15 at checkout to get $15 OFF!*For all FanClub Event Discounts - go to https://fantasyfangirls.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/posts/6891Listen now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24KydMMzrYfVpDggkFZx4j?si=fd7dc956393041b8Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-fangirls/id1706179464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirlsFollow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome welcome welcome to our FanGuide series covering the Throne of Glass series. Nicole & Lexi will walk through everythingggg you need to know about Sarah J. Maas's classic series, before you get started. Part one of each episode is spoiler free for the books being covered, while part two will have spoilers for the whole series! It's been a long time coming, and we are so excited to dive deeeeepppp into the world of Erilea!Want more Massverse? Check out our Massverse Connections Playlist here! CHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANFELLAS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JVloDSbL0b6NSeztH88PA?si=cb02cb48bd0e4f7fCheck out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Upcoming events:* The Dreamers & Readers Festival - Use code FFG for a discount off your ticket!FFG Live Show in Seattle, WA- https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0F006425E9997A20?brand=neptuneseattleThe Dragon Gauntlet - Chapter 3: Use code FFG15 at checkout to get $15 OFF!*For all Event Discounts - go to https://fantasyfangirls.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/posts/6891Listen now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24KydMMzrYfVpDggkFZx4j?si=fd7dc956393041b8Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-fangirls/id1706179464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirlsFollow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textWhen it comes to creativity and taking action on our dreams, there's a lot of talk about moving forward, but we don't spend nearly enough time looking back.That's why I'm adding this brand-new habit to the Devoted Dreamers Habit Series: Scheduled Reflection. It's a practice I didn't include when I first launched the series, but it's one I've come to see as essential for long-term faithfulness to a God-shaped dream.Here's why: Without a consistent reflection practice, we miss key opportunities for growth and learning. When was the last time you took a pause to reflect on something you tried? It could even be a new habit you attempted during this series. Did you keep it up all week? Was it a total flop? Did you find yourself making adjustments with each new attempt? When you skip the reflection, you also miss out on the potential mindset shift that comes as you consider what you might do differently next time. But when you build a new reflection practice, it helps you recognize what God is already doing in and through you.Want to make it easy? I share a simple three-question reflection framework you can use weekly, monthly, or anytime you feel stuck. If you want to pursue your dream with steadiness instead of burnout, this habit matters right now.Get the Habit Tracker here: merrittonsa.com/habits

Rich and Doug discuss an essential aspect to the call of God that is ignored in most churches in this epic podcast. Enjoy and share.   What do you think about the episode?  Comment below or email us: http://waw.fm/hello

What happens when confidence, compassion, and coding collide? On this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Greg Frigoletto sits down with Jacqueline Means, Miss Caribbean 2025, STEM advocate, and founder of the Girls Empowerment STEM Initiative, to explore how one young woman turned purpose into power. From earning national and international pageant titles to inspiring underprivileged girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, Jacqueline shares her journey, her mantra “Lift as you climb,” and her mission to expand access and representation in STEM fields. This Queen Codes is a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and using your voice to create opportunity for others. It is perfect for Dreamers ready to become Doers. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ Follow Host, Greg Frigoletto: https://www.instagram.com/gjfrig7/ Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SPOILERS FOR THE SERPENT & THE WOLFNicole & Lexi walk through everythingggg you need to know about The Serpent & The Wolf in preparation for the sequel on February 26th! Then, they are joined by Rebecca Robinson herself to talk through their burning questions after book 1, and to see if they can coax any information out of her about The Wicked & The Damned!CHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANFELLAS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JVloDSbL0b6NSeztH88PA?si=cb02cb48bd0e4f7fCheck out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Upcoming events:* The Dreamers & Readers Festival - Use code FFG for a discount off your ticket!FFG Live Show in Seattle, WA- https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0F006425E9997A20?brand=neptuneseattleThe Dragon Gauntlet - Chapter 3: Use code FFG15 at checkout to get $15 OFF!*For all Event Discounts - go to https://fantasyfangirls.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/posts/6891Listen now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24KydMMzrYfVpDggkFZx4j?si=fd7dc956393041b8Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-fangirls/id1706179464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirlsFollow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before we moved to our next series, we did a one-off special last christmas on patreon. Check out booksboys.com for links to our social media, merchandise, music, etc, as well as patreon.com/booksboys for the latest episodes of Playboys Extra, Darkplace Dreamers, Film Fellows, Animation Adventurers and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Greene and Jerdin Lindquist sit at the next generation of Las Vegas office brokerage: Greene with 18+ years in corporate finance, gaming, lodging, and private equity before joining MDL Group; Lindquist with a crowd-facing hospitality background, UNLV real estate track, and relationship superpowers. Together, they represent talent crossing into CRE with modern vision and data-driven discipline.

Actress, singer, and producer Gabrielle Ruiz joins the HarmonyTALK podcast to share her inspiring journey from growing up in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to performing on Broadway and starring in hit television shows. Raised in Edinburg, Texas, Gabrielle discovered her passion for the performing arts through public school arts education, while navigating life as a proud Mexican American artist. On HarmonyTALK, she talks openly about moving to New York City, facing rejection, and building resilience as a working performer. Gabrielle’s career includes Broadway productions such as In the Heights, Evita, and If Then, as well as her breakout television role as Valencia Perez on Crazy Ex Girlfriend, which she landed after being recommended by Lin Manuel Miranda. She currently voices T’Lyn on Star Trek Lower Decks and is producing new musical work, including The Randy Andys, a post-modern Broadway style musical revue. In this episode, Gabrielle also discusses arts education advocacy, mentoring young performers, and what it means to build a sustainable creative career. HarmonyTALK showcases inspiring conversations with Dreamers and Doers who have turned their dreams into reality, often against great odds. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ Follow Host, Lisa Champeau: https://www.instagram.com/lisachampeau/ Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the thing that feels like your biggest setback is actually the doorway to your purpose? In this episode, I sit down with Sprinkles Founder, Candace Nelson, to talk about how alignment, intention, and a bigger WHY fueled everything from launching the world's first cupcake bakery to creating the iconic Cupcake ATM. She also breaks down the mindset behind her new book, Sweet Success, offering a roadmap for anyone who feels stuck, burned out, or unsure of their next move. Get ready to rethink failure, and reconnect with what lights you up. In This Episode You Will Learn Why ALIGNMENT is the accelerator behind sustainable success. How getting FIRED can become the catalyst for your greatest work. Why following “BREADCRUMBS” beats trying to see the whole path. How one BELIEVER can change the trajectory of your life. The difference between DREAMERS and DOERS. Why “CRAZY IDEAS” are often future revenue streams. How to reframe IMPOSTER SYNDROME as proof you're growing. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Get your copy of Candace's book Sweet Success HERE Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Candace on Instagram & LinkedIn

SPOILERS FOR ALL FAE & ALCHEMY SERIES It's the end of our Fae & Alchemy coverage (for now!) and the final few chapters of Brimstone left us reelingggg! Saeris is willingly KO'd into the dreamscape to hunt down Edina's missing book page and her missing man! Transported to the Wicker Wood by the Fairy God-Hazrax, Saeris finds Kingfisher trapped by Belikon and has a final showdown that leads to Khydan Graystar Finvarra entering the chat! Huzzah! We wrap things up in Ajun Gate where our characters go straight to literal Hell, and Callie drops a HOT final bombshell for us to obsess over until book three!Bonus Chapters:The Gate Pt 1+2, The Fox, The Boots, The Dress: https://calliehart.com/kingfisher/ The Maze: In the back of the new hardback and in the ebook Orlena: In the UK Waterstones deluxe editionCHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANFELLAS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JVloDSbL0b6NSeztH88PA?si=cb02cb48bd0e4f7fCheck out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Upcoming events:* LIVE SHOW IN SEATTLE: Buy your tickets here!The Dreamers & Readers Festival - Use code FFG for a discount off your ticket!The Dragon Gauntlet - Chapter 3: Use code FFG15 at checkout to get $15 OFF!*For all Event Discounts - go to https://fantasyfangirls.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/posts/6891Listen now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24KydMMzrYfVpDggkFZx4j?si=fd7dc956393041b8Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-fangirls/id1706179464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirlsFollow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giannina the Cat Giannina the cat lived in a house with a garden. The garden wall bordered a park where children gathered to play. The town was small but charming — from the windowsills of the houses, pots of geraniums and petunias tumbled down like colorful cascades. Her owner, Signora Mafalda, often took her around the town center. All the children knew her, and whenever they spotted her, they would run over and shower her with affection. Giannina was quite the little rascal. During the day she loved chasing lizards, hunting insects, butterflies, and anything that moved. To rest, she would stretch out in the sun on the warm stones, then cool off among the blades of grass. In the garden, among the pomegranate tree, the lemon tree, and the olive with its silvery leaves, she and Mafalda spent their afternoons playing together. But one day, Mafalda began to notice something strange. Giannina would leap to catch her prey, but she kept missing and ending up in the rose bushes. "Ow, ow, ow! I've pricked myself and my tail is tangled in the branches!" she meowed. She barely managed to dodge trees she used to climb with ease. She reached her food and water bowls with an uncertain gait. Worried, Mafalda took her to the Veterinarian. After listening to the little cat's strange adventures, the Doctor smiled and delivered his verdict with a wise air: "This little kitty can't see well. She needs glasses." No sooner said than done — in the blink of an eye, the veterinarian searched through a display case full of frames for pets and, finding the perfect one, exclaimed: "Here we are — a pair of glasses fit for an elegant lady!" As soon as they were placed on Giannina's sweet little snout, the cat looked around in wonder. She could see everything so clearly! She rubbed against the Veterinarian's legs and leaped into Mafalda's arms as if to thank her. The Doctor, touched by her sweetness, gave her a special gift: a golden chain with a small pearl at its center that glowed with its own light. Whispering, he told her: "If you close your eyes and touch this pearl with your little nose, you will gain magical powers that only you will have. They will help you help others." Giannina thought that perhaps this Veterinarian was also a Wizard, but she said nothing to Mafalda. It was a secret between her and the strange Doctor. On the way home, people turned to look at her, thinking: that cat seems mysterious — there's something glimmering around her. At home, Giannina's first wish was to climb onto a chair and gaze out the window. The flowers shone in their colors, and even the grass was a brilliant green, as if covered in dew. She smiled, happier than ever. Mafalda, sharing in her joy, decided to take her to the park. They arrived in no time. Squirrels scampered through the trees, birds sang as they flew from branch to branch. Small creatures popped out everywhere, and the children followed them with curiosity — they ran alongside the lizards, leaped with the butterflies dancing in the air, while red ladybugs landed on their skin like good luck charms. After chases, slides, and ring-around-the-rosy, the children sat down on the grass for their snack. From their colorful backpacks came tasty treats. That's when they arrived. "Vriiip! Vriiip! Vriiip!" At full speed, a platoon of ants zoomed in on rumbling mini-motorcycles. They wore shiny little helmets on their heads, round goggles over their eyes, and tiny boots on their feet. They braked sharply in front of the children, raising little clouds of dust. "Make way! We're here too!" shouted the lead ant, lifting her visor. "Can we collect the crumbs?" The children burst out laughing. "Yes, yes! Munch all the crumbs you want!" The ants parked their mini-motorcycles in a neat row, removed their helmets with theatrical gestures, and got to work carrying crumbs twice their size, singing a little marching song. In this joyful atmosphere, Giannina and Mafalda strolled along the pathways. And suddenly, as they passed, the trees bent their branches in a bow and their leaves rustled in greeting. The roses in the flower beds opened their petals and began to sing. The lizards beat their tails on the ground like drums: "Rattatatà! Rattatatà!" And the millipedes started tap dancing to the lively rhythm. "Oh my, what a wonderful commotion!" exclaimed Giannina, who was beginning to feel a mysterious aura around her. She couldn't help but think of the Wizard Veterinarian. What could these magical powers be? And what would happen if she touched the pearl with her little nose? She told Mafalda, who was carrying a book of fairy tales under her arm. They looked at each other and, understanding instantly, seized the moment. Giannina gathered the children in a circle. Some came quickly, others more shy joined in slowly. The ants too, their bellies full, put on their mini helmets again, did one last rumbling lap on their motorcycles, then climbed off and approached the group. It was the right moment. Giannina closed her eyes and touched the magic pearl with her little nose. A golden spark flashed in the air. She took the book from Mafalda's hands, opened it, and chose the tale that seemed to be waiting for her, glowing among the pages. In a gentle voice, she began to read. "Once upon a time, there was a little rabbit who lived in the woods. He kept tripping over tree roots and pebbles. At school, he made mistakes reading letters and numbers, so he didn't want to go anymore. When the teacher saw his drawings, she said: 'Well done!' His mom and dad said the same: 'Well done!' But to him, the colors seemed faded. The truth was, he couldn't see well, but instead of saying so, he would run away and hide in a burrow beneath a talking tree. And the tree, with the rustle of its leaves, whispered a secret: talk to your parents. So he did, and they helped him get glasses. And the world became beautiful again." Giannina closed the book. She understood: with the magic pearl, she could read the hearts of children, discovering emotions and secrets waiting to be brought to light. "You know," she said to her little listeners, "not long ago, I couldn't see well either. But I put on these glasses and poof! The world became clearer and more beautiful." A boy approached her, almost embarrassed, and whispered in her ear: "Maybe I need them too, like you." Giannina gently stroked him. "I helped you open your heart. Now talk to your parents, and everything will be fine." Just then, a little rabbit appeared suddenly from the bushes. He came up to Giannina, hugged her, and said: "You are magically magical!" And — you won't believe it — that little rabbit was wearing a lovely pair of colorful glasses. From that day on, Giannina took the children of the town by the paw, teaching them to believe in themselves and to have confidence. She became the mascot with the magic glasses, and everyone wanted to wear them just like her. But the true wonder was how she now saw the world from her window: brighter, more colorful, more alive. And every evening, before falling asleep, she would touch the pearl with her little nose and smile, knowing that the next day she would help someone else see the world with new eyes. It almost seemed like it had been a dream. But as we know, reality and fantasy often walk hand in hand. _— Written by Lucia & Marco Ciappelli_ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Time for series 6 of Darkplace Dreamers! Dean & Darkplace Robert review Wes Craven's Nightmare Café starring Robert Englund. FINAL EPISODE!Check out booksboys.com for links to our social media, merchandise, music, etc, as well as patreon.com/booksboys for the latest episodes of Playboys Extra, Darkplace Dreamers, Film Fellows, Animation Adventurers and more! DOWNLOAD, or stream: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SPOILERS FOR ALL FAE & ALCHEMY SERIESIn chapters 37-45, Lexi and Nicole dive deeeepppp into the chaos – starting with the Evenlight Ball! Saeris is publicly disavowed by Tal, names Foley as the new Lord of Midnight, and then watches in horror as her court dissolves before her eyes (thanks to Tal and Iseabail). The rot is also at Cahlish's doorstep, forcing the group to flee through a shadowgate — only to face a surprise feeder attack that leaves Kingfisher missing and key pages of Edina's journal mysteriously gone. There is much to unpack this episode!Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to https://hiyahealth.com/FFG.Bonus Chapters:The Gate Pt 1+2, The Fox, The Boots, The Dress: https://calliehart.com/kingfisher/The Maze: In the back of the new hardback and in the ebookOrlena: In the UK Waterstones deluxe editionCHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANFELLAS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JVloDSbL0b6NSeztH88PA?si=cb02cb48bd0e4f7fCheck out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/Upcoming events:*March 6-8 - The Dreamers & Readers Festival - Use code FFG for a discount off your ticket!April 8th - Partnering with the Denver Nuggets for a Fourth Wing Night April 19th - Seattle Live show (Check out our socials for when tickets go on sale)May 29+30 Star Fall Ball in Denver CO - SOLD OUTSeptember 11+12 - The Dragon Gauntlet - SOLD OUT*For all Event Discounts - go to https://fantasyfangirls.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/posts/6891Listen now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24KydMMzrYfVpDggkFZx4j?si=fd7dc956393041b8Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-fangirls/id1706179464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirlsFollow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIf you've ever needed permission to slow down and start again, this episode is for you.After a five-month pause, the Devoted Dreamers Podcast is back. In this season opener, I share why I stepped away from podcasting, what burnout taught me about identity and rest, and how God met me in a quieter season. I also share what's changing in Season 14 and what you can expect as the show returns with a renewed focus on simple habits, faithful steps, and pursuing God-shaped dreams without burning out.In case we haven't met yet, I'm your host, Merritt Onsa, a mentor for Christian women in midlife who want to turn their big ideas into purposeful work. I come alongside women like you to help you discern what God might be inviting you into and take faithful next steps without pretending to have it all figured out.If you love Jesus, know you've been given specific gifts and experiences for a reason, and you're tired of circling the dream instead of walking it out with God, you're in the right place.Welcome to the Devoted Dreamers Podcast!

LEOPOLDO'S SECRET LIBRARYSome people are strange — they like to spend their evenings reading books.Others are even stranger — they believe in the magic found between pages, in fantastical adventures, in stories of impossible love, in ghosts that walk among the living, and they think that everything that doesn't exist — maybe does after all.In short, this story is for those who are a little strange, like you and me — you know, for those who.So… listen.If you take the road up the hill from the center of town, you'll find an old and noble villa, one that has been there for a very long time. It must be about 350 years now that it has stood there in silence, watching and breathing softly beneath the Tuscan sky.Enormous rooms filled with history, endless corridors, and windows as large as dreams — but now, instead of porcelain plates and figurines, it gives us stories on paper for those who wish to read them.Yes, now it's the town library — a bit out of the way, but so beautiful. Well, you can't have everything.Now, on a summer night, wrapped in a blanket of stars and the soft glow of delicate lanterns, the villa had filled with voices, music, smiles, and so many stories told and heard, spoken aloud or whispered, intertwining in the embrace of the celebration.A special evening already, no doubt, but pay attention, because something even more unusual was about to happen.Yes, because Elisa was there too. Eyes as wide as the sky, hair as dark as the night, and a book in her hand — as always.Despite everything happening around her, Elisa preferred to read.She was there, in the main corridor: between the garden and the inner courtyard, halfway between the certain and the perhaps, sitting in an armchair a little too big for her, lost in a mysterious and captivating story — in a world all her own.She turns a page, then another, adjusts her yellow glasses, and turns another page…When slowly, the echo of piano music reached her ears.She didn't pay much attention. Thinking it came from the courtyard, she turned another page — and then another.But before long she realized that the notes she heard were not coming from the villa's courtyard but from one of its corridors — carried by a gentle breeze, from faraway places outside of time.Without thinking too much, Elisa rose silently, tucked her book under her arm, and followed the music.She crossed ancient corridors and rooms with shelves full of volumes of every size and color imaginable — rainbows of thoughts and words lined up one by one that seemed to never end.As the music grew stronger, the light faded, the rooms she passed through began to appear forgotten, the stone stairs she climbed and descended worn by time, the side corridors were now dark passages lit only by torches on the walls, appearing and disappearing in the darkness like breaths.A staircase, a wooden door left ajar, another passage, another staircase, and still more rooms and shelves and books without end.Then, suddenly, a mist covered the floor like a gentle tide, and there, before her, a heavy curtain — half open.A little light showed through, and a few small wooden steps.She climbed them, those little stairs, and the music wrapped around her like an embrace.On the stage, candles floated in the air like fireflies on a timeless night. And there, at the center, seated before a tiny piano, was a mouse.But not just any mouse.Leopoldo wore a dark green tweed jacket, brown trousers pressed with care, and on his little snout, golden spectacles that gleamed with ancient and gentle wisdom.His fingers danced on the keys as if they were telling a secret."Welcome, Elisa," he said, without stopping his playing. "I've been waiting for you."Elisa blinked, enchanted. "How do you know my name?""Ah," Leopoldo smiled, letting the last note fade softly into the air, "those who love stories always recognize those who seek them."He stood, adjusted his jacket with an elegant gesture, and looked at her with eyes full of stars."Do you know where you are?""In the town library," Elisa answered, but her voice trembled a little, as if she knew the answer was something else."That one everyone knows," said Leopoldo, stepping down slowly from the stage. "Every town has one that everyone knows. But every town also has another — one that almost no one finds."He paused, his eyes gleaming."You have found the second."Leopoldo led her toward a large wooden door that Elisa could have sworn wasn't there a moment before. It opened slowly, without a sound, like a sigh held too long.And what she saw took her breath away.Endless shelves climbed upward, descended downward, stretched in every direction like spirals of galaxies made of paper and dreams. Candles floated everywhere, illuminating books that seemed to breathe, to pulse softly, like sleeping hearts."What is this place?" Elisa whispered."This," said Leopoldo, walking among the shelves, "is the library of books never written."Elisa followed, confused. "Books never written? But how can they exist?"Leopoldo stopped, turned, and looked at her with infinite gentleness."Every story ever dreamed exists, Elisa. Every adventure imagined before sleep. Every tale thought but never put to paper. They all live here, at the border between the world and the dream, waiting."They stopped before a shelf.Leopoldo pointed to a small book, bound in blue like a summer sky."Touch it," he said softly.Elisa reached out, hesitant, and brushed the cover.A gentle warmth passed through her fingers. And for an instant — just an instant — she heard a child's laughter, saw a dragon made of clouds, and a castle built of pillows and blankets."This," said Leopoldo, "was the dream of a six-year-old boy. A story he told his teddy bear every night. He never wrote it down. But it exists. You see? It exists."Elisa smiled, her heart light.They walked on, through corridors of silent stories, until Leopoldo stopped before another book.This one was different. Larger, bound in dark leather, with golden letters that seemed to tremble."And this one?" asked Elisa, quietly."This one," said Leopoldo, and his voice grew soft as a caress, "belonged to a grandmother."Elisa touched it.And she felt something different.Not laughter, this time. But a warm, distant voice, telling of a brave little girl who crossed an enchanted forest to bring light to a forgotten village."It was the story she wanted to leave her grandchildren," Leopoldo explained. "But time… time sometimes runs faster than dreams. She didn't have time to write it."Elisa felt her eyes sting."But it's here," she whispered."It's here," Leopoldo confirmed. "Forever."They continued walking, in silence, until they reached a shelf unlike the others.It was nearly empty. Only a few books, spaced apart, and so many open spaces, waiting.At the center, a book without a title.The cover was white, clean, like freshly fallen snow, like a page waiting for its first mark."May I?" asked Elisa.Leopoldo nodded.She touched it.Nothing. No warmth. No voice. Only silence. But a full silence, like a breath held."This book is empty," said Elisa, surprised."Not yet written," Leopoldo corrected. "Not even dreamed. Not yet. It waits for someone to find the courage to imagine it."He turned toward her, and his eyes shone like the candles floating around them."Perhaps it waits for you. Perhaps it waits for someone else. But it waits."Elisa stood still, looking at that white book.And she understood.She understood that every story she had ever imagined, every adventure invented before sleep, every dream she thought lost upon waking, existed somewhere.And she understood something else.That you don't have to be afraid to write.Because stories already exist — in the heart, in the mind, in dreams. Putting them on paper is not creating them from nothing. It is only opening a door and letting them out."I have to go, don't I?" said Elisa, softly.Leopoldo smiled. "Your world awaits you. But now you know this place exists. And you know that every story you dream will always have a place here, whether you write it or not."He paused."But if you do write it," he added with a sly smile, "it can live out there too. And that, my dear, is another kind of magic."Elisa found herself back in the villa's corridor, sitting in the armchair a little too big for her, the book still under her arm.The celebration went on, voices and music and laughter, as if no time had passed at all.But something had changed.She had changed.She opened the book she had been reading, looked at the pages, and smiled.Then she closed it.Because now she knew that the most beautiful stories are not only the ones we read.They are the ones we carry inside, the ones we dream with our eyes open, and the ones that one day, with a little courage, we dare to tell.— This story was written by Marco Ciappelli for "Storie Sotto Le Stelle"  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Time for series 6 of Darkplace Dreamers! Dean & Darkplace Robert review Wes Craven's Nightmare Café starring Robert Englund. Check out booksboys.com for links to our social media, merchandise, music, etc, as well as patreon.com/booksboys for the latest episodes of Playboys Extra, Darkplace Dreamers, Film Fellows, Animation Adventurers and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Song of the Day is “Fighting Back” from Voxtrot's album Dreamers in Exile, out February 27.

SPOILERS FOR ALL FAE & ALCHEMY SERIES In this episode, Lexi and Nicole dive deeeeep into chapters 29–36 of Brimstone! Saeris and Kingfisher reunite in Cahlish (cue the bangity bang—huzzah!), and Saeris finally uncovers the secret behind the mysterious paper birds in the library… which, unfortunately, comes with a very cryptic Edina to-do list. Things take a terrifying turn when Archer is attacked (he survives, thank f*ck), leading to a HUGE breakthrough in how to heal the rot. Plus, we get a deeply satisfying Hayden slap and the sweetest Kingfisher/Onyx moment you absolutely don't want to miss.Bonus Chapters:The Gate Pt 1+2, The Fox, The Boots, The Dress: https://calliehart.com/kingfisher/ The Maze: In the back of the new hardback and in the ebook Orlena: In the UK Waterstones deluxe editionCHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANFELLAS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JVloDSbL0b6NSeztH88PA?si=cb02cb48bd0e4f7fCheck out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Upcoming events:* The Dreamers & Readers Festival - Use code FFG for a discount off your ticket!The Dragon Gauntlet - SOLD OUTListen now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24KydMMzrYfVpDggkFZx4j?si=fd7dc956393041b8Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-fangirls/id1706179464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirlsFollow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About the Show:"Every time I introduce someone and they find their tribe, that feeds my soul." – Rebecca Luther aka Queenie BeRebecca Luther—who goes by Queenie Be—went from feeling isolated after a divorce to building some of the biggest community networks in Northwest Arkansas. In this episode, she talks about how one Facebook post changed everything.Rebecca founded The Hive Network, a support group for single moms, a thriving singles community, and now one of our region's largest business networking groups—all without any background in event planning or running nonprofits. She just saw people who needed connection and decided to do something about it.We talk about loneliness, why being honest matters more than being perfect, and how showing up authentically can change your life. If you're a business owner looking for community, a single parent feeling stretched thin, new to Northwest Arkansas, or just feeling like you don't quite fit in—this conversation is for you.Sometimes the best things we build come from our hardest seasons. Rebecca's story proves it.Key Takeaways:Turning Pain into Purpose: Rebecca's story shows how personal struggles can ignite leadership and help others in similar situations.Finding Your Community: The Hive Network, Singles Group, and Single Mom Sisterhood are places where everyone is welcome, connected, and supported.Local Business Support: Virtual and in-person networking, like “Follow Me Fridays,” help small businesses grow their audiences and connect with new customers—for free!Authenticity Matters: Vulnerability, transparency, and showing your real self are key to building lasting relationships.Supporting Mental Health: Both men and women need connection—breaking the myth that only women need support and recognizing the importance of friendships for all.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Instagram: Queenie B NWA - @queenieBnwaFacebook: QueenieBNWA page and Hive Networking NWA GroupLinkedIn: Rebecca Luther (aka Queenie Be)Website: HiveNetworkingNWA.comUpcoming Events: Watch for announcements about Gownsational, Queenie Connects singles events, and Hive business networking gatherings at local venues like The...

The people you surround yourself with shape how big you allow yourself to dream. In 2026, it is time to stop thinking realistic and start thinking possible. Show Notes In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor welcomes listeners to 2026 by sharing a powerful moment from a visit to Guitar Center. What started as a simple trip to buy a keyboard became a reminder of who he used to be, who he is now, and why dreaming still matters. Baylor reflects on walking into the same store years ago with no money and nothing but vision. Back then, there was no plan, no strategy, and no idea how life would work out. There was only a dream. Standing in that same place years later, able to buy what once felt impossible, he is reminded that progress often starts long before the plan ever shows up. While there, Baylor observes two scenes that reignite his belief in dreaming. A young musician practicing just to stay sharp, believing one day he will own the instrument he is playing. A father and daughter excitedly buying a pink guitar, each dreaming in their own way. Those moments highlight a critical truth. Being around people with goals is good. Being around people with dreams is different. This episode challenges the word realistic and why it quietly limits potential. Baylor explains how realism is often just someone else's ceiling placed on your life. When accepted long enough, it becomes self imposed limitation. Dreamers, on the other hand, are not anchored to current circumstances. They are anchored to vision. As you enter 2026, Baylor encourages you to audit your goals. Are they based on what feels safe and realistic or are they connected to what you once dreamed was possible. He reminds listeners that aiming higher does not mean failing more. Even falling short of a dream often places you far beyond where a small goal ever could. Finally, Baylor explains that one of the greatest responsibilities of living your dream is helping others live theirs. Whether through encouragement, wisdom, access, or support, helping someone else believe in what could be keeps your own dream alive. What You'll Learn in This Episode • The difference between goal driven energy and dream driven energy • Why realistic thinking quietly limits growth • How being around dreamers expands your vision • Why big dreams matter even without a clear plan • How funding someone else's dream keeps yours alive • Why 2026 should be built on possibility, not limitation Featured Quote "Realistic is just someone else's ceiling that you eventually place on yourself."

Send us a message!In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Arlen Busenitz to talk about his unconventional path from a Kansas farm to pastoring a small-town church, volunteering as an EMT, working with NASA through a defense contractor, and ultimately becoming CEO of Destin Dreamers. Before he was running a luxury vacation rental company on Florida's Emerald Coast, Arlen was hauling 500-pound rocks in a 1976 Jeep pickup to pay for college. It's an unlikely origin story but one that laid the foundation for everything he's built since.Packed with practical frameworks, hard-won wisdom, and what Annie coins "Arlenisms," this is the story of how grit, perspective, and a relationship-first philosophy built a standout brand in one of the most competitive vacation rental markets in the country.We cover:1️⃣ Why people do not buy stays, but experiences, outcomes, and peace of mind2️⃣ How calm leadership changes the way teams, guests, and owners respond under pressure3️⃣ Why simplifying operations is the real foundation for scalable growth4️⃣ How to identify owner fit and why saying no protects your team and your culture5️⃣ Practical frameworks for preventing issues and responding clearly when they arise6️⃣ How Destin Dreamers balances systems, structure, and human judgment7️⃣ Where AI fits in guest communication and where it should not8️⃣ What it means to lead in a competitive market without panic or burnoutConnect with Arlen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abflorida/Website:https://www.destindreamers.com/ Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value).