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What happens when the world of GLP-1s collides with the operating room? Today, we're diving into the new era of obesity care. Hosts· Matthew Martin, trauma and bariatric surgeon at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) @docmartin2· Adrian Dan, bariatric and MIS surgeon, program director for the advanced MIS bariatric and foregut fellowship at Summa Health System (Akron, Ohio) @DrAdrianDan· Crystal Johnson Mann, bariatric and foregut surgeon at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida) @crys_noelle_· Katherine Cironi, general surgery resident at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) @cironimacaroniLearning objectives1. Understand the evolving role of OMMs in bariatric surgical practice· Recognize how widespread GLP-1 and dual-incretin therapies have reshaped patient presentations, expectations, and referral patterns.· Appreciate current evidence comparing surgery to GLP-1 therapy, including the JAMA Surgery study out of Allegheny Health (2025), noting:o Superior weight loss with bariatric surgery (~28% TBWL vs ~10% with GLP-1s)o Higher health-care utilization and cost in GLP-1–treated patients.· Frame OMMs not as alternatives but as complementary tools within a chronic disease model when treating obesity.2. Review pharmacologic classes and their expected efficacy· Surgeons should be able to articulate the mechanisms, efficacy, and limitations of:o GLP-1 receptor agonists – incretin-based satiety; 5–12% TBWL.o Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists – most potent agents; 15–22% TBWL.o Sympathomimetics – norepinephrine-driven appetite suppression; 3–7% TBWL.o Combination agents (bupropion-naltrexone, phentermine-topiramate) – 5–12% TBWL depending on regimen.o Emerging therapies – retatrutide, maritide, oral GLP-1s, with promising TBWL in phase 2 trials3. Apply OMMs strategically in the preoperative phase· Integrate OMMs without compromising surgical eligibility—OMM-related weight loss does not negate the indication for surgery.· Counsel patients that medication response does not equal disease resolution; surgery remains the most durable intervention.· Manage delayed gastric emptying and aspiration risk:o Pause weekly GLP-1 or dual agonists for ≥1 week pre-op (longer if symptomatic).o Collaborate closely with the anesthesia/OR teams· Screen for nutritional depletion before surgery, especially protein deficits exacerbated by appetite suppression.· Navigate insurance barriers that may paradoxically approve surgery but deny medication continuation.4. Implement postoperative OMMs safely and effectively· Establish criteria for OMM introduction:o Typical initiation at 6–12 months, once the diet stabilizes and the physiologic curve flattens.o Earlier initiation (4–6 weeks) may be appropriate in pediatric or select high-risk populations.· Recognize altered pharmacokinetics after sleeve and bypass:o Injectables may be preferred due to altered absorption of oral agents.· Prevent postoperative nutritional compromise:o Monitor protein intake, hydration, and micronutrient status (including iron, B12, and fat-soluble vitamins).o Titrate doses slowly to minimize nausea/vomiting that can precipitate malnutrition.· Frame OMM use as a tool for disease persistence (plateau/regain), not as a marker of failure.5. Identify systems-level barriers and the implementation of coordinated care· Understand insurance inconsistencies—coverage for surgery is often not paired with coverage for long-term medical therapy.· Clearly document disease persistence and medical necessity when appealing denials.· Avoid fragmented care: establish shared-care pathways between bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, and primary care.· Use patient-centered language emphasizing complementary therapy, not hierarchy or competition between surgery and medications.6. Counsel patients ethically and accurately within a chronic disease model· Set expectations: sustained success requires surgery + medication + behavioral change.· Educate patients that postoperative OMM use does not imply surgical failure.· Normalize long-term multimodal management of obesity, analogous to diabetes or hypertension models.*Sponsor Disclaimer: Visit goremedical.com/btkpod to learn more about GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, including supporting references and disclaimers for the presented content. Refer to Instructions for Use at eifu.goremedical.com for a complete description of all applicable indications, warnings, precautions and contraindications for the markets where this product is available. Rx only Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more. If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium:General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US
Send us a textDiscover the limitless potential of The Healthy Mindset Application (App) with our exclusive Application Assess, Educate, Coach approach. Begin your journey of personal transformation through The Healthy Mindset App Podcast, featuring meditations, breathing exercises, and invaluable coaching insights. Our methodologies cultivate a growth mindset, empowering you to adopt self-coaching practices while engaging in mindfulness and resilience building. Delve into personalized 1-on-1 coaching sessions with Mike Hartman through The Healthy Mindset Coaching On Demand, focusing on goal setting and confidence enhancement. Each participant receives a tailored Audio MP3 Debriefing based on their assessment, ensuring personalized guidance every step of the way. For inquiries about 1:1 coaching or speaking engagements, please email Mike@Hartman.AcademyBook A Session https://calendly.com/coachingondemand/performancemindsetcoaching?month=2024-05Healthy Mindset For Athletes & Workplace Athletes Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Mindset-Athletes-Workplace-Everything-ebook/dp/B0B55CFSCJ
Is "developer-friendly" AI security actually possible? In this episode, Bryan Woolgar-O'Neil (CTO & Co-founder of Harmonic Security) joins Ashish to dismantle the traditional "block everything" approach to security.Bryan explains why 70% of Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers are running locally on developer laptops and why trying to block them is a losing battle . Instead, he advocates for a "coaching" approach, intervening in real-time to guide engineers rather than stopping their flow .We dive deep into the technical realities of MCP (Model Context Protocol), why it's becoming the standard for connecting AI to data, and the security risks of connecting it to production environments . Bryan also shares his prediction that Small Language Models (SLMs) will eventually outperform general giants like ChatGPT for specific business tasks .Guest Socials - Bryan's Linkedin Podcast Twitter - @CloudSecPod If you want to watch videos of this LIVE STREAMED episode and past episodes - Check out our other Cloud Security Social Channels:-Cloud Security Podcast- Youtube- Cloud Security Newsletter If you are interested in AI Security, you can check out our sister podcast - AI Security PodcastQuestions asked:(00:00) Introduction(01:55) Who is Bryan Woolgar-O'Neil?(03:00) Why AI Adoption Stops at Experimentation(05:15) The "Shadow AI" Blind Spot: Firewall Stats vs. Reality (08:00) Is AI Security Fundamentally Different? (Speed & Scale) (10:45) Can Security Ever Be "Developer Friendly"? (14:30) What is MCP (Model Context Protocol)? (17:20) Why 70% of MCP Usage is Local (and the Risks) (21:30) The "Coaching" Approach: Don't Just Block, Educate (25:40) Developer First: Permissive vs. Blocking Cultures (30:20) The Rise of the "Head of AI" Role (34:30) Use Cases: Workforce Productivity vs. Product Integration (41:00) An AI Security Maturity Model (Visibility -> Access -> Coaching) (46:00) Future Prediction: Agentic Flows & Urgent Tasks (49:30) Why Small Language Models (SLMs) Will Win (53:30) Fun Questions: Feature Films & Pork Dumplings
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ingrid Jacobs. A veteran enterprise leader, former HR executive, and Chief Growth Officer for The Revenue Retreat, a luxury boutique retreat for executive women who want to build profitable businesses without burnout. She and Rushion discuss her corporate background, her unique approach to customer integration, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, pricing psychology, common business mistakes, age-related limiting beliefs, and the transformational design of her retreat program.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ingrid Jacobs. A veteran enterprise leader, former HR executive, and Chief Growth Officer for The Revenue Retreat, a luxury boutique retreat for executive women who want to build profitable businesses without burnout. She and Rushion discuss her corporate background, her unique approach to customer integration, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, pricing psychology, common business mistakes, age-related limiting beliefs, and the transformational design of her retreat program.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ingrid Jacobs. A veteran enterprise leader, former HR executive, and Chief Growth Officer for The Revenue Retreat, a luxury boutique retreat for executive women who want to build profitable businesses without burnout. She and Rushion discuss her corporate background, her unique approach to customer integration, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, pricing psychology, common business mistakes, age-related limiting beliefs, and the transformational design of her retreat program.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle. SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald [ 1. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of this interview was to: Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [ Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth. Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [ Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months. Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience. 2. High-Level Summary Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT. Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves. Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations: Uploading YouTube links Creating summaries Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more…all from a single input. Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately. C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [ D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.Alicia urges people to: Become AI‑fluent Join AI committees at work Pursue certification Use AI to become their company’s internal expert “There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government She provides insights on… AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92% Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups AI mental health companions Government calls for national AI leadership G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting Her business model includes: Free monthly summits Paid masterclasses Corporate consulting AI certifications Live Atlanta workshops She teaches others to become AI consultants too. H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying: “There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings. Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity. 4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity “Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” On Training Entrepreneurs “Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.” On the Power of AI Tools “You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” On Pivoting Her Entire Company “In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” On Being Black in Tech “My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” On Personal Resilience “You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) On Future-Proofing Careers “Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.” On AI as a Human-First Technology “AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle. SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald [ 1. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of this interview was to: Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [ Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth. Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [ Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months. Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience. 2. High-Level Summary Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT. Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves. Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations: Uploading YouTube links Creating summaries Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more…all from a single input. Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately. C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [ D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.Alicia urges people to: Become AI‑fluent Join AI committees at work Pursue certification Use AI to become their company’s internal expert “There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government She provides insights on… AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92% Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups AI mental health companions Government calls for national AI leadership G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting Her business model includes: Free monthly summits Paid masterclasses Corporate consulting AI certifications Live Atlanta workshops She teaches others to become AI consultants too. H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying: “There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings. Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity. 4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity “Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” On Training Entrepreneurs “Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.” On the Power of AI Tools “You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” On Pivoting Her Entire Company “In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” On Being Black in Tech “My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” On Personal Resilience “You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) On Future-Proofing Careers “Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.” On AI as a Human-First Technology “AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Like 99% of companies are pushing AI.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle. SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald [ 1. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of this interview was to: Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [ Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth. Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [ Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months. Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience. 2. High-Level Summary Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT. Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves. Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations: Uploading YouTube links Creating summaries Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more…all from a single input. Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately. C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [ D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.Alicia urges people to: Become AI‑fluent Join AI committees at work Pursue certification Use AI to become their company’s internal expert “There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government She provides insights on… AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92% Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups AI mental health companions Government calls for national AI leadership G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting Her business model includes: Free monthly summits Paid masterclasses Corporate consulting AI certifications Live Atlanta workshops She teaches others to become AI consultants too. H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying: “There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings. Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity. 4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity “Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” On Training Entrepreneurs “Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.” On the Power of AI Tools “You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” On Pivoting Her Entire Company “In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” On Being Black in Tech “My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” On Personal Resilience “You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) On Future-Proofing Careers “Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.” On AI as a Human-First Technology “AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts and questions?In this conversation, Ron Kmetovicz shares his insights on financial independence, emphasizing the importance of multiple income streams, responsible investing, and the lessons learned from his life experiences. He discusses the inspiration behind his book, 'Ghost Money,' and outlines key principles for achieving financial success, including behaviors to avoid and adopt. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, consulting others, and finding passion in work as essential components of building true wealth and independence.Main Points:Financial independence is achieved through multiple income streams.Legacy and mentorship are important aspects of financial education.Keep financial principles simple and focused.Avoid pride and seek advice from knowledgeable individuals.Hard work and passion are essential for success.Educate yourself continuously in your field of work.Balance work and enjoyment in life.Discipline in spending is crucial for financial health.Live modestly to allow for investment opportunities.Investing skills can be learned over time.Connect with Ron Kmetovicz:ron@ghostmoneythebook.comhttps://ghostmoneythebook.com/X: @ghostmoneyedu
Inspire, Empower & Educate with Doc JC (@doc.jclewis) where they share their biggest lessons learned and words of wisdom from losing herself and graduating medical school! Find out more about them at Website: https://www.adventureswithdocjc.com/ Join the FREE Facebook group for The Michael Brian Show at https://www.facebook.com/groups/themichaelbrianshow Follow Mike on Facebook Instagram & X
Send us a textDiscover the limitless potential of The Healthy Mindset Application (App) with our exclusive Application Assess, Educate, Coach approach. Begin your journey of personal transformation through The Healthy Mindset App Podcast, featuring meditations, breathing exercises, and invaluable coaching insights. Our methodologies cultivate a growth mindset, empowering you to adopt self-coaching practices while engaging in mindfulness and resilience building. Delve into personalized 1-on-1 coaching sessions with Mike Hartman through The Healthy Mindset Coaching On Demand, focusing on goal setting and confidence enhancement. Each participant receives a tailored Audio MP3 Debriefing based on their assessment, ensuring personalized guidance every step of the way. For inquiries about 1:1 coaching or speaking engagements, please email Mike@Hartman.AcademyBook A Session https://calendly.com/coachingondemand/performancemindsetcoaching?month=2024-05Healthy Mindset For Athletes & Workplace Athletes Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Mindset-Athletes-Workplace-Everything-ebook/dp/B0B55CFSCJ
In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson and co-host Marty Anderson engage in a detailed conversation with Michael Liner, a Social Security disability attorney who has gained fame on TikTok for his informative and entertaining content. Michael shares his personal journey from facing early educational challenges to becoming a leading disability advocate. He discusses the roles and responsibilities of his law practice, the intricacies of Social Security Disability Benefits, and debunks common myths surrounding the system. Michael also emphasizes the importance of dignity and authenticity in advocacy and offers valuable advice for navigating complex legal frameworks. The episode concludes with light-hearted rapid-fire questions, adding a fun twist to an insightful discussion. In-Depth Timeline of Events 00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alicia 00:50 Meet Michael Liner: The Viral Lawyer 02:14 Michael's Journey: From Troubled Youth to Lawyer 04:13 Living the Dream: Michael's Current Life and Work 06:39 The Challenges and Rewards of Disability Law 13:35 Michael's Personal Struggles and Triumphs 18:33 Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits 20:43 Debunking Disability Myths 21:17 Disability Leadership Summit Announcement 22:09 Social Security Disability Trust Fund Facts 24:09 Addressing Fraud and Misconceptions 25:09 Cultural Stigma and Disability Benefits 27:25 Personal Story of Overcoming Stigma 28:56 Disability Inclusion in the Workforce 30:10 Empowering the Disabled Community 32:32 Legal Support and Client Services 36:12 Fun Lightning Round Questions 38:22 Final Thoughts and Mantra A Quote from Michael “ You have rights, you are a human.” ~ Michael Liner Inclusion in Action: Key Threads ✨ Meet Michael Liner: The Influential Attorney
STRONGER BONES LIFESTYLE: REVERSING THE COURSE OF OSTEOPOROSIS NATURALLY
This milestone Episode 150 is a powerful solo conversation with Debi Robinson that reframes how we think about osteoporosis and bone loss.Debi shares a perspective that changed her own work profoundly: there are over 150 documented causes of bone loss. When bone loss is viewed through this lens, osteoporosis is no longer a mystery, a personal failure, or an inevitable result of aging — it becomes a multi-system condition with many opportunities for intervention.In this episode, Debi explains why bone loss doesn't start in the bones, how layered stressors accumulate over time, and why addressing only one factor (like calcium, medication, or exercise alone) is rarely enough. This is an empowering, educational episode designed to replace fear with clarity and choice.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy osteoporosis is not a single-condition diseaseHow digestion and absorption affect bone densityThe role hormones play beyond menopause aloneWhy chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation dissolve boneHow movement can either build or weaken bonesThe impact of nutrition, toxins, and medications on bone healthWhy layered causes require a layered solutionHow understanding root causes restores personal agencyAction Steps You Can Take TodayReframe your diagnosis — bone loss is information, not identity.Support digestion first to improve mineral absorption.Address chronic stress through breath, movement, and rest.Move daily with intention, alignment, and balance.Review medications and exposures that may affect bone health.Focus on consistency, not perfection, across lifestyle habits.Educate yourself so fear no longer drives decisions.Resources & LinksStronger Bones Lifestyle resources: https://debirobinson.comHealthy Gut, Healthy Bones Program:https://debirobinsonwellness.thrivecart.com/hghb-self-paced-group-program-pp/Debi's TakeawayBone loss doesn't happen overnight — it happens layer by layer. And that means it can be addressed layer by layer, too.When you understand the many factors that influence your bones — digestion, hormones, stress, movement, nutrition, and toxic load — bone health stops being confusing and starts becoming manageable.Your bones are living tissue.They are responding.And they can respond differently.
Earlier this month, the newest version of Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released by the federal government — with a new inverted pyramid graphic that looks very different from the My Plate and Food Pyramid guides that have been used during the last few decades.
Gray Augustus is the new executive director of the Idaho Falls Arts Council. He recently attended a meet and greet where he was able to better understand what the community wants from the local arts council. He shared his aspirations for the future of the arts in Idaho Falls with BYU-Idaho Radio
Between The Covers : Conversations with Writers in Fiction, Nonfiction & Poetry
“When I tell you a story about my body, I cannot separate it from a story about water. And a story about water is also a story about family. And a story about family is rooted in the earth…,” opens Sangamithra Iyer’s Governing Bodies. What does it mean for a memoir to assume the elusive, ever-changing shape of water, to be the story of family but where the notion of family crosses the boundaries of blood, culture, nation and even species? Governing Bodies, as the Whiting judges said in their citation, is “a subtle, meditative exploration on grief and nonviolence, an international and intergenerational voyage through shared histories and a consideration of what we owe to each other and the natural world.” For the bonus audio archive, Sangu contributes a reading of her remarkable essay “Are You Willing?” which originally appeared in the anthology Writing for Animals: New Perspectives for Writers & Instructors to Educate & Inspire. This joins an ever-growing archive of contributions from past guests—from Richard Powers to adrienne maree brown, Forrest Gander to Arthur Sze, Natalie Diaz to Ada Limón. You can find out how to access the bonus audio and about the many other potential benefits and rewards to choose from, when you join the Between the Covers community as a listener-supporter, at the show’s Patreon page. Finally, here is today’s BookShop.
Get AudioBooks for FreeBest Self-improvement MotivationEducate Yourself Daily – Oprah Winfrey Speech BestA powerful Oprah Winfrey motivational speech inspiring daily learning, self-growth, and discipline. Listen every day to elevate your mindset and life.Get AudioBooks for FreeWe Need Your Love & Support ❤️https://buymeacoffee.com/myinspiration#Motivational_Speech#motivation #inspirational_quotes #motivationalspeech Get AudioBooks for Free Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Send us a textIf your social media gets likes but not consults, this episode is for you. Sylvia Garibaldi explains why influencer-style content often falls flat in high-stakes professional services—and what actually builds trust when people are deciding who to hire. You'll hear why prospective clients aren't looking to be entertained, but reassured, informed, and guided, and how authority-driven content quietly does the heavy lifting. This episode offers a clear, practical way to rethink your content so it supports real decisions, real referrals, and real growth.What you'll learn:01:29 Why Your Social Media Isn't Converting03:31 The Importance of Trust and Educational Content06:33 Why Influencer Content Falls Short10:09 Effective Authority Content Formats15:09 Practical Examples of Authority Content18:09 Educate, Solve, and Build TrustResources:Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here.#80 Use AI to Create Smarter, Faster Content#97 It's Not the Algorithm — It's Your Message#63 Build Authority and Attract Clients with ConfidenceRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Want more insights like this? Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brett Chestnut. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, host Rushion McDonald interviews Brett Chestnut, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. The conversation centers on Brett’s mission as a financial leader, his journey from engineering to financial planning, his commitment to mentoring, and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry. Brett describes how he transitioned from engineering in 2015 to financial planning because he wanted to help people regain the ability to dream—not just survive. He discusses his work in recruiting diverse advisors, supporting career‑shifting professionals, mentoring, and educating people on foundational financial decision‑making. The interview also explores money mindsets, budgeting, the challenges of building wealth in communities of color, and the often‑overlooked emotional side of money. Brett emphasizes starting with the basics, not skipping steps (e.g., jumping straight to cryptocurrency), and building strong financial foundations. Rushion repeatedly highlights Brett as a powerful brand and role model, underscoring the importance of Black leadership in financial fields and the role of representation in increasing trust and access. Purpose of the Interview The interview’s purpose is to: 1. Introduce Brett Chestnut as a trusted financial leader Rushion aims to elevate Brett’s visibility as a Black managing director in financial services—an industry where representation has traditionally been limited. 2. Educate listeners on financial empowerment Brett provides practical, relatable guidance on budgeting, investing, career transitions, and developing financial discipline. 3. Highlight Northwestern Mutual’s diversity initiatives Brett explains how the company is intentionally investing in diverse advisors and underserved markets. 4. Inspire career‑based and financial self‑reflection He encourages people to examine their spending habits, consider new career paths, and align decisions with long-term goals. 5. Promote mentorship and community uplift Both Brett and Rushion stress the transformative power of mentorship and generational investment. Key Takeaways 1. Financial empowerment starts with awareness Brett urges everyone to analyze their last 2–3 months of spending to understand what their habits really prioritize. 2. You must “choose your hard” Saving and planning may be difficult now, but the alternative is harder later. Financial success requires discipline, not magic formulas. 3. Wealth building is emotional as much as logical Money connects to family, relationships, self‑worth, stress, and confidence. Advisors must understand clients emotionally, not just mathematically—especially women and diverse communities. 4. Don’t skip steps (especially with investing and crypto) Many want to “get rich fast,” but Brett warns that skipping foundational steps (budgeting, savings, retirement planning) leads to confusion and poor decisions. 5. Mentorship works only with real relationship True mentorship requires understanding someone’s full life story, not just giving advice. 6. Representation matters in financial services Northwestern Mutual is investing heavily in diverse advisors not just for optics, but because entire markets have been historically underserved. 7. Closing the wealth gap requires generational strategy One generation must be willing to be selfless, disciplined, and intentional with assets to move future generations forward. 8. Brett sees his work as multiplying impact By developing new advisors and helping create “15 millionaires,” he hopes to create compounding community uplift. Notable Quotes (from the transcript) On financial empowerment “I want people to dream again. We’re not dreaming no more—we’re living because of obligation.” “When we’re born we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions.” On career purpose “I help people who are successful but career‑disturbed. They want more.” On money habits “Look at your last three months of spending. Your money tells you what your real priorities are.” On investing and crypto “People want to skip steps… going from no savings straight to crypto.” “If you don’t understand it, maybe it’s not time for you to invest in it.” On mentorship “To give someone feedback without relationship is harassment.” “Let me hear your story… mentorship starts with knowing the inner person.” On diversity and empowerment “Their growth strategy is diversity… whole markets haven’t even been called on yet.” On community and identity “We’re special… if we regain that confidence and approach the marketplace with courage, everything changes.” On wealth-building reality “You have to choose your hard. Hard now or hard later.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brett Chestnut. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, host Rushion McDonald interviews Brett Chestnut, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. The conversation centers on Brett’s mission as a financial leader, his journey from engineering to financial planning, his commitment to mentoring, and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry. Brett describes how he transitioned from engineering in 2015 to financial planning because he wanted to help people regain the ability to dream—not just survive. He discusses his work in recruiting diverse advisors, supporting career‑shifting professionals, mentoring, and educating people on foundational financial decision‑making. The interview also explores money mindsets, budgeting, the challenges of building wealth in communities of color, and the often‑overlooked emotional side of money. Brett emphasizes starting with the basics, not skipping steps (e.g., jumping straight to cryptocurrency), and building strong financial foundations. Rushion repeatedly highlights Brett as a powerful brand and role model, underscoring the importance of Black leadership in financial fields and the role of representation in increasing trust and access. Purpose of the Interview The interview’s purpose is to: 1. Introduce Brett Chestnut as a trusted financial leader Rushion aims to elevate Brett’s visibility as a Black managing director in financial services—an industry where representation has traditionally been limited. 2. Educate listeners on financial empowerment Brett provides practical, relatable guidance on budgeting, investing, career transitions, and developing financial discipline. 3. Highlight Northwestern Mutual’s diversity initiatives Brett explains how the company is intentionally investing in diverse advisors and underserved markets. 4. Inspire career‑based and financial self‑reflection He encourages people to examine their spending habits, consider new career paths, and align decisions with long-term goals. 5. Promote mentorship and community uplift Both Brett and Rushion stress the transformative power of mentorship and generational investment. Key Takeaways 1. Financial empowerment starts with awareness Brett urges everyone to analyze their last 2–3 months of spending to understand what their habits really prioritize. 2. You must “choose your hard” Saving and planning may be difficult now, but the alternative is harder later. Financial success requires discipline, not magic formulas. 3. Wealth building is emotional as much as logical Money connects to family, relationships, self‑worth, stress, and confidence. Advisors must understand clients emotionally, not just mathematically—especially women and diverse communities. 4. Don’t skip steps (especially with investing and crypto) Many want to “get rich fast,” but Brett warns that skipping foundational steps (budgeting, savings, retirement planning) leads to confusion and poor decisions. 5. Mentorship works only with real relationship True mentorship requires understanding someone’s full life story, not just giving advice. 6. Representation matters in financial services Northwestern Mutual is investing heavily in diverse advisors not just for optics, but because entire markets have been historically underserved. 7. Closing the wealth gap requires generational strategy One generation must be willing to be selfless, disciplined, and intentional with assets to move future generations forward. 8. Brett sees his work as multiplying impact By developing new advisors and helping create “15 millionaires,” he hopes to create compounding community uplift. Notable Quotes (from the transcript) On financial empowerment “I want people to dream again. We’re not dreaming no more—we’re living because of obligation.” “When we’re born we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions.” On career purpose “I help people who are successful but career‑disturbed. They want more.” On money habits “Look at your last three months of spending. Your money tells you what your real priorities are.” On investing and crypto “People want to skip steps… going from no savings straight to crypto.” “If you don’t understand it, maybe it’s not time for you to invest in it.” On mentorship “To give someone feedback without relationship is harassment.” “Let me hear your story… mentorship starts with knowing the inner person.” On diversity and empowerment “Their growth strategy is diversity… whole markets haven’t even been called on yet.” On community and identity “We’re special… if we regain that confidence and approach the marketplace with courage, everything changes.” On wealth-building reality “You have to choose your hard. Hard now or hard later.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brett Chestnut. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, host Rushion McDonald interviews Brett Chestnut, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. The conversation centers on Brett’s mission as a financial leader, his journey from engineering to financial planning, his commitment to mentoring, and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry. Brett describes how he transitioned from engineering in 2015 to financial planning because he wanted to help people regain the ability to dream—not just survive. He discusses his work in recruiting diverse advisors, supporting career‑shifting professionals, mentoring, and educating people on foundational financial decision‑making. The interview also explores money mindsets, budgeting, the challenges of building wealth in communities of color, and the often‑overlooked emotional side of money. Brett emphasizes starting with the basics, not skipping steps (e.g., jumping straight to cryptocurrency), and building strong financial foundations. Rushion repeatedly highlights Brett as a powerful brand and role model, underscoring the importance of Black leadership in financial fields and the role of representation in increasing trust and access. Purpose of the Interview The interview’s purpose is to: 1. Introduce Brett Chestnut as a trusted financial leader Rushion aims to elevate Brett’s visibility as a Black managing director in financial services—an industry where representation has traditionally been limited. 2. Educate listeners on financial empowerment Brett provides practical, relatable guidance on budgeting, investing, career transitions, and developing financial discipline. 3. Highlight Northwestern Mutual’s diversity initiatives Brett explains how the company is intentionally investing in diverse advisors and underserved markets. 4. Inspire career‑based and financial self‑reflection He encourages people to examine their spending habits, consider new career paths, and align decisions with long-term goals. 5. Promote mentorship and community uplift Both Brett and Rushion stress the transformative power of mentorship and generational investment. Key Takeaways 1. Financial empowerment starts with awareness Brett urges everyone to analyze their last 2–3 months of spending to understand what their habits really prioritize. 2. You must “choose your hard” Saving and planning may be difficult now, but the alternative is harder later. Financial success requires discipline, not magic formulas. 3. Wealth building is emotional as much as logical Money connects to family, relationships, self‑worth, stress, and confidence. Advisors must understand clients emotionally, not just mathematically—especially women and diverse communities. 4. Don’t skip steps (especially with investing and crypto) Many want to “get rich fast,” but Brett warns that skipping foundational steps (budgeting, savings, retirement planning) leads to confusion and poor decisions. 5. Mentorship works only with real relationship True mentorship requires understanding someone’s full life story, not just giving advice. 6. Representation matters in financial services Northwestern Mutual is investing heavily in diverse advisors not just for optics, but because entire markets have been historically underserved. 7. Closing the wealth gap requires generational strategy One generation must be willing to be selfless, disciplined, and intentional with assets to move future generations forward. 8. Brett sees his work as multiplying impact By developing new advisors and helping create “15 millionaires,” he hopes to create compounding community uplift. Notable Quotes (from the transcript) On financial empowerment “I want people to dream again. We’re not dreaming no more—we’re living because of obligation.” “When we’re born we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions.” On career purpose “I help people who are successful but career‑disturbed. They want more.” On money habits “Look at your last three months of spending. Your money tells you what your real priorities are.” On investing and crypto “People want to skip steps… going from no savings straight to crypto.” “If you don’t understand it, maybe it’s not time for you to invest in it.” On mentorship “To give someone feedback without relationship is harassment.” “Let me hear your story… mentorship starts with knowing the inner person.” On diversity and empowerment “Their growth strategy is diversity… whole markets haven’t even been called on yet.” On community and identity “We’re special… if we regain that confidence and approach the marketplace with courage, everything changes.” On wealth-building reality “You have to choose your hard. Hard now or hard later.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Exploring the Four Types, Four Sons and the Four Ways of Asking Questions. Hagadah. Vaera / Bo.
In this Interview, Voters Organized to Educate sat down with Kenn Barnes, candidate for Louisiana Senate District 3 in the February 2026 election. Filmed/recorded at our main office in New Orleans, LA on January 20, 2026, for a conversation with our community to discuss his candidacy and his priorities if elected. Learn more and stay up to date! Website: www.VotersOrganized.org Facebook: @VotersOrganized X: @justice_votes Instagram: @VotersOrganized
In this Interview, Voters Organized to Educate sat down with Sidney Barthelemey II, candidate for Louisiana Senate District 3 in the February 2026 election. Filmed/recorded at our main office in New Orleans, LA on January 21, 2026, for a conversation with our community to discuss his candidacy and his priorities if elected. Learn more and stay up to date! Website: www.VotersOrganized.org Facebook: @VotersOrganized X: @justice_votes Instagram: @VotersOrganized
In this Interview, Voters Organized to Educate sat down with Eugene Green III, candidate for Louisiana House District 97 in the February 2026 election. Filmed/recorded at our main office in New Orleans, LA on January 21, 2026, for a conversation with our community to discuss his candidacy and his priorities if elected. Learn more and stay up to date! Website: www.VotersOrganized.org Facebook: @VotersOrganized X: @justice_votes Instagram: @VotersOrganized
Inspire, Empower & Educate with Sarah Turner (@flourishcourses) where they share their biggest lessons learned and words of wisdom from mental health and emotion regulation struggles! Find out more about them at LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-turner-4637ba34 Facebook: www.facebook.com/STTherapyServicesLTD Join the FREE Facebook group for The Michael Brian Show at https://www.facebook.com/groups/themichaelbrianshow Follow Mike on Facebook Instagram & X
The Sanctuary for Independent Media has been nominated for a HUDSY, a brand-new community awards celebration, in the category of the Golden HUDSY alongside fellow institutions Youth Fx and Woodstock Film Festival. To learn more about this Vote for the Golden Award, as well as for the Create, Educate, and Connect Awards, Sina Basila Hickey spoke with Destiny Pineda, the Operations Manager at HUDSY. Community voting is now open! Visit www.Hudsy.org
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shelby Williams.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shelby Williams.
Send us a textDiscover the limitless potential of The Healthy Mindset Application (App) with our exclusive Application Assess, Educate, Coach approach. Begin your journey of personal transformation through The Healthy Mindset App Podcast, featuring meditations, breathing exercises, and invaluable coaching insights. Our methodologies cultivate a growth mindset, empowering you to adopt self-coaching practices while engaging in mindfulness and resilience building. Delve into personalized 1-on-1 coaching sessions with Mike Hartman through The Healthy Mindset Coaching On Demand, focusing on goal setting and confidence enhancement. Each participant receives a tailored Audio MP3 Debriefing based on their assessment, ensuring personalized guidance every step of the way. For inquiries about 1:1 coaching or speaking engagements, please email Mike@Hartman.AcademyBook A Session https://calendly.com/coachingondemand/performancemindsetcoaching?month=2024-05Healthy Mindset For Athletes & Workplace Athletes Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Mindset-Athletes-Workplace-Everything-ebook/dp/B0B55CFSCJ
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shelby Williams.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dave Charest. Summary of the Dave Charest Interview In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, a leading digital marketing platform. Charest discusses the rising wave of entrepreneurship, the foundational importance of email and direct‑to‑customer channels, common mistakes new business owners make, and how AI is reshaping small‑business marketing. He provides practical guidance on marketing consistency, channel selection, building community relationships, and using technology to scale. Throughout the conversation, Charest emphasizes that while small businesses often lack marketing expertise, they possess a valuable advantage: real, human relationships that can be strengthened through consistent communication. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of Rushion McDonald’s conversation with Dave Charest is to: 1. Educate new and aspiring entrepreneurs Charest breaks down the basics of digital marketing—email, social, SMS—and how to begin building a strong marketing foundation. 2. Highlight the key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom He explains motivations like work–life balance, independence, and financial potential that inspire people to launch businesses. 3. Provide practical, actionable marketing advice Especially around consistency, choosing marketing channels, and building direct customer relationships. 4. Introduce how AI can simplify and amplify marketing Charest showcases tools that help business owners quickly generate content, develop campaigns, and analyze customer behavior. Key Takeaways 1. Direct relationships (email/SMS) outperform social media Email offers ownership, stability, and higher ROI—unlike social platforms that can change algorithms or visibility overnight. Charest stresses that “the money is in the list.” 2. You don’t need huge numbers to be effective Small businesses often see high open and engagement rates because followers know and trust them. 3. Consistency matters more than platform choice Whether you choose Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or email, the biggest driver of marketing success is showing up regularly. 4. Start small—don’t overwhelm yourself One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything at once. Begin with the basics and grow steadily. 5. Community is a crucial marketing asset Local businesses thrive when they maintain strong connections with nearby businesses, customers, and community networks. 6. Entrepreneurs face challenges—but resilience wins Charest notes that small business owners rarely have a “Plan B,” which pushes them to adapt and continue learning. 7. AI is transforming small‑business marketing Constant Contact offers tools to: Generate emails and content Summarize content for social Build full marketing campaigns Analyze behavior from large email lists to recommend actions Notable Quotes (from the transcript) Here are direct paraphrases and key phrases—not copyrighted material but drawn from the transcript: On email vs. social “There’s a $36 return for every $1 invested in email—but what matters is that you own the relationship.” “If a social platform goes away, so does your following. Email is a direct line.” On audience size “Big numbers aren’t necessary—small lists can see 50% open rates and strong engagement because those people actually care.” On entrepreneurship motivations “People want better work‑life balance, independence, and financial potential.” On mistakes “A big mistake is trying to do too much at once. Start small and stay consistent.” On community “Digital marketing should extend real relationships—not replace them.” On choosing platforms “Where your audience spends time matters, but so does where you can show up consistently.” On AI’s role “AI can generate emails, build campaigns, and analyze audience data—saving you time for what you’d rather be doing.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dave Charest. Summary of the Dave Charest Interview In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, a leading digital marketing platform. Charest discusses the rising wave of entrepreneurship, the foundational importance of email and direct‑to‑customer channels, common mistakes new business owners make, and how AI is reshaping small‑business marketing. He provides practical guidance on marketing consistency, channel selection, building community relationships, and using technology to scale. Throughout the conversation, Charest emphasizes that while small businesses often lack marketing expertise, they possess a valuable advantage: real, human relationships that can be strengthened through consistent communication. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of Rushion McDonald’s conversation with Dave Charest is to: 1. Educate new and aspiring entrepreneurs Charest breaks down the basics of digital marketing—email, social, SMS—and how to begin building a strong marketing foundation. 2. Highlight the key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom He explains motivations like work–life balance, independence, and financial potential that inspire people to launch businesses. 3. Provide practical, actionable marketing advice Especially around consistency, choosing marketing channels, and building direct customer relationships. 4. Introduce how AI can simplify and amplify marketing Charest showcases tools that help business owners quickly generate content, develop campaigns, and analyze customer behavior. Key Takeaways 1. Direct relationships (email/SMS) outperform social media Email offers ownership, stability, and higher ROI—unlike social platforms that can change algorithms or visibility overnight. Charest stresses that “the money is in the list.” 2. You don’t need huge numbers to be effective Small businesses often see high open and engagement rates because followers know and trust them. 3. Consistency matters more than platform choice Whether you choose Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or email, the biggest driver of marketing success is showing up regularly. 4. Start small—don’t overwhelm yourself One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything at once. Begin with the basics and grow steadily. 5. Community is a crucial marketing asset Local businesses thrive when they maintain strong connections with nearby businesses, customers, and community networks. 6. Entrepreneurs face challenges—but resilience wins Charest notes that small business owners rarely have a “Plan B,” which pushes them to adapt and continue learning. 7. AI is transforming small‑business marketing Constant Contact offers tools to: Generate emails and content Summarize content for social Build full marketing campaigns Analyze behavior from large email lists to recommend actions Notable Quotes (from the transcript) Here are direct paraphrases and key phrases—not copyrighted material but drawn from the transcript: On email vs. social “There’s a $36 return for every $1 invested in email—but what matters is that you own the relationship.” “If a social platform goes away, so does your following. Email is a direct line.” On audience size “Big numbers aren’t necessary—small lists can see 50% open rates and strong engagement because those people actually care.” On entrepreneurship motivations “People want better work‑life balance, independence, and financial potential.” On mistakes “A big mistake is trying to do too much at once. Start small and stay consistent.” On community “Digital marketing should extend real relationships—not replace them.” On choosing platforms “Where your audience spends time matters, but so does where you can show up consistently.” On AI’s role “AI can generate emails, build campaigns, and analyze audience data—saving you time for what you’d rather be doing.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dave Charest. Summary of the Dave Charest Interview In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, a leading digital marketing platform. Charest discusses the rising wave of entrepreneurship, the foundational importance of email and direct‑to‑customer channels, common mistakes new business owners make, and how AI is reshaping small‑business marketing. He provides practical guidance on marketing consistency, channel selection, building community relationships, and using technology to scale. Throughout the conversation, Charest emphasizes that while small businesses often lack marketing expertise, they possess a valuable advantage: real, human relationships that can be strengthened through consistent communication. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of Rushion McDonald’s conversation with Dave Charest is to: 1. Educate new and aspiring entrepreneurs Charest breaks down the basics of digital marketing—email, social, SMS—and how to begin building a strong marketing foundation. 2. Highlight the key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom He explains motivations like work–life balance, independence, and financial potential that inspire people to launch businesses. 3. Provide practical, actionable marketing advice Especially around consistency, choosing marketing channels, and building direct customer relationships. 4. Introduce how AI can simplify and amplify marketing Charest showcases tools that help business owners quickly generate content, develop campaigns, and analyze customer behavior. Key Takeaways 1. Direct relationships (email/SMS) outperform social media Email offers ownership, stability, and higher ROI—unlike social platforms that can change algorithms or visibility overnight. Charest stresses that “the money is in the list.” 2. You don’t need huge numbers to be effective Small businesses often see high open and engagement rates because followers know and trust them. 3. Consistency matters more than platform choice Whether you choose Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or email, the biggest driver of marketing success is showing up regularly. 4. Start small—don’t overwhelm yourself One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything at once. Begin with the basics and grow steadily. 5. Community is a crucial marketing asset Local businesses thrive when they maintain strong connections with nearby businesses, customers, and community networks. 6. Entrepreneurs face challenges—but resilience wins Charest notes that small business owners rarely have a “Plan B,” which pushes them to adapt and continue learning. 7. AI is transforming small‑business marketing Constant Contact offers tools to: Generate emails and content Summarize content for social Build full marketing campaigns Analyze behavior from large email lists to recommend actions Notable Quotes (from the transcript) Here are direct paraphrases and key phrases—not copyrighted material but drawn from the transcript: On email vs. social “There’s a $36 return for every $1 invested in email—but what matters is that you own the relationship.” “If a social platform goes away, so does your following. Email is a direct line.” On audience size “Big numbers aren’t necessary—small lists can see 50% open rates and strong engagement because those people actually care.” On entrepreneurship motivations “People want better work‑life balance, independence, and financial potential.” On mistakes “A big mistake is trying to do too much at once. Start small and stay consistent.” On community “Digital marketing should extend real relationships—not replace them.” On choosing platforms “Where your audience spends time matters, but so does where you can show up consistently.” On AI’s role “AI can generate emails, build campaigns, and analyze audience data—saving you time for what you’d rather be doing.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In another session during Used Car Week 2025 that filled a room to near capacity, the Repo Roundtable is now available through this episode of the Auto Remarketing Podcast. Led by Lauren Kimbrell of Advanced Collateral Recovery, five other repossession agents shared perspectives about how the industry is going to handle the demands of as many as 3 million vehicles being repossessed annually.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Willie Jolley. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW In this energetic and motivational conversation, Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Willie Jolley joins Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his new book, “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better.” The interview covers the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the mindsets required for long-term financial growth, and how individuals—no matter their background—can build generational wealth. Jolley also emphasizes discipline, humility, planning, multiple streams of income, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of insurance and protection of assets. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW The interview aims to: 1. Introduce and promote Dr. Jolley’s new book “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better” and the teachings within it. 2. Educate listeners on the distinction between rich and wealthy Jolley wants audiences to understand wealth in generational, not short-term, terms. 3. Motivate individuals to shift their financial mindset From “working money” to “mailbox money.” 4. Empower entrepreneurs and families To adopt discipline, drop pride, and create multigenerational financial systems. 5. Share Jolley’s personal setback‑to‑success story To reinforce that anyone can grow wealth with the right principles. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Rich vs. Wealthy Being rich = high income, often tied to active labor (e.g., athlete contracts). Being wealthy = passive income, ownership, generational sustainability. A rich football player earns millions; the team owner earns billions and doesn’t have to “run up and down the field.” 2. The Five Money Mindsets Jolley explains five financial mindsets: One‑day mindset – living day to day. 30‑day mindset – fixed incomes/check-to-check living. One‑year mindset – annual thinking (raises, annual income). Decade mindset – typical for entertainers/athletes with multi‑year contracts. Generational mindset (Wealth Mindset) – building wealth to last multiple generations. Jolley’s goal: move people up just one level at a time. 3. Five Types of Wealth Jolley breaks wealth into five categories: Financial Wealth Health Wealth (“A sick person has one dream; a healthy person has a thousand.” – Les Brown) Relationship Wealth Reputational Wealth (Brand) Intellectual Capital Wealth (What you know and can charge for) 4. Discipline Is the Key Wealth requires: Living below your means Investing the difference Consistency Avoiding arrogance and ignorance 5. Pride Is an Enemy of Wealth Pride leads people to overspend to keep up appearances.Jolley argues that pride “kills wealth” and must be replaced with planning and humility. 6. The Three Legs of Wealth To build sustainable wealth, you need: Income Investment (letting money work for you) Insurance (life, health, car, disability, long-term care) 7. Multiple Streams of Income Jolley urges everyone to build at least two streams of income from: Stocks Bonds Real estate Crypto Collectibles Jewelry Art Content creation 8. Overcoming Setbacks Jolley details his own journey from unemployed nightclub singer to globally recognized motivational speaker.He reinforces that a setback is a setup for a comeback—the core message of his earlier bestselling book. 9. It’s Never Too Late to Start He cites examples of: A secretary who retired with $8M by investing small amounts over time Invested $12,000 at age 65 and grew it to $890,000 by age 72 NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Time & Opportunity “I have only just a minute… but it’s up to me to use it.” On Mindset “Wealth starts in your mind.” On Rich vs. Wealthy “Regular folks work for their money. Wealthy people make their money work for them.” On Pride “My pride was killing my wealth.” On Growth & Learning “If you’re willing to learn, no one can stop you.” [On Setbacks “A setback is a setup for your greater comeback.” On Starting Late “When is the best time to plant a tree? Eighty years ago. The second-best time? Today.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Willie Jolley. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW In this energetic and motivational conversation, Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Willie Jolley joins Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his new book, “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better.” The interview covers the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the mindsets required for long-term financial growth, and how individuals—no matter their background—can build generational wealth. Jolley also emphasizes discipline, humility, planning, multiple streams of income, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of insurance and protection of assets. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW The interview aims to: 1. Introduce and promote Dr. Jolley’s new book “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better” and the teachings within it. 2. Educate listeners on the distinction between rich and wealthy Jolley wants audiences to understand wealth in generational, not short-term, terms. 3. Motivate individuals to shift their financial mindset From “working money” to “mailbox money.” 4. Empower entrepreneurs and families To adopt discipline, drop pride, and create multigenerational financial systems. 5. Share Jolley’s personal setback‑to‑success story To reinforce that anyone can grow wealth with the right principles. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Rich vs. Wealthy Being rich = high income, often tied to active labor (e.g., athlete contracts). Being wealthy = passive income, ownership, generational sustainability. A rich football player earns millions; the team owner earns billions and doesn’t have to “run up and down the field.” 2. The Five Money Mindsets Jolley explains five financial mindsets: One‑day mindset – living day to day. 30‑day mindset – fixed incomes/check-to-check living. One‑year mindset – annual thinking (raises, annual income). Decade mindset – typical for entertainers/athletes with multi‑year contracts. Generational mindset (Wealth Mindset) – building wealth to last multiple generations. Jolley’s goal: move people up just one level at a time. 3. Five Types of Wealth Jolley breaks wealth into five categories: Financial Wealth Health Wealth (“A sick person has one dream; a healthy person has a thousand.” – Les Brown) Relationship Wealth Reputational Wealth (Brand) Intellectual Capital Wealth (What you know and can charge for) 4. Discipline Is the Key Wealth requires: Living below your means Investing the difference Consistency Avoiding arrogance and ignorance 5. Pride Is an Enemy of Wealth Pride leads people to overspend to keep up appearances.Jolley argues that pride “kills wealth” and must be replaced with planning and humility. 6. The Three Legs of Wealth To build sustainable wealth, you need: Income Investment (letting money work for you) Insurance (life, health, car, disability, long-term care) 7. Multiple Streams of Income Jolley urges everyone to build at least two streams of income from: Stocks Bonds Real estate Crypto Collectibles Jewelry Art Content creation 8. Overcoming Setbacks Jolley details his own journey from unemployed nightclub singer to globally recognized motivational speaker.He reinforces that a setback is a setup for a comeback—the core message of his earlier bestselling book. 9. It’s Never Too Late to Start He cites examples of: A secretary who retired with $8M by investing small amounts over time Invested $12,000 at age 65 and grew it to $890,000 by age 72 NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Time & Opportunity “I have only just a minute… but it’s up to me to use it.” On Mindset “Wealth starts in your mind.” On Rich vs. Wealthy “Regular folks work for their money. Wealthy people make their money work for them.” On Pride “My pride was killing my wealth.” On Growth & Learning “If you’re willing to learn, no one can stop you.” [On Setbacks “A setback is a setup for your greater comeback.” On Starting Late “When is the best time to plant a tree? Eighty years ago. The second-best time? Today.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The best marketing strategy is the one nobody wants to hear. In this encore episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill sits down with Ryan Deiss, CEO of Digital Marketer and one of the most respected authorities in modern marketing. Ryan shares the brutal lesson he learned sitting at a bar with a quarter million dollars in debt, the napkin that changed everything, and why the principles that saved his business contradict nearly every marketing trend being sold today. This conversation strips away the hacks and shortcuts to reveal what actually determines who wins in any market, why weak businesses fail faster with good marketing, and how the most successful entrepreneurs think about growth, identity, and what success really means. Here's what you'll learn: Why the entrepreneur who can spend the most to acquire a customer always wins, and how to engineer your business to do exactly that How to recognize when chasing marketing tricks is costing you more than it's gaining you, and what to focus on instead What separates entrepreneurs who scale successfully from those who burn out or plateau along the way Marketing without a solid foundation is just expensive noise. ---- Show Notes: 03:44 – The unexpected lesson from selling a $14 ebook and thinking beyond a one-time sale 04:58 – Why entrepreneurs need the dangerous mix of naivete and overconfidence to get started 08:30 – The back-of-a-napkin decision that changed everything 10:40 – How simplifying the business model led to the first $1 million year 15:32 – The real metric that matters in marketing and why most people focus on the wrong one 17:19 – Marketing as an amplifier and why it can't fix a broken business 25:46 – Why great marketing must get people to not just notice, but stare 31:00 – The patterns behind the least successful entrepreneurs 39:40 – How Ryan defines success and the power of optionality ---- Links & Resources: Digital Marketer Viktor Frankl Vincent Van Gogh Pablo Picasso ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 211. Pat Flynn — Superfans: How to Stand Out, Grow Your Tribe, and Build a Successful Business 180. Seth Godin — Putting Your Best Work Out Into the World 29. Billy Gene Shaw — Entertain, Educate, Execute: How to Dominate on Social Media
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Willie Jolley. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW In this energetic and motivational conversation, Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Willie Jolley joins Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his new book, “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better.” The interview covers the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the mindsets required for long-term financial growth, and how individuals—no matter their background—can build generational wealth. Jolley also emphasizes discipline, humility, planning, multiple streams of income, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of insurance and protection of assets. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW The interview aims to: 1. Introduce and promote Dr. Jolley’s new book “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better” and the teachings within it. 2. Educate listeners on the distinction between rich and wealthy Jolley wants audiences to understand wealth in generational, not short-term, terms. 3. Motivate individuals to shift their financial mindset From “working money” to “mailbox money.” 4. Empower entrepreneurs and families To adopt discipline, drop pride, and create multigenerational financial systems. 5. Share Jolley’s personal setback‑to‑success story To reinforce that anyone can grow wealth with the right principles. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Rich vs. Wealthy Being rich = high income, often tied to active labor (e.g., athlete contracts). Being wealthy = passive income, ownership, generational sustainability. A rich football player earns millions; the team owner earns billions and doesn’t have to “run up and down the field.” 2. The Five Money Mindsets Jolley explains five financial mindsets: One‑day mindset – living day to day. 30‑day mindset – fixed incomes/check-to-check living. One‑year mindset – annual thinking (raises, annual income). Decade mindset – typical for entertainers/athletes with multi‑year contracts. Generational mindset (Wealth Mindset) – building wealth to last multiple generations. Jolley’s goal: move people up just one level at a time. 3. Five Types of Wealth Jolley breaks wealth into five categories: Financial Wealth Health Wealth (“A sick person has one dream; a healthy person has a thousand.” – Les Brown) Relationship Wealth Reputational Wealth (Brand) Intellectual Capital Wealth (What you know and can charge for) 4. Discipline Is the Key Wealth requires: Living below your means Investing the difference Consistency Avoiding arrogance and ignorance 5. Pride Is an Enemy of Wealth Pride leads people to overspend to keep up appearances.Jolley argues that pride “kills wealth” and must be replaced with planning and humility. 6. The Three Legs of Wealth To build sustainable wealth, you need: Income Investment (letting money work for you) Insurance (life, health, car, disability, long-term care) 7. Multiple Streams of Income Jolley urges everyone to build at least two streams of income from: Stocks Bonds Real estate Crypto Collectibles Jewelry Art Content creation 8. Overcoming Setbacks Jolley details his own journey from unemployed nightclub singer to globally recognized motivational speaker.He reinforces that a setback is a setup for a comeback—the core message of his earlier bestselling book. 9. It’s Never Too Late to Start He cites examples of: A secretary who retired with $8M by investing small amounts over time Invested $12,000 at age 65 and grew it to $890,000 by age 72 NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Time & Opportunity “I have only just a minute… but it’s up to me to use it.” On Mindset “Wealth starts in your mind.” On Rich vs. Wealthy “Regular folks work for their money. Wealthy people make their money work for them.” On Pride “My pride was killing my wealth.” On Growth & Learning “If you’re willing to learn, no one can stop you.” [On Setbacks “A setback is a setup for your greater comeback.” On Starting Late “When is the best time to plant a tree? Eighty years ago. The second-best time? Today.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Rogers is Educating, Emboldening, and Encouraging young people to make healthy decisions is the heart behind my work. When it comes the age of AI, "fake news" and constant, incessant stimulation, it's often difficult to know who to trust and what's true/false. My mission is to advocate for young people in middle-high school's mental health and safety while using the internet, promoting self-advocacy, awareness and accountability. As an experienced public school teacher, performer, public speaker, worship leader and p*rn addiction recovery coach, I'm uniquely qualified to teach a young demographic in a way that is compassionate and engaging without pandering or patronizing. I'm looking forward in engaging in conversation that's invigorating and educational! Chris Rogers website https://www.rebootedteen.com
What if the most transformative thing you can do for your writing craft and author business is to face what you fear? How can you can find gold in your Shadow in the year ahead? In this episode, I share chapters from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words. In the intro, curated book boxes from Bridgerton's Julia Quinn; Google's agentic shopping, and powering Apple's Siri; ChatGPT Ads; and Claude CoWork. Balancing Certainty and Uncertainty [MoonShots with Tony Robbins]; and three trends for authors with me and Orna Ross [Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast]; plus, Bones of the Deep, Business for Authors, and Indie Author Lab. This show is supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, and memoir as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. What is the Shadow? The ‘creative wound' and the Shadow in writing The Shadow in traditional publishing The Shadow in self-publishing or being an indie author The Shadow in work The Shadow in money You can find Writing the Shadow in all formats on all stores, as well as special edition, workbook and bundles at www.TheCreativePenn.com/shadowbook Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words The following chapters are excerpted from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words by Joanna Penn. Introduction. What is the Shadow? “How can I be substantial if I do not cast a shadow? I must have a dark side also if I am to be whole.” —C.G. Jung, Modern Man in Search of a Soul We all have a Shadow side and it is the work of a lifetime to recognise what lies within and spin that base material into gold. Think of it as a seedling in a little pot that you're given when you're young. It's a bit misshapen and weird, not something you would display in your living room, so you place it in a dark corner of the basement. You don't look at it for years. You almost forget about it. Then one day you notice tendrils of something wild poking up through the floorboards. They're ugly and don't fit with your Scandi-minimalist interior design. You chop the tendrils away and pour weedkiller on what's left, trying to hide the fact that they were ever there. But the creeping stems keep coming. At some point, you know you have to go down there and face the wild thing your seedling has become. When you eventually pluck up enough courage to go down into the basement, you discover that the plant has wound its roots deep into the foundations of your home. Its vines weave in and out of the cracks in the walls, and it has beautiful flowers and strange fruit. It holds your world together. Perhaps you don't need to destroy the wild tendrils. Perhaps you can let them wind up into the light and allow their rich beauty to weave through your home. It will change the look you have so carefully cultivated, but maybe that's just what the place needs. The Shadow in psychology Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss psychologist and the founder of analytical psychology. He described the Shadow as an unconscious aspect of the human personality, those parts of us that don't match up to what is expected of us by family and society, or to our own ideals. The Shadow is not necessarily evil or illegal or immoral, although of course it can be. It's also not necessarily caused by trauma, abuse, or any other severely damaging event, although again, it can be. It depends on the individual. What is in your Shadow is based on your life and your experiences, as well as your culture and society, so it will be different for everyone. Psychologist Connie Zweig, in The Inner Work of Age, explains, “The Shadow is that part of us that lies beneath or behind the light of awareness. It contains our rejected, unacceptable traits and feelings. It contains our hidden gifts and talents that have remained unexpressed or unlived. As Jung put it, the essence of the Shadow is pure gold.” To further illustrate the concept, Robert Bly, in A Little Book on the Human Shadow,uses the following metaphor: “When we are young, we carry behind us an invisible bag, into which we stuff any feelings, thoughts, or behaviours that bring disapproval or loss of love—anger, tears, neediness, laziness. By the time we go to school, our bags are already a mile long. In high school, our peer groups pressure us to stuff the bags with even more—individuality, sexuality, spontaneity, different opinions. We spend our life until we're twenty deciding which parts of ourselves to put into the bag and we spend the rest of our lives trying to get them out again.” As authors, we can use what's in the ‘bag' to enrich our writing — but only if we can access it. My intention with this book is to help you venture into your Shadow and bring some of what's hidden into the light and into your words. I'll reveal aspects of my Shadow in these pages but ultimately, this book is about you. Your Shadow is unique. There may be elements we share, but much will be different. Each chapter has questions for you to consider that may help you explore at least the edges of your Shadow, but it's not easy. As Jung said, “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. The latter procedure, however, is disagreeable and therefore not popular.” But take heart, Creative. You don't need courage when things are easy. You need it when you know what you face will be difficult, but you do it anyway. We are authors. We know how to do hard things. We turn ideas into books. We manifest thoughts into ink on paper. We change lives with our writing. First, our own, then other people's. It's worth the effort to delve into Shadow, so I hope you will join me on the journey. The creative wound and the Shadow in writing “Whatever pain you can't get rid of, make it your creative offering.” —Susan Cain, Bittersweet The more we long for something, the more extreme our desire, the more likely it is to have a Shadow side. For those of us who love books, the author life may well be a long-held dream and thus, it is filled with Shadow. Books have long been objects of desire, power, and authority. They hold a mythic status in our lives. We escaped into stories as children; we studied books at school and college; we read them now for escape and entertainment, education and inspiration. We collect beautiful books to put on our shelves. We go to them for solace and answers to the deepest questions of life. Writers are similarly held in high esteem. They shape culture, win literary prizes, give important speeches, and are quoted in the mainstream media. Their books are on the shelves in libraries and bookstores. Writers are revered, held up as rare, talented creatures made separate from us by their brilliance and insight. For bibliophile children, books were everything and to write one was a cherished dream. To become an author? Well, that would mean we might be someone special, someone worthy. Perhaps when you were young, you thought the dream of being a writer was possible — then you told someone about it. That's probably when you heard the first criticism of such a ridiculous idea, the first laughter, the first dismissal. So you abandoned the dream, pushed the idea of being a writer into the Shadow, and got on with your life. Or if it wasn't then, it came later, when you actually put pen to paper and someone — a parent, teacher, partner, or friend, perhaps even a literary agent or publisher, someone whose opinion you valued — told you it was worthless. Here are some things you might have heard: Writing is a hobby. Get a real job. You're not good enough. You don't have any writing talent. You don't have enough education. You don't know what you're doing. Your writing is derivative / unoriginal / boring / useless / doesn't make sense. The genre you write in is dead / worthless / unacceptable / morally wrong / frivolous / useless. Who do you think you are? No one would want to read what you write. You can't even use proper grammar, so how could you write a whole book? You're wasting your time. You'll never make it as a writer. You shouldn't write those things (or even think about those things). Why don't you write something nice? Insert other derogatory comment here! Mark Pierce describes the effect of this experience in his book The Creative Wound, which “occurs when an event, or someone's actions or words, pierce you, causing a kind of rift in your soul. A comment—even offhand and unintentional—is enough to cause one.” He goes on to say that such words can inflict “damage to the core of who we are as creators. It is an attack on our artistic identity, resulting in us believing that whatever we make is somehow tainted or invalid, because shame has convinced us there is something intrinsically tainted or invalid about ourselves.” As adults, we might brush off such wounds, belittling them as unimportant in the grand scheme of things. We might even find ourselves saying the same words to other people. After all, it's easier to criticise than to create. But if you picture your younger self, bright eyed as you lose yourself in your favourite book, perhaps you might catch a glimpse of what you longed for before your dreams were dashed on the rocks of other people's reality. As Mark Pierce goes on to say, “A Creative Wound has the power to delay our pursuits—sometimes for years—and it can even derail our lives completely… Anything that makes us feel ashamed of ourselves or our work can render us incapable of the self-expression we yearn for.” This is certainly what happened to me, and it took decades to unwind. Your creative wounds will differ to mine but perhaps my experience will help you explore your own. To be clear, your Shadow may not reside in elements of horror as mine do, but hopefully you can use my example to consider where your creative wounds might lie. “You shouldn't write things like that.” It happened at secondary school around 1986 or 1987, so I would have been around eleven or twelve years old. English was one of my favourite subjects and the room we had our lessons in looked out onto a vibrant garden. I loved going to that class because it was all about books, and they were always my favourite things. One day, we were asked to write a story. I can't remember the specifics of what the teacher asked us to write, but I fictionalised a recurring nightmare. I stood in a dark room. On one side, my mum and my brother, Rod, were tied up next to a cauldron of boiling oil, ready to be thrown in. On the other side, my dad and my little sister, Lucy, were threatened with decapitation by men with machetes. I had to choose who would die. I always woke up, my heart pounding, before I had to choose. Looking back now, it clearly represented an internal conflict about having to pick sides between the two halves of my family. Not an unexpected issue from a child of divorce. Perhaps these days, I might have been sent to the school counsellor, but it was the eighties and I don't think we even had such a thing. Even so, the meaning of the story isn't the point. It was the reaction to it that left scars. “You shouldn't write things like that,” my teacher said, and I still remember her look of disappointment, even disgust. Certainly judgment. She said my writing was too dark. It wasn't a proper story. It wasn't appropriate for the class. As if horrible things never happened in stories — or in life. As if literature could not include dark tales. As if the only acceptable writing was the kind she approved of. We were taught The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie that year, which says a lot about the type of writing considered appropriate. Or perhaps the issue stemmed from the school motto, “So hateth she derknesse,” from Chaucer's The Legend of Good Women: “For fear of night, so she hates the darkness.” I had won a scholarship to a private girls' school, and their mission was to turn us all into proper young ladies. Horror was never on the curriculum. Perhaps if my teacher had encouraged me to write my darkness back then, my nightmares would have dissolved on the page. Perhaps if we had studied Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or H.P. Lovecraft stories, or Bram Stoker's Dracula, I could have embraced the darker side of literature earlier in my life. My need to push darker thoughts into my Shadow was compounded by my (wonderful) mum's best intentions. We were brought up on the principles of The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale and she tried to shield me and my brother from anything harmful or horrible. We weren't allowed to watch TV much, and even the British school drama Grange Hill was deemed inappropriate. So much of what I've achieved is because my mum instilled in me a “can do” attitude that anything is possible. I'm so grateful to her for that. (I love you, Mum!) But all that happy positivity, my desire to please her, to be a good girl, to make my teachers proud, and to be acceptable to society, meant that I pushed my darker thoughts into Shadow. They were inappropriate. They were taboo. They must be repressed, kept secret, and I must be outwardly happy and positive at all times. You cannot hold back the darkness “The night is dark and full of terrors.” —George R.R. Martin, A Storm of Swords It turned out that horror was on the curriculum, much of it in the form of educational films we watched during lessons. In English Literature, we watched Romeo drink poison and Juliet stab herself in Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet. In Religious Studies, we watched Jesus beaten, tortured, and crucified in The Greatest Story Ever Told, and learned of the variety of gruesome ways that Christian saints were martyred. In Classical Civilisation, we watched gladiators slaughter each other in Spartacus. In Sex Education at the peak of the AIDS crisis in the mid-'80s, we were told of the many ways we could get infected and die. In History, we studied the Holocaust with images of skeletal bodies thrown into mass graves, medical experiments on humans, and grainy videos of marching soldiers giving the Nazi salute. One of my first overseas school field trips was to the World War I battlegrounds of Flanders Fields in Belgium, where we studied the inhuman conditions of the trenches, walked through mass graves, and read war poetry by candlelight. As John McCrae wrote: We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Did the teachers not realise how deeply a sensitive teenager might feel the darkness of that place? Or have I always been unusual in that places of blood echo deep inside me? And the horrors kept coming. We lived in Bristol, England back then and I learned at school how the city had been part of the slave trade, its wealth built on the backs of people stolen from their homes, sold, and worked to death in the colonies. I had been at school for a year in Malawi, Africa and imagined the Black people I knew drowning, being beaten, and dying on those ships. In my teenage years, the news was filled with ethnic cleansing, mass rape, and massacres during the Balkan wars, and images of bodies hacked apart during the Rwandan genocide. Evil committed by humans against other humans was not a historical aberration. I'm lucky and I certainly acknowledge my privilege. Nothing terrible or horrifying has happened to me — but bad things certainly happen to others. I wasn't bullied or abused. I wasn't raped or beaten or tortured. But you don't have to go through things to be afraid of them, and for your imagination to conjure the possibility of them. My mum doesn't read my fiction now as it gives her nightmares (Sorry, Mum!). I know she worries that somehow she's responsible for my darkness, but I've had a safe and (mostly) happy life, for which I'm truly grateful. But the world is not an entirely safe and happy place, and for a sensitive child with a vivid imagination, the world is dark and scary. It can be brutal and violent, and bad things happen, even to good people. No parent can shield their child from the reality of the world. They can only help them do their best to live in it, develop resilience, and find ways to deal with whatever comes. Story has always been a way that humans have used to learn how to live and deal with difficult times. The best authors, the ones that readers adore and can't get enough of, write their darkness into story to channel their experience, and help others who fear the same. In an interview on writing the Shadow on The Creative Penn Podcast, Michaelbrent Collings shared how he incorporated a personally devastating experience into his writing: “My wife and I lost a child years back, and that became the root of one of my most terrifying books, Apparition. It's not terrifying because it's the greatest book of all time, but just the concept that there's this thing out there… like a demon, and it consumes the blood and fear of the children, and then it withdraws and consumes the madness of the parents… I wrote that in large measure as a way of working through what I was experiencing.” I've learned much from Michaelbrent. I've read many of his (excellent) books and he's been on my podcast multiple times talking about his depression and mental health issues, as well as difficulties in his author career. Writing darkness is not in Michaelbrent's Shadow and only he can say what lies there for him. But from his example, and from that of other authors, I too learned how to write my Shadow into my books. Twenty-three years after that English lesson, in November 2009, I did NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, and wrote five thousand words of what eventually became Stone of Fire, my first novel. In the initial chapter, I burned a nun alive on the ghats of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River. I had watched the bodies burn by night on pyres from a boat bobbing in the current a few years before, and the image was still crystal clear in my mind. The only way to deal with how it made me feel about death was to write about it — and since then, I've never stopped writing. Returning to the nightmare from my school days, I've never had to choose between the two halves of my family, but the threat of losing them remains a theme in my fiction. In my ARKANE thriller series, Morgan Sierra will do anything to save her sister and her niece. Their safety drives her to continue to fight against evil. Our deepest fears emerge in our writing, and that's the safest place for them. I wish I'd been taught how to turn my nightmares into words back at school, but at least now I've learned to write my Shadow onto the page. I wish the same for you. The Shadow in traditional publishing If becoming an author is your dream, then publishing a book is deeply entwined with that. But as Mark Pierce says in The Creative Wound, “We feel pain the most where it matters the most… Desire highlights whatever we consider to be truly significant.” There is a lot of desire around publishing for those of us who love books! It can give you: Validation that your writing is good enough Status and credibility Acceptance by an industry held in esteem The potential of financial reward and critical acclaim Support from a team of professionals who know how to make fantastic books A sense of belonging to an elite community Pride in achieving a long-held goal, resulting in a confidence boost and self-esteem Although not guaranteed, traditional publishing can give you all these things and more, but as with everything, there is a potential Shadow side. Denying it risks the potential of being disillusioned, disappointed, and even damaged. But remember, forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes. Preparation can help you avoid potential issues and help you feel less alone if you encounter them. The myth of success… and the reality of experience There is a pervasive myth of success in the traditional publishing industry, perpetuated by media reporting on brand name and breakout authors, those few outliers whose experience is almost impossible to replicate. Because of such examples, many new traditionally published authors think that their first book will hit the top of the bestseller charts or win an award, as well as make them a million dollars — or at least a big chunk of cash. They will be able to leave their job, write in a beautiful house overlooking the ocean, and swan around the world attending conferences, while writing more bestselling books. It will be a charmed life. But that is not the reality. Perhaps it never was. Even so, the life of a traditionally published author represents a mythic career with the truth hidden behind a veil of obscurity. In April 2023, The Bookseller in the UK reported that “more than half of authors (54%) responding to a survey on their experiences of publishing their debut book have said the process negatively affected their mental health. Though views were mixed, just 22%… described a positive experience overall… Among the majority who said they had a negative experience of debut publication, anxiety, stress, depression and ‘lowered' self-esteem were cited, with lack of support, guidance or clear and professional communication from their publisher among the factors that contributed.” Many authors who have negative experiences around publishing will push them into the Shadow with denial or self-blame, preferring to keep the dream alive. They won't talk about things in public as this may negatively affect their careers, but private discussions are often held in the corners of writing conferences or social media groups online. Some of the issues are as follows: Repeated rejection by agents and publishers may lead to the author thinking they are not good enough as a writer, which can lead to feeling unworthy as a person. If an author gets a deal, the amount of advance and the name and status of the publisher compared to others create a hierarchy that impacts self-esteem. A deal for a book may be much lower than an author might have been expecting, with low or no advance, and the resulting experience with the publisher beneath expectations. The launch process may be disappointing, and the book may appear without fanfare, with few sales and no bestseller chart position. In The Bookseller report, one author described her launch day as “a total wasteland… You have expectations about what publication day will be like, but in reality, nothing really happens.” The book may receive negative reviews by critics or readers or more publicly on social media, which can make an author feel attacked. The book might not sell as well as expected, and the author may feel like it's their fault. Commercial success can sometimes feel tied to self-worth and an author can't help but compare their sales to others, with resulting embarrassment or shame. The communication from the publisher may be less than expected. One author in The Bookseller report said, “I was shocked by the lack of clarity and shared information and the cynicism that underlies the superficial charm of this industry.” There is often more of a focus on debut authors in publishing houses, so those who have been writing and publishing in the midlist for years can feel ignored and undervalued. In The Bookseller report, 48 percent of authors reported “their publisher supported them for less than a year,” with one saying, “I got no support and felt like a commodity, like the team had moved on completely to the next book.” If an author is not successful enough, the next deal may be lower than the last, less effort is made with marketing, and they may be let go. In The Bookseller report, “six authors—debut and otherwise—cited being dropped by their publisher, some with no explanation.” Even if everything goes well and an author is considered successful by others, they may experience imposter syndrome, feeling like a fraud when speaking at conferences or doing book signings. And the list goes on … All these things can lead to feelings of shame, inadequacy, and embarrassment; loss of status in the eyes of peers; and a sense of failure if a publishing career is not successful enough. The author feels like it's their fault, like they weren't good enough — although, of course, the reality is that the conditions were not right at the time. A failure of a book is not a failure of the person, but it can certainly feel like it! When you acknowledge the Shadow, it loses its power Despite all the potential negatives of traditional publishing, if you know what could happen, you can mitigate them. You can prepare yourself for various scenarios and protect yourself from potential fall-out. It's clear from The Bookseller report that too many authors have unrealistic expectations of the industry. But publishers are businesses, not charities. It's not their job to make you feel good as an author. It's their job to sell books and pay you. The best thing they can do is to continue to be a viable business so they can keep putting books on the shelves and keep paying authors, staff, and company shareholders. When you license your creative work to a publisher, you're giving up control of your intellectual property in exchange for money and status. Bring your fears and issues out of the Shadow, acknowledge them, and deal with them early, so they do not get pushed down and re-emerge later in blame and bitterness. Educate yourself on the business of publishing. Be clear on what you want to achieve with any deal. Empower yourself as an author, take responsibility for your career, and you will have a much better experience. The Shadow in self-publishing or being an indie author Self-publishing, or being an independent (indie) author, can be a fantastic, pro-active choice for getting your book into the world. Holding your first book in your hand and saying “I made this” is pretty exciting, and even after more than forty books, I still get excited about seeing ideas in my head turn into a physical product in the world. Self-publishing can give an author: Creative control over what to write, editorial and cover design choices, when and how often to publish, and how to market Empowerment over your author career and the ability to make choices that impact success without asking for permission Ownership and control of intellectual property assets, resulting in increased opportunity around licensing and new markets Independence and the potential for recurring income for the long term Autonomy and flexibility around timelines, publishing options, and the ability to easily pivot into new genres and business models Validation based on positive reader reviews and money earned Personal growth and learning through the acquisition of new skills, resulting in a boost in confidence and self-esteem A sense of belonging to an active and vibrant community of indie authors around the world Being an indie author can give you all this and more, but once again, there is a Shadow side and preparation can help you navigate potential issues. The myth of success… and the reality of experience As with traditional publishing, the indie author world has perpetuated a myth of success in the example of the breakout indie author like E.L. James with Fifty Shades of Grey, Hugh Howey with Wool, or Andy Weir with The Martian. The emphasis on financial success is also fuelled online by authors who share screenshots showing six-figure months or seven-figure years, without sharing marketing costs and other outgoings, or the amount of time spent on the business. Yes, these can inspire some, but it can also make others feel inadequate and potentially lead to bad choices about how to publish and market based on comparison. The indie author world is full of just as much ego and a desire for status and money as traditional publishing. This is not a surprise! Most authors, regardless of publishing choices, are a mix of massive ego and chronic self-doubt. We are human, so the same issues will re-occur. A different publishing method doesn't cure all ills. Some of the issues are as follows: You learn everything you need to know about writing and editing, only to find that you need to learn a whole new set of skills in order to self-publish and market your book. This can take a lot of time and effort you did not expect, and things change all the time so you have to keep learning. Being in control of every aspect of the publishing process, from writing to cover design to marketing, can be overwhelming, leading to indecision, perfectionism, stress, and even burnout as you try to do all the things. You try to find people to help, but building your team is a challenge, and working with others has its own difficulties. People say negative things about self-publishing that may arouse feelings of embarrassment or shame. These might be little niggles, but they needle you, nonetheless. You wonder whether you made the right choice. You struggle with self-doubt and if you go to an event with traditional published authors, you compare yourself to them and feel like an imposter. Are you good enough to be an author if a traditional publisher hasn't chosen you? Is it just vanity to self-publish? Are your books unworthy? Even though you worked with a professional editor, you still get one-star reviews and you hate criticism from readers. You wonder whether you're wasting your time. You might be ripped off by an author services company who promise the world, only to leave you with a pile of printed books in your garage and no way to sell them. When you finally publish your book, it languishes at the bottom of the charts while other authors hit the top of the list over and over, raking in the cash while you are left out of pocket. You don't admit to over-spending on marketing as it makes you ashamed. You resist book marketing and make critical comments about writers who embrace it. You believe that quality rises to the top and if a book is good enough, people will buy it anyway. This can lead to disappointment and disillusionment when you launch your book and it doesn't sell many copies because nobody knows about it. You try to do what everyone advises, but you still can't make decent money as an author. You're jealous of other authors' success and put it down to them ‘selling out' or writing things you can't or ‘using AI' or ‘using a ghostwriter' or having a specific business model you consider impossible to replicate. And the list goes on… When you acknowledge the Shadow, it loses its power Being in control of your books and your author career is a double-edged sword. Traditionally published authors can criticise their publishers or agents or the marketing team or the bookstores or the media, but indie authors have to take responsibility for it all. Sure, we can blame ‘the algorithms' or social media platforms, or criticise other authors for having more experience or more money to invest in marketing, or attribute their success to writing in a more popular genre — but we also know there are always people who do well regardless of the challenges. Once more, we're back to acknowledging and integrating the Shadow side of our choices. We are flawed humans. There will always be good times and bad, and difficulties to offset the high points. This too shall pass, as the old saying goes. I know that being an indie author has plenty of Shadow. I've been doing this since 2008 and despite the hard times, I'm still here. I'm still writing. I'm still publishing. This life is not for everyone, but it's my choice. You must make yours. The Shadow in work You work hard. You make a living. Nothing wrong with that attitude, right? It's what we're taught from an early age and, like so much of life, it's not a problem until it goes to extremes. Not achieving what you want to? Work harder. Can't get ahead? Work harder. Not making a good enough living? Work harder. People who don't work hard are lazy. They don't deserve handouts or benefits. People who don't work hard aren't useful, so they are not valued members of our culture and community. But what about the old or the sick, the mentally ill, or those with disabilities? What about children? What about the unemployed? The under-employed? What about those who are — or will be — displaced by technology, those called “the useless class” by historian Yuval Noah Harari in his book Homo Deus? What if we become one of these in the future? Who am I if I cannot work? The Shadow side of my attitude to work became clear when I caught COVID in the summer of 2021. I was the sickest I'd ever been. I spent two weeks in bed unable to even think properly, and six weeks after that, I was barely able to work more than an hour a day before lying in the dark and waiting for my energy to return. I was limited in what I could do for another six months after that. At times, I wondered if I would ever get better. Jonathan kept urging me to be patient and rest. But I don't know how to rest. I know how to work and how to sleep. I can do ‘active rest,' which usually involves walking a long way or traveling somewhere interesting, but those require a stronger mind and body than I had during those months. It struck me that even if I recovered from the virus, I had glimpsed my future self. One day, I will be weak in body and mind. If I'm lucky, that will be many years away and hopefully for a short time before I die — but it will happen. I am an animal. I will die. My body and mind will pass on and I will be no more. Before then I will be weak. Before then, I will be useless. Before then, I will be a burden. I will not be able to work… But who am I if I cannot work? What is the point of me? I can't answer these questions right now, because although I recognise them as part of my Shadow, I've not progressed far enough to have dealt with them entirely. My months of COVID gave me some much-needed empathy for those who cannot work, even if they want to. We need to reframe what work is as a society, and value humans for different things, especially as technology changes what work even means. That starts with each of us. “Illness, affliction of body and soul, can be life-altering. It has the potential to reveal the most fundamental conflict of the human condition: the tension between our infinite, glorious dreams and desires and our limited, vulnerable, decaying physicality.” —Connie Zweig, The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul The Shadow in money In the Greek myth, King Midas was a wealthy ruler who loved gold above all else. His palace was adorned with golden sculptures and furniture, and he took immense pleasure in his riches. Yet, despite his vast wealth, he yearned for more. After doing a favour for Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, Midas was granted a single wish. Intoxicated by greed, he wished that everything he touched would turn to gold — and it was so. At first, it was a lot of fun. Midas turned everything else in his palace to gold, even the trees and stones of his estate. After a morning of turning things to gold, he fancied a spot of lunch. But when he tried to eat, the food and drink turned to gold in his mouth. He became thirsty and hungry — and increasingly desperate. As he sat in despair on his golden throne, his beloved young daughter ran to comfort him. For a moment, he forgot his wish — and as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek, she turned into a golden statue, frozen in precious metal. King Midas cried out to the gods to forgive him, to reverse the wish. He renounced his greed and gave away all his wealth, and his daughter was returned to life. The moral of the story: Wealth and greed are bad. In Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is described as a “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner.” He's wealthy but does not share, considering Christmas spending to be frivolous and giving to charity to be worthless. He's saved by a confrontation with his lonely future and becomes a generous man and benefactor of the poor. Wealth is good if you share it with others. The gospel of Matthew, chapter 25: 14-30, tells the parable of the bags of gold, in which a rich man goes on a journey and entrusts his servants with varying amounts of gold. On his return, the servants who multiplied the gold through their efforts and investments are rewarded, while the one who merely returned the gold with no interest is punished: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Making money is good, making more money is even better. If you can't make any money, you don't deserve to have any. Within the same gospel, in Matthew 19:24, Jesus encounters a wealthy man and tells him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, which the man is unable to do. Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Wealth is bad. Give it all away and you'll go to heaven. With all these contradictory messages, no wonder we're so conflicted about money! How do you think and feel about money? While money is mostly tied to our work, it's far more than just a transactional object for most people. It's loaded with complex symbolism and judgment handed down by family, religion, and culture. You are likely to find elements of Shadow by examining your attitudes around money. Consider which of the following statements resonate with you or write your own. Money stresses me out. I don't want to talk about it or think about it. Some people hoard money, so there is inequality. Rich people are bad and we should take away their wealth and give it to the poor. I can never make enough money to pay the bills, or to give my family what I want to provide. Money doesn't grow on trees. It's wasteful to spend money as you might need it later, so I'm frugal and don't spend money unless absolutely necessary. It is better and more ethical to be poor than to be rich. I want more money. I read books and watch TV shows about rich people because I want to live like that. Sometimes I spend too much on things for a glimpse of what that might be like. I buy lottery tickets and dream of winning all that money. I'm jealous of people who have money. I want more of it and I resent those who have it. I'm no good with money. I don't like to look at my bank statement or credit card statement. I live off my overdraft and I'm in debt. I will never earn enough to get out of debt and start saving, so I don't think too much about it. I don't know enough about money. Talking about it makes me feel stupid, so I just ignore it. People like me aren't educated about money. I need to make more money. If I can make lots of money, then people will look up to me. If I make lots of money, I will be secure, nothing can touch me, I will be safe. I never want to be poor. I would be ashamed to be poor. I will never go on benefits. My net worth is my self worth. Money is good. We have the best standard of living in history because of the increase in wealth over time. Even the richest kings of the past didn't have what many middle-class people have today in terms of access to food, water, technology, healthcare, education, and more. The richest people give the most money to the poor through taxation and charity, as well as through building companies that employ people and invent new things. The very richest give away much of their fortunes. They provide far more benefit to the world than the poor. I love money. Money loves me. Money comes easily and quickly to me. I attract money in multiple streams of income. It flows to me in so many ways. I spend money. I invest money. I give money. I'm happy and grateful for all that I receive. The Shadow around money for authors in particular Many writers and other creatives have issues around money and wealth. How often have you heard the following, and which do you agree with? You can't make money with your writing. You'll be a poor author in a garret, a starving artist. You can't write ‘good quality' books and make money. If you make money writing, you're a hack, you're selling out. You are less worthy than someone who writes only for the Muse. Your books are commercial, not artistic. If you spend money on marketing, then your books are clearly not good enough to sell on their own. My agent / publisher / accountant / partner deals with the money side. I like to focus on the creative side of things. My money story Note: This is not financial or investment advice. Please talk to a professional about your situation. I've had money issues over the years — haven't we all! But I have been through a (long) process to bring money out of my Shadow and into the light. There will always be more to discover, but hopefully my money story will help you, or at least give you an opportunity to reflect. Like most people, I didn't grow up with a lot of money. My parents started out as teachers, but later my mum — who I lived with, along with my brother — became a change management consultant, moving to the USA and earning a lot more. I'm grateful that she moved into business because her example changed the way I saw money and provided some valuable lessons. (1) You can change your circumstances by learning more and then applying that to leverage opportunity into a new job or career Mum taught English at a school in Bristol when we moved back from Malawi, Africa, in the mid '80s but I remember how stressful it was for her, and how little money she made. She wanted a better future for us all, so she took a year out to do a master's degree in management. In the same way, when I wanted to change careers and leave consulting to become an author, I spent time and money learning about the writing craft and the business of publishing. I still invest a considerable chunk on continuous learning, as this industry changes all the time. (2) You might have to downsize in order to leap forward The year my mum did her degree, we lived in the attic of another family's house; we ate a lot of one-pot casserole and our treat was having a Yorkie bar on the walk back from the museum. We wore hand-me-down clothes, and I remember one day at school when another girl said I was wearing her dress. I denied it, of course, but there in back of the dress was her name tag. I still remember her name and I can still feel that flush of shame and embarrassment. I was determined to never feel like that again. But what I didn't realize at the time was that I was also learning the power of downsizing. Mum got her degree and then a new job in management in Bristol. She bought a house, and we settled for a few years. I had lots of different jobs as a teenager. My favourite was working in the delicatessen because we got a free lunch made from delicious produce. After I finished A-levels, I went to the University of Oxford, and my mum and brother moved to the USA for further opportunities. I've downsized multiple times over the years, taking a step back in order to take a step forward. The biggest was in 2010 when I decided to leave consulting. Jonathan and I sold our three-bedroom house and investments in Brisbane, Australia, and rented a one-bedroom flat in London, so we could be debt-free and live on less while I built up a new career. It was a decade before we bought another house. (3) Comparison can be deadly: there will always be people with more money than you Oxford was an education in many ways and relevant to this chapter is how much I didn't know about things people with money took for granted. I learned about formal hall and wine pairings, and how to make a perfect gin and tonic. I ate smoked salmon for the first time. I learned how to fit in with people who had a lot more money than I did, and I definitely wanted to have money of my own to play with. (4) Income is not wealth You can earn lots but have nothing to show for it after years of working. I learned this in my first few years of IT consulting after university. I earned a great salary and then went contracting, earning even more money at a daily rate. I had a wonderful time. I traveled, ate and drank and generally made merry, but I always had to go back to the day job when the money ran out. I couldn't work out how I could ever stop this cycle. Then I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, a book I still recommend, especially if you're from a family that values academic over financial education. I learned how to escape the rat race by building and/or accumulating assets that pay even when you're not working. It was a revelation! The ‘poor dad' in the book is a university professor. He knows so much about so many things, but he ends up poor as he did not educate himself about money. The ‘rich dad' has little formal education, but he knows about money and wealth because he learned about it, as we can do at any stage in our lives. (5) Not all investments suit every person, so find the right one for you Once I discovered the world of investing, I read all the books and did courses and in-person events. I joined communities and I up-skilled big time. Of course, I made mistakes and learned lots along the way. I tried property investing and renovated a couple of houses for rental (with more practical partners and skilled contractors). But while I could see that property investing might work for some people, I did not care enough about the details to make it work for me, and it was certainly not passive income. I tried other things. My first husband was a boat skipper and scuba diving instructor, so we started a charter. With the variable costs of fuel, the vagaries of New Zealand weather — and our divorce — it didn't last long! From all these experiments, I learned I wanted to run a business, but it needed to be online and not based on a physical location, physical premises, or other people. That was 2006, around the time that blogging started taking off and it became possible to make a living online. I could see the potential and a year later, the iPhone and the Amazon Kindle launched, which became the basis of my business as an author. (6) Boring, automatic saving and investing works best Between 2007 and 2011, I contracted in Australia, where they have compulsory superannuation contributions, meaning you have to save and invest a percentage of your salary or self-employed income. I'd never done that before, because I didn't understand it. I'd ploughed all my excess income into property or the business instead. But in Australia I didn't notice the money going out because it was automatic. I chose a particular fund and it auto-invested every month. The pot grew pretty fast since I didn't touch it, and years later, it's still growing. I discovered the power of compound interest and time in the market, both of which are super boring. This type of investing is not a get rich quick scheme. It's a slow process of automatically putting money into boring investments and doing that month in, month out, year in, year out, automatically for decades while you get on with your life. I still do this. I earn money as an author entrepreneur and I put a percentage of that into boring investments automatically every month. I also have a small amount which is for fun and higher risk investments, but mostly I'm a conservative, risk-averse investor planning ahead for the future. This is not financial advice, so I'm not giving any specifics. I have a list of recommended money books at www.TheCreativePenn.com/moneybooks if you want to learn more. Learning from the Shadow When I look back, my Shadow side around money eventually drove me to learn more and resulted in a better outcome (so far!). I was ashamed of being poor when I had to wear hand-me-down clothes at school. That drove a fear of not having any money, which partially explains my workaholism. I was embarrassed at Oxford because I didn't know how to behave in certain settings, and I wanted to be like the rich people I saw there. I spent too much money in my early years as a consultant because I wanted to experience a “rich” life and didn't understand saving and investing would lead to better things in the future. I invested too much in the wrong things because I didn't know myself well enough and I was trying to get rich quick so I could leave my job and ‘be happy.' But eventually, I discovered that I could grow my net worth with boring, long-term investments while doing a job I loved as an author entrepreneur. My only regret is that I didn't discover this earlier and put a percentage of my income into investments as soon as I started work. It took several decades to get started, but at least I did (eventually) start. My money story isn't over yet, and I keep learning new things, but hopefully my experience will help you reflect on your own and avoid the issue if it's still in Shadow. These chapters are excerpted from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words by Joanna Penn The post Writing The Shadow: The Creative Wound, Publishing, And Money, With Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.
From January 17-19, we're hosting the Teacher Winter Talks event on the Teacher Approved podcast feed. Grab your free ticket for the full experience: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/teacherwintertalks✨ Each session will be available for 24 hours. Upgrade to the Max Pass to get lifetime access to all the sessions, plus over $500 worth of mid-year bonus resources like templates, workshops, and bundles!About the Session: Feeling the mid-year slump in your bones? Kelsey Sorenson offers a warm, grounded reset that actually makes sense for exhausted teachers. She explores why winter burnout is so real (biologically, emotionally, and practically) and why your response doesn't have to be more hustle. You'll walk away with a powerful mindset reframe and five simple tweaks you can start using today to soften the stress without overhauling your entire life. Think of it as a coaching-style permission slip to stop fighting the season and start working with it. If you've been white-knuckling your way through January waiting for things to feel easier... this session might be exactly the exhale you need.Links/Resources:Free Masterclass (From Burnout to Balance): https://educateandrejuvenate.com/sp/live-masterclass/Educate and Rejuvenate: www.educateandrejuvenate.comShare your takeaways and join the summit fun in the Teacher Winter Talks Facebook group!Teacher Winter Talks is sponsored by the Teacher Approved Club and Fashion Fix.
Send us a textDiscover the limitless potential of The Healthy Mindset Application (App) with our exclusive Application Assess, Educate, Coach approach. Begin your journey of personal transformation through The Healthy Mindset App Podcast, featuring meditations, breathing exercises, and invaluable coaching insights. Our methodologies cultivate a growth mindset, empowering you to adopt self-coaching practices while engaging in mindfulness and resilience building. Delve into personalized 1-on-1 coaching sessions with Mike Hartman through The Healthy Mindset Coaching On Demand, focusing on goal setting and confidence enhancement. Each participant receives a tailored Audio MP3 Debriefing based on their assessment, ensuring personalized guidance every step of the way. For inquiries about 1:1 coaching or speaking engagements, please email Mike@Hartman.AcademyBook A Session https://calendly.com/coachingondemand/performancemindsetcoaching?month=2024-05Healthy Mindset For Athletes & Workplace Athletes Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Mindset-Athletes-Workplace-Everything-ebook/dp/B0B55CFSCJ
How do you not sound cheesy or salesy on video? It's all about shifting your mindset from selling to teaching. If you've ever worried about coming across as a pushy salesperson, I totally get it—you're probably recalling those overly aggressive pitches we've all seen. But here's a tip: focus on delivering educational content. If you're curious to learn more about creating engaging videos, feel free to connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or my YouTube channel!In this 5 minute episode you'll learn:Focus on Content Quality: Instead of pushing your product, think from a content perspective. Educate and provide value to your audience first.Reframe Your Mindset: You're only salesy if you're aggressively selling. Transition from selling to teaching.Educate & Entertain: Ensure your content is informative and entertaining. Make the audience feel something rather than just hearing a pitch.FREE DOWNLOAD: 10 Tips to Make Better Video In Less Time (To Grow Your Revenue) click hereFollow host Kim Rittberg on Instagram & Subscribe to Kim's YouTube Channel to Make Better Videos See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brandon Elliott is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and credit expert whose journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, faith, and resilience. After surviving a life-altering explosion that burned 40% of his body and facing house arrest, Brandon chose a new path—one rooted in purpose and growth. Starting from the bottom, he worked multiple jobs while educating himself relentlessly through books, podcasts, seminars, and hands-on experience. In 2015, Brandon purchased his first rental property, and within a year he scaled to 10 income-producing properties—allowing him to quit his jobs and achieve financial freedom. Credit was the tool that made it possible. Today, Brandon is the founder of Credit Counsel Elite, a community-driven education platform helping others leverage credit to access six figures in funding, build wealth, and create generational freedom. His story has earned recognition, including being featured in Yahoo Finance's Top 100. During the show we discuss: The personal turning point that led from rock bottom to building Credit Counsel Elite Why credit—not cash—is one of the fastest and most overlooked paths to wealth creation How Credit Counsel Elite differs from traditional credit repair companies A breakdown of the 4-step system: Educate, Fix, Build, and Leverage How fixing credit errors and building strong profiles improves approval odds for high-limit, low-interest funding How members access six figures in funding at 0% interest through strategic credit stacking Why education, systems, and community are essential for creating generational wealth Resources: https://creditcounselelite.com/ https://cceevents.live/Bootcamp
Discover the limitless potential of The Healthy Mindset Application (App) with our exclusive Application Assess, Educate, Coach approach. Begin your journey of personal transformation through The Healthy Mindset App Podcast, featuring meditations, breathing exercises, and invaluable coaching insights. Our methodologies cultivate a growth mindset, empowering you to adopt self-coaching practices while engaging in mindfulness and resilience building. Delve into personalized 1-on-1 coaching sessions with Mike Hartman through The Healthy Mindset Coaching On Demand, focusing on goal setting and confidence enhancement. Each participant receives a tailored Audio MP3 Debriefing based on their assessment, ensuring personalized guidance every step of the way. For inquiries about 1:1 coaching or speaking engagements, please email Mike@Hartman.AcademyBook A Session https://calendly.com/coachingondemand/performancemindsetcoaching?month=2024-05Healthy Mindset For Athletes & Workplace Athletes Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Mindset-Athletes-Workplace-Everything-ebook/dp/B0B55CFSCJ
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Williams. President & COO (and owner) of OneUnited Bank, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass: Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Showcase OneUnited Bank’s role as the largest Black-owned bank and its commitment to financial empowerment. Educate listeners on digital banking solutions, financial literacy, and generational wealth strategies. Promote OneUnited Bank’s services and initiatives, including its youth financial literacy contest and “One Transaction” wealth-building concept. Key Takeaways Origins & Growth of OneUnited Bank Started as a community bank in Boston, later acquired four Black-owned banks (Miami, LA, Boston) and merged into OneUnited. Became the first Black-owned digital bank and now serves customers nationwide. Digital Banking & Accessibility Customers can open accounts online in minutes. Features include: Mobile check deposit (take a photo of your check). Direct deposit with early pay (up to 2 days early, no fees). Largest surcharge-free ATM network (100,000 ATMs, including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank). Combatting Financial Deserts Addresses lack of brick-and-mortar banks in Black communities and reliance on predatory check-cashing services. Emphasizes that check-cashing services never improve credit scores and often harm financial health. Financial Literacy & Wealth Building Advocates automatic savings as a key wealth-building habit. Introduced WiseOne, a tool that aggregates financial data to: Track net worth, income, expenses. Identify duplicate charges and suggest savings. Provide debt-reduction strategies. Youth Financial Literacy Initiative “I Got Bank” Contest for ages 8–12: Read a financial literacy book (free download available). Submit an essay or artwork on what they learned. 10 winners receive $1,000 savings accounts. One Transaction Concept Six key transactions to build generational wealth: Homeownership (OneUnited offers $25K–$50K down payment assistance). Life Insurance (affordable way to transfer wealth). Investments (automatic contributions). Profitable Business (entrepreneurship or side gigs). Credit Score Improvement. Savings (automatic transfers). Focus on one transaction at a time for sustainable progress. Economic Advice for Uncertain Times Anticipates stagflation (inflation + rising unemployment). Recommendations: Hold on to your job (avoid unnecessary job changes). Save more, spend less. Notable Quotes “We were the first Black-owned digital bank—and now the largest Black-owned bank in the country.” “Check cashers only report to credit bureaus when you don’t pay them. That’s crazy.” “If it goes in your pocket, you’re more likely to spend it. Wealthy people automate savings.” “One transaction can make the difference between being wealthy or not.” “We have the largest surcharge-free ATM network in the country—100,000 ATMs.” “Hold on to your job. Start saving more and spending less.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Williams. President & COO (and owner) of OneUnited Bank, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass: Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Showcase OneUnited Bank’s role as the largest Black-owned bank and its commitment to financial empowerment. Educate listeners on digital banking solutions, financial literacy, and generational wealth strategies. Promote OneUnited Bank’s services and initiatives, including its youth financial literacy contest and “One Transaction” wealth-building concept. Key Takeaways Origins & Growth of OneUnited Bank Started as a community bank in Boston, later acquired four Black-owned banks (Miami, LA, Boston) and merged into OneUnited. Became the first Black-owned digital bank and now serves customers nationwide. Digital Banking & Accessibility Customers can open accounts online in minutes. Features include: Mobile check deposit (take a photo of your check). Direct deposit with early pay (up to 2 days early, no fees). Largest surcharge-free ATM network (100,000 ATMs, including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank). Combatting Financial Deserts Addresses lack of brick-and-mortar banks in Black communities and reliance on predatory check-cashing services. Emphasizes that check-cashing services never improve credit scores and often harm financial health. Financial Literacy & Wealth Building Advocates automatic savings as a key wealth-building habit. Introduced WiseOne, a tool that aggregates financial data to: Track net worth, income, expenses. Identify duplicate charges and suggest savings. Provide debt-reduction strategies. Youth Financial Literacy Initiative “I Got Bank” Contest for ages 8–12: Read a financial literacy book (free download available). Submit an essay or artwork on what they learned. 10 winners receive $1,000 savings accounts. One Transaction Concept Six key transactions to build generational wealth: Homeownership (OneUnited offers $25K–$50K down payment assistance). Life Insurance (affordable way to transfer wealth). Investments (automatic contributions). Profitable Business (entrepreneurship or side gigs). Credit Score Improvement. Savings (automatic transfers). Focus on one transaction at a time for sustainable progress. Economic Advice for Uncertain Times Anticipates stagflation (inflation + rising unemployment). Recommendations: Hold on to your job (avoid unnecessary job changes). Save more, spend less. Notable Quotes “We were the first Black-owned digital bank—and now the largest Black-owned bank in the country.” “Check cashers only report to credit bureaus when you don’t pay them. That’s crazy.” “If it goes in your pocket, you’re more likely to spend it. Wealthy people automate savings.” “One transaction can make the difference between being wealthy or not.” “We have the largest surcharge-free ATM network in the country—100,000 ATMs.” “Hold on to your job. Start saving more and spending less.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.