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As educators wrestle with the impacts of AI in the classroom, Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show Brett Salkeld to discuss what Pope Leo says to teachers in his latest encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. Brett is the archdiocesan theologian for the Archdiocese of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada and the author of "Educating for Eternity: A Teacher's Companion for Making Every Class Catholic."
I am still here at EduTech 2026, and today's conversation has completely lit me up.I'm sitting across from the wonderful Andrea Vandenbohl, deputy principal at Northam Grammar School, where she has spent the last five years leading initiatives that weave wellbeing science and character education into every part of school life. Andrea's work is built on the belief that educating young people is about so much more than academic achievement. Through her leadership of student leadership programs, character education, and curriculum innovation, she has helped shape a school culture where wellbeing, character, and growth aren't side programs, they're essential. Outside of school, Andrea shares honest reflections on leadership through her blog, The Heeled Deputy.We start with Andrea's own journey into teaching as a second career after years as a professional musical theatre performer, and why that experience gave her a kind of grounded, lived-in teaching presence you can't get from a textbook. From there we dig straight into a phrase we hear constantly but rarely unpack properly, educating the whole child, and what it actually means to stop teaching "from the neck up."Andrea opens up about being one of those unseen kids at school herself, and how that experience shapes everything she now believes about belonging, safety, and character in education. We talk about why culture, not curriculum, is what really shapes who a child becomes, and Andrea shares the five character traits she believes are non-negotiable for every student.Then we get into something I think every school is quietly struggling with, how do you actually measure character, leadership, and wellbeing the way we measure academic data? Andrea shares the exact system her school uses, plus her honest take on why student voice is so often confused with student expression, and why handing kids a microphone without ever teaching them what to say into it is setting them up to fail.We finish with one of my favourite lines from the entire conversation, the idea of asking "who is the student becoming" instead of "how is the student performing," and Andrea closes things out with a beautiful explanation of her blog, born out of a six-day solo walk through Italy, several wild horses, and a whole lot of thinking about leadership.What you'll learn:What educating the whole child actually means, beyond the buzzword, and why teaching can't stop "from the neck up"Why culture, not curriculum, is what truly shapes who a child becomes, and why staff have to live their values rather than just speak themThe five character traits Andrea believes are non-negotiable in schools: courage, perseverance, empathy, humility, and responsibilityHow Andrea's school actually tracks and measures character and wellbeing using a simple, visible systemWhy student voice is so often confused with student expression, and what genuine, non-tokenistic student agency actually looks likePractical ways to co-construct success criteria and classroom norms with students instead of just for themWhy compliance in the classroom can actually be corrosive to character developmentThe one mindset shift Andrea wants every teacher to make tomorrow: stop asking "how is this student performing" and start asking "who is this student becoming"The story behind Andrea's leadership blog, The Heeled Deputy, and the wild horses that helped inspire itResources mentioned:The Heeled Deputy (Andrea's leadership blog)Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:Shop all resourcesJoin The Behaviour ClubMy book! It's Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour BootcampFree guide: 'Chats that Create Change'Connect with me:Follow on Instagram @the.unteachablesCheck out my website
✨ In this uplifting episode, Therese Vita shares how burnout, self-discovery, and deep reflection led her to create a life rooted in purpose, freedom, and fulfillment.
Erika Harrison joins The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about her career as an attorney in employment law and creating Black Girls Who Brunch, a set of food and politics social media sites that educates her following.
What does it mean to be a Jewish voter in post–October 7 America?In this episode, Rabbi Daniel Levine sits down with Ilana Meirovitch, CEO of JCAN (Jewish Community Action Network), to discuss the dramatic political realignment taking place within the American Jewish community. They explore rising antisemitism on both the left and the right, how Israel has become a political litmus test, the challenges of engaging elected officials, and what effective Jewish advocacy looks like in an increasingly polarized America.From local school board races to congressional elections, from Zionism and campus activism to coalition building and political strategy, this conversation offers a candid look at the pressures facing Jewish voters today and the future of Jewish political engagement in the United States.Learn more about JCAN: https://jcan-oc.org⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction & why Jewish voting patterns are changing00:28 The political landscape facing Jews after October 701:20 The “horseshoe effect” of antisemitism on the left and right03:17 Why many Jewish Democrats feel politically homeless04:58 Three major camps within the pro-Israel Jewish community06:48 Are Jews becoming single-issue voters?08:57 Educating candidates vs. abandoning them09:52 What Jewish voters should prioritize in local elections11:44 Israel as a proxy for broader concerns about antisemitism14:19 Schools, curriculum battles, and ethnic studies16:11 How little many candidates know about Jewish issues17:50 Teaching elected officials about antisemitism and Zionism20:12 The challenge of engaging progressive audiences23:18 Foreign influence, misinformation, and anti-Israel narratives24:52 Why antisemitism remains socially acceptable in some circles26:12 Consequences, advocacy, and fighting back strategically28:15 Power, Zionism, and the Jewish response to antisemitism30:01 Muscular Judaism and the return of Jewish self-confidence34:47 Building alliances while remaining a small minority36:40 Is there an inevitable Jewish shift to the political right?38:39 Antisemitism on the far right and why both extremes matter40:22 Grading politicians on a curve: purity tests vs. pragmatism42:48 Why dialogue with imperfect allies still matters44:05 CARE, political endorsements, and educating elected officials50:27 The Farrah Khan controversy and local Orange County politics51:44 Antisemitic rhetoric in public office and community responseRabbi Daniel Levine and Ilana Meirovitch discuss:• How October 7 reshaped Jewish political priorities• Whether American Jews are becoming single-issue voters• Antisemitism on both the far left and far right• Zionism, Jewish identity, and political polarization• The role of local politics in protecting Jewish communities• How elected officials learn about Jewish issues• Campus activism, ethnic studies, and education battles• Why coalition-building matters for Jewish advocacy• When communities should engage politicians—and when they should walk away• The future of Jewish political power in America
When the Chiropractor Became the Patient: Dr. Jason Gilbert on Mercury Toxicity and Healing Episode Description What happens when a chiropractor who has spent decades helping other people heal suddenly becomes the patient himself? In this episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier talks with Australian chiropractor, author, educator, and World Surf League sports practitioner Dr. Jason Gilbert. Jason's career began with an unexpected move to South America, where he discovered that chiropractic care was largely unavailable. Armed with a portable table, a plastic spine, limited Spanish, and a deep belief in the body's ability to heal, he began treating patients in Peru and traveling through the Andes and Amazon. What started as a personal adventure grew into two decades of clinical work, television appearances, public education, and involvement in one of Latin America's earliest university chiropractic programs. Jason shares how a single television invitation brought dozens of families into his clinic, how his work eventually led him to host health programming, and what he learned while introducing chiropractic to communities that had never experienced it. But Jason's greatest lessons came when his own health began to fail. He describes developing severe symptoms after having dental amalgam fillings removed, eventually being told that his mercury level was dramatically elevated. That experience led him into functional medicine and changed the way he understood toxicity, nutrition, recovery, and the causes behind chronic symptoms. Jason also shares the spinal injury that ultimately required surgery, despite years of helping other patients avoid operations. His recovery introduced him to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which later became an important part of his professional work. Stephanie and Jason explore chiropractic philosophy, spinal health, nervous system function, mercury toxicity, functional medicine, hyperbaric oxygen, surfing injuries, stress, sleep, hydration, nutrition, live-blood microscopy, ionized water, and the foundational habits that support health. This is a conversation about becoming a pioneer, learning through adversity, and discovering that even the practitioner sometimes has to become the patient. This episode includes personal experiences and discussion of chiropractic care, dental amalgam removal, mercury testing, spinal surgery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, live-blood microscopy, alkaline or ionized water, supplements, and other wellness practices. The views and experiences shared belong to the guest and may include uses or claims that are not established for every condition. This episode is educational and is not a substitute for individualized medical or dental care. Consult qualified professionals before changing treatment, removing dental fillings, or beginning hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Listener Offer This episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor is supported by Lemongrove Oil. Use code DRSTEPHANIE at checkout for 10% off your order. https://www.lemongroveoil.com/ In This Episode, Discover Why Jason Gilbert moved from Australia to South America Bringing chiropractic care to communities in Peru Traveling through the Andes and Amazon with a portable table Treating patients without sharing a common language What Jason learned about communication, trust, and human connection How a television appearance transformed his chiropractic practice Educating the public through television and radio Jason's involvement in an early Brazilian chiropractic degree program How chiropractic grew from a handful of practitioners to thousands in Brazil Why public education remains important for the chiropractic profession Jason's explanation of chiropractic and the nervous system His experience following dental amalgam removal The symptoms he connected to severe mercury toxicity How a health crisis led him to study functional medicine Why his own spinal condition eventually required surgery The habits and repetitive movements that contributed to his injury How hyperbaric oxygen therapy became part of his recovery What happens inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber Jason's work with professional surfers and the World Surf League The physical demands and injuries connected to surfing What he says he observes through live-blood microscopy His experience with alkaline and ionized water Why sleep, nutrition, movement, hydration, stress, and relationships matter Turning personal health crises into opportunities to help others Learn More About Dr. Jason Gilbert Official Website: https://jasongilbert.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasongilbertofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasongilbertofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-gilbert-56b12351 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_tok-l8d7XvfpuDoNTMhg Podcasts Featuring Jason Gilbert: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4BxZymysjdsQ4oJGMzJBrb?si=FhEv_aOcSUSPGcYubxdyZw&pi=a-89GC9sZ7Q9Wr&nd=1&dlsi=b5b7314cb00e47cc Courses and Educational Resources: https://www.jasongilbertcourses.com.au/ Learn More About Jason's Book, The Secret to a Healthy Spine: https://jasongilbert.com.au/book Episode Sponsor Lemongrove Oil: https://www.lemongroveoil.com/ Use code DRSTEPHANIE at checkout for 10% off your order. Conversations with a Chiropractor YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com Want to be a guest? Send Stephanie Wautier a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/drstephanie Credits Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:54 Meet Dr. Jason Gilbert 01:25 Moving to Peru and Introducing Chiropractic 03:07 Discovering the Power of the Chiropractic Adjustment 04:03 Treating Patients Without a Common Language 05:11 Communication, Personality, and Patient Trust 06:36 How Television Transformed Jason's Practice 08:16 Writing The Secret to a Healthy Spine 08:49 Becoming a Television Health Presenter 11:29 Jason's Impact Across South America 12:43 Helping Build a Chiropractic Program in Brazil 13:36 The Growth and Recognition of Chiropractic 14:51 Chiropractic Around the World 16:01 How Australians Understand Chiropractic Care 19:54 Jason's Explanation of Chiropractic 22:08 Dental Amalgam Removal and Mercury Toxicity 23:41 Discovering Functional Medicine 24:53 The Spinal Injury That Required Surgery 27:20 Recovery and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 28:42 How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works 32:34 The Foundational Pillars of Health 34:29 Working With the World Surf League 35:04 Surfing Injuries and Spinal Health 36:12 Live-Blood Microscopy and Jason's Health Journey 37:32 Alkaline Water and Blood Microscopy 40:28 Simple Habits for Supporting Health 40:34 How to Find Dr. Jason Gilbert 41:13 Final Thoughts and Closing
In this episode, Michael Blank breaks down one of the biggest mental roadblocks that keeps aspiring apartment investors from doing their first deal: raising capital. While most new investors gravitate toward finding deals because it feels safer, Michael explains why capital raising is the true catalyst for building a successful syndication business. He shares practical strategies for overcoming fear, leveraging experienced partners, having meaningful investor conversations before you have a deal, and building a repeatable system that attracts capital through trust and relationships. If you've ever believed you "can't raise money," this episode will challenge that mindset and give you a clear roadmap to getting started.Key TakeawaysRaising Capital Is a Learnable SkillMany successful investors initially avoided capital raising, only to discover it was easier—and more rewarding—than they expected once they took action.Start Building Investor Relationships Before You Have a DealWaiting until a property is under contract is too late. Educating investors and securing soft commitments ahead of time dramatically increases your chances of closing deals.Your Team Can Replace Your Lack of ExperienceIf you don't have a track record, surround yourself with experienced operators, lenders, advisors, and property managers to build investor confidence.Focus on Conversations, Not Sales PitchesThe best capital raisers educate, ask questions, and build trust rather than trying to convince people to invest immediately.Raise Money One-on-One Before Scaling OnlinePersonal conversations help you refine your message, understand investor concerns, and build credibility before investing in online marketing.Strategic Partnerships Accelerate GrowthPartnering with experienced capital raisers and syndicators allows you to access larger investor networks and scale your business much faster.Connect with our Deal Maker PartnersCheck out all Partners hereAttorney - Swafford Law LLC Mentor - Deal Maker MentoringResourcesConnect with Michael BlankTheFreedomPodcast.com Join the Deal Maker MastermindExplore Michael's Mentoring ProgramReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsGet the Syndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session532/
There's been a decline in theological schools due to enrollment drops, financial crises and even some closures. The Atlanta-based Gammon Theological Seminary, one of the nation’s most prominent Black schools of theology, has received its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is being called "a major win for the theological institution." Rose speaks with the Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis, the first woman elected President and CEO in the Seminary’s 143-year history, about her vision for the institution and reflects on the current state of seminaries. A Continued Mission: Atlanta Non-Profit Desires More Resources for Helping Unhoused Atlanta's Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative (PAD) recently launched an awareness campaign for their supportive services during the World Cup. PAD has been operating in Atlanta for several years ... dispatching care coordinators instead of police ... when callers request support for mental health crises, signs of extreme poverty and more. PAD expanded services specifically for the World Cup, and now officials share why those services will have to cease, but other services will continue. Plus, PAD's deputy director, Denise White and Muhammad Hafeez, director of community engagement share what care coordinators are seeing while being dispatched around the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
✨ In this powerful episode, Denise Stegall shares how her own early perimenopause journey led her to become a guide for women navigating midlife hormonal changes.
As AI reshapes marketing, the brands that win won't be the loudest. They'll be the ones customers trust. Discover how authenticity, transparency, and customer experience are becoming the keys to long-term growth.And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details.==Let's Break It Down==04:36 Targeting office coffee drinkers07:00 Building trust through demos09:53 Importance of customer validation15:01 Trust, transparency, and service loop18:13 Educating customers about credit fees19:58 Balancing digital budget and AI testing23:19 Understanding AI and user preferences26:46 Balancing AI with human input30:57 Working with embedded payments partners33:20 Trust issues with influencer marketing==Where You Can Find Us==Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast==Leave a Review==Hey there, StrategyCast fans!If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!
In this transformational re-run, we dive into the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Time Line Therapy® and how you can rewire your neurology to move from feeling stuck… into aligned, empowered action
Any donation is greatly appreciated! 47e6GvjL4in5Zy5vVHMb9PQtGXQAcFvWSCQn2fuwDYZoZRk3oFjefr51WBNDGG9EjF1YDavg7pwGDFSAVWC5K42CBcLLv5U OR DONATE HERE: https://www.monerotalk.live/donate TODAY'S SHOW: In this episode Douglas Tuman has a wide-ranging conversation with Christopher Cialone covering the current state of Monero adoption, the importance of financial privacy, and the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence on society. The discussion explores why Monero remains uniquely positioned as practical digital cash, emphasizing its ease of use and its role in preserving personal liberty in an increasingly surveilled financial system. They argue that privacy technologies become increasingly valuable as society moves toward greater digital dependence and centralized control, making continued Monero education and grassroots adoption more important than ever. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Introduction & Monero Meetup Recap 00:09:52 Why Monero Matters: Privacy, Freedom & Education 00:19:58 Bitcoin, 9/11, COVID & A Journey into Crypto 00:30:03 Learning to Code, AI, and Building Privacy Tools 00:40:05 Educating the Next Generation & Shadow Ranch 00:50:03 XMR Bazaar, Circular Economies 01:00:02 Roman Storm, Tornado Cash & Attacks on Privacy Software 01:10:05 New York Politics, BitLicense & Fighting for Privacy 01:20:04 The Future of Monero, Development & Adoption 01:30:11 Coinbase, Self-Custody & Staying True to Cypherpunk Principles 01:36:13 Closing Thoughts GUEST LINKS: https://x.com/cialoneCodes Purchase Cafe & tip the farmers w/ XMR! https://gratuitas.org/ SPONSORS: Cakewallet.com, the first open-source Monero wallet for iOS. You can even exchange between XMR, BTC, LTC & more in the app! Monero.com by Cake Wallet - ONLY Monero wallet (https://monero.com/) StealthEX, an instant exchange. Go to (https://stealthex.io) to instantly exchange between Monero and 450 plus assets, w/o having to create an account or register & with no limits. WEBSITE: https://www.monerotopia.com CONTACT: monerotalk@protonmail.com ODYSEE: https://odysee.com/@MoneroTalk:8 TWITTER: https://twitter.com/monerotalk FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MoneroTalk HOST: https://twitter.com/douglastuman INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/monerotalk TELEGRAM: https://t.me/monerotopia MATRIX: https://matrix.to/#/%23monerotopia%3Amonero.social MASTODON: @Monerotalk@mastodon.social MONERO.TOWN: https://monero.town/u/monerotalkAny donation is greatly appreciated!Any donation is greatly appreciated!
The Rebbe writes about the importance of yeshiva leadership, the goal of raising true Temimim, and the unique power of Chassidus compared to Mussar. He discusses the difference between tzaddikim and baalei teshuvah and encourages strengthening all aspects of yeshiva life. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/017/010/6366
In which Dan chats with Terra Ziporyn and Amy Wolfson, authors of the new book Educating the Exhausted: Adolescent Sleep and the Struggle for a Later School Start. Terra is a medical writer and historian and Amy is child clinical psychologist. They both serve on the board of Start School Later, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing public awareness about the relationship between sleep and school hours. Dan, Terra, and Amy discuss the importance of sleep, why evidence is often not enough to change minds, and where we might find the political will to start school later.As always, I welcome comments and questions on Instagram @_dankearney_Mentioned in the show:Educating the Exhausted: Adolescent Sleep and the Struggle for a Later School Start by Terra Ziporyn and Amy WolfsonStart School LaterRace to Nowhere, a documentary film from 2010"California just pushed back school start times — you weren't dreaming. Now what?" an article from CalMattersMusic: "The Process" by Lakey
Father Peter Pomposello joins to discuss Catholic patriotism. Theresa - I've designed a crystal red, white and blue rosary. How do I go about giving this to our military veterans? Nick - We have to distinguish ourselves as Catholics before we're Americans. God comes first. Everything belongs to God. Look at the precepts of church. Break 1 More comments on Catholic patriotism Walter - It goes straight to the gospel. In John, he says the light of God is the life of man. God is guaranteed to give light. Evangelizing. It takes faith. Break 2 Dave - Patriotism and the Convention of State. We the people would propose amendments to the constitution. This has never been used. Educating people about this and getting involved by petitioning state legislators is essential. I think this is part of the Catholic cause. Tony - I'm a retired engineer who worked on radar and missile systems. I have had my doubts because I didn't want to work on weapons that kill. Glad to be part of it and in service to our country.
AMDG. Kolbe's own Neva Hernandez joins Bonnie and Steven to welcome Dr. Matthew Mehan to the Kolbecast. Dr. Mehan is a best-selling author and the Associate Dean and Professor of Government at the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College's Washington D.C. campus. As we come to our country's 250th birthday, we discuss history, poetry and Dr. Mehan's new book The American Book of Fables. This new book explores our country and its history through the eyes of American animals and has materials for “Littles”, “Middles” and “Bigs” and with its beautiful illustrations can be enjoyed by the whole family. Links mentioned and relevant: The American Book of Fables by Dr. Matthew Mehan Trailer for The American Book of Fables Mr. Mehan's Mildly Amusing Book of Mythical Mammals and The Handsome Little Cygnet, also written by Dr. Matthew Mehan and illustrated by artist John Folley Dr. Mehan is @mtmehan on Instagram and X Watch trailers for Dr. Mehan's books on YouTube Dr. Gerard Wegemer of the Thomas More Studies program at the University of Dallas Relevant Kolbecast episodes: 192 Kitchen Doings, Neva's Kolbecast debut 175 A Both-And Approach with Dr. Jonathan Sanford, president of the University of Dallas 312 Educating for Liberty with Dr. Tom Harmon Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey. We'd be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!
The Rebbe addresses the challenges of educating immigrant youth from families with weak moral backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of not undermining their foundational values. He advises gradual change, respecting their traditions, and working harmoniously with parents and teachers. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/017/010/6367
Sanding cars incorrectly can destroy a vehicle's paint and wreck your business. But most shops and detailers jump into it without understanding what's really at stake—until it's too late. If you're tempted by the allure of quick fixes or social media hype, this episode exposes the brutal truths behind the trend and shares the secrets that only top professionals understand.Nick, dives deep into the hidden dangers of improper paint removal, paint pulling during PPF tear-outs, and the high-level skill needed for truly bond-perfect sanding and finishing. You'll discover why most people doing DIY or misguided sanding are risking complete repaint jobs—and losing money in the process. Get the inside scoop on why sanding a daily driver is never a badge of honor, and how rushing this process can cost thousands in repairs, damage customer trust, and even shut down your business.We break down the key pitfalls: how to protect yourself with signed agreements on paint pull risks, why badly executed sanding often results in repainting, and what real mastery of paint systems looks like. Nick shares stories from the trenches—highlighting why most “Instagram sanders” are doing more harm than good—and reveals what truly separates professionals from amateurs in this demanding craft.This episode isn't just about avoiding disaster—it's about elevating your skill and reputation. Perfect for detailers, shop owners, and anyone tired of costly mistakes, this is your wake-up call to step up your game, understand your craft, and serve clients with integrity. If you're serious about your career and want to avoid costly pitfalls, you can't afford to miss this.Get ready to see your work in a new light—because sanding is not a trend, it's a precision craft that demands mastery. Don't chase internet clout; chase excellence.Chapters and timestamps00:00 — Intro: the importance of understanding PPF removal risks01:03 — Common horror stories in PPF removal and lessons learned02:05 — Why removing PPF can be a shop's greatest liability03:57 — Educating clients and documenting risks in PPF removal04:53 — The impact of adhesives like ProBond on paint pulling06:19 — How long PPF should stay on and the risks of improper removal07:13 — Handling customer expectations and installations of PPF08:39 — Shops that refuse PPF removal and the dangers involved09:38 — Consequences of poor removal techniques and inexperience10:38 — The cycle of sanding and its resurgence in social media11:55 — The skill required to sand vehicles properly and the risks of amateurs12:55 — The dangers of sanding daily drivers without expertise13:16 — Why most people shouldn't sand cars and the importance of proper training14:07 — The high cost and effort involved in professional sanding15:26 — Why sanding doesn't simplify paint correction but complicates repairs16:03 — The significance of understanding paint systems before sanding17:19 — The skill gap in the industry and the importance of finishing work18:34 — The technical complexity of body lines and the pitfalls of improper sanding19:25 — The business implications of irresponsible sanding practices20:05 — Ethical considerations: focusing on the customer's best interest21:12 — The importance of discerning when and why to sand vehicles22:12 — Why reckless sanding damages your reputation and business23:45 — The failure to provide customer-centric services like proper correction and protection26:11 — Final thoughts: avoiding shortcuts, investing in skill, and protecting your business
Last time we spoke about the battle of Zhongtiao Mountain. On 7 May 1941, Japan launched a three-front assault on the Zhongtiao Mountains, striking multiple axes and using paratroopers to disrupt Chinese command. On the northeastern front, Wu Shimin's 98th Army scored a success at Wangcun, routing about 2,000 attackers. Elsewhere, three-pronged Japanese forces drove south toward Yuanqu with overwhelming artillery, armor, and coordinated movement. During the first night, paratroopers found the Chinese headquarters already disordered: orders were unclear and communications with most units collapsed. By 8 May, the First War Zone could no longer coordinate; armies fought alone. From mid-May into June, Japanese units swept the mountains, manning river crossings to block retreat and eliminating pockets. Surviving Chinese formations escaped or regrouped south of the Yellow River, but the three-year Zhongtiao defensive system was destroyed in about twenty days, sharply worsening Japan's strategic situation in northern China. #208 Operation Plus: The Road to the Second Battle of Changsha Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. In the autumn of 1939, Japanese forces under General Yasuji Okamura launched a major offensive aimed at capturing Changsha — the gateway to China's interior and one of the most important cities still under Nationalist control. The First Battle of Changsha ended without a decisive Japanese victory. Chinese forces, anchored by the Ninth War Zone under General Xue Yue, managed to repel the advance, inflicting significant casualties and preserving the city. It was a notable achievement at a time when Japanese arms had swept across vast swathes of Chinese territory, and it reverberated through both the Chinese military establishment and the watching international community. Following the Japanese withdrawal, Chiang Kai-shek convened the Second Nanyue Military Conference to carry out a thorough assessment of the battle and to plan for the period of relative calm that would follow. The conference sought to answer several pressing questions: What had worked in the defense? Where had coordination broken down? How could the period of Japanese inactivity be used most productively? Chiang made it clear that this respite was not to be wasted. Commanders of all the major war zones were simultaneously expected to serve as governors of their respective provinces, ensuring unity of military and civilian command. Chiang himself set an example by personally assuming the governorship of Sichuan Province and focusing attention on that province's production and reconstruction efforts. The conference produced broad directives for the reconstruction of war-zone provinces and the intensification of military training. For Hunan, responsibility for implementing these directives fell on the shoulders of General Xue Yue, who had emerged from the First Battle of Changsha with greatly enhanced prestige and authority. The reason Changsha and Hunan more broadly attracted such persistent Japanese attention was geographical and logistical. The Yuehan Railway — running from Yueyang in northern Hunan down through Changsha and south toward Guangzhou — was one of the most important transportation arteries in China. Whoever controlled it could move troops, equipment, and supplies across vast distances with speed and reliability. Opening up the Yuehan line would, in Japanese strategic thinking, effectively connect their forces in Central China with those in South China, allowing for a gradual tightening of the strategic noose around Chiang Kai-shek's wartime capital at Chongqing in Sichuan Province. Hunan was therefore not merely a defensive problem for the Chinese; it was a strategic prize that Japan would inevitably seek to take. Xue Yue, whose headquarters were in Changsha, was well aware of this logic. With the First Battle of Changsha behind him and the province in need of recovery, Xue Yue turned his attention to governance. He was not content to wait passively for the next Japanese offensive. He believed that a province that was economically productive, administratively disciplined, and politically stable would provide a far more durable foundation for military resistance than one that was disorganized and demoralized. At the beginning of his tenure as effective governor of Hunan, Xue conducted a thorough survey of the province's situation and then articulated a philosophical framework for his administration in the form of a "three-character policy," consisting of three guiding principles: "Peace" (an), "Convenience" (bian), and "Sufficiency" ( zu). In Xue's formulation, "Peace" meant that the population should be able to live, work, and conduct their daily affairs free from fear and disruption. "Convenience" meant that policies should benefit the people, the nation, and the war effort simultaneously — eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and inefficiencies. "Sufficiency" meant achieving adequate levels in all essential areas: enough soldiers, enough food, and enough wisdom in leadership. These seemingly simple principles were elaborated into extensive implementation guidelines. The announcement of this framework immediately sparked debate across Hunan's intellectual and administrative community. Veteran officials and scholars were divided. Some praised the policy as a clear and practical framework for wartime governance. Others dismissed it as hollow wordplay, offering nothing new or substantive. A minority was more sharply critical, warning that if such superficial philosophizing was all Xue could offer, the province would decay into warlordism. Undeterred by the criticism, Xue Yue built upon the three-character framework with a set of "Six Policies" for governing the people of Hunan: "Benefiting the People, Raising the People, Educating the People, Protecting the People, Managing the People, and Utilizing the People." Each of these six principles came with specific implementation targets and performance metrics, designed to be measurable rather than aspirational. This second round of policy announcements generated yet another wave of debate, but Xue pressed forward with implementation regardless. From the beginning of 1940, Xue vigorously pushed for the expansion of agricultural and industrial production across the province. His approach was comprehensive and at times uncompromising. He approved funds for the reconstruction of the Zhongshan Road National Goods Exhibition Hall in Changsha — which had been destroyed in the catastrophic Changsha Fire of 1938 — and by February 1940, 114 shops had reopened there. In March, he approved the "Eight Measures for the Construction of Sheds in Changsha," drafted by the Changsha Municipal Police Bureau, which relaxed housing regulations and helped address the severe shortage of accommodation for the city's residents, who had largely fled or been displaced during the fire and the Japanese offensive. One of the more creative initiatives of this period was the Ninth War Zone's order requiring all troops stationed in Hunan to cultivate a certain amount of farmland in their spare time, growing grain to supplement military rations. Local residents came to refer to the plots tended by soldiers as "soldier's fields" (bing tian). This policy served a dual purpose: it reduced the logistical burden of feeding the garrison forces from civilian stocks while keeping soldiers productively occupied during lulls in fighting. It also served to maintain a degree of goodwill between the military and the rural communities on which any prolonged resistance ultimately depended. One of the most consequential steps Xue Yue took to stabilize Hunan's governance was an aggressive campaign against corruption. On April 15, 1940, he ordered the execution of Tian Weizheng, the county magistrate of Changsha, and Wang Lun, the county magistrate of Xiangtan, both on charges of corruption and abuse of office. The proclamation accompanying the executions was blunt: "This serves as a warning against corruption and establishes the authority of the law in upholding discipline." The message was not lost on officials across the province. In the months that followed, a sweep of investigations led to the punishment of numerous corrupt officials and illegal businessmen. The effect on public confidence in the provincial government was significant. Citizens and soldiers alike perceived that there was now a leadership willing to hold its own accountable — a stark contrast to the corruption and self-dealing that had plagued Chinese provincial governance throughout the war. Xue was also attentive to the ideological dimension of the war effort. On May Fourth Youth Day — itself laden with nationalist significance, commemorating the great student movement of 1919 — Xue attended the provincial capital's sports meet and delivered a speech before thousands of young people entitled "Iron Youth, Iron Spirit, Sacred Labor, Sacred Survival." The speech was aimed at galvanizing the younger generation, connecting their personal futures to the fate of the nation and the resistance against Japan. That same month, in May 1940, the 110th executive meeting of the Hunan Provincial Government revised and approved the "Hunan Province County Heads Performance Evaluation Method," a document that formalized military service and support for the war effort as the primary criterion in the evaluation of local officials' political performance. Throughout 1940, the provincial government and the Ninth War Zone organized a series of training courses for officials, including courses specifically designed for guerrilla cadres, women cadres, and village chiefs — an indication that preparations for sustained, decentralized resistance were underway. Xue himself addressed the cadre training group with a speech on "The Conditions That a Well-Rounded Cadre Should Possess." By the end of 1940, after more than a year of sustained effort, Hunan had broadly recovered to the administrative and economic condition it had enjoyed before the Changsha Fire, when the reformist official Zhang Zhizhong had governed the province. Agriculture, industry, and commerce all showed measurable improvement over their wartime lows. The government's accounts for the year reflected growth across all sectors. This recovery was not merely statistical; it represented a genuine rebuilding of the province's capacity to sustain a prolonged defense. Soldiers were better fed and equipped, local officials were more disciplined, and the civilian population had a functioning, if still imperfect, relationship with the wartime state. Early in 1941, Xue Yue's reputation had grown to the point where local gentry and public figures jointly petitioned for a bustling street in Changsha to be named after his courtesy name — a mark of genuine popular esteem unusual for a military governor in wartime China. While Xue Yue was rebuilding Hunan, events at the geopolitical level were reshaping the strategic environment in ways that would directly precipitate the Second Battle of Changsha. On September 27, 1940, Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, formally joining the Axis powers. The pact alarmed the Western democracies and accelerated their support for China. On December 2, 1940, the United States Congress passed a bill approving a one-hundred-million-dollar loan to China. On December 10, 1940, Britain followed suit, approving a ten-million-pound loan. Both measures were explicitly understood — by all parties — as responses to Japanese expansion and Japan's recognition of Wang Jingwei's collaborationist puppet government in Nanjing. For the Japanese military leadership, these loans signaled that the international community was not prepared to accept Japan's fait accompli in China, and that the war of attrition against the Nationalist government could not be allowed to continue indefinitely. The imperative to resolve the "China Incident" — as Japanese officials euphemistically called the war — before the international situation deteriorated further became more urgent than ever. On January 16, 1941, the Japanese Army adopted the "Long-Term Operational Guidance Plan for China." The document acknowledged a painful internal contradiction: Japan could only sustain a protracted war in China, yet it simultaneously demanded a swift resolution to the conflict through strong military pressure. The plan's solution to this contradiction was to intensify operations while "taking note of the international situation" — meaning that military actions should be calibrated to avoid triggering direct American or British intervention. The plan called for large-scale offensive operations in the summer and autumn of 1941. The companion document, the "Annual Plan for Showa 16 (1941)," was more specific. It required Japanese troops stationed in China to conduct a major operation in the summer and autumn of that year with the aim of dealing a heavy blow to the main force of the "Whampoa Military Academy" — the term used by Japanese planners to describe the core of Chiang Kai-shek's professional officer corps, trained at the Whampoa (Huangpu) Military Academy and regarded as the backbone of the Nationalist army. The stated goal was to destroy the Chongqing government's will to continue resistance and thereby force a resolution to the China Incident. Xue Yue himself read translated summaries of both these documents when he traveled to Chongqing to report on his work in early 1941. He returned to Hunan in a reflective, and determined, frame of mind. For much of the period between the two Battles of Changsha, the Japanese Eleventh Army — the primary force facing Xue Yue's Ninth War Zone — had been commanded by General Yasuji Okamura, a seasoned officer with whom Xue had developed a degree of familiarity through combat. By early 1941, it became known that Okamura was to be transferred to the Military Advisory Council at Imperial General Headquarters in Tokyo — a prestigious but more removed role. Xue Yue reflected on this change with a mixture of relief and characteristic self-confidence, reasoning that whoever replaced Okamura would be a new adversary to be dealt with on the battlefield, and that there was no reason to lose to him regardless. Korechika Anami received his appointment as commander of the Eleventh Army on February 15, 1941. From the first day of his appointment, he carried a detailed battle map of the three provinces facing his command — Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi — along with comprehensive intelligence files on both sides' troop dispositions and strengths. He studied these materials constantly, on trains, in waiting rooms, wherever he had a free moment. By the time he formally took up his post on March 10, 1941, he already had a clear operational vision for the coming campaign. Before reaching the front, Anami stopped in Nanjing to meet with General Hata Shunroku, the Commander-in-Chief of the China Expeditionary Army. Hata had himself arrived in China in early 1941, having been summoned by the Emperor before his departure and entrusted with what the Emperor called the sacred mission of resolving the China Incident. The two men talked through the night, their conversation returning repeatedly to the planned summer-autumn offensive. Hata urged Anami to annihilate the main force of the Ninth War Zone in the area south of the Miluo River — to destroy, once and for all, the core of Chiang Kai-shek's best troops. "If this battle is fought well," Hata told him, "the entire war situation in China will undergo a huge change." Anami listened and agreed, though he had his own reasons to want the battle to go well. He had voluntarily relinquished the prominent position of Vice Minister of the Army at General Headquarters in Tokyo to take this field command — a significant personal sacrifice that reflected his deep desire for battlefield achievement. There was a personal dimension to Anami's motivations as well. His second son, a bright and lively boy to whom he was deeply attached, had died in combat in China. Anami carried a photograph of his son wherever he went, and had resolved to transform his grief into a consuming commitment to military excellence, whatever the human cost. At the Eleventh Army's headquarters in Yueyang, Anami found the war game board and operational plans that Okamura had left behind. He did not immediately begin issuing orders. Instead, for weeks he immersed himself in the problem, traveling between divisional headquarters and subordinate commands to gather ground-level perspectives, or sitting alone for hours before the great map, motionless and in deep concentration. His new chief of staff, Kinoshita Isamu, who had come from a divisional unit and was unfamiliar with his commander's temperament, could only keep silent company during these long sessions. When Anami eventually convened his headquarters personnel to explain his operational intentions, he made a pointed critique of the First Battle of Changsha. "The reason why the last battle in Changsha did not achieve great results," he said, "was that the troops were too dispersed and the main direction of attack was not highlighted, so they could not form a strong impact and lethality." He named the new operation "Operation Plus" — a deliberate contrast with what he saw as the subtracted, diluted efforts of the previous campaign. His concept was one of radical concentration: rather than dispersing the attack across multiple fronts in Hubei and Jiangxi while simultaneously advancing on Changsha, Anami proposed pulling the forces from southern Hubei and northern Jiangxi and massing them in front of northern Hunan. The effect on his staff officers when he demonstrated this redeployment on the map was electric; one of them involuntarily exclaimed aloud at the sudden clarity of the advantageous position that mass concentration would create. Anami's personality was, in the judgment of those who worked with him, fundamentally different from Okamura's. A commander's fighting style is shaped by his character, and Anami's character was defined by intensity, focus, and a willingness to commit fully. These traits would shape "Operation Plus" from conception to execution. On June 22, 1941, five and a half million German troops launched Operation Barbarossa — the largest military invasion in history — against the Soviet Union. The news reached the Japanese military establishment with a degree of surprise, since such a momentous operation should, under the terms of the Tripartite Pact, have been communicated in advance. Beyond the procedural slight, German strategists had placed themselves in the position of fighting a two-front war, something Japanese generals found strategically bewildering. The outbreak of the Soviet-German War forced a serious debate within the Japanese General Staff. One faction argued for a "northward advance" — seizing the opportunity to strike the Soviet Union from the east while its military was fully committed in the west. Another faction argued for a "southward advance" — moving into Southeast Asia and the Pacific to secure the oil and raw materials that Japan desperately needed. Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe adopted a wait-and-see compromise, authorizing secret preparations for war in the north known as Operation Kantokuen while continuing to monitor developments. Now it just so happens I released a Patreon/Youtube Members exclusive episode covering Operation Kantokuen the previous month. I highly recommend it, fascinating what if piece of history. For just a teaser I can briefly summarize it: Operation Kantokuen — officially designated "Kwantung Army Special Maneuvers" — was Japan's plan for a large-scale invasion of the Soviet Far East, developed in the summer of 1941 following Germany's launch of Operation Barbarossa. When news of the German invasion reached Tokyo, Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka and senior Kwantung Army officers argued Japan should abandon its neutrality pact with the USSR and strike in coordination with Germany. An Army-Navy compromise on June 24th allowed preparations to proceed so long as they did not interfere with Japan's concurrent southern ambitions. On July 5th, Matsuoka and Major General Shin'ichi Tanaka convinced War Minister Hideki Tojo to back a more ambitious scheme, and the two men then bypassed the War Ministry entirely, securing Emperor Hirohito's personal authorization. The plan was structured in two stages — a buildup and readiness phase followed by an offensive phase — during which the Kwantung Army would await an explicit order to attack. The Army General Staff calculated that any campaign had to conclude by mid-October before Siberian winter conditions made logistics impossible. Their ideal force requirement was 16 to 22 divisions supported by 800,000 tons of shipping, though this assumed the Soviets would first redeploy half their Far Eastern infantry and two-thirds of their armor westward against Germany. The planned order of battle ultimately settled on 24 divisions — 17 committed to the eastern front and 5 concentrated near Mutanchiang. The opening blow was designed to fall on the Primorye (Maritime Province) front. The 1st Area Army, commanding the 3rd and 20th Armies along with elements of the Korea Army, would cross the border south of Lake Khanka to shatter Soviet defensive lines and menace Vladivostok. Simultaneously, the 5th Army would strike south of Iman to cut the Trans-Siberian Railway and isolate the Maritime Province from northern reinforcements. In the north, the 4th Army would hold the Amur River line before pivoting to attack Blagoveshchensk, while two additional reinforced divisions would invade Northern Sakhalin in a land-and-sea pincer. A second phase envisioned capturing Khabarovsk, Komsomolsk, and Sovetskaya Gavan, with amphibious operations considered against Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Kamchatka itself. The operation was to be supported by a massive air assault — between 1,800 and 2,700 aircraft combining Army and Navy aviation — aimed at annihilating the Soviet Far East Air Force in the opening hours, after which Japanese air power would shift to tactical ground support and interdiction of Soviet supply lines. Armored assets included roughly 800–900 tanks, mostly Type 97 Chi-Has and Type 95 Ha-Gos. Kantokuen was also allocated chemical weapons stockpiled in Manchuria and biological agents produced by Unit 731, intended for deployment against Soviet rear areas and supply lines. Despite the scale of planning, the operation was already fatally compromised before it could be launched. Japan's industry and logistics could not sustain a two-front war while remaining bogged down in China. On August 1st, 1941, the United States enacted a total oil embargo that cut off 80% of Japan's fuel supply, and the Dutch East Indies followed. With oil reserves sufficient for only 12–18 months of peacetime consumption, a Siberian offensive that would consume an estimated one to two million barrels per month was no longer tenable. By August 9th, the Army General Staff conceded that seizing the oil-rich territories of Southeast Asia was the overriding strategic priority. The Kantokuen buildup was formally terminated, and Japan turned south — setting the course toward Pearl Harbor and the Pacific War. Now Kantokuen held some practical consequences for the China Expeditionary Army was disruptive. Serious consideration was given to redeploying units of the Eleventh Army away from their positions facing Hunan and northward toward Manchuria, in anticipation of a possible war with the Soviet Union. This threatened to derail Anami's planning entirely. The cloud of uncertainty hung over the Changsha operation for several weeks. Despite the disruption, Anami refused to let the operation be indefinitely deferred. On June 24, 1941 — just two days after Barbarossa began — he formally approved the operational guidance outline for the Changsha offensive and set a planned launch date of September 15. This was an act of deliberate institutional pressure: by formalizing the plan so quickly in the wake of Barbarossa, Anami made it harder for higher authorities to redirect his forces northward without explicitly cancelling a plan already in motion. The gamble worked. The northward deployment option was ultimately shelved, and the Eleventh Army remained in place to conduct its summer-autumn offensive. While Anami and his staff at Yueyang bent over their map of Hunan, so too did Xue Yue and his staff at Changsha. Two nearly identical colored military maps were laid out on large tables in two different command centers — one in Chinese, one in Japanese — showing the same terrain of Hunan, southern Hubei, and western Jiangxi. The Xiang River appeared on both as a green ribbon; Dongting Lake as a blue maple leaf. For those responsible for commanding the impending battle, the war game was the battle, played out in simulation before blood was shed. Xue Yue, his Chief of Staff Wu Yizhi, Chief of Staff Zhao Zili, and the intelligence and operations officers of the Ninth War Zone Command engaged in extensive map exercises throughout the summer of 1941. Wargaming pieces bearing unit designations moved across the terrain as staff officers reported troop strengths, timings, and geographic objectives. The summer heat was intense, and there was nowhere cool in Changsha; Xue and his staff worked in the heat, sweating heavily as they played out scenario after scenario. It was during these sessions that Xue came to believe he had grasped the essential shape of the Japanese plan. Reasoning from the known Japanese strategic posture and the pattern of the first battle, he concluded that the enemy would again advance roughly the same way. His counter-strategy was as follows: in northern Jiangxi and southern Hubei, the war zone would launch pincer attacks on Japanese forces that were not part of the main offensive, targeting the area north of Chongren and Xingan, east of Yichun, Wanzai, Tonggu, and Xiushui, to defeat them in detail. In northern Hunan — the main theater — the war zone would deliberately allow the Japanese to advance, luring their main force south of the Miluo River into the area north of Jinjing, Fulinpu, and Sanjieqiao, and then launch a devastating counterattack to encircle and annihilate them. After a successful counterattack, Xue imagined pursuing the broken Japanese forces all the way back to Yueyang, and beyond — even, in his more expansive moments, recapturing the great cities of Jiujiang and Wuhan, lost in 1938. This was the "lure and annihilate" strategy, and it was not merely a hope — it was the formal operational order issued to the forces of the Ninth War Zone. In August 1941, the Ninth Military Front officially assessed that Japan intended to capture Changsha and obtain supplies, and the lure-and-annihilate plan was formalized accordingly. What Xue Yue did not know — and could not know through his intelligence network alone — was that Anami's operational philosophy was fundamentally different from Okamura's. The critical assumption underlying the lure-and-annihilate plan was that the Japanese would attack in roughly the same dispersed, multi-front pattern as the first battle. Anami's "Operation Plus" invalidated this assumption entirely. By concentrating his forces in front of northern Hunan rather than dispersing them, Anami would strike with an impact Xue's cordon defenses were not designed to absorb. Xue was, unknowingly, planning to fight a replay of the first battle against an opponent who had studied that first battle as a case study in what not to do. Despite this fundamental intelligence gap, the Chinese were not without information. From mid-August 1941 onward, residents of mountain villages and riverside communities in northern Jiangxi and southern Hubei began reporting unusual nighttime activity. Faint sounds of motor engines and the footsteps of large columns moving on main roads were heard after dark. On moonlit nights, fleets of motorboats were seen moving without lights on the rivers, visible only as dark shadows on the water. The local population was puzzled and unsettled: what kind of unit was this, and what were they doing? The answer was that Anami's forces were conducting their pre-offensive assembly under cover of darkness and strict light discipline, moving four divisions totaling approximately 120,000 troops into position for the attack on Hunan. Military and civilian intelligence agents operating in these areas crouched in the bushes, enduring insect bites through long nights, watching and recording everything they witnessed. The information was relayed by human chain, passed from one agent to another across a network stretching back to Changsha, until it was collated and placed on Xue Yue's desk by staff officers from the Ninth War Zone Command's Intelligence Department. Xue studied the reports carefully, comparing them against his map. The evidence of a large Japanese build-up in northern Hunan was unambiguous. But Xue was suspicious of its implications. "Mobilize troops? All the troops are moved to northern Hunan. What about Tongcheng? What about Yueyang? Impossible! Feint? What does that mean? You want me to concentrate my troops in northern Hunan so you can attack from both sides?" His staff officers were similarly uncertain how to read the intelligence. The scale of the Japanese concentration defied the pattern of previous operations, and Xue's trained instincts — calibrated against years of dealing with Okamura — led him to doubt what his intelligence was plainly showing. He concluded, without firm evidence, that the concentration must be a feint or a deception. On August 26, 1941, Imperial General Headquarters in Tokyo issued Mainland Order No. 538, which authorized the Commander-in-Chief of the China Expeditionary Army to "temporarily conduct operations beyond the designated operational area in Central China during the summer and autumn." This order provided the formal imperial sanction for the Changsha offensive, lifting any remaining bureaucratic constraints on Anami's operational plan. It represented the final piece of institutional authorization, completing a chain that stretched from Anami's June 24 approval of the operational outline through Hata's advocacy at the China Expeditionary Army level to the formal imprimatur of the Imperial General Headquarters. With Mainland Order No. 538 in hand, the Eleventh Army's final preparations could proceed without ambiguity. The original planned launch date of September 15 would in practice be moved forward, with combat beginning on September 7 — itself a date chosen partly to maximize the advantage of late-summer weather conditions in the Hunan river-crossing terrain. By the time Anami's forces were assembled, the operational force was formidable. Estimating that the enemy facing them comprised fifteen divisions from the Chinese 4th, 37th, 99th, 74th, and 26th Corps, Japanese planners calculated — somewhat optimistically — that two infantry battalions would suffice to handle one enemy division. To provide a margin for error and to ensure decisive striking power, the Eleventh Army committed forty-one infantry battalions distributed across four full divisions and three specialized task forces, supported by twenty-nine artillery battalions. This represented a massive concentration of firepower and manpower along a relatively narrow axis of advance, precisely as Anami had intended. The objective was clearly stated: "to deal a major blow to the Ninth Military Front in order to thwart the enemy's plan for resistance." Japanese senior leadership reiterated at every briefing that the mission was emphatically not territorial — the army was not to occupy Changsha or secure it for long-term administration, and it was not to forage for supplies. The goal was destruction of Chinese combat power. On the Chinese side, the Ninth Military Front had not been idle. Since the Battle of Shanggao in March 1941 — a significant Chinese defensive victory in Jiangxi that had inflicted heavy casualties on Japanese forces attempting to advance into the province — the Ninth Military Front had ordered its troops to cooperate with guerrilla units operating in the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi border region, conducting harassment operations against Japanese logistics and communications. This cooperation served both to maintain offensive pressure and to train the irregular forces that would prove invaluable in a war of attrition. By August 1941, Xue Yue had assembled a force of thirty-five divisions organized into thirteen armies across three army groups, totaling 378,307 troops. The headquarters of the Ninth Military Front remained in Changsha. Xue had also assessed his forces' combat readiness with some confidence: in the summer of 1940, the Ninth War Zone had dispatched one corps from each army group and one division from each corps on summer offensive operations against Japanese positions, explicitly testing their readiness in real combat. Although no major victories had been achieved in those operations, the exercise confirmed that troop morale was high and that combat effectiveness had recovered to the level of the First Battle of Changsha. If anything, Xue thought, after another full year of training, they should be better. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Operation Plus, emphasized concentrating forces and creating a decisive breakthrough rather than dispersing attacks across multiple fronts like in earlier battles. On the Chinese side, commander Xue Yue developed a "lure and annihilate" strategy, expecting the Japanese to fight like before; however, Anami's concentrated approach undermined these assumptions, making a Chinese counteroffensive far harder to execute.
As technology reshapes the way people pay, one truth remains: understanding your customers is more important than chasing the latest trends. In this episode, Lawrence Ferrer of Bayad shares how businesses can build lasting trust by creating solutions that reflect how people actually live, work, and transact. From serving customers who still prefer in-person payments to embracing the expectations of a digital-first generation, the conversation highlights why adaptability is essential for sustainable growth.We also explore the value of doing your homework, developing products that solve real problems, and earning credibility through consistent execution.00:01:06 – The Philippines as a high-touch and high-tech payment market00:03:50 – Lawrence's hustle and early career in payments00:05:16 – Returning to transform Bayad into an omnichannel payments company00:08:56 – Smart Money, PayMaya, and pioneering fintech in the Philippines00:12:47 – Mentors, hard work, and building foundational skills00:18:32 – Discovering sari-sari stores as the key to Smart Load's success00:24:17 – Why entrepreneurs must continuously talk to customers00:25:43 – Transitioning from Smart to PayMaya and Voyager00:35:35 – The challenges of growing PayMaya before the pandemic00:41:21 – Customer Frontline Solutions and support services00:49:24 – Using technology to improve customer experiences00:55:14 – Educating consumers about Bayad's digital transformation00:57:40 – Partnering with banks, wallets, and fintech companies01:01:06 – Building teams and combining legacy and digital talent01:06:45 – What's next for Bayad and expanding nationwide payment access01:08:41 – Maintaining customer relationships through digital channels
In this special episode, Robin Swan sits down with Ian Jessop to reflect on the journey of Cannabis Health Radio — how it began, the remarkable stories that have inspired listeners around the world, the legacy of co-host Corrie Yelland, and the people who made it all possible. Together, they look back on nearly a decade of sharing stories of hope and healing while looking ahead to the next chapter, as Robin prepares to carry the podcast forward with the same commitment to compassion, education and the power of personal stories. Ian Jessop's final episode as host of Cannabis Health Radio (episode 499), marking the handover of the podcast to Robin Swan of Swan Apothecary. Ian is stepping down approaching his 80th birthday to focus on personal wellbeing and time with his three-year-old granddaughter. Cannabis Health Radio originated from Ian's time as a Victoria talk show host, where a listener email from Corrie — a cancer survivor given 4–6 months to live — sparked the concept of a cannabis health story-based podcast. After being fired from radio on June 21st, Ian launched the podcast with Corrie, initially producing one episode every weekday for 11 months before pausing for two years, then relaunching on a weekly format. Recording challenges included a venue refusing them due to cannabis content; Ron Zahar's Victoria studio and later Dan Humiston's Colorado studio (still used today) enabled continuity, including through COVID. Story-driven content was a deliberate editorial choice from the start — personal testimonials over business promotions — cited as the key reason for the podcast's success and its ~100,000 followers across platforms. Robin's background spans structural integration neuromuscular therapy specializing in brain trauma and spinal cord injury, with extensive work across NFL, LPGA, and PGA athletes, where cannabis topicals and psilocybin became part of her therapeutic toolkit. Cannabis has been central to Robin's practice from topical applications with professional athletes to internal medicine for life-threatening illness, with Project Walk's spinal cord rehabilitation work further shaping her approach. Physical movement was emphasized as essential to longevity — Ian's use of kettlebells (swings with 60 lbs) and grocery store work cited as examples; Robin reinforced that health is accumulative and cannot be reversed late in life without consistent effort. Corrie's passing was identified as the greatest loss of the podcast's run — Ian described being in shock upon hearing the news and considered ending the show, but continued out of respect for her mission. Greatest gain highlighted was the breadth of life-changing stories, including ~30 brain tumor interviewees with 28 still alive, and parents who recovered and will see their children grow up. Robin committed to maintaining the platform's founding values of love, care, and kindness, while taking a firmer stance against scammers and haters; she warned listeners that unsolicited inbox offers of miracle medicine are always scams. Educating the community to self-regulate — through tools like muscle testing and informed product evaluation — was framed as a key strategic direction for the podcast going forward. Robin brings a reverend doctorate background and a 30-year, 30,000-client practice to the role, intending to use her title formally to convey reverence for cannabis as food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and enjoyment. Ian expressed full confidence in Robin's stewardship, thanked his wife Liisa for doing all the work behind the scenes, and signed off as a future listener. Visit our website: CannabisHealthRadio.comDiscover products and get expert advice from Swan ApothecaryFollow us on Facebook.Follow us on Instagram.Find us on Rumble.Keep your privacy! Buy NixT420 Odor Remover Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Send us Fan MailThis week on Talking Pools, Rudy sits down with Carrie Dibrell, publisher of Service Industry News, for an in-depth conversation about the state of the swimming pool service industry, why education matters more than ever, and the responsibility pool professionals carry every single day. The discussion begins with an update on the ongoing issues surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including statements from both Rhino Linings and Atlantic Industrial Coatings regarding the localized coating failures. Rudy explains the technical questions that remain unanswered, particularly surrounding manufacturer recoat windows and surface preparation, before shifting the conversation back to the professionals who keep pools operating safely every day. Carrie shares the remarkable story behind Service Industry News' annual Homeowner Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Edition, a publication specifically designed for service technicians to pass along to their customers. What began as a challenge issued by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance has grown into one of the industry's most effective public education tools. Together, Rudy and Carrie discuss how pool professionals can become the bridge between technical service and homeowner safety while also creating additional value for their businesses. The conversation explores some of today's biggest challenges facing service companies, including homeowners purchasing equipment online and expecting professionals to install it, declining profit margins, technician retention, employee training, and the increasing need for affordable education for new technicians. Carrie explains why Service Industry News has remained focused on the service technician for nearly four decades and why education continues to be the number one reason readers engage with trade publications. Rudy and Carrie also dive into: The changing role of trade publications in a digital world Why technician education is the industry's greatest investment Electrical safety and the need for more service-specific training Pool chemical incidents and preventing feeder accidents Why every service professional should understand their legal responsibilities The growing concerns surrounding Airbnb and short-term rental pools Swimply pools and commercial pool regulation Industry myths that refuse to die—including acid columns, cyanuric acid, phosphates, and black algae Why chloramines remain one of the most misunderstood subjects in swimming pool chemistry The importance of testing beyond just free chlorine and pH Why continual education is essential as science evolves As always, Rudy mixes technical discussion with humor, industry commentary, and a healthy dose of Gen X sarcasm while reminding listeners that behind every clean, safe swimming pool is a dedicated service professional whose work often goes unnoticed. In This Episode Reflecting Pool coating update Rhino Linings and Atlantic Industrial Coatings statements Service Industry News' drowning prevention initiative Educating homeowners about pool safety Technician training and workforce development The challenge of online equipment sales Electrical safety for pool professionals Chemical feeder failures and liability Airbnb and Swimply pool safety Pool industry myths vs. modern science Chloramines and indoor pool air quality Why education remains the industry's greatest asset Resources MentionedService Industry News – Free subscription for pool service professionals Homeowner Drowning Prevention Special Edition Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool rehabilitation discussion Pool service education and technician safety initiatives Connect with Talking Pools
Brandon Sedloff sits down with Mike Boggs of Revelation Partners and Justin Burden of Industry Ventures at the Venture Secondaries Summit to explore how venture secondaries have evolved from a tool for distressed sellers into an institutional liquidity engine for private markets. The conversation examines the specialist approach required to succeed in this opaque, relationship-driven market where transactions happen by appointment rather than on open exchanges. They discuss: - Why venture secondaries function as a third liquidity option beyond IPOs and M&A, particularly in healthcare where billion-dollar outcomes are considered large - How secondary buyers navigate competition from insider investors by serving as arm's-length pricing partners for founder share sales - The structural liquidity problem created by over $800 billion in unrealized healthcare value and trillions locked in tech, with secondary funds positioned to address this overhang - Why specialization in specific sectors or deal types is becoming essential as commoditization pressures generalist secondary funds - How the flight to quality means focusing capital on late-stage, proven companies rather than indexing across venture portfolios This episode offers private markets investors and operators a practical view of how venture secondaries create value in an environment where companies stay private longer and traditional exit paths remain constrained. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:29) - Guest introductions and firm backgrounds (00:04:47) - Evolution of venture secondaries as liquidity (00:07:20) - What happens if IPOs and M&A return (00:11:28) - Specialists versus generalists in secondaries (00:13:04) - Secondaries as asset class or strategy (00:17:07) - Overcoming discount buyer perceptions (00:19:47) - Building conviction and underwriting (00:22:58) - Navigating competition from top VCs (00:25:32) - Educating the market on secondary options (00:29:52) - Liquidity challenges for the messy middle (00:33:17) - Transfer rights and insider preferences (00:38:22) - LP secondaries market maturation concerns (00:40:15) - Outlooks on the next 5 to 10 years (00:44:04) - What could stop the growth trajectory (00:47:42) - Competition and differentiation challenges (00:50:49) - Closing Links: Mike Boggs on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-boggs-7921343/ Justin Burden on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-burden-46120a/ Brandon Sedloff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsedloff/ Revelation Partners - https://revelation-partners.com/ Industry Ventures - https://www.industryventures.com/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/
Get the full PM Trends 2026 Report free at https://pmtrends.com/ (no email gate).Are you leaving money on the table with your current owner clients? Probably. And are you investing enough in AI discoverability? Probably not.Jordan Muela is back, this time to talk about the 2026 PM Trends Report - based on data from a Harris Poll survey of 500+ landlords covering everything from why they hire (and fire) property managers to what services they'd actually pay extra for.We discuss:(00:01:06) - Welcoming Jordan back to the show(00:02:12) - The PM Trends report(00:07:18) - How owners can upsell(00:15:20) - Sponsor - Haven AI(00:16:49) - The Boomer shift of ownership to Millennials and Gen X(00:23:32) - Response time expectations(00:31:59) - Stress reduction in marketing(00:33:46) - Sponsor - Enterprise Bank & Trust(00:35:10) - Cash flow as the primary reason to hire a PM(00:39:24) - Discounted monthly rents in exchange for on-time payments(00:46:40) - Sacrificing cash flow for a better renting experience for tenants(00:51:00) - Educating owners and landlords(00:55:20) - Finding a PM in the age of AI(01:01:46) - Takeaways from running the PM Trends reportWe dig into the owner benefit package opportunity: seven services (asset management, tenant damage protection, instant rent payments, lost rent protection, and more) that 41–51% of owners said they'd pay above their base management fee to get. The software constraints are real, the billing paradigm is frustrating, but the demand is clearly there.We also get into the generational shift happening right now (millennials are 44 percentage points more likely to use professional PM than boomers), what landlords actually expect in terms of response time (spoiler: within 30 minutes, most channels), and how to position PM around stress reduction and cash flow - the two factors that drive hiring decisions by a 2-to-1 margin over time and risk.Plus: 75% of owners plan to use ChatGPT or similar tools to find their next property manager. Jordan makes the case for what you actually do about that.--Resources for Property Managers & Real Estate Entrepreneurs• Crane – Private PM Owner Community → Join a private network of property management owners and operators: https://joincrane.co/• Free Weekly Newsletter → Property management insights, strategies, and industry updates direct to your inbox: https://peter.beehiiv.com/subscribe• RL Property Management → Learn more about Peter's company and services in Columbus, Ohio: https://rlpmg.com/__Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. I may have consulting agreements with, or financial interests in, companies mentioned in this podcast (more info here: https://www.peterlohmann.com/financial-interest-disclosure ). Additionally, some of the links included may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Always perform your own due diligence before making any financial or business decisions.
In this episode, George is joined by Alex Sarama, Founder of Transforming Basketball, to share his insights from his coaching journey with the Portland Fire. Alex shares insights to the Principles of Play he is using with the Fire. Alex also talks about what he learned in Cleveland with the Cavaliers and how he is combining it all together in his role as the head coach of the Fire. He discusses why coaches must fully commit to modern learning principles, how psychological safety accelerates growth, and practical ways to create environments where players thrive both on and off the court. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Portland Fire's Early Success 03:30 – Establishing a Clear Team Identity as an Expansion Team 04:00 – Why Set Plays Still Matter in Modern Basketball 07:00 – Training Cover Solutions and Offensive Decision-Making 08:30 – Adapting Offensive Principles for the WNBA 12:00 – Optimizing Shooters Through Weak-Side Actions 13:00 – Baseline Drives, Corner Cuts, and Shot Quality 15:30 – Lessons from Vincent Collet and Team France 16:30 – Winning the Possession Game with Pressure and Turnovers 19:00 – Bringing CLA to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers 20:30 – Lessons Learned from Kenny Atkinson 21:30 – Transitioning from Assistant Coach to Head Coach 23:30 – Hiring Coaches for Growth Mindset and Character 24:30 – Educating and Developing Coaching Staff and Coach Development and Continuous Learning 26:00 – Common Misconceptions About the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) 28:30 – Learning Skills in Context Instead of Isolation 30:00 – Teaching CLA Without a Copy-and-Paste Approach 31:00 – Growing the Game Through Better Coaching and Culture 32:00 – Psychological Safety and Building High-Performance Environments 33:00 – Transformative Tip Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7 Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links: Website: http://transformingbball.app/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball
High-quality childcare is one of the most important, and often overlooked, drivers of economic development in any community. In Episode 244 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, we sit down with Lee and Hannah of the Goose Lake Learning Center to talk about how their work is making a meaningful impact in Goose Lake and across the Greater Clinton Region.The Goose Lake Learning Center is more than a childcare provider. It is a critical community asset that supports working families, strengthens workforce participation, and helps ensure that local employers can attract and retain talent. By offering dependable, high-quality care, Lee and Hannah are helping remove one of the biggest barriers facing today's workforce.During the conversation, Lee and Hannah share their journey, the challenges and rewards of operating a childcare center, and their vision for continued growth. Their passion for early childhood development and commitment to creating a safe, engaging environment for children is evident throughout the episode.Access to childcare is a key piece of the economic development puzzle. When families have reliable options, businesses benefit, communities grow, and young people get the strong start they deserve. The Goose Lake Learning Center plays a vital role in making that happen in our region.Grow Clinton is proud to partner with and support organizations like the Goose Lake Learning Center that are investing directly in our community's future. Their continued commitment to quality childcare helps strengthen the foundation of our regional economy.To learn more about the Goose Lake Learning Center or to inquire about childcare availability, contact them directly at 563-577-2499.Do you have an idea for a certain topic or special guest to feature on the Grow Clinton Podcast? Email podcast@growclinton.com.Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a conversation with the people who make the Greater Clinton Region AWESOME!- Apple Music- Spotify- Amazon Music- Buzzsprout- Overcast- YouTubeFor more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast. Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!
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This Week: In what can only be understood as a shocker, new survey data shows the vast majority of Americans of nearly all demographic groups support undocumented students having access to public education. With some variation across groups, this goes for all ages, races, and even religious groups. In fact the only group that had less than 50% agreement with this idea was Trump voters, which I mean, is what it is. Does this mean there's hope for a sensible and moral path forward on this issue? Also, it turns out that in Califormia's community college system -- the largest higher ed system in the nation serving over 2M students -- nearly 40% of classes are now online, and most of those are now asynchronous classes comprised of prerecorded modules. How did we get here, and what does this mean for the future of learning in the system that serves the vast majority of college students? Manuel and Jeff discuss. All of the Above was named #30 on the Best 100 Education Podcasts in the US by MillionPodcasts.com. Check us out, like, subscribe, and drop a rating :) MAXIMUM WOKENESS ALERT -- get your All of the Above swag, including your own “Teach the Truth” shirt! In this moment of relentless attacks on teaching truth in the classroom, we got you covered. https://all-of-the-above-store.creator-spring.com Watch, listen and subscribe to make sure you don't miss our latest content!Listen on Apple Podcast and Spotify Website: https://AOTAshow.com
✨ In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Helene Bertrand shares how 37 years of low back pain led her to uncover a physical cause that many people have never heard of.
On the Tech for Business podcast, Collin (Manager of Solutions Engineering at ThreatLocker) and Nate (Director of Cybersecurity at CIT) discuss how to build cybersecurity awareness and secure habits earlier—especially in K–12 and universities—based on Colin's dark web presentations showing frequent compromises in education. They explore generational shifts as kids adopt internet-connected devices earlier, the need to normalize fundamentals like password management, passphrases, password managers, and MFA/2FA (even for gaming accounts), and the growing importance of social engineering and spotting AI deepfakes. The group debates who should own curriculum standards, notes North Dakota's requirement for at least one computer science or cybersecurity course to graduate, and considers “digital citizenship,” parent responsibility, and the role of schools, industry, and regulation. They also discuss improving workplace onboarding and training through better access controls and aptitude-based, personalized education.00:00 Meet the Guests00:46 Why Youth Cyber Matters03:53 Campus Reality Check05:56 Kids Tech Skills Gap08:33 Gaming as Security Hook10:51 Curriculum Needs Updating13:26 Digital Citizenship Debate15:12 Parents Schools and Equity17:34 Regulation and Age Checks21:45 Core Fundamentals to Teach22:18 Passphrases Basics22:40 Deepfakes And Social Engineering24:26 Social Media Risks For Kids25:53 Spotting Tech Skill Gaps27:25 Curiosity As A Tech Signal28:42 Parenting Misinformation Lessons30:23 Rethinking Security Training33:17 Tools Over Awareness Alone36:15 Aptitude Tests And Personalization40:24 Curriculum And Who Decides41:08 Big Tech Shaping Education43:51 Wrap Up And Next Episode
Tim Szabo is the owner and president of Trail Tire stores in Edmonton, Alberta, and Hoosier Tire Western Canada. He grew up working in his father's repair shop, became a journeyman technician at 21, and has spent nearly three decades in the automotive industry.His experience spans vehicle repair, shop operations, customer service, and business ownership. That background gives him a clear view of how long car loans and repairs are changing customer behavior, maintenance decisions, and the role independent shops play in keeping aging vehicles on the road.In this episode…Eight-year auto loans have changed the repair cycle. Drivers reach the five-year mark still owing years of payments just as suspension work, fluid services, leaks, tires, and other major expenses begin appearing. Trading the vehicle often means carrying negative equity into another long loan, so repairing and maintaining the current vehicle becomes the more practical path.That shift creates a new responsibility for multi-location operators. A declined repair no longer means the customer sees no value in the work. Many customers lack a clear picture of what the vehicle is worth, what they still owe, and what continued neglect will cost. Shops that explain those numbers, document developing problems, and present financing without pressure become trusted advisers rather than another unexpected bill.Customer education also protects future revenue. Clear recommendations, digital inspection records, and documented “next time” items give customers time to plan. They show exactly how a small leak, skipped service, or delayed repair turns into a larger failure. The shop earns trust by helping customers avoid the same financial situation again.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [01:02] Tim Szabo's automotive background and career path[05:03] Long car loans reshape vehicle repair decisions[08:20] Trail Tire's approach to customer financing[14:34] Deferred maintenance reduces vehicle value[18:36] Customer education prevents repeat repair problems[22:47] Education as the foundation of a successful shop[25:05] Digital records strengthen transparency and trust[27:09] Tire preferences and budget tire demand[29:46] Business lessons from Ford v Ferrari[35:01] Tim's guiding philosophy and closing adviceResources mentioned in this episode:Tim Szabo on LinkedInTrail Tire Tamarack WebsiteTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments:“Mileage doesn't kill cars, neglect does.”“People's vehicle is their freedom.”“The customer needs to know everything we're doing, so that we don't hide anything from them.”“Educating your customer is a key foundation in owning a successful shop.”“You never get in life what you deserve, you only get what you negotiate.”Action Steps:Review how service advisers explain negative equity.Create a standard process for presenting repair financing.Document every developing problem.Build a maintenance plan around long car loans and repairs.Track declined work and revisit it at every visit.
Craig Benner, Founder & CEO of Accretive, joins the AdTechGod Pod to discuss the future of Digital Out of Home (DOOH), measurement, attribution, media buying, and why brands are increasingly investing in high-impact advertising beyond traditional digital channels. Takeaways DOOH remains one of the most underinvested channels despite its massive reach. Measurement has historically been the biggest challenge for out-of-home advertising. Accretive helps connect physical-world exposure to digital outcomes. Better attribution drives greater confidence and media investment. Search often captures intent rather than creating it. Out-of-home excels at generating awareness and demand. Brands are shifting budgets from linear TV into measurable alternatives. Mobility data plays a key role in audience targeting and measurement. Media Mix Modeling is helping validate the value of DOOH. Retail media presents a major opportunity for out-of-home advertising. AI and standardization are accelerating industry adoption. Education remains critical for broader DOOH growth. Chapters00:00 Meet Craig Benner and Accretive 01:09 From Viant to founding Accretive 02:06 Discovering the opportunity in DOOH 03:45 Why out-of-home should command more ad spend 04:40 The measurement-first philosophy behind Accretive 05:47 Solving attribution challenges in DOOH 07:12 Which advertisers benefit most from out-of-home 08:49 How audience targeting works in DOOH 10:33 Measuring foot traffic, web lift, and outcomes 11:09 Where today's DOOH budgets come from 12:45 The industry's overreliance on lower-funnel marketing 13:51 Why out-of-home creates demand and intent 15:32 Giving DOOH the credit it deserves 16:53 How measurement changes media allocation decisions 18:01 The reality of search and retargeting attribution 19:49 The future of digital out-of-home advertising 20:46 AI, MMMs, and industry standardization 21:47 Educating agencies and media buyers 24:14 Retail media and the "last inch" opportunity 25:40 Resources for learning more about DOOH 26:52 Final thoughts and closing remarks Guests: AdTechGod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From the Flip the Script event in San Francisco, Dmytro Melnyk, Chief Product Officer for MacPaw, discusses his role and the importance of the company's careful approach to adding AI across products, from both the developer and customer viewpoints.. He explains why some users want frictionless AI while others resist it over privacy, cost, and complexity, and outlines Eney's goal of combining many Mac utility tasks into one assistant with a pay-as-you-go model. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:12 Introduction from Flip the Script in San Francisco 00:19 Introducing Dmytro and his role at MacPaw 00:28 From product manager to Chief Product Officer 00:48 Using AI to improve products and user experiences 01:10 Understanding CleanMyMac users and AI adoption 01:30 Teaching users through frictionless access to AI 02:17 Different customer attitudes toward AI features 02:54 When products should remain conventional 03:20 Making new products AI-native for cautious users 03:40 Apple's approach to integrated AI 04:26 Educating users about small AI-assisted features 04:54 Helping users make better choices without taking control 05:49 When AI should stay invisible to the user 06:09 Customers who prefer products without AI 06:26 Privacy, data concerns, and added AI costs 06:55 Eney from a product management perspective 07:13 Why AI is central to MacPaw's future 07:36 CleanMyMac, Gemini, and the move toward Eney 08:19 Business model questions around consolidation 08:36 Pay-as-you-go tokens versus purchases and subscriptions 09:28 Early monetization options for Eney 10:12 MacPaw's advantage with an existing customer base 10:50 Customer acquisition challenges for new AI products 11:26 The broader software market's monetization problem 11:48 Finding product-market fit and retaining customers 12:11 Competing in an overcrowded AI application market 12:25 Closing comments and outro Links: MacPaw Setapp Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss
From the Flip the Script event in San Francisco, Dmytro Melnyk, Chief Product Officer for MacPaw, discusses his role and the importance of the company's careful approach to adding AI across products, from both the developer and customer viewpoints.. He explains why some users want frictionless AI while others resist it over privacy, cost, and complexity, and outlines Eney's goal of combining many Mac utility tasks into one assistant with a pay-as-you-go model. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:12 Introduction from Flip the Script in San Francisco 00:19 Introducing Dmytro and his role at MacPaw 00:28 From product manager to Chief Product Officer 00:48 Using AI to improve products and user experiences 01:10 Understanding CleanMyMac users and AI adoption 01:30 Teaching users through frictionless access to AI 02:17 Different customer attitudes toward AI features 02:54 When products should remain conventional 03:20 Making new products AI-native for cautious users 03:40 Apple's approach to integrated AI 04:26 Educating users about small AI-assisted features 04:54 Helping users make better choices without taking control 05:49 When AI should stay invisible to the user 06:09 Customers who prefer products without AI 06:26 Privacy, data concerns, and added AI costs 06:55 Eney from a product management perspective 07:13 Why AI is central to MacPaw's future 07:36 CleanMyMac, Gemini, and the move toward Eney 08:19 Business model questions around consolidation 08:36 Pay-as-you-go tokens versus purchases and subscriptions 09:28 Early monetization options for Eney 10:12 MacPaw's advantage with an existing customer base 10:50 Customer acquisition challenges for new AI products 11:26 The broader software market's monetization problem 11:48 Finding product-market fit and retaining customers 12:11 Competing in an overcrowded AI application market 12:25 Closing comments and outro Links: MacPaw Setapp Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss
In this episode, Preble Hall's Educational Specialist, Sondra Duplantis, discusses with Dr. Tyler Pitrof his most recent book, Educating the Bluejackets: U.S Navy Enlisted Policy 1940-2024.
What if the experience you think makes you an outsider in the design industry is actually your greatest advantage? In this episode of Designed for the Creative Mind, Michelle Lynne sits down with interior designer Katie Rainey to discuss her journey from Doctor of Physical Therapy to owner of a thriving interior design firm specializing in waterfront and lifestyle-driven homes. Katies design philosophy is that beauty and function are necessities, not luxuries. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a background in human movement, she crafts spaces that are both beautiful and intuitively designed for real life. She partners with busy families and professionals seeking solace in nature - whether by the water in Annapolis or in the mountains of New Hampshire - guiding them through the intricacies of a renovation or a new build. With deep construction knowledge, she collaborates closely with builders and architects to ensure seamless execution from concept to completion. As part of a military family, Katie has lived across the U.S. and in Europe. She draws inspiration for her designs from this global design perspective, having lived in diverse landscapes. Katie shares how she initially hid her medical background, believing it had little relevance to design, only to discover that her expertise in movement, ergonomics, and human behavior became one of her strongest differentiators. From designing custom solutions that improve clients' daily lives to building a business rooted in confidence, process, and professionalism, Katie offers valuable lessons for designers at every stage of business. The conversation also explores networking, pricing, client communication, boundaries, and the mindset shifts that helped Katie transition from treating design as a passion to running it as a profitable business. Whether you're transitioning from another career, struggling to communicate your value, or looking for encouragement to own your unique story, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration. In This Episode, We Discuss: Katie's transition from physical therapy to interior design Why your previous career can become your biggest business advantage Using ergonomics and human movement to create more functional homes How Katie found her unique positioning in the design industry The mindset shift from hobbyist to business owner Learning to separate emotion from sales conversations The "Pass the Salt" approach to discussing money with clients Why clear processes create better client experiences Educating clients through deliverables and expectations The importance of boundaries and scope management Networking strategies that helped Katie build a business in a brand-new market How confidence and consistency lead to stronger business growth Balancing motherhood, business ownership, and personal fulfillment Key Takeaways Your Past Experience Is Part of Your Expertise Katie spent years downplaying her background as a physical therapist before realizing it gave her a unique perspective that directly benefits her clients. The skills, knowledge, and experiences from previous careers often become the very thing that sets designers apart. Design Is More Than Making Things Beautiful A successful design must function for the people who live in it. Katie's understanding of ergonomics and movement helps her create spaces that support her clients' lifestyles while remaining beautiful. Confidence Comes from Process One of Katie's biggest business breakthroughs came from developing a clear process and communicating it effectively. When clients understand what to expect, they feel more confident moving forward. Networking Doesn't Have to Be Complicated From introducing herself to architects to striking up conversations at the gym and ice rink, Katie demonstrates that meaningful business relationships often start with a simple conversation. Business Growth Requires Personal Growth Success isn't just about improving your design skills. It's about developing confidence, setting boundaries, understanding your value, and learning how to lead clients through decisions. Memorable Quotes "Own your background. Whatever you did before design, there's something there that makes you a better designer." "If it looks beautiful but doesn't function for you, what's the point?" "You're not trying to convince clients to hire you. You're guiding them as the expert." "We are a for-profit company, not a non-profit." "We're most memorable in person, not behind our computer." "Whoever is going to hire me isn't going to hire you because I'm not you and you're not me." Connect with Katie Rainey Website: katieraineydesign.com Instagram: @katieraineydesign Facebook: Katie Rainey Design Connect with Michelle Lynne If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow interior designer who could benefit from today's conversation. For coaching, mentorship, and business resources for interior designers, visit our website at thedesignbakehouse.com. Loved This Episode? Leave a review and share this episode with another designer who needs the reminder that their unique background isn't something to hide—it's something to build on.
WhatCopsWatch – Putting a Human Face on Those Behind the Badge – Education, Entertainment, COPS.
Who better to give you grand perspective about the ultra-blue, heavenly waters of Hawaii - than three people living in the midwest? Well, when it comes to the vista? Perhaps not, but when we're talking about dissecting what you see when it comes to storytelling, real-life crime-based content (in this case, Crisis Negotiation) and why what you see on TV/in Movies or via Streaming isn't always "the way it is in real life" - WhatCopsWatch.Com has you covered with this episode! The Crisis Cop (and Crisis Negotiator Trainer) Lt. Pat Doering, Iowa State Police Sgt. and Crisis Negotiator Michael Clyde and OG Podcaster and Crisis Negotiator Role Player Mike Wilkerson give you some of the greatest ligh bulb moments that reaction content has to offer! Are YOU ready to learn more about the entertainment you take in when it comes to effective policing? Ready to learn more about the HUMANS behind the duty belt and badge? It's time for a Perspective Review of Hawaii Five-O, Season 8, Episode 13 - "What is Gone is GOne" via WhatCopsWatch on The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network. The Perspective Reviews Podcast Connection Links: Connect with The Host (and View Direct Contact information Below!) Subscribe to This Podcast & Listen Now! Subscribe, Like, and Share Everywhere! Help Perspective Reviews Grow! Rate this Podcast on iTunes! The ultimate success for every podcaster – is FEEDBACK! Be sure to take just a few minutes to tell the hosts of this podcast what YOU think over at iTunes! It takes only a few minutes but helps the hosts of this program pave the way to future greatness! Not an iTunes user? No problem! Be sure to check out any of the other many growing podcast directories online to find this and many other podcasts on The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network! Links to Enjoy This Film! It's easy to have the same great experience from this film as we go! Hit the links below and get your copy of the film's soundtrack, score or even the movie itself! Housekeeping -- The Crisis Cop Podcast: Check it Out! https://CrisisCop.Com -- Calling All Future Role Players! Got a knack for acting and thinking on your feet? Train the future of Law Enforcement via Crisis Negotiation and Tell Us You're Interested Today! https://BlueBaggersProject.Com -- WhatCopsWatch/2GuysTalking is Now an Official USCCA Business Partner! -- Free Field Training: Inside this episode we welcome Officer Tommy Mottl from Free Field Training on YouTube (and now, from The Free Field Training Podcast effort) to share his perspective on - literally - the area that he has intimate knowledge about in the South Chicagoland area... Two Great Ways to Listen/Watch! We are proud to provide you both a dedicated AUDIO and VIDEO presentation for this program! To Listen Now: Hit the play button in the player on this page or hit the Subscribe button on your favorite Podcast Directory to instantly get these episodes when they release! To Watch Now: Visit this program on YouTube, or hit the window located below to see the hosts, guests and light bulb moments that make this program special! https://youtu.be/0FEbIqYKEVE Timestamps for This Episode: 06:15 Starting WhatCopsWatch with Mystic River Episode 13:24 Explaining perpetual advertising benefits 18:51 Focus on listening during negotiations 26:17 Negotiator and Steve's territorial clash 28:32 Involving mental health professionals in negotiations 36:46 Lessons learned from crisis negotiation 38:20 Talking to people in crisis situations 47:28 Technology changing tactical operations 52:00 Command decisions in hostage scenarios 55:27 Discussing mental health support options 59:32 Brad's struggles and proving his innocence 01:06:52 Using an odd question to reset negotiations 01:11:14 Lou's Support Group in Chicago 01:16:59 Importance of mutual understanding in teams 01:24:49 TV format shift and internet's role 01:26:28 Finding personal insights in reviews 01:31:45 Requesting feedback on WhatCopsWatch.com Questions from This Episode: *How does the portrayal of crisis negotiation in this episode of Hawaii 5-0 compare to real-life practices, according to Michael Clyde and Pat Doering? Where does Hollywood get it right or wrong? (23:41, 25:26) What are the risks and consequences of showing law enforcement officers making unsafe choices during negotiations, such as approaching a vehicle barricade too closely, as discussed in the episode? (23:41, 24:10) Reflect on the depiction of trauma and mental health among officers in the episode. How did the show use Lou's backstory to highlight these issues, and how did Pat Doering and Michael Clyde react to it? (33:38, 53:58) What are the challenges negotiators face when outcomes are not successful? How do Pat Doering and Michael Clyde emphasize dealing with “losing cases”? (35:14, 38:12) Discuss the role and importance of teamwork between negotiators and tactical teams. What strategies do Michael Clyde and Pat Doering recommend for building better collaboration? (01:16:14, 01:18:15) How does the rapid resolution of cases and evidence processing in television (the “CSI effect”) affect public expectations of policing, as mentioned by the hosts? (33:02, 01:01:02) In the episode, mental health for both suspects and officers plays a key role. How should police respond to or support officers dealing with trauma? What resources were discussed as helpful? (56:27) What commentary do the hosts provide on the pissing matches (power struggles) frequently depicted between negotiators and SWAT or tactical leaders in Hollywood? How accurate is this, and what do real teams do instead? (26:30, 27:11) After a negotiation ends, what does “good closure” look like for both the subject and the team, according to Michael Clyde and Pat Doering? How does this differ from the abrupt TV ending? (01:13:15) What did Mike Wilkerson, Pat Doering, and Michael Clyde identify as both the “goods” and “bads” in this episode's depiction of crisis negotiation? Which points resonated most with you and why? (01:20:31, 01:23:01) Links from this Episode: The Theme Songs from Hawaii Five-0!: The Original Hawaii Five-0 Theme Song (from the late 1960's): https://youtu.be/CpxJsy8nfjA?t=25 The Hawaii Five-0 Theme Song (from the 2010's): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNCu4Uh-JqU Crisis Cop Podcast & Related Sites: Crisis Cop Podcast: https://crisiscop.com Complete Crisis Cop Podcast Library: https://crisiscoppodcast.com Role Player & Crisis Negotiation Training: Blue Baggers Project – Professional role players for crisis negotiation training: https://bluebaggersproject.com Episode Details TV Show: Hawaii Five-0 Episode Discussed: Season 8, Episode 13, "What is Gone is Gone" Original Air Date: January 2018 Streaming Link: Paramount+ Hawaii Five-0 Official Episode Info: IMDb - Hawaii Five-0 S8E13 Guest & Host Info Michael Clyde: Sergeant, Iowa State Patrol/Crisis Negotiator LinkedIn Profile Pat Doering: Founder, The Crisis Cop Podcast Crisiscop.com – Crisis negotiation resources, podcast, training info Mike Wilkerson: Host, WhatCopsWatch.com WhatCopsWatch.com – Full show archive, contact form Highlighted Topics & External Resources Crisis Negotiation National Council for Crisis Negotiation FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988lifeline.org Call or Text: 988 (US Only) Role-Playing for Negotiator Training BlueBaggersProject.com – Role-player resources for law enforcement crisis negotiators Role-Playing for Negotiator Training BlueBaggersProject.com – Role-player resources for law enforcement crisis negotiators Referenced Shows & Episodes Referenced Past Episodes Criminal Minds S1E5 - Our Perspective Review with Dr. Morgan Krumeich! WhatCopsWatch - Mystic River Episode Related Shows The Shield Ocean's Eleven (2001) Further Reading & Learning Books on Crisis Negotiation: "Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator" by Gary Noesner (Amazon link) Suicide Prevention & Mental Health The Bridge Documentary (Golden Gate Bridge) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Production & Sponsors 2GuysTalking – Podcast production and perpetual advertising EditorCore.com – Podcast editing services VoiceFarmers.com – Voiceover services How to Get Involved Want to be a guest or share your story? Visit WhatCopsWatch.com/contact and fill out our quick web form. Law enforcement interested in joining Iowa State Patrol: Iowa State Patrol careers section https://dpscareers.com/ Show Feedback We want to hear from you! Episode Comments & Listener Feedback: WhatCopsWatch.com Find full archives & resources: WhatCopsWatch.com/ Calls to the Audience Inside this Episode: — What do YOU think of storytelling that we are given nowadays inside of what Hollywood shovels to us? Tell us now! — What did YOU think of the long-running television series, Hawaii Five-O? Tell us now! Be an Advertiser/Sponsor for This Program! Tell us what you think! It's never too late to be an advertiser in this podcast, thanks to Perpetual Advertising! Contact WhatCopsWatch now and learn more about why podcasting allows your advertising dollar to live across millions of future listeners – FOREVER! Tell Us What You Think About WhatCopsWatch: Tell us what you think and we'll use your comments in a future ALL-FAN-INPUT Episode! Educating the public is what we've based all of our programming on and we're eager to connect with others who are doing it!...
NYU IHIF 2026 was full of insights and thought leadership from some of the best and brightest hospitality professionals in the industry. In this episode of the Suite Spot, you will get to hear from some of the most influential and biggest names in hospitality in the exclusive interviews we were able to cover at the event. NYU IHIF is the epicentre of hospitality brands, capital, and fast-paced dealmaking – opportunity moves fast, and so should you. This is where the rebound takes shape, where leaders uncover what's next, and where relationships turn into real transactions. Ryan Embree: Welcome to Suite Spot, where hoteliers check in, and we check out what’s trending in hotel marketing. I’m your host, Ryan Embree. Hello everyone. Welcome to another episode of the Suite Spot. This is your host, Ryan Embree and VP of Marketing here at Travel Media Group. Cassady Quintana: And I’m Cassady Quintana, Brand Ambassador here at TMG. Ryan Embree: And today we are fresh back from NYU IHIF 2026. My second time in attending this incredible event. Cassady, your first, what were your thoughts? Cassady Quintana: Yeah, I thought overall was a great event. A lot of optimism, especially as we’re heading into the summer season. So I thought, you know, the conversations that we heard on the panels and the ones that we were having with people were awesome, and a lot of you know, good things coming out of that. I feel like the biggest topics that I heard, there were three major takeaways I took from a lot of the panels and people we were talking to, but one being that K-shape economy that we’ve heard a lot about, right? We know that luxury is still outperforming while economy segments are feeling a little bit more of that pressure especially as we head into this summer season and looking at some of those trends. And then I think one of the biggest topics we have been talking about since the beginning of this year is the World Cup and how international travel we thought was gonna be booming. We were expecting a lot of busy hotels, but it’s kind of been on the softer side, and we’ve actually seen international travel dip a bit. So I think right now we’re kind of in that wait and see period of maybe you know people are waiting to see if their teams make it out of the group stages and then they’ll plan on booking a hotel. So keeping an eye on kind of that last minute travel. But the biggest topic that we were talking about a little bit last year, but the biggest one this year is AI and how hotels are using that within their systems. You know, there’s a lot of trends around using that for more personalization and being able to use it to look at your, you know, revenue optimization and how you’re performing online. So finding ways that we can use AI that doesn’t take the hospitality out of hospitality and doesn’t replace that human element. But that kind of went with that overarching theme of the entire event, which was sharpening the edge. So the thing I took from that is that the hotels that are really gonna win are the ones that are understanding their guests and using AI to further that, to further get to know their guests, to make that experience a little bit better. Ryan Embree: You know, and we had some incredible conversations and interviews with some professionals that we’re gonna share here in a second. But just to kind of jump on what Cassidy’s saying, we’re at a really cool inflection point in our industry right now as we go gear towards the busy travel season. So it’ll be interesting to see, you know, we had the opportunity to meet with development person from Minor hotels who’s looking to bring their brand into US and Canada, which will be very interesting. We know how they have a huge global footprint, a lot of interest early on in getting into the Americas. Uh, we then visited with AHLA and Kevin Carey and his team doing such wonderful work over there advocacy for our industry and some really cool initiatives that we were able to sit down with Kevin for a few minutes and chat about, uh, Jan Freitag from STR our hotel Data North Star and compass. They just released a revised forecast for the hospitality industry. So we went over some major points of that revised forecast and finally we got the opportunity to sit down with president and CEO Best Western Larry Cuculic. What a wonderful conversation about the best Western brand and how they are implementing, um, some of that AI and technology into their brand, and capitalizing on not only the World Cup, but also America 250. So wonderful insights that you’re only gonna find here on the sweet spot. Thank you for joining us. We hope you enjoy these exclusive interviews from NYU IHIF 2026. Hello everyone. Welcome to another episode of The Sweet Spot. We are live on location at NYU IHIF 2026 here with Genna, the VP of US and Canada Development for Minor Hotels. Genna, thank you so much for taking the time to stop and the busy big apple and talk with us today. Genna Panagopoulos: Thanks for having me. Ryan Embree: Excited about, this show. A lot of energy, a lot of buzz. You know, when you come to an NYU talking to ownerships, a lot of capital here, what are the conversation kind of stem around, and what does a successful NYU show look like as you head back to your home base? Sure. Genna Panagopoulos: Successful NYU would really be finding some deals, perpetuating some deals. So hopefully advancing some opportunities and it’s really all about for right now because we’re relatively new into the region. Educating our owners and the, the broader development community. So, you know, some of, some of the players do already know us, but in the luxury space, but there’s a lot of people we gotta get out in front of and introduce Minor hotels to. Ryan Embree: And this is a great place and, obviously a great city to do that in. What has been kind of the feedback? I mean, you’ve been tasked with this enormous job. We have such a great brand, worldwide, you’re bringing it here to us, Canada, and North America. What have been some of those initial conversations and hearing that and initial interest and feedback from owners? Genna Panagopoulos: Yeah, we’ve had a lot of feedback and interest on Anantara. So some of our, you know, established luxury brands that are pretty well known when you know the luxury hotel space in a global environment. Sure. So those owners have actually come to us saying, we’re really excited about the opportunities here. So that’s one piece. Of course we have NH Hotels, NH collection, and NH, which are very well known brands, especially in Mediterranean, Europe. Yeah. And, Central and South America. So there’s excitement around that too. Ryan Embree: Does it help, I mean, having such an international brand, we got the World Cup here, right? In a couple months. You kind of using that as maybe some momentum as you kind of come into, and introduce this brand into the Americas. Genna Panagopoulos: Absolutely. There’s a lot of, you know, I’m also educating Minor of the markets we wanna be in and so that’s definitely helping as well and putting some places on the map. Ryan Embree: And let’s talk about that because there’s been some announced projects already right here actually in New York. Talk about that project a little bit. Genna Panagopoulos: Yes. Thanks for asking too. We have a Worsely Hotel that’s opening, here next year. It’s gonna be super exciting because Worsely is a restaurant brand that we are taking into the hotel space. So it’s the first of its kind and nowhere better than to start in New York comes from London. So there’s a lot of correlation between the two markets. Ryan Embree: One of a kind hospitality venue and a one of a kind city, so. Exactly. But another project we’re really excited about just ’cause we’re home based, obviously in Orlando right down the road, a bright line away in Miami. Talk to us a little bit about that project and how that’s different. Yeah, Genna Panagopoulos: It’s a high rise building built in Miami. Hasn’t started construction yet, but it’ll open in 2030. It’ll be an Anantara hotel with branded residences, both private branded residences and, um, ones that will be able to be rented to hotel guests as well. Super wellness oriented. There’s gonna be a really extensive spa. Right. Very experiential. Wonderful for the residents that are gonna be buying, the residence. Ryan Embree: It’s incredible. It sounds like you guys are really taking care of all of the kind of popular travel trends right now. Right. FMB has really had this resurgence in hospitality with the project here. Wellness, obviously a huge piece of what hospitality is leaning into and what travelers are looking forward to. So having that flexibility between the brands too, I’m sure is a definitely a fun place to be when having these conversations with owners. But you talked about another project in Turks and Caicos. Genna Panagopoulos: Turks and Caicos. So we have an Anantara in Turks and Caicos that I believe will open in 2029. So in order we’ll have one in New York next year, and then 29 on Ontario trips and Caicos 2030, Miami. Ryan Embree: So no shortage of news on the Minor Hotel side. Congratulations to you and your team. Thank you. As you wrap up, I mean, what’s your vision? What’s your goal? As you bring Minor Hotels into the North American region? Genna Panagopoulos: Yeah. Well, if I think about next year at NYU, I hope people, more people are coming towards us. Excited about us being a different brand a different mindset. So we offer, we think of ourselves a little bit differently from the parent brands that are already established here because we have, you know, ownership still of most of our portfolio or we lease most of our portfolio. Um, so I hope there’s more inbound traffic coming towards my way. I hope people generally just walking down the street know us a little bit more. Certainly. You know, white Lotus helped us with Anantara, so there’s a lot of people who Oh, yes, are are diehard Anantara fans because of that. But that’s what I’m hoping for. And eventually we’d love to have an office here. So as long as we do our, our, our work, right, we, we get a strong pipeline, we’ll be able to have an office, a regional office in, in North America. Ryan Embree: Incredible. Well, super exciting. Can’t wait to catch up on all the exciting projects that you have at Minor Hotels. This is the first of a couple collaborations we’ll be doing with Minor hotels, so make sure you stay tuned. Congratulations again, Genna. And thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Genna Panagopoulos: Thanks for having me. Ryan Embree: Hello everyone. Welcome to another episode of The Suite Spot. We are live on location, New York City at NYU IHIF. I’m here with Kevin Carey, President and CEO of the AHLA Foundation and COO of AHLA. Kevin, not your first time on the Suite Spot. Appreciate you taking some time and joining me here today. Kevin Carey: It’s lways a pleasure to spend time with you. Ryan Embree: Yeah, it’s fun.Incredible event so far. NYU obviously AHLA, AHLA Foundation Forward has a huge presence here. What does, you know, when you come to the event like this, we always talk in hospitality, these events are always going to exist no matter what. Technology comes down the pike because hospitality, we’re people, right. We like connecting. What is a successful NYU IHIF look like for you and your team? Kevin Carey: Well, It’s always an important period of time in the year at, as we approach midyear to check in with our members, to have that conversation about the advocacy issues we’re leading on behalf of the industry to hear how the business performance is tracking as well. And just to build enthusiasm and engagement for the events and the initiatives that we’re leading, not only in the association, but with the foundation as well. Ryan Embree: And none more important than the No Room for Trafficking initiative that you and your team have done some fabulous work on. I mean, we have all sorts of brands up on stage, sometimes with differing opinions here and there, but one cause that everyone in our industry has really gotten behind, and it’s the work of you and your team, is this No Room for Rrafficking? We always like to spread awareness of this. Talk to us a little about, about on that front and the progress you’re seeing and making. Kevin Carey: Well, this is a longstanding commitment that the industry has to human trafficking prevention and awareness. It started in 2019 with the development of the No Room For Trafficking Initiative and its focus on training and expanded in 2022 to include the Survivor Fund. So this is an area where AHLA and the foundation specifically serves as a convening entity to bring the industry together to rally around this important issue to work, to build awareness that’ll drive prevention of human trafficking, and also to gather funds to help support survivors. So this is a commitment not only on a longstanding basis, but also on a going forward basis as well. Ryan Embree: And such inspiring stories that you’ve told over the years. And people, you know, hoteliers and other people listening to this can really get behind and encourage people to kinda look at that initiative. Another kind of initiative that you’ve done in these events that, when we’re talking about these events is forward. We had a record breaking attendance a couple months ago in the spring. Talk to us about how that is. And you actually have some of those the forward initiatives here at NYU. Kevin Carey: We do within the foundation, our mission is to advance the workforce of the industry. And we do that through a focus not only on the current workforce, those over 2 million associates and colleagues who deliver hospitality day to day, but also how do we attract the future workforce to the industry. I talked about being a convening entity. The foundation brings together the industry across all segments. And there’s two areas where we believe we can make a difference. One is around human trafficking that we just spoke about, but also around the forward initiative which is geared towards, and its purposes to advance women in the hospitality industry and in leadership roles in the hospitality industry. So we were delighted to host our most recent forward conference in Atlanta, back in April. And the results were outstanding but really the momentum and the impact that that forward is having is really, which has us so enthusiastic and committed to this initiative moving forward. Ryan Embree: Yeah, that’s gotta be so cool to see industry leaders in hospitality raise their hands and want to be a part of this movement and really see the results from that. Kevin Carey: Well, it’s grown from just being a conference, that started in 2018 and had about 150 people at the first event to now over 1100 attendees. But as it as it has expanded from a conference to a leadership development curriculum. And you mentioned the forward exchange, which took place, here in New York earlier today, where it brought together over a hundred early and mid stage career and professionals of women and some men who are participating along with their peers to focus on networking and building those relationships so they can be well suited and take on roles, over time in the industry. Ryan Embree: Really cool to see. And again, probably some incredible stories coming from that over the years as the as the initiative matures. One thing that, that hospitality in general, really looking forward to, we got big summer, right? We’re usually really excited about summer is just ’cause of the travel season, kids being outta school. But this summer in particular, we’ve been looking forward to for a couple years. We got World Cup on the horizon, finally. We played just a couple miles from here and in America 250. What are you kind of hearing from hoteliers and how are AHLA really, gearing up for these big events, showcasing our industry? Kevin Carey: Well, these are really defining opportunities, for the industry to support those guests to welcome that demand, to drive the hospitality infrastructure over time. So there’s a lot of enthusiasm around the potential that that represents and as we’ve seen on stage already today the results in the first part of the year for the industry have been positive. a number of the outlooks are increasing the Revpar and ADR and other industry metrics, here with the these large events we are still waiting to see some of the demand materialize and we’re in a critical period of time right now, about 10 days out before the games to see that hopefully what’ll be a late surge in bookings, then translate into further business success for the industry. Ryan Embree: Yeah. Hopefully, and hopefully see that international travel continue to come back to North America, you know, a lot of hoteliers, hoping for that. Zooming in a little bit on a AHLA summertime, also time for interns, right. Come in and we’ve talked about this before. I mean, internships, mentorship in hospitality. So critical. I mean, throughout the years we’ve had these staffing shortages and we’ve talked about getting creative, our industry, getting creative on ways to fill those roles, internships being one of them. Talk about a little bit about the AHLA internship program and what these interns are are ready for this summer. Kevin Carey: Well, it’s not new. We’ve had a well established program from a number of years now. And, and we’re excited annually to bring a number of interns into our team across each function. we’ll have an interns in the government affairs team, in marketing, in the foundation. it’s so refreshing to engage them in our work to see their enthusiasm about their future to see them pick up valuable skills and experience of being in an office environment, learning more. And you know what? They, they have a real impact. They have some fun along the way as well and we have a wonderful session at the end where they get to present the results of some of the work in the initiatives that they’ve been working on. So it’s an annual opportunity that we look very forward to. And they’ll be starting just in about a week’s time. so it’ll be a great another repeatevent for us. Ryan Embree: Yeah. Love to see it. You know, again, any way that we can have more exposure to all sides of hospitality. Beause as we know, it’s not just, you know, the front desk. There’s so many elements to it and there’s none more demonstrated by how big our hospitality industry is than by the hospitality show that you put on. And this year is gonna be right in our backyard. In Miami, Florida. Get us a little bit excited about what we can expect at this year’s fourth annual. This is our fourth Hospitality Show, correct? Kevin Carey: So we started in Vegas, went to San Antonio, we’re in Denver last year. A lot of enthusiasm coming out of Denver for the content. And then what’s unique about the hospitality show is it’s really the only conference in the industry with a focus on operations and how operations is driving profitability. So there’s a terrific enthusiasm and people are looking forward to being in Miami, coming together in Q4, all segments of the industry represented. So we’ll have the brands we’ll have management companies, owners, service providers, suppliers, independent hotels also play an important role in the industry. So we’re about to open registration and that’ll really kickstart, the focus on November 2-4 in Miami. Ryan Embree: Well we’re looking forward to it. We’re hoping to go 4/4 on covering the hospitality show. Especially with it being right there in our backyard. Kevin, we know you’re busy. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today on some of these important initiatives. And hopefully we’ll see you in Miami in just a few months. Kevin Carey: Hopefully I have something else on. Ryan Embree: Alright. Appreciate it. Thanks. Kevin Carey: Thank you so much. Ryan Embree: Hello everyone. Ryan Embree. here live at NYU IHIF 2026 here with Jan the National Director of Hospitality Analytics at CoStar. Jan, you were just on a panel. Thanks for taking the time to jump off and speak with us. Jan Freitag: Absolutely. Ryan Embree: State of the state, love the name obviously you’re the north star of hospitality data out there. Jan, revised forecasts just came out. Talk to us a little bit about those points that you were sharing with the audience today. Jan Freitag: So we’re suggesting that RevPAR this year is gonna grow 2.8%, which is very different from the way we looked at the world at the ALIS Hotel Investment Conference. First quarter performance was much more stronger than we had expected than the public traded companies had expected the brands or the …. And a lot of them have revised their year end forecast up. So, you know, we followed suit. Now they, most of them just revised their forecast by the outperformance of Q1. But we’re suggesting No, no, there’s momentum. So we actually took our forecast up by a lot more to 2.8%, 2% driven by ADR and 0.8 by occupancy, which is really good to see. ’cause it implies that demand is outpacing supply. You know, so we get occupancy gains and then some pricing power. Ryan Embree: Love to see that. I mean we were here a year ago with Amanda who is talking about trying to decipher through the noise, a lot of noise right now. But great to see the momentum with those revisions and so important to have those revisions because the landscape can change ever so rapidly as you know. But talking about the supply, talk to us a little bit, go into a little bit more in depth and then obviously every market is different. What markets right now are running a little bit hot on supply? Jan Freitag: Yeah, so fational forecast for Supply goes to 0.4%, not a whole lot. Right. The long run average is 1.6, so we’re well below that. The number of rooms in construction used to be between, we know, 150,000 – 160,000. It’s now 140,000. So it’s sort of staying there. It’s just so expensive to get anything done. And interest rates are still high and could go higher. Who knows, we’re not making interest rate forecast. But you know, there’s definitely no longer this idea of how we should cut, you know, interest rates twice this year or so. I think those days are gone, you know, and so now the question is, okay, so where are people getting things done? And you can look at it by markets. So a couple of them are usual suspects. So Nashville, very strong, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Phoenix. So those are markets sort of in the smile states, sort of in the Sunbelt that still get a lot of people moving there. And you know, migration determines the economic performance. And so we’re seeing a lot more room supply growth there, but there’re just a lot of markets where it’s very, very hard to get anything done because of that higher cost of construction and of the higher interest rate. So I would single out those markets, but overall the picture is rather muted. On the supply side. So what that means then, for existing owners is the time to renovate is right now percent. Because you want to be the new kid on the block with the new hotel, there’s not a lot of new competition coming. This is time to renovate and really put your best foot forward. Ryan Embree: A hundred percent. And you know, one of the other topics we talked about, or you talked about rather on stage was segments right now luxury, doing very, very well leading the way. Obviously a lot of bifurcation, that K-shaped economy. What are you seeing across the segments right now? Jan Freitag: Yeah, I mean there are no wrong answers in luxury, right? I mean, luxury last year was the winner. This year is the winner. We’re projecting, very healthy RevPAR growth double of what we’re saying for the nation. We think the luxury class can materialize. And then what’s really nice to see is that for upscale upper midscale midscale, there’s also RevPAR growth there, which we hadn’t seen last year. And to me that speaks to the strength really of the American economy. But it sort of permeates toward all income classes. Now the exception is was and unfortunately will be likely the economy sector now even there we’re suggesting RevPAR’s growing, but it’s just, you know, 0.8% call that flat for all intent and purposes. Ryan Embree: International travel too, obviously World Cup on the heels of this. What are you see any interesting data points there you wanna share just right ahead of the America 250 and World Cup? Jan Freitag: There are two very different vibes coming from the panel that I was on. Adam Sacks prior to US presenting was talking about, oh wow, international inbound is really still quite a bit lower than it was in 2019. But the gentleman from the NTTO, the National Travel Tourism Organization was like, no, we’re projecting rock and roll, really strong growth of international inbound. The truth is probably gonna somewhere in the tween this year. World Cup is gonna drive a lot of international travelers. What I’m wondering about though is are some of those travelers basically stealing from 2025 and from 2027 and now they’re saying, oh, let’s not go in 25, let’s go in 26. And then when next year comes around, they’re like, we just went to the us you know, and not go in 27 either. So I just hope that the more positive spin from the government comes true and this and, and not that we’re just sort of packing everything into this year and then international inbound is gonna deteriorate. Ryan Embree: So many interesting data points. Anyone in particular you have your eyes on where, you know, obviously we love a nice rosy outlook and try to look for opportunities through all of the data that’s out there, but anyone’s that are like unexpected data points or something that you’re at least keeping an eye on right now? Jan Freitag: Yeah, so there are a couple, but the one that I’m really focused on is consumer price index. Everything is getting more expensive and so that means that hotels will see their cost increase. And the big question then is how much of that cost increase can they pass on to the customer? And I just told you that our ADR forecast for this year is 2% and inflation is gonna be what, 3.5 or something? I mean, it’s gonna be much more than that outpacing that. So that’s really the crux and I think that’s what we here at NYU, to talk to owners and investors and management companies have figure out, okay, so how can we keep our margins expanding even maybe how do you do that in this environment where top line growth may be not keeping pace with with inflation. So the CPI number is really something I’m keeping an eye on. Ryan Embree: Yeah, pretty challenging time right now. when it comes to margins and hospitality that we, again, trying to suss out and figure out here, what are those maybe opportunistic data points that you’re seeing that you’re saying this, this is really good, maybe unexpected on the other end of the spectrum? Jan Freitag: Yeah, I think the Americans are wealthier than they ever have been. And Adam Sachs has this fascinating data point where he shows at the emerge that the middle class in America is shrinking, but part of it is because a lot more people are rich. So people are moving up the income chain and that allows ’em then to spend more money on experiences, very clear that people favor experiences over goods. And we are right in that Suite Spot. Ryan Embree: That continues to be the experience over stuff. We love to see that. And then you’re kind of here celebrating an anniversary/birthday of your podcast, is it? You know you’re, you’re usually, typically used to be in the host, not so much the guests, so thank you. Tell us a little bit more and maybe where our hotel audience can find the insights that you provide. Jan Freitag: Yeah, and thank you for having me. So we have our own podcast. My colleague Isaac Collazo from STR and myself get together once a month. It’s called Tell Me More, A Hospitality Data podcast. And three years ago at juniors across the street over cheesecake, we sort of hatched the idea. And so now we’re, I don’t know, like, you know, almost 30 episodes into it. And we get together once a month and we just sort of riff on the data and hopefully you can join us. Ryan Embree: I love it. That’s awesome. Well, Jan, thank you so much. Very busy time. Appreciate you stopping by and talking to us. Jan Freitag: My pleasure. Thank you so much. Ryan Embree: Alright. Hello everyone. Ryan Embree here with the Suite Spot. We are live at NYU IHIF 2026 here with Larry Cuculic, President and CEO of BWH Hotels. Larry, thank you so much for taking time outta your busy schedule to join us here on the Suite Spot. Larry Cuculic: It’s my absolute pleasure. Thank you for the invitation and for allowing me to share some thoughts with regard to the success and BWH hotels. Ryan Embree: Yeah. We’ve got a lot to cover cause you’ve got a lot going on right now. But let’s start with this event, right? NYU IHIF, lot of major brands here what does a successful NYU look like for you and your team? Larry Cuculic: To us, a successful NYU is interacting with developers and investors such that they’re aware of what BWH has become. We’re now 18 brands, over 4,000 hotels in over a hundred countries and territories from premium economy up to luxury hotels. We acquired world hotels about six years ago. And so it really is continuing to educate about the possibilities of their associating with BWH hotels because we would be singularly focused on their success if they partner with us. And you’re also in a powerhouse panel tomorrow, the Executive Exchange Hospitality Performance Strategies for Success give our audience a little bit a sneak peek of what you’re gonna be talking about on stage. Larry Cuculic: Well, we’re gonna be talking about of course, the economy near term as well as long term projections for what that looks like. we’ll be talking about the importance of loyalty programs. We’ll be talking about the impact of really the economy and things like labor insurance and how we as brands need to focus on the success of our hotels by offering them programs to really offset that impact on net RevPAR. Ryan Embree: And I’m sure one of the subjects and topics that we brought up on your panel, certainly something we talk about these hospitality events is, AI and technology. And we had the privilege of having SVP and your CTO Bill Ryan on at the Hospitality Show a couple months in October, gave us a little bit of lay of the land when it came to AI and technology. How do you feel personally that this technology is really changing the way that travelers choose hotels, but also how they have their hotel experience, their guest experience? Larry Cuculic: Sure. So the first thing we’re doing is we’re reinvesting in our .com as well as our app. And we want them to be easy to use intuitive, but we also wanna make sure they have content that convinces guests when they’re shopping that our hotels will provide them kind of that customization and personalization. ’cause it’s not about a commodity, a hotel room, it’s about all those things that we can offer. By way of example we’re partnering with an AI agency to kind of harvest content with regard to where our hotels are located in those communities. At the same time, we’ll take that harvested content and we’ll filter it through our hoteliers who live in those communities and create the content that will be the AI answer when somebody’s looking for a place to stay. And they’ll know that we want them to have the best possible time while we’re in that community, not just staying with us as a hotel, that we recognize that people don’t want just to stay, they want really a journey. Ryan Embree: Yeah. Something that we aspire in hospitality to provide that not just a hotel stay, but an experience. And we talked to Joelle Park about the power of storytelling and how that can play a component in one of the best stories, obviously that you just had a really exciting announcement with is America 250 and the story of this great nation. So talk to us a little bit about that partnership and what BWH Hotels is doing with America 250. Larry Cuculic: Well, we are a sponsor of America 250, and we’re encouraging our hoteliers to embrace the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. And part of that is not just USA 250, we also have the 100th anniversary of Route 66. We have hotels that have been with us, believe it or not, we have a hotel that’s been with us 75 years. And it speaks to the heritage of our brand. So we’ll be leaning into the history of this great country. At the same time we’ll be leaning into the history of our great brand and encouraging people to travel and see the United States and all that it has to offer no matter where you go. And the beauty of our hotels we have 2200 of them in North America and wherever they’re going to go, we want them to know that we have a hotel that will meet their travel leads such that they can experience really the 250th anniversary of USA. Ryan Embree: Yeah. It’s a really exciting partnership right in at an inflection point with the World Cup as well. So introducing maybe some international travel also to the brand and the nation. You know, you’re a great following on LinkedIn. I encourage our audience, if you haven’t, make sure you follow Larry, but one of the things you’re reflecting on your North American regional conferences that you’ve done up to this point in 2026 and you quoted to say that you want BWH hotels to become the most welcoming brand in the world. What does that mean to you and how is your team working to achieve that? Larry Cuculic: Well, welcoming means that we’re gracious hosts, but it also means that we’re, I’ll call it easy to do business with understanding, being flexible and recognizing that we are somebody you’d want to be partners with. Whenever anyone walks into a hotel we should tell them, you know, welcome, we’re glad you’re here by way of example. But I used to think of it that way in terms of being gracious host and everything that happens at the hotel, but when I think of welcoming, I also want to think about our new.com and app. Again, it’s that ease of use and personalization so that when you go there, we know it’s you and we want to help you make good decisions with regard to travel. So welcoming is about ease of.com, the app we’re redoing our loyalty program. I think Joel probably talked to you about that. And we want the loyalty program to be welcoming as well. Well, what does that mean? Well, that means that when you interact with us, you’ll know how many points you have. You’ll know they never expire. You’ll know that you can use them to buy down the price of a room at any point. That you don’t have to, to have as many points for a full stay to leverage those points. It’s a value of the program. And of course welcoming. I always lean into the importance of being not just a gracious host, but somebody that appreciates our guests. To me, that’s welcoming because you have to recognize that people, they’re traveling with their families, it’s something that you wanna leave a terrific impression on them and their family. And you also want them to know that we appreciate that they’ve spent their hard-earned money staying with us. To me, that’s being appreciative gracious hosts. And that’s part of the welcoming. It’s not, the welcoming doesn’t just happen when they enter. Welcoming has to be entire stay. Ryan Embree: So key. And the brands that kind of make that connection with their travelers, especially in a time where, I mean, we just talked about in this interview AI technology, there’s way more places become disconnected, to find that connection, that human to human connection. Very important right now. So as we wrap up the interview, obviously at these events we’re always, whether it’s the hospitality data we’re looking into, whether it’s a conversation, we’re always trying to take a glimpse into the future, trying to predict that future. Larry what do you see, what’s your vision for the future of BWH Hotels. Larry Cuculic: People will always wanna travel. And for us, if we can become that welcoming brand that appreciates our guests, we will build that loyalty. When we build that loyalty, that program will grow. Our revenue delivery brand direct will grow which is the lowest cost for us in terms of that reservation for our hoteliers but what I think I would also offer to you is we’re also very focused on thoughtful growth. And what that means is if you grow your loyalty program, you also wanna make sure you have hotels that are in locations where guests want to go. Be it London, be it Rome, be it Frankfurt, be it Bangkok, no matter where it is around the world. And so, you know, we have a, a focus goal of 5,000 hotels, which means we will grow thoughtfully, but with our guests in mind. And because when we have a hotel join us, our sole focus is the success of that hotel as well as having a quality hotel where guests want to go. Ryan Embree: That’s awesome. Well, we wish you nothing but success. Hopefully maybe can join the Suite Spot when that 5,000 hotel opens and we can celebrate that together. But in the meantime, thank you, Larry, for taking the time out of your day to join us here on the Suite spot. Larry Cuculic: Well, thank you. Thank you for the opportunity. Very much appreciate it. Speaker 2: To join our loyalty program, be sure to subscribe and give us a five star reading on iTunes. Suite Spot is produced by Travel Media Group. Our editor is Brandon Bell with Cover Art by Bary Gordon. I’m your host Ryan Embree, and we hope you enjoyed your stay.
After October 7, educators were asked to guide students while still making sense of their own evolving relationship to Israel and to Jewish peoplehood. What does it mean to teach when the ground beneath the curriculum is still shifting? What has changed in Israel education? What do educators need to hear? As season of six of Adapting comes to a close, Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath interviews David Bryfman on what's changed in Israel education after October 7, drawing on ideas from his new book, Heroism & Hope: Recharging Israel Education in a Post-October 7 World. Together they reflect on how educators and communal leaders have had to navigate the emotional and ideological terrain since October 7, and how history and memory are being shaped in real time. Sharing personal anecdotes and powerful insights, Bryfman articulates a vision of Jewish learning rooted in pride, inquiry, and student agency, offering language for education that makes space for reflection before it demands answers. Purchase the book at https://www.amazon.com/Heroism-Hope-Recharging-Education-Post-October/dp/B0GZBH6QLL/Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Dina Nusnbaum. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. Send us Fan Mail
Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Robert "Bob" Voigt, Professor with Penn State University about "Educating the Future Manufacturing Leaders". Overview The conversation highlights the importance of the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, scheduled for November 3-5, 2023. The Industrial Talk podcast, hosted by Scott Mackenzie, features an interview with Robert Voight, a professor at Penn State Behrend, discussing the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program. Voight emphasizes the hands-on experience provided to students, including foundry visits and practical metal casting. He also discusses the evolution of materials like austempered ductile iron and the integration of digital technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality. Voight's contact information is available for those interested in learning more. Outline Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress Announcement Scott introduces the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, emphasizing its importance for cybersecurity professionals.The event is scheduled for November 3-5 in Barcelona, with networking opportunities and expert discussions.Scott mentions their own participation and encourages listeners to mark their calendars.Contact information for the event is available on Industrial Talk. Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast The podcast focuses on industry professionals and their contributions to innovation and problem-solving.Scott reiterates the podcast's mission to celebrate industry heroes and their achievements.The podcast is broadcasting from the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program at Penn State Behrend. Introduction of Robert Voight and METAL Program Scott introduces Robert Voight, also known as Bob, and highlights his role in the METAL program.The METAL program focuses on metal-related education and business involvement.Scott praises the hands-on experience provided by the program, including foundry visits.Bob shares his excitement about teaching real-world skills to students. Hands-On Experience at Foundries Scott describes the hands-on experience of pouring aluminum and working in foundries.Bob emphasizes the importance of practical experience in metal casting.The program includes business involvement, with foundries being accommodating and supportive.Bob discusses the excitement and passion that comes from working with metal. Challenges and Solutions in Metal Casting Scott asks Bob about the challenges of metal shrinkage and quality control.Bob explains the process of solidifying metal and ensuring it meets specifications.Bob shares his background, including his education at the University of Wisconsin and his transition to Penn State.The importance of having talented people in the metal casting industry is highlighted. Passion and Future of Manufacturing Scott and Bob discuss the passion and dedication required in manufacturing.Bob emphasizes the need for top talent to attract and retain employees.The conversation touches on the generational aspect of manufacturing and the importance of passing on skills.Bob shares his experience with internships and the benefits of practical training. Evolution of Metallurgy and Material Innovation Scott and Bob discuss the evolution of metallurgy and the development of new materials.Bob explains the importance of balancing performance and manufacturability.The conversation covers the history of materials like steel and aluminum and their continuous improvement.Bob shares insights into the development of austempered ductile iron and its applications. Digital Technologies in Metal Casting Bob discusses the use of digital technologies in metal casting, including computer simulations.The digital twin concept is introduced, where simulations help in achieving real-world success.Bob emphasizes the importance of a digital thread in connecting various manufacturing details.The conversation highlights the benefits of digital technologies in improving efficiency and quality. Conclusion and Contact Information Scott expresses admiration for Bob's work and the METAL program.Bob provides his contact information for those interested in learning more about the program.Scott encourages listeners to support programs like METAL and get involved in the world of metallurgy.The podcast concludes with a reminder of the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress and its importance for cybersecurity professionals. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! ROBERT "BOB" VOIGT'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: rcv2@psu.edu METAL Website: https://www.metalforamerica.org/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-voigt-788487b/ Company Website: https://behrend.psu.edu/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/WfHHge8z-Mo THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount
Join us as we unpack the complexities of modern car detailing—covering social media's impact, customer confusion, the realities of online advertising, and best practices for maintaining and showcasing vehicles. Whether you're a detailer or a car enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating this crowded space.Main Topics Covered:The evolving landscape of car care and customer awarenessThe role of social media and online ads in attracting clientsRealities of removing scratches, stains, and wheel damageStrategies for effective interior and exterior maintenanceHow car show season influences detailing practicesThe importance of proper product use and rinsing techniquesThe power of consistent maintenance for vehicle longevity and valueLeveraging tools like Discord and social channels for education and client engagementTimestamp Highlights:00:00 - The crowded car care space: challenges for consumers and detailers00:29 - The importance of community and network referrals in finding quality services01:58 - How social media educates and misleads consumers simultaneously03:20 - Effective social media strategies for local visibility in 202604:38 - Educating local consumers with targeted, relevant content vs industry jargon06:06 - The rising costs and decreasing returns of paid online advertising for shops08:06 - Balancing online marketing with community engagement and events09:08 - How clutch culture serves as an educational bridge for enthusiasts and professionals10:18 - Utilizing podcasts and social media insights as learning tools for mechanics and detailers12:27 - The critical value of maintaining your vehicle for pride, function, and market advantage13:47 - Proper techniques for removing scratches and understanding repair limits16:36 - Risks of improper pad and rotary use — buffer trails and surface damage18:12 - How consistent vehicle care impacts resale value and owner pride21:22 - The significance of inspecting and protecting wheels with appropriate chemicals24:35 - The role of Discord and online communities for technical advice and networking26:36 - The importance of chemistry knowledge in wheel and paint care34:40 - Recognizing when scratches and stains are too deep for simple detailing38:31 - Avoiding abrasive fixes like magic erasers that can cause permanent damage42:33 - The benefits of regular interior maintenance to prevent staining and wear45:46 - Effective interior extraction techniques and the importance of thorough rinsing50:43 - How proper rinsing and product application prevent common cosmetic issues55:02 - Using simple, proven products like Fuego, TRX, and AWX for specific tasks58:36 - Preparing vehicles for car shows with appropriate cleaning and glossing methods59:46 - The science behind punchy, simple protection layers versus heavy sealants61:27 - Juice as a streak-free, easy-to-use quick detailer for shows and regular maintenance62:34 - Combining eco-friendly products for efficient, safe car care at shows65:02 - Closing thoughts: how consistent, educated care elevates the industry and owner pride
In this powerful re-run, we open the door to one of the most life-changing truths… your Unconscious Mind is running the show
send us a text via Fan Mail!A fabulous interview with my dear friend Father Harrison, who podcasts over at https://www.clericallyspeaking.com/! We delve into the Catechism of the Catholic Church...what is it, where did it come from and how it can teach us to be better parents...what is our role as Christians parents in educating our children. Father brings so much depth into the words of the Catechism, I'm so grateful for him helping me to unpack and understand my role better. Familiaris Consortiohttp://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_19811122_familiaris-consortio.htmlGravissium Educationishttp://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_gravissimum-educationis_en.htmlIgnatius on indifference:https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-indifference/Find Fr. Harrison here on twitterhttps://twitter.com/FrHarrison?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorContactOn Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.comSearch podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.caShop my recommended resourcesThanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!
Send us Fan MailThis podcast episode featured Kamy Moussavi, founder of Step Together, sharing his personal journey with eating disorders and how he transitioned from engineering to helping families address similar issues. Kamy described how his eating disorder began at age 13 when his mother taught him purging techniques, and how he struggled with binge eating and purging throughout his teenage and young adult years despite professional success in engineering and startups. He explained how his healing journey began with meditation and a 10-day silent retreat that helped him process suppressed emotions, leading him to found Step Together, which primarily works with parents to create healthier home environments for their children struggling with eating disorders. The organization focuses on helping parents understand that they must address their own emotional coping strategies before effectively supporting their children, as many parents are either unaware of or denying the issue in their homes.To reach out to Kamy you can find him by going to steptogether.us.To my guest my sincerest apologies for introducing him as Kamy Moussari instead of Moussavi. ☹️Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEBE A GUEST/FIND A GUEST Start for Free!PODMATCH is innovative, provides easy communication and dashboard scheduling! My pick of the month!New Release Kindle or Signed Copy!How To Have Your Cake & Not Eat It All Too - A Guide To Adult Bulimia RecoveryDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show
Performance nutrition in elite sport is often discussed in terms of meal plans, supplements, and macronutrient targets. However, effective practice in professional environments depends just as much on education, trust, communication, and the ability to translate scientific principles into decisions athletes can act on under real-world constraints. In this episode, Dr James Morehen discusses his work across elite rugby, football, and combat sports, with particular attention to the demands of professional rugby. The conversation explores how practitioners support athletes in a high-impact collision sport, including fuelling for training and match play, managing body composition without reducing athletes to arbitrary numbers, addressing recovery from muscle damage and injury, and developing practical systems around game-day nutrition. The episode also provides insight into the realities of building a career in performance nutrition, including the importance of applied experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and learning how to coach athletes rather than simply prescribe to them. Timestamps: [03:31] Interview starts [10:26] Educating athletes on nutrition [13:55] Breaking into elite sport [26:26] Physiological demands of rugby [30:53] Energy needs and timing [38:28] Body composition measurements: utility? [46:16] Game day fuelling strategy [01:07:09] Key ideas (premium-only) Links: Go to episode page Join the Sigma newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course James' Instagram: @morehenperformance James' LinkedIn: Dr. James Morehen Related episodes: #573: A Philosophy of Elite Performance Nutrition – Daniel Davey #286: Fuelling Elite Sport – James Morton, PhD #506: Sports Nutrition: Translating Research to Practice – Andreas Kasper, PhD
Lawrence Ellyard, shares his powerful journey that began with a simple parking ticket
Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Dr. Mark Rubeo, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering with Penn State about "Educating the Future Industrial Leaders". Overview Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their innovations. At Penn State University, the ACE (America's Cutting Edge) program, led by Mark Rubeo, addresses the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing. The program, designed pre-COVID by Tony Schmitz and his team, uses a hub and spoke model to provide training across the US. Rubeo, an assistant professor with a CNC machinist background, emphasizes the importance of manufacturing knowledge for mechanical designers. The ACE program aims to excite and educate future technicians and engineers, fostering a sense of accomplishment and high-tech skills in manufacturing. Outline Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott welcomes listeners to the number one industrial-related podcast, celebrating industry professionals worldwide.The podcast is broadcasting on-site at Penn State University, specifically at the Baron campus in Erie, Pennsylvania.Scott humorously mentions the OSHA hazard of cables and the presence of snacks and coffee in Mark's class. Mark's Background and Role at Penn State Mark introduces himself as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State Behrend.He began his career as a CNC machinist, was laid off during the 2008 recession, and returned to school to earn a mechanical engineering degree.Mark completed his graduate studies in precision manufacturing and measurement science in Charlotte, North Carolina.He worked as a senior mechanical engineer in New Hampshire before returning to academia at Penn State Behrend in 2021. The ACE Program and Its Origins Mark explains the ACE program, which stands for America's Cutting Edge, designed to address the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing.The program was conceptualized pre-COVID by his former PhD advisor, Tony Schmitz, and his graduate students.A workshop at the NSF involved academia and industry professionals to identify the training needs in machining.The ACE program was piloted in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has since expanded using a hub and spoke model. Challenges and Goals of the ACE Program The ACE program aims to interest and educate people in the manufacturing field, from technicians to engineers.Scott emphasizes the importance of companies investing in training to address the shortage of skilled workers.Mark suggests using the ACE program as a pre-apprenticeship to filter out those not interested in the field before investing in in-house apprenticeships.The program is designed to be a week-long training to gauge interest and aptitude in the manufacturing field. Importance of Apprenticeships and Skilled Trades Scott and Mark discuss the decline of apprenticeship programs and the need to revive them to ensure future success in manufacturing.Mark highlights the benefits of apprenticeships, including the transfer of knowledge and skills from experienced workers to the younger generation.The federal government is recognizing the critical shortage of workers and investing in changing the narrative around manufacturing.Manufacturing is presented as a high-tech field that offers fulfilling and well-paying careers. Future of the ACE Program and Industry Collaboration Mark outlines the goal of the ACE program to excite people about manufacturing and get them into the industry.The program tracks outcomes and feedback to ensure it is effective in achieving its goals.Mark emphasizes the importance of industry collaboration and support in expanding the ACE program.The hub and spoke model allows for efficient training across the US, with Penn State Behrend serving as a central hub. Mark's Role in Expanding the ACE Program Mark is involved in training instructors and setting up ACE programs at other locations, such as Ohio State and LSU.He collaborates with local industry to provide tours and real-world experiences for students.The ACE program aims to highlight the high-tech nature of manufacturing and the camaraderie among professionals.Mark's background and experience in both industry and academia lend credibility and expertise to the program. Contact Information and Final Thoughts Mark provides his contact information for those interested in the ACE program, including his email and LinkedIn profile.Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Mark and other industry professionals to learn more about manufacturing careers.The podcast concludes with a call to support programs like Penn State's ACE program to inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.Scott emphasizes the importance of storytelling in industry to inspire and attract new talent. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! DR. MARK RUBEO'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: mar349@psu.edu ACE Website: https://www.americascuttingedge.org/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrubeo/ Company Website: https://behrend.psu.edu/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/NEKMn3Q4qek THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? 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NBA Champion Tristan Thompson is on a mission to orange-pill the league and in this Backstage Interview, he explains why. Sitting down with host Isabella Santos (BTC Isla), Tristan opens up about first hearing of Bitcoin in 2015, the painful lesson of skipping out on bitcoin, and how he now educates NBA teammates on bitcoin, yield, and financial freedom. He shares his price predictions for 2026 and 2027, his hottest Bitcoin take, and the one teammate he'd orange-pill next. Use code BM10 to get 10% off Bitcoin 2027 Conference in Nashville: https://2027.b.tc
In this episode, Ivy Bromius—a seasoned practitioner of magic and project management—shares her unique approach to integrating practical magic with personal health, healing, and risk management. Whether you're curious about how ancient wisdom can inform modern life or seeking insights into spiritual health and planetary cycles, Ivy offers actionable guidance rooted in her extensive experience. Main Topics Covered: How Ivy Bromius combines practical magic and project management for personal empowerment The role of enchantment and spirit work in cancer treatment and healing The concept of magical risk management and proactive planning in chaotic times Cycles of planets and the importance of timing in manifestation and self-awareness The influence of socio-cultural shifts on the acceptance of metaphysical practices The significance of community, connection, and joy in navigating modern challenges Practical steps for integrating astrology, planetary cycles, and ritual timing into daily life The importance of discernment and self-trust in magical and health practices Ivy brings together two disciplines most people assume have nothing in common: practical magic and project management. The result is a body of work that is equal parts grounded and enchanted. She has been practicing divination and magic for over 35 years and spent 15 years managing complex projects professionally before founding Circle Thrice. That combination is the point. Her work is for people who want results, not just intentions. Ivy has taught classes, led group sessions, and presented to large audiences on topics ranging from astrological timing to agile planning to building a sustainable magical practice. She makes the esoteric accessible without watering it down. https://www.circlethrice.com/ https://circlethrice.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ishtarfest/ https://sites.google.com/view/ishtarfest/home To gain access to the second half of show and our Plus feed for audio and podcast please clink the link http://www.grimericaoutlawed.ca/support. For second half of video (when applicable and audio) go to our Substack and Subscribe. https://grimericaoutlawed.substack.com/ or to our Locals https://grimericaoutlawed.locals.com/ or Patreon https://www.patreon.com/grimericaoutlawed Support the show directly: https://open.spotify.com/show/2punSyd9Cw76ZtvHxMKenI?si=ImKxfMHgQZ-oshl499O4dQ&nd=1&dlsi=4c25fa9c78674de3 Watch or Listen on Spotify https://www.simulationmaps.com/#products Disaster Maps, Volcano Sim, Asteroid Sim, Shipwreck Map, UFO Map etc https://grimericacbd.com/ CBD / THC Tinctures and Gummies https://grimerica.ca/support-2/ Our Adultbrain Audiobook Podcast and Website: www.adultbrain.ca Check out our next trip/conference/meetup - Contact at the Cabin www.contactatthecabin.com Join the chat / hangout with a bunch of fellow Grimericans Https://t.me.grimerica grimerica.ca/chats Discord Chats Darren's books www.acanadianshame.ca Sign up for our newsletter http://www.grimerica.ca/news InstaGRAM https://www.instagram.com/the_grimerica_show_podcast/ Purchase swag, with partial proceeds donated to the show www.grimerica.ca/swag ART - Napolean Duheme's site http://www.lostbreadcomic.com/ MUSIC Tru Northperception, Felix's Site sirfelix.bandcamp.com Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: magic meets project management 02:15 - Ivy Bromius' background—practicing magic and managing complex projects 03:42 - The intersection of practical enchantment and project management 05:04 - Ivy's cancer diagnosis as a magical initiatory journey 07:13 - Using enchantment and spirits in cancer treatment 09:20 - The role of community and intention in healing 10:40 - Gordon White's support and influence in Ivy's life 12:00 - Reflections on the evolution of occult practices and accessibility 15:02 - Early influences: from Dungeons & Dragons to Wicca and beyond 16:48 - The internet's impact on the sacredness of magic ecosystems 19:23 - Cultural shifts: from materialism to metaphysical exploration 22:19 - Magical risk management: proactive spiritual prepper strategies 23:50 - Balancing technological advancement and spiritual discernment 26:43 - The power of joy and optimism as subversive forces 27:01 - Community preparedness and the importance of networked resilience 32:22 - The evolution of chaos magic and its practical applications 33:29 - Enhancements to chaos magic post-cancer experience 34:37 - Cycles of planetary timings and their practical applications 36:10 - Individual risk assessment and soul-centered decision-making 38:34 - How planetary positioning influences societal and personal upheavals 40:23 - Ivy's healing magic: invoking spirits within pharmaceutical drugs 44:02 - The spiritual significance of treatment protocols and emotional health 45:58 - Reflections on the healing power of community and intention 49:49 - Integrating modern medicine with spiritual practice 52:10 - Society's tendency to outsource health and the importance of personal agency 54:36 - The layered nature of health, environment, and personal magic 56:39 - Emotional causes of illness and the importance of safe emotional expression 58:02 - Astrological cycles and their relation to life's major shifts 60:03 - Using planetary cycles for strategic planning and manifestation 64:49 - Timing and core cycles: lunar, solar, and planetary interactions 66:48 - The scientific and spiritual understanding of the moon's water influence 69:00 - The significance of eclipses, cycles, and planetary returns 70:06 - Connecting daily actions with long-term soul missions 71:43 - Educating oneself and others on practical magic and risk management 73:33 - The Circle Method: integrating project principles with enchantment 76:19 - The current era of disclosure, UFOs, and multidimensional entities 77:57 - Cultural openness versus governmental suppression of metaphysical truths 81:33 - Predictions: planetary cycles, global shifts, and societal resilience 83:01 - Ivy's offerings: website, courses, and upcoming events 84:37 - The importance of community, ritual, and aligned timing in magic 86:37 - Final thoughts and gratitude for the community
Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Dr. Paul Lynch, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering with Penn State about "Educating the Future Industrial Leaders". Overview Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions. In this episode, he interviews Dr. Paul Lynch, who oversees the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program at Penn State Erie. Dr. Lynch discusses the importance of manufacturing in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the METAL program's role in training the next generation of skilled workers. He emphasizes the need for hands-on training and collaboration between industry and academia to address the workforce shortage. The program aims to inspire interest in manufacturing careers and provide practical skills through boot camps and apprenticeships. Dr. Lynch also highlights the upcoming new center for manufacturing competitiveness at Penn State Erie. Outline Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions to solving global problems.The podcast is broadcasting from Penn State Erie, focusing on the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program.Scott introduces Dr. Paul Lynch, the administrator of the METAL program, and expresses excitement about the program's impact and purpose. Paul Lynch's Background and Career Journey Paul shares his experience of interviewing for a position in Erie, Pennsylvania, and reflects on the rich manufacturing history in the region.Paul grew up in the anthracite coal region of eastern Pennsylvania, where his family worked in coal mines and on the railroad.He describes his father as a mechanic and his mother operating a beauty salon, emphasizing the hardworking and close-knit community in his hometown.Paul recounts his first job at Universal Arts Products, where he gained experience as a design engineer and regional production engineer. Impact of Manufacturing on Communities Scott and Paul discuss the generational culture in manufacturing communities, where families have worked in the same companies for generations.Paul highlights the importance of manufacturing in driving the economy of small towns and the impact of local foundries and factories.Scott shares a story about Brad, who works at Erie Bronze, and the generational connection to manufacturing in his family.Paul emphasizes the economic engine of manufacturing in small towns and the importance of maintaining local manufacturing to support communities. Challenges and Opportunities in U.S. Manufacturing Scott discusses the challenges of reshoring and nearshoring manufacturing in the United States, including the need to develop a skilled workforce.Paul agrees, noting that the U.S. has given away valuable skills and infrastructure, making it difficult to bring manufacturing back.The METAL program aims to address this by generating interest and awareness in manufacturing careers, providing hands-on training, and connecting students with industry opportunities.Paul explains the boot camp aspect of the METAL program, where students gain practical experience in casting, forging, and heat treatment. Importance of Hands-On Training Scott and Paul discuss the importance of hands-on training in manufacturing, comparing it to the transition in Cuba from old cars to new ones.Paul explains that the METAL program was developed to provide both online and hands-on training, emphasizing the latter as crucial for developing practical skills.The boot camp format allows students to gain a sense of whether manufacturing is a career they want to pursue, providing them with valuable exposure.Scott highlights the need for companies to support programs like METAL to address their workforce needs and the broader industry's need for skilled workers. Collaboration Between Industry and Academia Paul stresses the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in rebuilding the manufacturing workforce.He shares his experience of working closely with the Northwestern Pennsylvania American Foundry Society chapter to develop a positive message and provide job opportunities for students.The METAL program has led to increased collaboration between Penn State Erie and local manufacturers, resulting in more internships and apprenticeships.Paul mentions the success of biannual career fairs and smaller manufacturing events, which have helped bridge the gap between academia and industry. Future Plans and Expansion Paul announces the upcoming opening of a new center for manufacturing competitiveness at Penn State Erie, with a focus on metal casting, forging, and machining.The new center will include state-of-the-art facilities, supported by financial resources from the METAL program.Scott expresses excitement about the new center and its potential to drive further innovation and collaboration in the manufacturing industry.Paul emphasizes the need for continued collaboration and support from both industry and academia to ensure the success of the new center and the METAL program. Apprenticeship Programs and Industry Support Scott and Paul discuss the importance of apprenticeship programs in developing skilled workers and the challenges of reintroducing them in the education system.Paul explains that the METAL program works with various organizations, including IACME, Jobs for the Future, and the Keystone Development Partnership, to support apprenticeships.The program aims to provide students with practical training and mentorship, ensuring they develop the skills needed for manufacturing careers.Paul highlights the need for industry to support apprenticeship programs and provide opportunities for young workers to gain hands-on experience. Passion and Purpose in Manufacturing Scott and Paul discuss the importance of passion and purpose in manufacturing, emphasizing the need for industry professionals to inspire the next generation.Paul shares his commitment to being a "doer" rather than just a talker, focusing on practical outcomes and positive messages.The METAL program aims to instill a sense of purpose and excitement in students, encouraging them to pursue careers in manufacturing.Scott emphasizes the need for industry to deliver on its promises and support programs like METAL to ensure long-term success. Conclusion and Contact Information Scott wraps up the conversation by expressing gratitude for the METAL program and its impact on the manufacturing industry.Paul provides his contact information for anyone interested in learning more about the METAL program or collaborating with Penn State Erie.Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Dr. Paul Lynch and explore the METAL program as a model for other universities.The podcast concludes with a call to action for industry professionals to support and inspire the next generation of manufacturing leaders. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! DR. PAUL LYNCH'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: pcl120@psu.edu METAL Website: https://www.metalforamerica.org/ Company Profile: https://behrend.psu.edu/person/paul-lynch-phd Company Website: https://behrend.psu.edu/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/bPrtGhQxq48 THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions: