Podcasts about Empower

Sometimes, a simple phone call becomes more than a request for help. It becomes a picture of the body of Christ at work. A few months ago, a listener named Renee from North Carolina called the show during a difficult season. As a widow raising her special-needs grandchildren on a fixed income, she was carrying a heavy burden. Medical bills were mounting, daily expenses were rising, and her grandchildren's needs were increasing. Renee later described that season as a time when she felt she was “running out of options.” There was only so much money available, and the girls were beginning to need more care and intervention than she could provide on her own. “It was disconcerting,” she said. “Things were falling apart.” But that phone call did not end with her struggle. It became the beginning of something deeply encouraging. A Listener Responds After Renee shared her story on the program, another listener, Dwayne, heard her need and felt led to help. Renee had never met him. She did not know his name at the time. But within a couple of days, she received word that someone wanted to step in and assist. Her first response was disbelief. “I'm still trying to process it,” she said. “There certainly had to be more people deserving than me.” But as the situation unfolded, Renee began to see the Lord's hand in it. “This had to have come from God,” she said. “You don't turn God down.” Help Given With Care FaithFi works with Helping Hands in situations like this to ensure needs are carefully reviewed and assistance is handled wisely. Helping Hands walks through a process that includes reviewing documents and bills, conducting interviews, and confirming the specific needs. In Renee's case, the ministry met with her several times, verified the situation, and then paid the bills directly. That support helped provide relief in several areas. Renee received assistance with her mortgage, groceries, and gas. She had recently started going to a food bank, but her grandchildren's doctor appointments often prevented her from getting there. As food and gas prices continued to rise, even practical help with daily expenses made a significant difference. “It was just mind-boggling,” Renee said. The Gift of Prayer While the financial assistance was meaningful, Renee also wanted listeners to know that their prayers were felt. “To the listeners, first, you can feel the prayers that go out,” she said. “It's palpable.” She described a series of events that followed, moments where she knew people were actively praying for her and her grandchildren. That spiritual support helped lift the burden she had been carrying. “I'm able to smile and give genuine hugs and devote my brain to my girls,” she said. “That is God's gift.” A Word of Thanks When Renee finally learned Dwayne's name, she said she could now add him to her prayers. “To Dwayne, I am forever in your debt,” she said. “Your heart is huge. I don't know your situation, but God bless you. Truly, God bless you, because you made a world of difference for my girls and me.” Her gratitude was not only for the financial support but for the reminder that she had not been forgotten. God had used the generosity of one listener, the prayers of many, and the careful work of a ministry partner to bring help at just the right time. Bearing One Another's Burdens Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” That is what we see in Renee's story. One member of the body of Christ carried a heavy load. Another member saw the need and responded. Others prayed. A ministry came alongside with wisdom and care. This is not merely a story of generosity. It is a picture of Christian love in action. When God's people respond to real needs with compassion, wisdom, and humility, burdens are shared. Hope is strengthened. And the body of Christ bears witness to the love of Christ. Renee's story reminds us that no act of generosity is too small when placed in God's hands. A phone call, a prayer, a gift, or a willingness to step into someone else's burden can become a powerful expression of grace. And sometimes, when one person's burden becomes another person's calling, we get to see the church become what it was always meant to be. If you ever hear a story on this program and feel prompted to help, we'd love to hear from you. While we can't meet every need, we do have a careful process through our partnership with Helping Hands to connect generous listeners with verified needs.  If you'd like to explore how you might come alongside someone in that way, email us at info@faithfi.com or let us know when you call the program. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm looking for advice on credit repair. What steps can I take to improve and rebuild my credit? My two grandchildren, ages 17½ and 16, inherited about $10,000 currently in CDs that are coming due. Should we let the CDs roll over for another two years at about 4%, or is there a better way to invest the money so it can grow and they won't have full access until closer to age 21? I'm a sole proprietor and have worked for 47 years. I often help family members during emergencies, but some struggle with consistent work. How do I balance generosity with not enabling dependence, and where should I draw the line? I have a 401(k) through Empower, and my investments seem very volatile. Should I keep using the current options, switch to a target-date fund, or consider their managed account service—especially given the fees? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Helping Hands Charitable Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® | Fidelity Go® Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Willie Jolley. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW In this energetic and motivational conversation, Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Willie Jolley joins Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his new book, “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better.” The interview covers the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the mindsets required for long-term financial growth, and how individuals—no matter their background—can build generational wealth. Jolley also emphasizes discipline, humility, planning, multiple streams of income, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of insurance and protection of assets. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW The interview aims to: 1. Introduce and promote Dr. Jolley’s new book “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better” and the teachings within it. 2. Educate listeners on the distinction between rich and wealthy Jolley wants audiences to understand wealth in generational, not short-term, terms. 3. Motivate individuals to shift their financial mindset From “working money” to “mailbox money.” 4. Empower entrepreneurs and families To adopt discipline, drop pride, and create multigenerational financial systems. 5. Share Jolley’s personal setback‑to‑success story To reinforce that anyone can grow wealth with the right principles. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Rich vs. Wealthy Being rich = high income, often tied to active labor (e.g., athlete contracts). Being wealthy = passive income, ownership, generational sustainability. A rich football player earns millions; the team owner earns billions and doesn’t have to “run up and down the field.” 2. The Five Money Mindsets Jolley explains five financial mindsets: One‑day mindset – living day to day. 30‑day mindset – fixed incomes/check-to-check living. One‑year mindset – annual thinking (raises, annual income). Decade mindset – typical for entertainers/athletes with multi‑year contracts. Generational mindset (Wealth Mindset) – building wealth to last multiple generations. Jolley’s goal: move people up just one level at a time. 3. Five Types of Wealth Jolley breaks wealth into five categories: Financial Wealth Health Wealth (“A sick person has one dream; a healthy person has a thousand.” – Les Brown) Relationship Wealth Reputational Wealth (Brand) Intellectual Capital Wealth (What you know and can charge for) 4. Discipline Is the Key Wealth requires: Living below your means Investing the difference Consistency Avoiding arrogance and ignorance 5. Pride Is an Enemy of Wealth Pride leads people to overspend to keep up appearances.Jolley argues that pride “kills wealth” and must be replaced with planning and humility. 6. The Three Legs of Wealth To build sustainable wealth, you need: Income Investment (letting money work for you) Insurance (life, health, car, disability, long-term care) 7. Multiple Streams of Income Jolley urges everyone to build at least two streams of income from: Stocks Bonds Real estate Crypto Collectibles Jewelry Art Content creation 8. Overcoming Setbacks Jolley details his own journey from unemployed nightclub singer to globally recognized motivational speaker.He reinforces that a setback is a setup for a comeback—the core message of his earlier bestselling book. 9. It’s Never Too Late to Start He cites examples of: A secretary who retired with $8M by investing small amounts over time Invested $12,000 at age 65 and grew it to $890,000 by age 72 NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Time & Opportunity “I have only just a minute… but it’s up to me to use it.” On Mindset “Wealth starts in your mind.” On Rich vs. Wealthy “Regular folks work for their money. Wealthy people make their money work for them.” On Pride “My pride was killing my wealth.” On Growth & Learning “If you’re willing to learn, no one can stop you.” [On Setbacks “A setback is a setup for your greater comeback.” On Starting Late “When is the best time to plant a tree? Eighty years ago. The second-best time? Today.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fundraising and alumni relations are evolving faster than many institutions are prepared for. But the concept of hiring people who make us feel comfortable remains the biggest threat to innovation since these practices often remain rooted in familiarity, rigidity, and outdated ideas of “fit.”  A.P. Porch is a higher education and philanthropy professional with nearly 15 years of experience in nonprofit and advancement spaces, currently serving as the University-Wide Director of Alumni Engagement at Loyola University, New Orleans. Her work centers on strengthening alumni and donor relationships while supporting the “life of the mind” through mission-driven engagement, leadership, and community building. She joined Mallory to talk about what it takes to build stronger, more sustainable advancement teams in the fundraising sector.  In this episode, you will be able to: Recognize the hidden challenges behind skill-based hiring in fundraising and alumni relations. Have a clear understanding about the difference between hiring for competency versus hiring for familiarity. Learn why burnout and turnover are often symptoms of deeper organizational issues. Discover how curiosity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence can strengthen donor relationships. Learn how “culture fit” can unintentionally limit innovation and diversity of thought. Get all the resources from today's episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

Download the Free 10-Minute Mindset Practice: Shift your state and anchor your body into clarity and ventral safety under pressure. https://payhip.com/b/7PdoGGet Your Sovereign Blueprint: Claim your intellectual and emotional sovereignty with this comprehensive, self-directed guide. https://payhip.com/b/jOSFYThe Regulated Leader - Expand Your Inner Growth Journey: Master emotional resilience and steady your nervous system fluency with the complete digital guide. https://payhip.com/b/rOUPzYou are not your activated state: When emotions feel true self-leaders move from reactivity to steadiness. Check out the new daily steady living bundle (1 day mindset practice + 15 journal prompts)

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Isaac Hayes III.

What if the pressure you're under right now isn't a sign that something is going wrong — but that something is being built? We live in a world that treats discomfort as a problem to be solved and pressure as a threat to be escaped. But Christine Caine opens Hebrews with a different diagnosis entirely: the pressure isn't the enemy of your faith. It's the furnace where your faith becomes real. In week 3 of our summer series, Christine Caine closes the Root phase with the message that connects everything: faith, endurance, and pressure don't just coexist — they're designed to work together. James 1 tells us the testing of faith produces endurance. Endurance produces the rooted character that holds a flourishing life. Roots don't grow in comfort. They grow in resistance. This is the last week of the Root phase. Next week everything shifts — and you need this foundation under you before it does. ✨ If you've ever asked questions like… ✅ How do I keep going in my faith when I'm exhausted and everything feels hard? ✅ Is it okay to feel like I want to quit — and what do I do with that feeling? ✅ Why does God allow so much pressure and pain if He's for me? ✅ What does it mean to run with endurance — is that just white-knuckling it? ✅ How do I stop running from hard things and start growing through them? ✅ What does the "great cloud of witnesses" actually mean for me in my daily life? ✅ How do I build roots strong enough to hold everything God is calling me toward? …then this is your episode.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Isaac Hayes III.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Isaac Hayes III.

Parita Shah joins Robyn and Colleen to share her journey from dealing with chronic autoimmune symptoms to becoming a Reiki Master. She explains how energy healing provides the necessary reserves to advocate for yourself when navigating the exhausting medical system. Listeners will discover how to transition from an analytical mindset into a state of intuitive flow. This episode features a guided meditation on the Gokai recited in Japanese to help you center and align with your true nature. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Discover how Reiki builds the life force needed to advocate for yourself within the healthcare system. Master techniques for a sustainable daily practice by writing simple log-ins each day and track intuitive insights and progress. Explore how to develop your intuition through focused chakra work and the practice of Reijiho. Release the need for rigid structures by learning to embrace Reiki on the fly and intuitive hand positions. Experience the vibrational power of the Reiki Precepts through a guided recitation in Japanese. Mentioned in this Episode: The Gokai (Reiki Precepts) Reiki Symbols: CKR (Power symbol), mental/emotional symbol, and the distance symbol Japanese Techniques: Kenyoku (dry bathing), Gassho, Reijiho, Joshin Kokyuho, and Seishin Toitsu Reiju (spiritual blessing or attunement) Chakra healing and intuitive development Connect with Parita Shah:  Website: ParitaShahHealing.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/paritashahhealing Facebook www.facebook.com/paritashahhealing Join her: Light Embodied, a Community of Healers Reiki meditations, courses and blog: paritashahhealing.com.  Already Attuned to Reiki? Join Parita's free Empower the Reiki Healer 5 Day Challenge to learn powerful energy healing techniques. We'll reconnect with authentic Usui Reiki practices along with modern mystical rituals to support your self-awakening.   Connect with Colleen & Robyn ReikiLifestyle.com Reiki Lifestyle Podcast - On major podcast channels Free Online Reiki Share: Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 11:00 am Pacific Time, for a global Reiki healing circle. Free phone consultation: with Danni Instagram: @reikilifestyleofficial Email: info@reikilifestyle.com   Love the Show? If this episode helped you on your journey, please Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us share the gift of Reiki with more people around the world! **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction, which supports the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional healthcare providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional healthcare providers may offer. Results vary by individual.      

KALW's Jeneé Darden who grew up in East Oakland in the ‘80s and ‘90s… and her little kid self would've loved a place like Chapter 510. The youth writing center provides a safe and empowering learning space for young writers. And Chapter 510 centers Black, brown and queer voices… and publishes their works. Their latest book is “When the Stars Bloom in Oakland: An Anthology of Poems by Fourth Graders.” Janet Heller is an Oakland poet and a co-founder of Chapter 510. Anjali Emsellem is a writer and educator who teaches in the program. They spoke to Jenee for KALW's the sights and sounds show. Here's an excerpt from their conversation. 

In this episode of Front Porch Chats, we hear from recent graduates of the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program from Talbot County as they reflect on a year of growth, leadership development, and discovering new opportunities for their future.Through EMPOWER, these students gained hands-on experiences that helped them build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and better understand the importance of leadership in their schools and communities. The program challenged them to step outside their comfort zones and see how even small actions can create meaningful change.From personal development sessions to learning about community service, cooperative education, and economic growth, each part of the program gave students a broader perspective on the world around them and the role they can play in shaping it.Students also discuss memorable highlights from the year, including learning more about their own strengths, meeting community leaders, and gaining practical skills that will help them succeed in college, careers, and beyond.Join us as we celebrate the next generation of Talbot County leaders and hear how EMPOWER is helping them turn potential into purpose.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Melanye “Dr. Mac.” Maclin joins Rushion McDonald to discuss the serious health risks associated with hair relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic braids—particularly among Black women. Drawing from over 25 years of research and patient experience, she explains how chemicals used in these products absorb through the scalp, disrupt hormones, and significantly increase the risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, early puberty, fibroids, and infertility. The conversation also highlights systemic resistance from the beauty industry, government agencies, and even consumers themselves—primarily due to financial incentives and lack of awareness. Dr. Mac advocates for safer hair practices, increased education, and protective measures to reduce exposure. She also discusses her pioneering internal hair‑health supplements, Bella Nutri, for women (2004) and men (2008), and how she helped introduce the U.S. market to nutritional hair support long before it was mainstream. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of the interview is to: 1. Educate listeners about the hidden health dangers …of chemical hair treatments including relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic hair containing benzene. 2. Advocate for informed hair‑care decisions Dr. Mac wants women—especially Black women—to understand how beauty practices impact long‑term health. 3. Encourage the beauty industry to adopt safety protocols Such as scalp protection, warning labels, and honest communication about risks. 4. Highlight Dr. Mac’s work and products Including her Bella Nutri supplements and educational platforms (Ask Dr. Mac). 5. Empower parents to protect children By avoiding chemical treatments on young girls whose bodies are especially vulnerable. Key Takeaways 1. Chemical relaxers and permanent hair dyes are strongly linked to increased cancer risks. Permanent dyes raise the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. Black women exhibit a 45% increased risk of breast cancer when using permanent dyes. Combining dyes with relaxers significantly compounds the danger. 2. The danger comes from chemical absorption into the scalp. Relaxer chemicals include sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide. These chemicals burn through the scalp, entering the bloodstream and disrupting hormones, leading to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, and cancer. 3. Synthetic braiding hair contains benzene—a carcinogen. Benzene exposure affects both the stylist and the client. Risks include lung cancer and leukemia. 4. The beauty industry resists change because of profit. Salons rarely display warnings because “it affects business.” The relaxer–damage→hair‑loss→extensions cycle creates a lucrative revenue loop. 5. Children are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure. Relaxers on children under 10 can cause: early puberty fibroids infertility early hysterectomies increased cancer risk Dr. Mac advises never relaxing a child’s hair, but if done, the product must stay on no more than 5–10 minutes with complete scalp protection. 6. Scalp protection is essential for anyone still using relaxers. Use petroleum jelly over the entire scalp, not just the hairline. This reduces chemical absorption during both application and rinsing. 7. Dr. Mac pioneered the U.S. hair‑supplement industry. Developed Bella Nutri after research with a Finnish company (Scalp). Initially dismissed as a “witch doctor,” but now the hair‑supplement market is mainstream. 8. She refuses to participate in relaxer‑related lawsuits. Because she has warned people for 20+ years, she cannot ethically testify for those who ignored repeated warnings. Notable Quotes On the impact of chemicals: “The chemicals burn through the scalp… getting into the main bloodstream and causing hormone disruption.” On the increased cancer risk: “African‑Americans have a more than 45% increased risk when we use permanent hair dyes.” On synthetic braids: “As long as that synthetic hair is on her head, she is breathing in benzene.” On industry pushback: “People are about the green‑eyed devil called money.” On relaxing children’s hair: “Hopefully a mother doesn’t take her child to get a relaxer.” “Hair chemicals can lead to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, even hysterectomies before age 40.” On the vicious cycle of damage and profit: “It’s a 360‑degree money‑making cycle.” On caring more than her patients: “I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they are caring about their own.” On pioneering supplements: “Hair and skin are internal organs—they manifest externally.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Melanye “Dr. Mac.” Maclin joins Rushion McDonald to discuss the serious health risks associated with hair relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic braids—particularly among Black women. Drawing from over 25 years of research and patient experience, she explains how chemicals used in these products absorb through the scalp, disrupt hormones, and significantly increase the risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, early puberty, fibroids, and infertility. The conversation also highlights systemic resistance from the beauty industry, government agencies, and even consumers themselves—primarily due to financial incentives and lack of awareness. Dr. Mac advocates for safer hair practices, increased education, and protective measures to reduce exposure. She also discusses her pioneering internal hair‑health supplements, Bella Nutri, for women (2004) and men (2008), and how she helped introduce the U.S. market to nutritional hair support long before it was mainstream. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of the interview is to: 1. Educate listeners about the hidden health dangers …of chemical hair treatments including relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic hair containing benzene. 2. Advocate for informed hair‑care decisions Dr. Mac wants women—especially Black women—to understand how beauty practices impact long‑term health. 3. Encourage the beauty industry to adopt safety protocols Such as scalp protection, warning labels, and honest communication about risks. 4. Highlight Dr. Mac’s work and products Including her Bella Nutri supplements and educational platforms (Ask Dr. Mac). 5. Empower parents to protect children By avoiding chemical treatments on young girls whose bodies are especially vulnerable. Key Takeaways 1. Chemical relaxers and permanent hair dyes are strongly linked to increased cancer risks. Permanent dyes raise the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. Black women exhibit a 45% increased risk of breast cancer when using permanent dyes. Combining dyes with relaxers significantly compounds the danger. 2. The danger comes from chemical absorption into the scalp. Relaxer chemicals include sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide. These chemicals burn through the scalp, entering the bloodstream and disrupting hormones, leading to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, and cancer. 3. Synthetic braiding hair contains benzene—a carcinogen. Benzene exposure affects both the stylist and the client. Risks include lung cancer and leukemia. 4. The beauty industry resists change because of profit. Salons rarely display warnings because “it affects business.” The relaxer–damage→hair‑loss→extensions cycle creates a lucrative revenue loop. 5. Children are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure. Relaxers on children under 10 can cause: early puberty fibroids infertility early hysterectomies increased cancer risk Dr. Mac advises never relaxing a child’s hair, but if done, the product must stay on no more than 5–10 minutes with complete scalp protection. 6. Scalp protection is essential for anyone still using relaxers. Use petroleum jelly over the entire scalp, not just the hairline. This reduces chemical absorption during both application and rinsing. 7. Dr. Mac pioneered the U.S. hair‑supplement industry. Developed Bella Nutri after research with a Finnish company (Scalp). Initially dismissed as a “witch doctor,” but now the hair‑supplement market is mainstream. 8. She refuses to participate in relaxer‑related lawsuits. Because she has warned people for 20+ years, she cannot ethically testify for those who ignored repeated warnings. Notable Quotes On the impact of chemicals: “The chemicals burn through the scalp… getting into the main bloodstream and causing hormone disruption.” On the increased cancer risk: “African‑Americans have a more than 45% increased risk when we use permanent hair dyes.” On synthetic braids: “As long as that synthetic hair is on her head, she is breathing in benzene.” On industry pushback: “People are about the green‑eyed devil called money.” On relaxing children’s hair: “Hopefully a mother doesn’t take her child to get a relaxer.” “Hair chemicals can lead to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, even hysterectomies before age 40.” On the vicious cycle of damage and profit: “It’s a 360‑degree money‑making cycle.” On caring more than her patients: “I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they are caring about their own.” On pioneering supplements: “Hair and skin are internal organs—they manifest externally.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Tilsen, Oglala Lakota Poet Educator from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, returns to the show to discuss the Megellan Pipeline.   Empower our work: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-red-medias-indigenous-content  Subscribe to The Red Nation Newsletter: https://www.therednation.org/ Patreon www.patreon.com/redmediapr

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Melanye “Dr. Mac.” Maclin joins Rushion McDonald to discuss the serious health risks associated with hair relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic braids—particularly among Black women. Drawing from over 25 years of research and patient experience, she explains how chemicals used in these products absorb through the scalp, disrupt hormones, and significantly increase the risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, early puberty, fibroids, and infertility. The conversation also highlights systemic resistance from the beauty industry, government agencies, and even consumers themselves—primarily due to financial incentives and lack of awareness. Dr. Mac advocates for safer hair practices, increased education, and protective measures to reduce exposure. She also discusses her pioneering internal hair‑health supplements, Bella Nutri, for women (2004) and men (2008), and how she helped introduce the U.S. market to nutritional hair support long before it was mainstream. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of the interview is to: 1. Educate listeners about the hidden health dangers …of chemical hair treatments including relaxers, permanent dyes, and synthetic hair containing benzene. 2. Advocate for informed hair‑care decisions Dr. Mac wants women—especially Black women—to understand how beauty practices impact long‑term health. 3. Encourage the beauty industry to adopt safety protocols Such as scalp protection, warning labels, and honest communication about risks. 4. Highlight Dr. Mac’s work and products Including her Bella Nutri supplements and educational platforms (Ask Dr. Mac). 5. Empower parents to protect children By avoiding chemical treatments on young girls whose bodies are especially vulnerable. Key Takeaways 1. Chemical relaxers and permanent hair dyes are strongly linked to increased cancer risks. Permanent dyes raise the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. Black women exhibit a 45% increased risk of breast cancer when using permanent dyes. Combining dyes with relaxers significantly compounds the danger. 2. The danger comes from chemical absorption into the scalp. Relaxer chemicals include sodium, calcium, guanine, and lithium hydroxide. These chemicals burn through the scalp, entering the bloodstream and disrupting hormones, leading to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, and cancer. 3. Synthetic braiding hair contains benzene—a carcinogen. Benzene exposure affects both the stylist and the client. Risks include lung cancer and leukemia. 4. The beauty industry resists change because of profit. Salons rarely display warnings because “it affects business.” The relaxer–damage→hair‑loss→extensions cycle creates a lucrative revenue loop. 5. Children are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure. Relaxers on children under 10 can cause: early puberty fibroids infertility early hysterectomies increased cancer risk Dr. Mac advises never relaxing a child’s hair, but if done, the product must stay on no more than 5–10 minutes with complete scalp protection. 6. Scalp protection is essential for anyone still using relaxers. Use petroleum jelly over the entire scalp, not just the hairline. This reduces chemical absorption during both application and rinsing. 7. Dr. Mac pioneered the U.S. hair‑supplement industry. Developed Bella Nutri after research with a Finnish company (Scalp). Initially dismissed as a “witch doctor,” but now the hair‑supplement market is mainstream. 8. She refuses to participate in relaxer‑related lawsuits. Because she has warned people for 20+ years, she cannot ethically testify for those who ignored repeated warnings. Notable Quotes On the impact of chemicals: “The chemicals burn through the scalp… getting into the main bloodstream and causing hormone disruption.” On the increased cancer risk: “African‑Americans have a more than 45% increased risk when we use permanent hair dyes.” On synthetic braids: “As long as that synthetic hair is on her head, she is breathing in benzene.” On industry pushback: “People are about the green‑eyed devil called money.” On relaxing children’s hair: “Hopefully a mother doesn’t take her child to get a relaxer.” “Hair chemicals can lead to early puberty, fibroids, infertility, even hysterectomies before age 40.” On the vicious cycle of damage and profit: “It’s a 360‑degree money‑making cycle.” On caring more than her patients: “I feel like I’m caring more about someone’s health than they are caring about their own.” On pioneering supplements: “Hair and skin are internal organs—they manifest externally.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Holy Spirit doesn't just work through pastors, leaders, or people who seem to have it all together—He works through ordinary people. This week, we'll look at the story of Samson and discover how God's power, truth, and purpose can flow through anyone who is willing to trust Him. Stop counting yourself out and start believing that God can use you right where you are.

Episode 104 - Mark Sephton, storytelling strategist and bestselling author, joins resilience advocate Annekatrin Yvonne Abstoss-Becker to discuss visibility, influence, strong voices and turning life's challenges into meaningful impact.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

If you want to jump to part 2, use the time stamp:(0:00) Let's begin - Honoring ourselves & relational integrity with our ventral pivot ability as responsible, regulated embodied self-leaders.(7:00) A bit on part 1 and trend setters who offer short-cuts that don't work.(20:13) Discern part 2: The Real-World Crash Zone of the episode.Download the Free 10-Minute Mindset Practice: Shift your state and anchor your body into clarity and ventral safety under pressure. https://payhip.com/b/7PdoGGet Your Sovereign Blueprint: Claim your intellectual and emotional sovereignty with this comprehensive, self-directed guide. https://payhip.com/b/jOSFYThe Regulated Leader - Expand Your Inner Growth Journey: Master emotional resilience and steady your nervous system fluency with the complete digital guide. https://payhip.com/b/rOUPzYou are not your activated state: When emotions feel true self-leaders move from reactivity to steadiness. Check out the new daily steady living bundle (1 day mindset practice + 15 journal prompts)

Tune in to this week's Tea & Consciousness session, where natural healing, holistic wellness, and the mysteries of consciousness take center stage. Discover practical insights and transformative approaches to nurturing your health and expanding your awareness.

You do not need to know every step. You need to find the person who does. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down the tyranny of “how” and why obsessing over every detail can keep smart entrepreneurs stuck. Let's be real… If every big idea stops because you personally do not know how to execute it… You are not thinking like a CEO. You are thinking like a technician. And that mindset will slow down every vision you have. In this episode, you'll learn: Why trying to learn every skill yourself becomes a trap How asking “how” can create unnecessary delays Why asking “who” is the faster path to execution How hiring experts helps you bypass the learning curve and scale faster The truth is simple: Your job is not to master every tool. Your job is not to do every task. Your job is not to pave every inch of the road yourself. Your job is to point to the destination. Find the right people. Empower the right operators. And keep the company moving forward. Most founders waste months trying to learn skills they could have hired for in days. High-level entrepreneurs solve problems differently. They do not ask, “How do I do this?” They ask, “Who already knows how?” That is leverage. That is leadership. That is how you move faster than the competition. Drop the “how.” Find the “who.” Build the team. And keep leveling up. Your Network is your NETWORTH! Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQLinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you: www.CashSwipe.com FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold - The New American Dream”www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 16th episode of the Lead with Empower podcast, recorded just before Memorial Day weekend, features hosts Dan and Zack discussing the nuances of designing team-building experiences. Determining Difficulty Levels Finding the "sweet spot" for a group's challenge level is described as an art that requires significant inquiry during the sales and design process. Key factors used to gauge the appropriate level of difficulty include: ●       Group Size: Larger groups often face more internal conflict due to "too many cooks in the kitchen". To manage this, facilitators may break a large group of 50 into smaller lanes of eight or nine people to ensure everyone remains engaged. ●       Physical Exertion: Programs are tailored to the group's daily activity levels; for example, a high school sports team would receive a more physically demanding program than a corporate group that is typically sedentary. ●       Age and Wiring: Adults tend to overthink and strategize extensively before acting, whereas younger participants often dive into problems immediately without a set strategy. ●       Desired Outcomes: Facilitators ask whether a client wants pure fun (an outing), professional skill development, or a mix of both to determine the program's structure. Stages of Group Development The hosts reference Bruce Tuckman's research on group dynamics to explain how they adjust activities based on a team's current stage: ●       Forming: New groups with social barriers are given low-complexity icebreakers (e.g., favorite hobbies) rather than deep personal sharing. ●       Storming: Teams experiencing power struggles or conflict are given collaborative tasks without competition to avoid creating further division. ●       Norming: As people settle into roles, activities with clearly defined, different roles are used to highlight how individual strengths contribute to team success. ●       Performing: Groups that are "firing on all cylinders" are given more challenging levels to prevent complacency. Facilitation Tactics ●       Frontloading: To maintain trust, facilitators inform groups at the start if there are multiple tiers of difficulty or if an activity might be modified to build momentum after a struggle. ●       Managing Mistakes: Facilitators use "nickel and dime" rule enforcement as a tool for difficult or uncooperative groups. Conversely, for groups showing high effort and positive growth, facilitators may overlook "hustle mistakes" near the end of a program to ensure the experience concludes with a sense of accomplishment. ●       Core Objectives: Every program aims to achieve three things: Engagement, Challenge, and Accomplishment. Episode Timeline: ●       Never Quit Mentality (03:01): The speakers emphasize giving 100% effort until the "clock hits zero," using the New York Knicks' historic 22-point comeback as a prime example. ●       The Difficulty "Sweet Spot" (06:51): Facilitators must find the right challenge level; too hard leads to participants giving up, while too easy results in "dead air" and disengagement. ●       Inquiry-Based Sales (08:22): A program's success starts during the sales process by asking if a client wants pure fun, a mix of learning, or intensive skill development. ●       Large Group Friction (13:10): Groups of 30 often take twice as long as groups of five because "too many cooks in the kitchen" can cause members to work against each other. ●       Adult vs. Youth Problem Solving (16:01): Adults frequently overthink and delay action to find a "perfect" answer, whereas youth often dive into tasks without any plan or strategy. ●       Tuckman's Stages of Development (20:56): Facilitators use the four stages—forming, storming, norming, and performing—to assess group dynamics and choose appropriate activities. ●       Avoiding Storming Competition (25:13): For groups in the "storming" phase of conflict, facilitators avoid competitive tasks that could "feed the fire" of existing internal power struggles. ●       The Power of "Frontloading" (28:17): To maintain trust, leaders should inform groups ahead of time if an activity has multiple tiers or harder levels rather than using a "sneak attack" challenge. ●       Strategic Rule Enforcement (32:16): Facilitators may overlook minor "hustle mistakes" for engaged teams but strictly enforce rules (a "nickel and dime" approach) for difficult or argumentative groups. ●       The Ultimate Goal (35:16): Team building's purpose is for participants to leave feeling positive and confident, ready to apply lessons to their real-world environments. ●       Selecting a Partner (39:00): Organizations should choose partners who ask deep questions about group outcomes and physical exertion levels rather than offering a "cookie-cutter" approach. Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In the latest EMPOWER podcast episode, Dr. Jacob Lang leads a discussion with Dr. Dunbar and Dr. Garlich on how to integrate drops, lenses, and lifestyle considerations into a cohesive presbyopia strategy. From managing patient expectations to selecting the right modality, or combination of modalities, the conversation highlights practical approaches for improving satisfaction and long-term success.

Special thanks to our partners:Chris Williamson: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisWillxTom Bilyeu: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeuSpeakers: Alex Hormozihttps://www.instagram.com/hormozi/via: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisWillxMarcus TaylorYouTube: http://bit.ly/38FUFoSInstagram: http://bit.ly/3aLfu3PWebsite: https://unlockelevation.com/Les Brownhttps://lesbrown.com/Get Les Brown's free 30-day challenge at https://lesbrown.com/Douglas Murray'https://www.instagram.com/douglaskmurray/Eric ThomasYouTube: http://bit.ly/2ua2os4http://etinspires.com/Jocko Willinkhttps://www.instagram.com/jockowillink/via: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisWillxCoach PainYouTube: http://bit.ly/2LmRyeaWebsite: http://bit.ly/2YTgWvqBook Coach Pain: http://bit.ly/2JMefFuJoin the Coach Pain Academy: http://bMaya AngelouTim Groverhttps://www.instagram.com/timgrover/Jordan Petersonhttps://www.jordanbpeterson.com/Susan David https://www.susandavid.com/via Impact Theory: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeuMusic: Twelve Titans - Ascend The Starless Sky, Finding Hope, Indestructablehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDhAPVW3Pt4pPAeUNbddgGwhttps://www.instagram.com/twelvetitansmusic/Audiomachine - No Matter What Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embryo donation can be a beautiful and deeply layered way to build a family, but it's also a topic surrounded by questions, emotion, and a lot of unknowns. In this episode, I'm joined by Maya Grobel, a licensed clinical social worker, recipient parent, and documentary filmmaker, along with Jen Vesbit, a nationally certified counselor and donor parent. Together with their partner Gina Davis, they co-founded Empower with Moxi and the Moxi Matching platform, where they provide guidance, support, and education for embryo donors and recipients.We talk about what motivates donors and recipients, the emotional complexity on both sides, and the importance of feeling truly ready while also making space for grief. We also discuss how relationships between families can evolve over time. Maya and Jen share the personal experiences that led them to this work, including Maya building her family through embryo donation and Jen donating her remaining embryo to a single mother by choice. They also explain why more solo moms are beginning to consider embryo donation as part of their path to parenthood today.If you're curious about embryo donation for yourself, or wondering what to do with remaining embryos, this conversation will help you better understand the logistics, the community, and most importantly, what it can look like to reimagine your own vision of family.In this episode, we talk about:The emotional journey of embryo donation from both donor and recipient perspectivesThe practical steps and timeline for directed, open embryo donationThe unique ways single parents are welcomed and supported in the Moxi Matching processHow to navigate family conversations, decision-making, and the “when is my family complete?” questionThe importance of community and support for solo moms considering this pathSupporting children (and donor families) in talking about genetic connections and expanded familyWhy choice, inclusivity, and agency are at the heart of building families through embryo donationResources:EM•POWER with MoxiInstagram: @empowerwithmoxiMaya's websiteOne More ShotMaya's Podcast: Never Thought We'd Be HereJen on Instagram: @embryodonationsupport

Employee engagement is vital for the success of your team and organization. Engaged employees are connected to their work, their team, and the wider mission of the organization. Unfortunately, most organizations don't actively invest in creating a culture focused on developing engaged teams. This is an expensive mistake both financially and in terms of lost potential, missed opportunities, and retention of your best team members. In this episode, you'll learn why employee engagement is so vital to the success of your organization and one way you can take action to develop an environment that increases engagement and thus your overall success. Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageReady to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you're listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you're ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

The secret to a successful campaign is a culture shaped by trust, collaboration, emotional resilience, and a shared sense of purpose. A successful implementation of a fundraising team is more than just hitting financial goals; it demands leadership that understands and values institutional culture, supports people through high-pressure moments, and creates a system that will thrive without burning out. From donor relationships to preventing isolation, this conversation explores how transparency, accountability, empathy, and collective support can build a sustainable fundraising culture.  Jill C. Anderson is the current Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement at Moravian University, Pennsylvania. She is an expert in campaign strategy, major gifts, and donor engagement. With nearly 26 years of experience in advancement and an earlier career in finance, she brings a strategic, systems-oriented approach to philanthropy and organizational growth. She is also a doctoral student at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Having grown up as a daughter to a professional baseball coach, Jill believes deeply in team-centered leadership and cross-functional collaboration.  In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the unique challenges of building and leading fundraising teams. Learn about the effect of organizational culture on donor relationships and campaign success. Understand the importance of accountability and transparency during periods of growth and crisis. Explore strategies for reducing isolation and strengthening team connection in fundraising environments. Discover how collaboration and cross-functional understanding strengthen fundraising teams. Get all the resources from today's episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

Investors weigh rising rates, a weakening software trade and fresh geopolitical uncertainty. Marta Norton of Empower assesses the broader market backdrop and explains where investors should focus as volatility returns. KeyBanc's Jackson Ader examines the software slump and previews Oracle earnings as investors look for signs that enterprise technology spending remains healthy. Apple comes under pressure following WWDC: our Mackenzie Sigalos breaks down the market reaction and what investors expected from the event. Jonathan Krinsky of BTIG argues investors may not be out of the woods yet and explains what the technical picture says about the rally. Plus, Crusoe CEO Chase Lochmiller weighs in on data center weakness concerns. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nobody told you the waiting is the work. We live in a world that rewards being discovered — going viral, moving fast, getting noticed. But God's economy runs on something entirely different: development. And development always happens in the dark. In week two of this summer series, Christine Caine takes us into the darkroom — the season of delay, disappointment, and hiddenness that God uses not to hold us back, but to build the roots that will hold us up when everything shakes. Christine Caine does it through the story of a young man named David: anointed at 17, appointed at 37. Twenty years. Twenty chapters. And not one of them wasted. This isn't a season you endure. It's a season you grow in. Originally heard by over 135,000 people — what is God growing in you right now that you can't yet see? ✨ If you've ever asked questions like… ✅ Why does it feel like everyone else is moving forward while I'm still waiting? ✅ I feel called and gifted — so why isn't anything happening yet? ✅ What's the difference between a gift and an anointing — and why does it matter? ✅ How do I stay faithful in private when no one seems to notice? ✅ Why does God's process feel so slow when the world moves so fast? ✅ What do I do when I feel overlooked by the people who were supposed to see me? ✅ How do I stop comparing my journey to someone else's highlight reel? …then this is your episode.

Every leader faces problems, and founders carry more than their share. In this episode of Growth Think Tank, Gene Hammett breaks down the leadership mindset shifts that separate leaders who get buried by their problems from those who grow because of them. The problem is rarely the real problem. The way you see it is. Gene shares three perspective shifts that change how you handle stress, setbacks, and the daily fires of running a company. You will learn why choosing growth over comfort builds the leader your business needs, how to move from victim to leader and take your power back from blame, and why letting go of control and empowering your team to take ownership is the real work of leadership. If you are a founder or CEO ready to turn your hardest problems into your next stage of growth, this conversation will change how you lead. Leadership is giving power away. This episode shows you how. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:03 Problem Is About Perspective 1:21 Three Mindset Shifts 3:16 From Control to Empower 4:52 Coaching Creates Clarity

What if the most powerful negotiations happen before a single word is spoken? In this compelling episode of The Art of Feminine Negotiation, Cindy Watson sits down with Dr. Dianne Olvera to explore the transformative concept of Negotiation Beyond Words. Drawing from her unique experiences working alongside her diplomat husband at U.S. embassies in Argentina and Mexico, Dr. Olvera shares invaluable insights into the subtle dynamics that shape human connection, communication, and influence. As a Board Certified Educational Therapist, professor, and author of The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower, Dr. Olvera reveals how understanding individual differences can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create more meaningful outcomes in both personal and professional negotiations. Join Cindy and Dr. Olvera for an enlightening conversation packed with practical wisdom on building stronger connections and mastering the art of negotiation beyond words. In this episode, we will uncover: How to understand and interpret people's behavior and motivations?  How to be careful with your words. Where do people most misunderstand what connection actually requires? Why connection is so powerful? Why language is a form of power? When do leaders and negotiators should be most mindful of in their tone and language. And many more! Learn more about Dr. Dianne Olvera: Website: https://www.drdianneolvera.com/ Social Medias: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdianneolvera/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdianneo/                   https://www.facebook.com/drdianneolveraauthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdianneo/ Checkout Dr. Dianne Olvera's book:  The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower   If you're looking to up-level your negotiation skills, I have everything from online to group to my signature one-on-one mastermind & VIP experiences available to help you better leverage your innate power to get more of what you want and deserve in life.   Check out our website at www.artofFeminineNegotiation.com if that sounds interesting to you.   Get Cindy's book here: Amazon   https://www.amazon.com/Art-Feminine-Negotiation-Boardroom-Bedroom-ebook/dp/B0B8KPCYZP?inf_contact_key=94d07c699eea186d2adfbddfef6fb9e2&inf_contact_key=013613337189d4d12be8d2bca3c26821680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 EBook   https://www.amazon.com/Art-Feminine-Negotiation-Boardroom-Bedroom-ebook/dp/B0B8KPCYZP?inf_contact_key=94d07c699eea186d2adfbddfef6fb9e2&inf_contact_key=013613337189d4d12be8d2bca3c26821680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 Barnes and Noble   https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-of-feminine-negotiation-cindy-watson/1141499614?ean=9781631959776 CONNECT WITH CINDY: Website: www.womenonpurpose.ca Website: www.practicingwithpurpose.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenonpurposecommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenonpurposecoaching/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thecindywatson Show: https://www.womenonpurpose.ca/media/podcast-2/ X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/womenonpurpose1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hersuasion Email: cindy@womenonpurpose.ca

When the pandemic hit, the instruction was simple: "Go home." But returning to a hybrid model? That's a complex, messy experiment full of grey areas. In this episode from the archive, Andy Lopata chats to human potential expert Nikki Bush, dialing in from Johannesburg. They explore why the return to hybrid work is causing so much stress for both leaders and teams, and why standardising rules across an entire organisation often leads to disaster. Nikki shares practical strategies for navigating this new autonomy, emphasising the need for employees to act as "intrapreneurs." Discover why the number one hybrid trap is "meeting-itis," how to ensure your virtual one-on-ones aren't just tick-box exercises, and the profound difference a leader can make by truly seeing the essence of their team members beyond their job descriptions. If you're struggling to balance flexibility with productivity, this episode offers a roadmap for connection. What you will learn in this episode The Autonomy Shift: Why hybrid work requires employees to stop acting like traditional staff and start thinking like "intrapreneurs" who are solely responsible for their output. The Illusion of Choice: Why giving employees too much choice in a hybrid model actually increases stress, and how to find the right balance of structure. The "Meeting-itis" Trap: Why over-scheduling meetings is the biggest mistake hybrid leaders make, and how it actively prevents real work from getting done. Beyond the Job Description: How to uncover the hidden "essence" of your team members. The Power of Intentional Listening: Why the success of your one-on-ones depends entirely on your intent, and how to prove you are listening with your "whole being." Actionable Insights Decentralise Hybrid Mandates: Do not try to mandate a single hybrid schedule (e.g., "everyone is in on Tuesdays") for an entire organisation. Empower individual team leaders to create their own bespoke hybrid mandates based on the specific operational needs and cross-departmental requirements of their group. Visibly Protect "Sacred Time": When conducting a one-on-one (especially virtually), explicitly state that you are turning off your devices to be fully present. If you must leave your phone on for an emergency, set that expectation at the very beginning of the meeting. This verbal boundary demonstrates profound respect. Conduct an "Essence Audit": Look past your team's job titles. Identify their innate strengths—who is the nurturer? Who brings levity during a crisis? Actively share these observations with them. Reflecting these strengths back to your team not only builds confidence but allows you to deploy them more effectively when unforeseen challenges arise. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Nikki Bush: Website |Instagram | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 172 Featuring Nikki Bush

Deen Salami | Guest Pastor Standing Firm: A Look at Stephen Check out the weekly sermon here or on our SRBC podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. While you're at it, check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. Like what you hear? We'd love to know.At South Run, we read every message personally. Whether you have a question, want to share how God is moving in your life, or are thinking about visiting in person, this is the place to start. If you click the link below, Pastor Eric will personally reach out to you. Listening online? Let us know. Sermon Transcript Standing Firm: What Stephen's Martyrdom in Acts 6–7 Teaches Us About Faith Under Fire — Sermon TranscriptSouth Run Baptist Church | Springfield, VA Guest Preacher: Deen SalamiActs 6:8–7:60June 7, 2026This is a full sermon transcript from South Run Baptist Church in Springfield, Virginia. In this message, guest preacher Deen Salami preaches on the martyrdom of Stephen from Acts 6–7. This sermon addresses how Stephen — an ordinary believer full of faith and the Holy Spirit — stood firm against hate and persecution before the Sanhedrin, what his conduct, his defense, and his death reveal about the cost of following Jesus, and why the church's first martyr was not a tragic accident but a catalyst for the spread of the gospel. Opening: A Passage That Can Almost Preach ItselfI am a little excited today about the message. We've got a lot of ground to cover. There's a large section of scripture that I want us to go through. I'm going to act as your guide. It's not very often that there are passages of scripture that actually can preach themselves. This passage just might be one of them. So what I'd like to do is just to act as your guide. I'll read through big chunks of scripture and I'll just make a couple of observations for us to consider as we do. To do that, though, I'll only need about another hour. Are you guys good with that? I know better than to get in the way of lunch, so I'll make sure that I'll get through this thing in a reasonable amount of time, and I promise we'll survive the experience, all right? All right, why don't you join me in prayer? Gracious God and Father, behold this time. It is you who have called all these people here. None are here by accident. You have assigned me to this task for this day and this hour, and I just pray, Lord God, that you would act and move. Empower now your servant to be able to bring forth this majesty for your people's benefit and for the glory of your great name. May everything that be said and done would be pleasing to you. We pray all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. Context: Who Was Stephen, and Why Does He Matter?Now, we've already had the first section of our passage read to us. We're going to look at the first martyr of the early church. If you guys know, that is a follower by the name of Stephen. Before he was crucified, Jesus warned the disciples that the world would hate them because of him, and as a result, they would suffer persecution. So how do we stand firm against the hate and persecution? Well, Stephen is going to help us answer that question because he experienced exactly what Jesus said he would. How he handles the hate is a great example for us to follow. Now, again, we've already read that first section in Acts 6:1–8, but as we go into the commentary of it, I want you to consider three simple things: the charges brought before Stephen, his conduct throughout this whole trial, and what it costs him at the end. Three things — charges, his conduct, and the cost. The gospel was being preached early on. It's the early part of the church's existence. The gospel was being preached, and after an early reception by the masses, opposition began to rise, specifically from the religious leaders. Stephen was a Hellenistic Jew, which means that his native tongue was not Aramaic, but it was Greek. He was also a Diaspora Jew, meaning that he was not born and raised inside Israel proper. He was born and raised outside of Israel. He came to Jerusalem, heard the gospel, and became a believer. He was not one of the original 12. He had no special place of prominence. In fact, when we first learn of Stephen a few verses earlier, he was in charge of food distribution for the church. In other words, Stephen was a simple, normal person, just like any one of us. His only desire was to serve and to be used by God. Now look at how he was described in this section. It says that he was full of God's grace and power, and he performed great signs and wonders. Up until this point, that description was only made of the apostles. But he ran into his fellow Diaspora Jews, and they could not withstand him in debate, because the Spirit of God had given him great wisdom. Since they were unable to defeat Stephen in debate, they slandered him, brought him up on trumped-up charges, and dragged him before the Sanhedrin. And this, by the way, is the third time that a follower of Jesus was dragged before the Sanhedrin. The first time it was Peter and John for healing a lame man. But because the crowds were praising God, they let them go. The second time was with all 12 apostles. They were beaten and sternly warned no longer to preach the gospel. This time, the Diaspora Jews were mobilized as a mob against Stephen, and if you were hearing properly and paying attention, you noticed that Stephen is alone. Incidentally, this is the same council that sentenced Jesus to death. The Charges Against Stephen: Disrespecting Moses and the TempleSo let's hear the charges brought against Stephen. It was the disrespect of the law — which is referred to as Moses — and the disrespect of God, the temple, because they believed that God's presence was in the temple. But Stephen is going to take these two charges and turn them on his accusers. But for now, I want to draw your attention to how Luke describes Stephen as he stands before the Sanhedrin. He says that he has the face of an angel. Now, I doubt very much that the Sanhedrin thought Stephen was hot, right? But what is it that made his appearance unmistakable? The question I want us to consider is, how is it possible that a normal person like Stephen — who was not part of the inner circle of Jesus — is able to do the things that Stephen had done and was described the way Luke describes him? Acts 6:5 — Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit: What That Actually MeansAnd I believe that the answer is found in verse 5 of chapter 6. This is the very first description we have of Stephen: he's a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. But the question is, what does that mean exactly? Let me start with full of faith. Because there are three aspects of faith that we see in Stephen. First, there's an intellectual determination. What do I mean by that? It simply means that he's asking himself, is the gospel true, and do I believe it? Am I a sinner, like the gospel says, and do I need a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ? Stephen's answer is yes. The second is, do I trust Jesus? Will I submit my life to him and proclaim him as my Lord? Again, Stephen answers, yes. But finally, will I commit everything to him, even if it means my death? And as we will see, Stephen will answer that question yes as well. But let me ask us all a question here. How are we doing in these three aspects? For most Christians, they're okay intellectually up here. Do I need a Savior? Yes. But it's the other two that they stumble at. Is he actually Lord? Am I running my own life? Do I just need Jesus as an advisor — I'll call on him when I need to? Or is he actually Lord? Do we actually commit our lives to him, willing to die? Because Stephen was all in with Jesus, it gave the Holy Spirit free reign to use Stephen any way he wanted. Not like a puppet, but as an active and willing partner in the work of advancing the kingdom. It's like the Fellowship of the Ring. Do you guys remember the Fellowship of the Ring? Remember when Frodo said he was going to go and take the ring to Mordor? Aragorn said to him, if by my life or death I can protect you, I will. Why? Because the fate of Middle Earth hung in the balance, right? But for us today, it's the souls — the eternal souls of people — that hang in the balance. And the only hope for them is Jesus Christ. Amen? If by our life or death, if we have the opportunity to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ, will we? Are we all in like Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit? What the Sanhedrin saw in Stephen was the very presence of the divine emanating from him. But let's move on and see what happens next. Acts 7:1–16: Stephen's Defense Begins — Summarizing Genesis 12 Through Exodus 1 from Memory I'm going to read from chapter 7, verse 1. "Then the high priest asked Stephen, are these charges true? To this he replied, brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran. Leave your country and your people, God said, and go to the land I will show you. So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no children. God spoke to him in this way, for 400 years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, God said, and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place. Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later, Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace. Then a famine struck all of Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit. On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was. And Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, 75 in all. Then Jacob went down to Egypt where he and our ancestors died. Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money. And as the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die." Now, for those of you who may have picked up on it, Stephen just summarized Genesis 12 all the way through Exodus 1. Genesis 12 is where we have God's promise to bless the world through Abram. Stephen starts there and ends in Exodus chapter 1. That is approximately 39 chapters that he summarized from memory under pressure. Now, if you were on the Sanhedrin, what would you be thinking right now about the charge of disrespecting the law? At least at this point, it looks like that charge is on kind of shaky ground. In fact, some of the Sanhedrin might be looking at Stephen and secretly giving him a thumbs up. Way to go, bro. Good job, all right? Why Stephen Uses Geography and the Stories of Joseph and Moses StrategicallyWhat I don't want you to miss, though, is how Stephen is telling this story. I want you to notice the way Stephen is making use of geography — Mesopotamia, Haran, Israel, Egypt. He is summarizing what God did in those places, but why is he doing this? Also, I want you to keep in mind what he says about Joseph and his brothers. I'm going to develop that here in a minute. Just be patient, okay? Now, before we move on, I want to highlight how Stephen addresses his adversaries. To the mob, he refers to them as brothers. To the Sanhedrin, he refers to them as fathers. This mob who dragged him forcefully before the Sanhedrin, and this council that not only sentenced Jesus to death but beat the 12 apostles — the question on the table is, why is Stephen so cordial? A few observations. First, he does not seem to be taking their behavior toward him personally. The moment is not lost on Stephen. He's acutely aware of the danger he is in, but he remembers his mission, which was the same as Jesus. He does not want to condemn them. He wants them to know the truth. So he speaks to them in a way fitting that purpose. He does not retaliate against them for mistreating him. Second, Stephen understands that their behavior is symptomatic of a bigger issue. He knows what the Apostle Paul will later go on to understand and share with Timothy. As we read in 2 Timothy 2:25–26, Paul says this: "Opponents must be gently instructed in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil who has taken them captive to do his will." Stephen understands that these people have been taken captive by the devil so that they would do his will. But Stephen hopes that they will come to their senses. So he begins by instructing them gently. And in his approach, Stephen is reflecting the very heart of God. Back in Ezekiel 33:11, we hear God say this: "As surely as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways. Why will you die, people of Israel?" Stephen does not clap back at them. Third, he is gentle because he is focused. He knows it's not about him. This encounter is much bigger than Stephen, and he is keenly aware of it, and we can tell by the way he conducts himself. It's a powerful lesson for us today, isn't it? If we're going to stand firm against hate and persecution, we will resist the urge to take people's behavior toward us personally. We remember that their behavior is symptomatic of a bigger issue. They are captives of the devil, and what we want to stay focused on is our mission to be active agents in freeing them through spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now one last point before we move on. We are 19 verses into Stephen's speech and in all his words, Stephen is not trying to defend himself. He has not yet answered the question that was put before him: are these charges true? He hasn't quite answered that question, at least not directly. Acts 7:20–43: Moses, the Burning Bush, and the Pattern of Rejected MessengersBut let's get back to the rest of Stephen's speech, because I think we'll find some more for us to consider. "Now at that time, Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months, he was cared for by his family. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. When Moses was 40 years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. The next day, Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, men, you are brothers. Why do you want to hurt each other? But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday? When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. After 40 years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say, I am the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt. This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, who made you ruler and judge. He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for 40 years in the wilderness." Once again, Stephen has done an excellent job in summarizing that next section. He pretty accurately brings the story to the lawgiver himself, the man Moses. But let me begin to tie some pieces of this puzzle together for us. Stephen brings up Joseph and Moses very strategically. Joseph, with his dreams, and Moses, even at his birth, were both marked by God for God's use and for the good of his people. But in both cases, they were originally rejected. In other words, our ancestors, says Stephen, missed God's messengers the first time. Even though the signs were there, they rejected their God-appointed leaders the first time. And Stephen is about to be very clear about the implications of this for them. He mentions God being with Moses in Midian and in Egypt. All the geographical references that Stephen has made is the point he's taking aim at — the misunderstanding of the temple. They refer to the temple as this holy place. But yet Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin that when Moses was in Midian on Mount Sinai, Moses was commanded to remove his sandals because where he was standing was holy ground. So which is it? Is it the holy ground that Moses was standing on in Mount Sinai in Midian? Or is it this holy place, the temple in Jerusalem? Wherever the presence of God touches down becomes holy. What Stephen is saying is that God is not bound by any single location. This is what the Sanhedrin failed to see in their attempt to defend the temple. And it is a pattern that Stephen is pointing out for them. In addition, Jesus sternly rebuked the religious leaders when he turned over the tables of the money changers and called the temple a den of thieves, because they were keeping people from God. God had left the building, and they were completely oblivious. Let me highlight the wisdom Stephen is using here. First, he knows the word and how to apply it to the situation he is presently in. Second, he understands the charges brought against him and how to use those same charges to highlight the error of his accusers. And finally, he does not lose focus of his mission. And the question on the table for us is, if we were under this pressure, could we do the same? Acts 7:44–53: Stephen Flips the Script — You Are the Ones Who Violated the LawNow Stephen is about to end his time with the Sanhedrin, and it's going to be a colossal end. Let's finish reading. "This is the Moses who told the Israelites, God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people. He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our ancestors, and he received living words to pass on to us. But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him, and their hearts turned back to Egypt. They told Aaron, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him. That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in it in what their own hands had made. But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon, and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: did you bring me sacrifices and offerings 40 years in the wilderness, people of Israel? You have taken up the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your God Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore, I will send you into exile beyond Babylon. Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him. However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says, heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build me, says the Lord? Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things? You stiff-necked people, your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You were just like your ancestors. You always resist the Holy Spirit. Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him. You who have received the law that was given through angels, but have not yet obeyed it." Stephen ends his speech with a powerful rebuke of the Sanhedrin and this mob. The history of the Jewish people had been one of rebellion, culminating in the murder of Jesus, their long-awaited Messiah. Just as they did with Joseph and Moses, they missed Jesus the first time. I want you to underline verse 53. Stephen courageously tells the truth and provides a proper diagnosis of their problem. In so doing, he flips the script. So you accuse me of violating the law and desecrating the temple? I'm not guilty of either one of these, but you are. The evidence he provides is rightly in the law of Moses, and he records the embarrassing incident with the golden calf. This was abject idolatry, which got them exiled, and it's clear that their stubborn rebellion continued to blind them. Making the Means the End: The Sanhedrin's Fatal Error with the Law and the TempleThe inherent problem the Sanhedrin and the mob suffered from was that they made the means the end and did away with the end itself. What do I mean by that? Well, in Galatians 3:24–25, Paul says this: "So the law was our guardian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." The law was the means by which we would be ready for Christ, who was literally the end of the law — he was what the law was preparing us for. But they made the means, the law, the end, and did away with the end itself, Jesus. Jesus says the same thing about the temple. In Mark 11:17, Jesus says this: "My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." The temple was the means by which all the nations would come to know who God is and pray to him. They turned the temple into a money-making machine, and they did away with God altogether. It's the same pattern. Acts 7:54–60: The Stoning of Stephen — Dying Like His LordLike all who stubbornly live in rebellion and refuse to hear the truth, they go after Stephen. "When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of the young man named Saul. And while they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of their killing." Stephen took a bold stand and it cost him his life. But here's the beauty of this passage. Stephen died in the same way his Lord did. He dies praying for the forgiveness of the people stoning him, just like Jesus. And because Stephen was so faithful to his call, the heavens opened so that Stephen sees the Lord Jesus rise from his throne to welcome his faithful servant home. How to Stand Firm Against Hate and Persecution: Look Up, Not AroundHow do we stand firm in the face of hate and persecution? First and foremost, we look up, not around. We look to Jesus. We need to be focused on Jesus because he is all he's asking us to be, and he has done all he's asking us to do. That includes suffering for his sake. Second, we need to remember one important thing. We're not simply spectators or victims. We are active agents of change. In other words, we do not lose sight of the mission, because this is why we are here. You know, I know some people — I've spoken to some people about this passage — and they seem to think that it's unfair for Stephen to have died. After all, why couldn't God have saved him? He saved the apostles. He saved John and Peter. Why couldn't he have saved Stephen? But if we read Acts 1:8, where Jesus told the disciples that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and in the uttermost parts of the world, we begin to realize one important thing. Up until this point, guess where the church was localized? Jerusalem. Guess where they had their small groups? Jerusalem. Guess where they had their worship time? Jerusalem. But where were they supposed to go? But after Stephen was killed, we read this: "On that day, a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." Stephen's death was the catalyst for the advancement of the gospel outside of Jerusalem. Remember, our faith is not a faith that we simply talk about. Our faith is a full contact sport. If by my life or death I can advance the gospel, I will. Stephen did it by his death. Closing: Active Agents of God's Redemptive WorkLet me read you one quote as I close. It says, "Suffering becomes the ongoing evidence that creation awaits restoration. And believers, bearing God's image and indwelt by the Spirit, participate in that redemptive work. Rather than passive victims of evil, they become agents through whom God's original creative intention progressively reasserts itself against the disorder introduced by sin." Will you be a part of that? Because this is our purpose. And once we understand our purpose and totally embrace it, then we look at the world very differently. We can stop asking why the world is the way it is. Because that's really the wrong question. The right question is, what are we going to do about it? Because we are supposed to be the active and willing participants in God's redemptive work. Is this work dangerous? Yeah. Stephen found that out very clearly. Remember, Jesus died for us first. So it is not like God is asking us to throw away our lives cavalierly. Far from it. Stephen understood the stakes and was keenly aware of the moment. But he determined that his life was worthy of sacrificing for the gospel. He stood firm. Can we? Let me pray. Our gracious God and Father, we thank you for this time that we can be in your word. We are reminded, Lord, that it's you who preserved your word, lo, these 2,000 years for us, this generation of believers, to learn and glean from. I pray, Father, for whatever lessons that may have been brought out here, that those seeds would be scattered in the hearts of your people and that they would grow into folks that would stand firm for the advancement of the gospel. Our only desire, Lord God, is like Stephen. We ask humbly that you would use us as we serve, and that you would be glorified. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. South Run Baptist Church | 8712 Selger Drive, Springfield, VA 22153 | Sunday Worship at 11am Serving Springfield, Burke, West Springfield, Lorton, Alexandria, Fort Belvoir, and Franconia, Virginia. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Episode 103 - Christine Reuther empowers future change-makers through education and leadership at Aiducation International Switzerland.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

Explore innovative learner-driven education with Sarah Fagerberg, founder of Acton Academy Johnson City. Discover how this model fosters critical thinking, resilience, and purpose in children, challenging traditional schooling paradigms.This is for every parent in the Tri-Cities who has quietly wondered if there's a better way to school, and didn't know one existed right in their backyard. I can speak to what learner-driven education actually looks like day-to-day, why the traditional school model struggles to develop agency and initiative, and what it means for a community when children are raised to know their calling rather than just pass a test.Resources: https://actonacademyjohnsoncity.org/Buy your next home, or list your current home with us!https://www.thecolinandcarlygroup.com/Be a guest on the Johnson City Living Podcast: https://www.johnsoncityliving.com/guests?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf_qLsH2l73s8fTV40Oebx8kSAGlIFS_y50ij7CRneeNX3I6NzzfQMUKP-7hw_aem_xHCpTZ5r_cOfc22X1DNvmw

Tune in to this week's Tea & Consciousness session, where natural healing, holistic wellness, and the mysteries of consciousness take center stage. Discover practical insights and transformative approaches to nurturing your health and expanding your awareness.

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On today's show, an upcoming literary festival honors writers in the San Francisco Mission. Then, a writing center celebrates 10 years of teaching Oakland youth the joys of writing, and publishing kids too.

Owners, this one's for you. Especially those who don't want to have to care about the business side of being a practice owner. Kiera's here to prove that staying clinical while still leading the practice is simpler than you think. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: Kiera Dent- Dental A Team (00:00) Hello, Dental A Team Listeners. This is Kiera and I am excited to podcast with you guys. Today is such a great day and I hope you're having an amazing day. I love hanging out with you guys. The podcast is such a happy space for me when I get to podcast and have this day. You guys let me go into creative Kiera zone where I get to speak from my heart. I get to speak from honesty. I get to speak from experiences. I get to   laugh with you cry from you meet so many of you in real life and I just feel so honored and excited that This is my real life. And so thank you for being a part of the podcast family. Thank you for Listening and sharing and leaving reviews. I read those reviews. I'm so grateful for you guys and Please share this podcast any episode that you've had you guys can always head on over to our website TheDentalATeam.com click on podcasts and I kid you not you should search any topic and it's all there so   Just wanted you guys, any issue, anything, I try hard to be a great resource for doctors and for teams. And to just remind you that life is so good. I think that the glass is half full and that doesn't mean it's always easy, but I do believe that it's worth it. So today I wanted to kind of dig into like what happens when you buy a dental practice and you are an owner.   but you really just love to do dentistry and not the business side of it. Like done, done, done, done, done. Anybody out there, anybody, please raise your hand in real life. If that's you, if you know somebody that this is the case, be sure to send this podcast to them because I think that this is so real and I think it happens. And I see people in like, Kiera, I wanted to be a dentist because I wanted to just be a dentist. I didn't want to do the business of it. And I'm like, amazing, let's chat about it. So I think that it's, you want to open your own practice because you want to decide how to treat patients and you could do it better than that.   DSO or the other dentist that you were working for but then you get into and you're like, wow, this is a lot harder than I thought. And so what do we do when you don't want to run the business? Like, what do we do then? So because the answer is you don't get to abdicate and it doesn't mean that you get to say, I'm not doing this anymore and someone else can do this. Guess what? You're still an owner. Just like if you have a kid and you're like, I don't want to be a parent anymore. Well, guess what? That's part of it. But that doesn't mean you have to do it all. And   So I just want to help you get some good clarity. We did this in our Dr. Mastermind that we call it Think Tank Tuesday. And people come together on the first Tuesday of the month and it's very fun. And I think that this is just a space for you of ⁓ how can we help you? Because I want you to be thriving and happy in your practice and not dreading. And there's ways that you can do it. Like you can have your cake and eat it too. So let's make a way for that to be real. So ⁓ I think that it's where there's great dentists who feel frustrated, they feel overwhelmed.   They feel stuck because they don't want to deal with the business side and they don't want to take that on. And this is me. I created a consulting company, but I didn't want to know about the numbers. And I was like, numbers are not my jam. And now if you've heard me for any length of time, you know, numbers love me and I love numbers, right? We're going to be really good at making sure that you get obsessed with that. Just like I love being a business owner. And, ⁓ this is something that it's a, do I have to, or do I get to, ⁓ my gym trainer?   I like a lot of her posts and she often posts about, it something where like I have to go to the gym or I get to go to the gym? And it's crazy how just sometimes even that little bit of a mindset shift can help us realize like I have to run a business or I get to run a business. ⁓ Both are real and both are available. But hey, let's break it down because I think that this is something of like, what happens if you only want to be in the operator and like, what are some solutions for that?   And then what happens of your practice if you maybe are not right person, right seat for that. And then three things that help you to be able to stay clinical and also lead the practice because it might be simpler than you think it is. And your job description might actually be a lot easier than maybe what you're piling on yourself because I think sometimes people feel running a business means they have to do it all. I know I fell into that trap. I know I've been guilty of that before. Like, hey, I'm the business owner. I have to do this when guess what? That's not necessarily true. So what happens is   We did this as an exercise for our dentist the other night and I had them write down everything on their to-do list. And then I had them go back through and I said, okay, what things really are things actually only you should do. And it was crazy because I had quite a few of them like talk. Like I tell them our think tank is like, pretend we're in the living room with me and we're just all hanging out. We're sharing our best ideas. Like there's no team members that are allowed to be there. Teams is not cause I don't want you there. I just want your doctors to be able to speak openly and honestly and to be able to get the support from other owners in the room and.   It was crazy because the doctors were like really the only thing like even dentistry, you could have somebody else do. Right. Um, but in this scenario, you're like, but I love to do the dentistry. I don't want to have to do the rest. The only thing really you have to do as an owner, you got to set the vision, know the profitability and drive the culture. Like that really is your role. Now, as I said, those three things, you might be like, yeah, right. Do you see my whole to-do list over here? Like you want me to ship you? Yeah. Send me a picture of it. I'd actually love to see it.   I'll help you out. So please, by all means, be a pen pal for me and I will happily look at your to-do list and help you see it differently. Sometimes you're just in the weeds, but other times what happens is a lot of things on there you don't have to do and maybe you're not the best person. But like I said, of the things I listed off, that's really what an owner needs to do. And if that didn't light you up, guess what? You can actually hire somebody who wants to do that. So, but if it did light you up, then great. You can be a doctor, a dentist, and then those are the three things really you need to do.   Yes, you do need to know the numbers. You are a business owner. You don't just get a pick and choose. I'm like, I don't want to care about the numbers, Kiera. I don't want to look at it. Well, guess what? Tough luck. You did sign up for a business and your job is to make sure it's profitable. We don't want to have our teams go out of jobs. Like you have a responsibility to your patients and to your team. And that is part of it, but it doesn't mean you have to be the manager. You don't have to do the one-on-ones. You don't have to like order the supplies. None of that falls on your list. But I think sometimes we think it does, but you've got to make sure that you have to have like,   very clear priorities, very clear direction, and you are leading and guiding. So what happens with that is as a leader, you've got to set the vision and the direction of where we're going. And if you don't have that, then you're going to have constant interruptions and confusion and like, what are we working on? And Dr. you're annoyed because it's just a firefighting rather than a proactive preventative. So if you can work through this and figure out where we headed, what's the direction? And then next step is accountability and org charts. Who does what?   In our team, we just did this nice little shakeup of all of our team members. And it's wild. I thought it was right here. I was going to show you. So it's not, I usually have a carry. We have our accountability chart and I have like, open it up like a legend, like, okay, I have this task. Is this really a me task or who does it belong to in their job descriptions? And we talked about it because dentists are like, but I'm so afraid of like asking team members to do these things. That's why I don't delegate. And I'm so grateful for our doctors.   having trust and vulnerability in our mastermind. ⁓ And we talked about it and it's like, but as team members, if that's part of my job, let's make sure it's realistic for me. Let's make sure I have a clear job description. And then let's make sure my KPIs report that. So when you get this clear, like, doctors, yes, this is the annoying part. And this is where I love consulting and helping offices. Like let's help you get the vision, like where we had in the next 10 years and get your whole team rowing towards that vision. Then we're gonna make sure we've got correct accountability charts. Like who does what? And sometimes having a consultant come in to say like,   No, no, no. Like this is your job. This is what you get to do. I had some team members trying to push responsibility and I was like, no, no, no. This is what we get to do. and after that, from there, then from there, it becomes easy. Like doctors, this is your job. Now, sometimes I think doctors might have a little bit of an ego and not want to let go. And someone like, can do it better, faster, easier, true, but choose your hard. What is that? What is the piece that you need to do? And like, let's choose our hard.   So as soon as owners set the direction, then what's gonna happen from there is teams are gonna feel so much more fulfilled. They're gonna feel like they gotta know where they're going. They know what their job is. They know how to win. And doctors, you don't have to feel guilty, because then what you do is you just pull open the legend, the accountability chart. Like, okay, I have an issue with all of my emails and like responding to the lab. Who can do that? And can we set it up for that? And then doctors, you can be CC'd on it.   ⁓ but that doesn't mean you have to do it. So you can still be aware of it and know everything going on, but then you can go to dentistry and other people are helping you out. But doctors, got to make sure you don't undercut. that's number one. Number two is we want to make sure that like the team is leading, but make sure that they have the authority to do so. So doctors, if your job is to set the vision. ⁓ and I talk about leadership having two different sides, there's a visionary, then there's the execution piece. And if you want to have somebody who's the execution person for you.   You've got to give them the authority to do so and you got to get out of their way. So if you're like, I really just want to do clinical dentistry. I get it. I got to do the vision and I need to watch my numbers. Then great. You've got to empower and let your office manager do their job. you've got to make sure that they're confident and competent. They've got the skills, the resources, the coach around them to be able to do it because you've got it. Like for you to step back into just clinical into your, to a CEO row, you got to empower your team correctly. So.   When a manager is trying to lead, so many of them are like, but our doctor like is stopping us and they're not responding back to us. Doctors, that's your fastest, easiest way to undercut your office manager and to be stuck in doing everything and running this business. Do you know that your OM should be doing 99 % of everything that you're probably doing and they want to and they're great at it they're amazing at it and they're follow through and that's just what they're like bred to do. they're a great office manager, if they're not, then maybe it's not a right person, right seat. Managers, that's what you should be doing. So if we have that, then we're to want to make sure that great like   So if that's what's happening, doctors, you gotta delegate with clarity and authority so that way there's not this hesitation and it's all coming back to you and it's all falling on you. So hey, get this accountability chart. This is the person who's doing it. Empower them, train them, teach them. It doesn't mean I just hand it over to them. You can like work with your OM every single week and like if there's decisions that they made that you didn't agree with, let's talk about that. If you want them to check things out, like I train a lot of people and before they send anything out, I'm like, send it to me. I wanna prove off on that.   And we're good to go from there. Like that's what's needed, but you got to like get it to where things can start to move off your plate. And I think as owners, sometimes I myself hold onto it for ego. And if I let all these people do it, then what's my need? ⁓ one of the doctors, he was like, the literary realized like, I don't even need to be in the practice and they can do everything without me. No, that can feel scary for some people that can feel like, my gosh, am I still needed? Am I still wanted? And the answer is yes. But what we need is we need you to be the lighthouse.   and then we need you to do great dentistry. But that's really it in ownership. But if you don't love that, then find somebody who can be the lighthouse and you'd be the doer. Some people actually are better COOs, if you will, rather than being clinical dentists. Like they love to do the business side. They love to run all the systems. They love to build it. Then get yourself out of clinical dentistry. But if you're the one who's like, obsess about being a dentist and I wanna just do the clinical, great, you need a strong operator next to you and that's usually your OM. And OMs you need to be able to be.   follow through, say the fastest, easiest way to have a doctor not trust you is to break trust in the sense of I'm gonna get this to you and I don't get it to you. So own your word, own your results and execute consistently. And doctors like, thank you, Kiera, like clap it up, like, yes, yes, yes, like it's true because you wanna make sure that what you delegate and what you ask this team member to do, it reports back to you rather than you needing to chase it, hunt it. Be proactive OMS, be like perfect, here's my end of week, here's all the things that have been done, here's where we sit.   Do know how much your doctor's gonna love you? Like that's what lets them be free to be these amazing clinicians and not have to own it. So you've got to be able to delegate and have the authority, give them the authority, trust them, empower them and have the meetings and whatever you need to where you can feel like you can trust them to do the job well. If they're not doing things right, give them the honest feedback. I've got a new personal assistant while Shelby's out on maternity leave. Shout out to the baby. We're so happy for her.   I had to just tell her like, don't like this. I want you to do it this way. And team members, when your doctor's doing it that way, you've got to have this trust and vulnerability relationship where you can say these things without taking it. I am so grateful for Marisa because I get to tell her like, that's not how I want this. I want it like this. This is how I need it. She's my right hand on so many things. I can tell Britt the same thing. I can even say, Britt, I don't want to say this to you because I know that I'm people pleasing. Me even calling it out, Britt's like, no, I'm no BS Britt. Just tell me straight. Like, what do you need from me? What do you want?   That's usually what people need. when you can have a relationship where you're that fluid with your OM and OMS with your doctors, this is how you're going to be able to grow. And this is how you're going to build the trust to be able to delegate, to abdicate, not abdicate, delegate and release these tasks to other team members. And then OMS, your job is to grow and make sure your team is doing what they're supposed to. They're hitting their KPIs consistently. We're having our meetings. People are falling through. Our patients are getting the great patient experience. OMS, that's your job.   Your job is to make all this vision amazing. Check all the boxes, take care of your doctor. Does not necessarily mean a personal assistant, but it does mean we're checking all the boxes. We're running the team. So our doctor can be an amazing clinician. Give us the vision, go to great dentistry and we take care of the rest. That is how a doctor OM relationship should look. So from there, we want it to be where you guys really truly are able to do that. And if you guys are able to do those two things, so right, what were they? Number one, I want you to be able to have a clear direction and a clear vision.   And then number two is we need to use that accountability chart, delegate and give authority so that way people can do it. And then after that, how do we fix this? what are some quick fixes that we can also do? Is number one in the accountability chart, define your role as the owner. What are the decisions only you can make? What are you gonna own versus what are you gonna delegate? And then set the expectations with the team. I'm obsessed with this because this is going to help and it's ownership as a role.   not a title, okay? So doctors, I'm gonna own this, OM's gonna own this, treatment coordinator's gonna own this, biller's gonna own this, dental assistants are gonna own this. It means own. We hit the results. not like, we innovate, we figure it out. That's what ownership means. It does not just mean I have the title of this. Then after that, we build the leadership structure that's going to support us. So we've got doctor, we got OM, and we've got our leadership team. Depending upon the size of it, it might be two people on your leadership team, it might be three people, it might be four, it might be like 15, whatever it is.   and have clear responsibilities and we have regular meetings. I recommend meetings once a week and then I recommend quarterlys. I'm obsessed with traction. You guys know that we run a Dental A Team's version of it that is very much ⁓ a mix of a few items that I'm obsessed with and I love it. Run our weekly meetings, run our quarterly meetings. Like this is what you need to do to be successful because when you have a strong leadership structure and doctors, this is where you got to do it. Like as an owner, you do the clinical dentistry, you set the vision.   and you go to the leadership meeting, you are part of it, you gotta set the vision, but you typically don't walk out with many to-dos. You don't, that's what your team should be doing. And if you're taking on to-do after to-do after to-do, we're not following that accountability chart. So we've got to have strong leadership. And then what we're gonna do from there is we're gonna have a simple like CEO rhythm. So for me, that's check-ins weekly with my O-N, it's weekly or monthly reviewing the financials, and then like I said, quarterly planning.   Like as a CEO, you've got to watch these things. You got to check the KPIs. You got to work with your OM. Like that's part of business ownership. It's like, you don't need more time. You just need consistency. And realistically, this is your two hours a week of CEO time. So if you get it done, you can do this. I usually recommend during clinical time. So two hours during my clinical time, I focus on the business. I work with my OM. I check the financials. And then we do have a longer quarterly meeting. Most of the time it's anywhere from four to eight hours for a quarterly meeting.   This is how you're going to be able to build control. Consistency builds control. It's a great thing for it. So while you're doing this, do you see how we've just taken all the busy minutiae off of you? You can still be this great clinician. You can still be this amazing dentist. You can still love dentistry and you can still run a successful business, but you don't have to do all the pieces of it. You can really have your cake and eat it too, but you've got to be consistent. You got to be willing to let go. You got to be willing to put in the work to get the accountability and the vision and the meeting set up and   Clear expectations with your OM. Those are the weekly meetings. Like if things aren't going the way you want it, have the conversations, fix the pieces. You and your OM need to be in lockstep, like tight, tight, tight with each other. And if you don't have that relationship, you gotta build it. And you can start having the honest conversations. Read Five Dysfunctions of a Team together, like by Patrick Lanziani. Read things together where you guys are building. Read traction, read rocket fuel, like.   figure out what you two are both supposed to be doing, but you've got to have this lockstep where you trust them implicitly. And if you don't, you need a different OM. And OMs, that's no bash on you. It just means, or you guys have to figure out what broke the trust and how do we get that trust back? This means that you are not like stepping away. You're just stepping up into the role that you're meant to be. So you don't have to do every single thing in the practice, but you do have to lead. And if you don't want to do that,   You can't abdicate this to your OEM. Like you can't, you're the boss. Like you are, whether you want it or not. Or you hire another CEO to run your business for you. But I want you to see that you can be truly the CEO of your practice. You can empower your team and you can be a great clinician. You don't have to do it all. So this is something where truly, this is what we help with. We build leadership teams. We help doctors get into the CEO seat. But I want to say, because there's a client who sent me an email today and they're like, I just feel stuck. Like we've been consulting and   I appreciate these, I really do. I want you to know though, while that is true, you are stuck as a leader, you have to own that. So, and this is a mix, got a couple emails that came in. Doctors have to be willing to have the hard conversations. If you're not willing to tell your team what you need and you're willing to keep taking it on and on and on, that's a choice. But there's also a choice where you have the uncomfortable conversations with your team. You have the uncomfortable conversations with your coach and say, this is what I need from you.   My gym trainer, I love her, but we're going on this two month journey together. And I said, what do I need from you? I need you to text me for accountability check-ins. I need us to have them preset. And I need it to be where you give me at least like one or two food examples per week. So that way I don't have to try and think of those. That's all I need from you to be successful. But me, I have to be willing to say that. I have to be willing to tell my team what I need. I have to be willing to build the org chart. I have to be willing to look at the numbers. I have to be willing to do the work to get from where I am today to where I ultimately want to be.   but it's not that far away. It's actually quite easy. So if you want help with that, you want to chat about it, reach out. Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. But I want to make sure that you're ready for it because as a coach, my job is to guide you, to lead you, to tell you what you need to do. But ultimately I'm not the one who does it. That's you. So if you're like, yeah, I'm ready for a change. I'm ready to do this. I'm ready to tell what I need. I want to be the CEO of my practice. I don't want to continue on this path, but you have to actually let go. You have to like have the vision. You've got to lead your team.   and you got to execute on it and you got to trust your OEM to do it. And if you don't have an OEM that you can trust, you've got to hire another one. Like black and white, this is what's got to happen. You got to be willing to make those choices. We don't get six packs overnight. We get them from consistently, consistency. We get them from doing the work. We get them from making the hard decisions and being disciplined. That's how we get it. And that's the same thing for your practice. You can be the doctor who's just clinical, but you've got to make sure that you set your practice up for success. So reach out. I'd love to help you. Hello at thedentalanteam.com.   And as always, thanks for listening. I'll catch you next time on the Dental A Team Podcast.  

This week, Alex is joined by Marvel Snap creator and Pokémon TCG enthusiast: Bynx! The duo kicks things off by talking about their respective upcoming travels to Riftbound and Pokémon regional championships before diving into a review of last season. They discuss the surprise dominance of Echo and Wilson Fisk, and why the 2/2 stat line ultimately caused Punisher War Machine to flop.Then, the gloves come off as Alex and Bynx debate the true power level of Shadowlands Daredevil. Does diluting your deck with Demons make it a trap, or is the 2/15 potential simply too good to ignore?Next, it's time for a massive New Season Preview! Alex and Bynx break down all the upcoming releases:Jeff the Baby Dolphin: Is this adorable 2/2 the ultimate Season Pass card? Alex gives it a perfect 5 stars for its incredible synergy with Empower mechanics.Venus: The hosts discuss why this 3/3 could be a massive enabler for Silver Surfer, Marvel Boy, and Bishop.Monstro: Why this 8/8 Octopus is likely a massive trap that falls prey to Mobius M. Mobius.Triton: A 3/4 that buffs your opponent? Alex and Bynx roast this card, noting its only real use might be accidentally ruining Cerebro decks.Plus, a hilarious tangent about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Pinocchio.Join Alex Coccia and special guest Bynx as they chat about this and more on this episode of The Snap Chat—and catch Cozy and Alex every week as they discuss all things Marvel Snap.Have a question or comment for Cozy and Alex? Send them a Text Message.You've been listening to The Snap Chat. Keep the conversation going on x.com/ACozyGamer and x.com/AlexanderCoccia. Until next time, happy snapping!

History doesn't only live in books. It lives in who gets remembered, who gets silenced, and who chooses to speak anyway! Meet Kristi Williams, a descendant of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and member of Historic Vernon AME Church, who brings a deeply personal lens to historical preservation, and Emma Willis, who complements this perspective by focusing on advocacy, ethical philanthropy, and the importance of treating lived experience with care and dignity. Together, they emphasize how community memory and historical truth are shaped by those closest to it. The discussion expands into the erasure of Black history in education, including policies such as Oklahoma's House Bill 1775, and the broader challenge of restricted narratives in schools. Kristi and Emma highlight practical ways everyday people can contribute, such as reading widely, including banned books, journaling present-day experiences, and preserving family and ancestral documents. They also explore philanthropy as a relational practice rather than transactional giving, stressing collaboration with communities. Ultimately, the conversation connects personal storytelling, institutional responsibility, and collective action as essential tools for preserving history and strengthening democracy. In this episode, you will be able to:  Understand how everyday people contribute to preserving history. Recognize the importance of descendant-led storytelling in historical preservation. Identify how oral histories and personal archives protect erased narratives. Analyze the impact of banning or restricting historical books. Appreciate the role of Black history in strengthening democratic understanding. Describe how philanthropy can support community-led cultural preservation. Distinguish between transactional giving and relational philanthropy. Apply journaling as a tool for documenting lived experience for future history. Get all the resources from today's episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

What does it take to build a thriving business in the face of uncertainty, economic challenges, and constant change?In this episode of Empower, Ryan Napierski sits down with Don Lovelace, President of Latin America, to explore the remarkable growth story behind one of Nu Skin's most resilient regions. From leading through crisis in Argentina to building a bold $500 million vision, Don shares lessons on leadership, focus, culture, and the power of believing in what's possible.Together, they discuss why great leaders start with a clear vision, how simple plans can create extraordinary momentum, and why success is ultimately about empowering people to achieve their dreams. This conversation is filled with practical insights on perseverance, purpose, and leading with genuine care for others.Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating challenges of your own, this episode is a powerful reminder that growth begins with vision, is fueled by action, and is sustained by people.

Are You Making THIS Mistake Before Releasing Your Music?  Get an inside look at music marketing and career strategy with Michael Epstein, Head of Marketing at Good Talk and creator of the hey Mike newsletter! In this episode, we break down the must-have digital marketing skills for artists, the underrated power of Twitter, and the real reasons why only 1% of artists make it long-term. Find out what you need in place before releasing music, why proactivity is your superpower, and how saying no can grow your career. Essential listening for artists, managers, and aspiring insiders!

Preview for Later Today: Ahmed Sharawi discusses Iran's persistent ambition to dominate Syria and rebuild the strategic highway to Beirut. He emphasizes that Iran continues exploiting Syrian territory to empower and rearm its regional proxies, specifically the Hezbollah militia.1909

This summer on Equip & Empower with Christine Caine, we're answering the question: what does it actually look like to live a rooted, resilient, and fruitful life? We're starting not with survival, but with possibility. A rooted life isn't just a stable life — it's a life capable of believing God for the impossible. And most of us have confused those two things. We want to be steady. We want to be safe. But Christine Caine opens this summer series with a provocation: the moment your situation stops being impossible is the moment you stop needing God. Roots aren't just for holding you in place. They're what make everything else possible. In this opening episode, Christine draws the line between intellectual faith and active trust — the difference between believing in God and believing God. For the thing in front of you.  For the miracle that seems too far.  For the promise you've nearly stopped praying for. ✨ If you've ever asked questions like… ✅ What's the difference between believing in God and actually believing God — for my specific situation? ✅ How do I trust God when the people I should have been able to trust have hurt me? ✅ Can God really rebuild what's broken in me before He can use me for something bigger? ✅ How do I step out in faith when I'm still carrying wounds from my past? ✅ Why do I keep praying for a miracle but pulling back from anything that actually requires one? ✅ What does it mean to be rooted — and why does it matter for the life I'm trying to build? ✅ Is it possible to flourish after abandonment, betrayal, or brokenness? …then this is your episode.

RPH is back! Co-hosts Elena Ortiz and Melanie Yazzie discuss Cannupa Hanska Luger's Surviva: A Future Ancestral Field Guide (2025), a hybrid art piece/survival manual exploring indigenous futurism, decolonization, and relationality through redacted military text and Indigenous artwork. Empower our work: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-red-medias-indigenous-content  Subscribe to The Red Nation Newsletter: https://www.therednation.org/ Patreon www.patreon.com/redmediapr

What would it feel like to never make a mortgage payment again? In this episode, we talk with Bobby Richardson from New Jersey about how he and his wife Alexandra paid off their $242,000 mortgage in just 10 years and became completely debt free on their home. We discuss the emotional side of homeownership, the desire for certainty in an uncertain world, and why becoming mortgage free gave their family peace of mind. Bobby also shares the practical strategies they used to make it happen, including increasing their income, staying aligned as a couple, and maintaining an achievement mindset throughout the journey. If you've ever wondered whether paying off your mortgage early is worth it, this conversation will give you a transparent look at both the math and the meaning behind becoming mortgage free. RESOURCES Mortgage Payoff Calculator: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/calculators/mortgage-payoff/ Empower: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/empower Trust & Will: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/trustandwill Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS: Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Links: The Birth Hour: Real Birth Stories to Inform, Inspire, and Empower (book available for preorder now!) Get your breast pump, lactation support, and maternity compression garments for free at aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour and use promo code BIRTHHOUR15 at for 15% off supplies and accessories. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! 

What do you do when the dream God gave you feels completely disconnected from the reality you're living? When life feels unfair, painful, delayed, or deeply disappointing, it can be easy to wonder if God has forgotten you. In this episode, Christine Caine walks through the story of Joseph in Genesis 37–50 — one where betrayal, waiting, setbacks, and suffering aren't the end of the narrative. They're the process. From the pit to Potiphar's house. From prison to the palace. God wasn't absent in Joseph's darkest chapters. He was positioning him. Christine Caine shows that the painful seasons aren't detours from your purpose. They are the preparation for it. If you're in a waiting room right now, wondering whether God has forgotten the dream He placed in you, this message is for you. ✨ If you've ever asked questions like… ✅ Why would God allow painful seasons if He gave me the dream? ✅ What do I do when I feel forgotten or overlooked? ✅ Can God still use my trauma and setbacks for good? ✅ How do I forgive people who have deeply hurt me? ✅ How do I trust God's timing when the wait feels unbearable? ✅ What does faithfulness look like when nothing is going the way I planned? ✅ Is it possible for my story to still turn out the way God intended? ...then listen in!

In honor of Women's Health Month, we're revisiting one of our most informative episodes about women's health and menopause from last year with board-certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Dr. Mary Claire Haver. Think menopause is just about hot flashes? Think again! Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG, CMP (board-certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist) is here to expose the hidden truths about menopause and perimenopause– weight gain, mood swings, anxiety, depression, sleep disruptions, how perimenopause can often be worse than menopause, and the myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy! Most doctors only had one hour of study on menopause education. Dr. Haver also reveals proactive steps you can take TODAY to lessen future symptoms including how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can tackle brain fog, fatigue, and how to avoid losing muscle mass which is critical to healthy aging. Dr. Haver tells Mayim the best exercises for menopause weight loss and shares perimenopause and menopause success stories! Plus, get the lowdown on gut health myths, including why women's gut health is so different from men's. Empower yourself to take control now and get the support you deserve! Follow us on Substack for Exclusive Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BialikBreakdown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/mayimbialik⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.