Podcasts about empower yourself

Dive into the vibrant Supernatural fandom with Sandra and Kasey as they kick off a new series of convention stories. In this episode, listeners share their personal experiences attending ComicCons and Supernatural CreationCons, offering unique insights into the community that celebrates Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, and their legendary adventures. Whether you're a fan of fanfiction, fanfic recommendations, or podfics, this episode transports you into the heart of the SPN family. Sandra and Kasey invite you to join the conversation by sharing your own convention stories, continuing the rich tradition of storytelling within the fandom. Stay tuned for more episodes exploring fandom life, supernatural characters, and the creative fan works that keep the community alive!Today's episode has interviews with Lemons (fictionallemons on tumblr) and Sal (SamandDean76 on tumblr).~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:03:00 - Lemons' con stories00:28:35 - Sal's con stories01:12:48 - Ko-Fi Member Thanks

Welcome to Episode 159 of Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing Welcome to Episode #159 of “Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing” In this episode,the topic is “Artificial Intelligence: Have You Embraced This Tool?” I love AI and began learning how to use it at the beginning of 2023. Many people are fearful of AI and imagine that it will be negative for the world. Now I write books and create courses using artificial intelligence and can’t imagine living without it. Where do you stand on this topic that has become so controversial? Would you be open to me interviewing you about this? I am sharing a live session of my “Really Simple Authority Blogging” ongoing training course with you and know you will benefit from the marketing strategies I am sharing and teaching here. Be sure to connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com or on X at https://x.com/ConnieGreen so I may serve you in the areas where my help could make a huge difference in your results. I’m going to share with you how much fun I’m having with creating simple courses using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in about 30 minutes. I know you can do the same thing. Keep it simple, and add the short course you create to a page on your existing website/blog. In this episode I’m discussing how to use keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) to grow your business. Your prospects and future clients, customers, and colleagues are waiting to connect with you, but if they can’t find you online it will never happen. Make it simple for your target audience to find you by using the keywords and phrases they are most likely to be searching for on Google, Bing, and the other search engines. The Power and Gift of Change”- We are all changing throughout each day, and I think we must embrace this change in order to grow and move forward. Changing can take many forms, and if you look back through your life you will come to understand that you are not the same person you were even a year ago. Here is a quote about this you may resonate with… “Growth lives outside the comfort zone. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.” ~ Marie Forleo I believe that our businesses are based on the concept of serving others. When you start on online (or even a brick and mortar) business, your goal is to serve others with what you know and to benefit in multiple ways, including by earning an excellent income. I’m sharing several examples in this podcast about my own and experiences with clients over the years. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This morning I was reading the message written by outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In it, he stated that his “parting prescription” for the American people is to cultivate a strong sense of community to help themselves and others. He added, “Relationships, service, and purpose are the time-tested triad of fulfillment that stands in contrast to wealth, fame, and power which define the modern-day triad of success.” Here are some other questions I want you to ask yourself: What is your commitment to yourself and to others close to you? Why are you focused on the things that are taking up your time? When will you begin to focus on goals that will allow you to create and leave a legacy? Whom do you trust to get you there? Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you. Motivation and Inspiration: What It Takes to Get Your Spark Back” During 2024 I went through a period where I wasn’t as motivated as I had been accustomed to being for many years. This gave me time to explore why I was feeling this way and to hopefully learn something that would help others. My inspiration to do all of the things I love in my business, including writing, creating, marketing, and mentoring was waning and I wasn’t sure why. Within a couple of months I was back on track and this is what I learned… Life isn’t easy, but then it isn’t supposed to be. Being challenged in so many ways on a regular basis makes us stronger and perhaps more appreciative and grateful for what we already have and what we know we can achieve if we believe in ourselves and have even one other person who knows we are special and tells us that as often as possible. Marie Forleo wrote a book titled “Everything Is Figureoutable” – https://ConnieLoves.me/FigureOutAble – Her precept is that if you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you. It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com and want to hear from you on this topic, or on anything else. “Merging Your Life with Your Business” as a strategy. We aren’t creating a business we need a vacation from. Instead, we’re creating a “lifestyle by design” where we have the time and financial freedom to live in a way that few people are able to, and with choices around everything we do. If you’ve met me in person, heard me on my podcast, or read any of my books, you know that I am a very positive person. No matter what situation or circumstances arises, I truly believe there will always be a positive outcome on the horizon, and sooner rather than later. But I wasn’t always this way. This is a journey that continues… My first year online was 2006, and very quickly I connected with people I’m still part of a Mastermind with in Austin, Texas. I was invited to speak at an event there a couple of years later. It was hosted by Joe Vitale and Mendhi Audlin was also there. She shared a concept she had come up with that she calls “What If… UP!” The premise is that there is truly a silver lining in everything negative that occurs. I liken this to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. My precept and general rule for life is that we can achieve anything we want and feel that we deserve. Others want to help us to achieve our goals, but many times we get in their way by telling ourselves stories that aren’t true. Mendhi’s precept aligns with mine, and a year or so after I first met her she published a book on this… “What If It All Goes Right?: Creating a New World of Peace, Prosperity & Possibility” by Mendhi Audlin reveals the secret to turning possibilities into a tangible reality. It works! https://ConnieLoves.me/WhatIfUp I’m discussing the importance of being willing to “Better Your Best” during this new year, as well as recommending that this be the year you finally embrace AI – Artificial Intelligence – for your business. I have been a student of and someone who uses AI almost daily since February of 2022, and I’m learning from experts Andy O”Bryan and Denise Wakeman in their ongoing AI Success Club. Asking “How Are You Defining Success?” Creating a business as an entrepreneur allows you to live a lifestyle by design, with both time freedom and financial freedom. Think about how you want to live each day and then take action to make it happen. Over the years I’ve changed many things, while others have remained the same. Instead of making changes just for the sake of change, think about what you could change up and what makes sense to remain at least mostly the same. Years ago, I used to put together my blog posts on a single topic, like copywriting or list building or creation digital products into a simple document that I referred to as a ‘Focus Guide’ and gave them away to my list and to my prospects. Each of these documents contained resources and an ‘About the Author’ page that helped me to build my credibility, visibility, and profitability. For the first time ever, I am recommending that you write a book about yourself, your niche topic, and how you serve others. I first did this in 2009 and now I have written and published twenty-eight full-length, non-fiction books on the topics of entrepreneurship, personal, development, and authorship. Life can be messy. Are their ways you can keep moving forward when your personal life is turning upside down? Yes! Finding joy in helping and serving others, as well as compartmentalizing what is currently going on in your life are just two of the ways to deal with change and situations outside of your control. I recommend that you choose two social media platforms to use for the sole purpose of helping your prospects find and connect with you online. My favorite is X – formerly known as Twitter, and I also use LinkedIn and YouTube as my favorite social media sites to grow my business. Please connect with me on these sites and let me know how I may best serve you as you build and grow your profitable business. Is your list of what you are willing to do longer than your list of what you don’t want to do? I recommend a mile-long “to-do” list and a daily schedule of no more than four things that you will work on each day in your business. Find a mentor who believes in you and get started with creating a lifestyle by design that you want and deserve. I’m recommending James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” – https://ConnieLoves.me/AtomicHabits – as a book to help you alleviate your fears. We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and fears regarding our life experiences. I have found that if we build up our confidence and have faith that everything will turn out in a way that will be beneficial to all, we can continue to move forward without negative effects. Having an online business requires confidence. These are some questions to ask yourself: Who will you serve? What are your prospects pain points? What’s your idea? How will it be created, and then delivered? How will you sell it online? Creating a simple product or online course is the beginning of living a lifestyle by design. Reach out to me any time at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to know more about getting started as an online entrepreneur. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My first online course back in 2006 was a simple one with three audio trainings and a workbook. Then, I began creating more sophisticated, but not more complicated courses. I’ve used the “Really Simple” branding for many courses at least 25 times, as well as using other terms and phrases based on the keywords I am optimizing for with each new course. Having your own online course on a topic you want to become known for will give you leverage to grow your business exponentially over time. It’s interesting to me that we as humans sometimes take things for granted that later on we know we should have appreciated in the moment. What I’m referring to here is having an online business you can run from home, or from anywhere in the world. There’s a window of opportunity that isn’t always open, and right now this window is wide open to everyone. A lot of it depends upon economic factors. I almost went back to graduate school two years ago to study economics, but decided against it because of the film and television writing I’m pursuing, but that’s a story for another time. Someone I work closely with had posted this quote from Richard Branson the other day: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This does NOT apply to online business, but instead refers to starting a physical, brick and mortar business. I know several people in both of my cities who borrowed against their homes, cashed out retirement savings, and sold family heirlooms to start businesses in the community, only to go bankrupt a couple of years later. What I’m saying here is that this is the time to get your online business off the ground and up and running profitably. It’s so inexpensive in comparison, and the biggest expense I incur is what I pay mentors to guide me in the right direction. Yes, I still have a mentor and recommend you do as well. This isn’t coaching, but instead a personal relationship you’ll build over time that could lead to strategic alliance partnerships and lifelong friendships. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you want to know more about mentoring with me. The four widely accepted learning modalities (or modes) are known by the acronym VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. They are sometimes inaccurately referred to as “learning styles” which implies that each learner has a “style” of learning that should be maximized in all learning situations. Focusing on consistency, productivity, and creativity makes sense for all online entrepreneurs in 2024. I’m also sharing some effective and time-proven strategies with you here that will make a difference in your business, as well as in your personal life experience. Each day I focus on writing, creating, marketing, and teaching/learning/mentoring. My writing began as short and simple blog posts and blossomed into more than twenty-five full-length books. My writing is my oeuvre, my body of work that is my legacy to family, friends, colleagues, and those who follow me. During 2023 I wrote and published more than 400 thousand words. This breaks down to one full-length book, Self-Directed: Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Yourself to the Greatness That Lies Within; the current book on marketing that is more than halfway written; 8 short reports on topics of interest to the people I work with online; one hundred thirty-eight blog posts on three different blogs I maintain; and 382 email messages to my online community. These are  practical strategies for effective time management, emphasizing the importance of creating a balance between work and personal life. Achieving work-life harmony requires effective time management strategies that allow you to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time more efficiently: 1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify your most important tasks and priorities for both work and personal life. Focus on what truly matters and allocate time accordingly. 2. Use a Time Management System: Choose a time management system that works for you, whether it’s a digital tool like Todoist or Trello, or a physical planner. Organize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress. Schedules vs To-Do Lists 3. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Prioritize tasks based on these categories. 4. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them during specific time blocks. This reduces the mental load of switching between different types of activities. 5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. This includes work tasks, personal commitments, and breaks. Stick to the schedule as much as possible. 6. Learn to Say No: Be selective about taking on new commitments. Saying no when necessary helps you avoid over-committing and allows you to focus on your existing priorities. 7. Delegate When Possible: Delegate tasks that others can handle. This applies to both professional and personal responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help. 8. Practice the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 9. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and increase stress. Complete one task before moving on to the next. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ You’re starting a conversation with your emails, and building a relationship with your prospects, customers, and clients over time. I’ve been online as an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer since 2006, and while much has changed, I believe that more has remained the same. Here, I’m discussing how we marketed in those early days, and why email marketing still remains top of mind. Most recently, I’ve co-hosted an Advanced Email Marketing Conference with Ellen Finkelstein. In April of 2023, I hosted my latest live marketing event in Los Angeles, and more recently I’ve hosted my Santa Barbara Retreat for those I mentor and teach. But like everyone else, I began by attending live events, and eventually virtual events in order to find my voice, connect with other like-minded people, and learn more about building and growing my online business. Guerilla marketing is a way to drive publicity and, as a result, brand awareness by promoting using unconventional methods designed to evoke surprise, wonder, or shock. Guerrilla marketing is the creating use of novel or unconventional methods in order to boost sales or attract interest in a brand or business. These methods are often low- or no-cost and involve the widespread use of more personal interactions or through viral social media messaging. This marketing method has increased in popularity with the rise of ubiquitous mobile and connected technologies that can amplify messaging and focus on target groups of consumers. Some consumers may be more attracted by guerrilla marketing campaigns as they may be more interesting and daring, while others may be turned off because of the perceived “disruptive” aspects of this style of marketing. Please subscribe and leave me a review. And connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com. Find out more about me HERE. Becoming an online entrepreneur was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been online since 2006 and now help others all over the world to do the same or something similar. We all have times where we are feeling a little down, lost, or confused. Life isn’t easy, and no one makes it out alive! These are my recommendations for how to get back on track and feeling more happy and optimistic about your future… Write! Whether you’re already a writer or are just beginning to think about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others, writing makes sense. I write every single day and publish much of my writing as blog posts, short reports, and full-length books. Writing opens your mind to what you want in the future, by allowing you to explore the past through your memories. You can also retell and reframe your stories in a way that will serve you going forward. Start a new project! I usually create products and courses as new projects, but this can also manifest as something you build or create with your hands. I have family members on two continents that love to put together complex jigsaw puzzles. They look forward to these as a new project on a regular basis. Volunteer! Before I started my online business, I promised myself I would volunteer my time and donate money to charitable causes… as soon as I had the time and the money to do so. Once I had my own business, I realized that I had some time and a little money to do this all along. Spend time with new people! As a part of the volunteering I now do regularly, I’ve spent time with very young children, veterans, women starting over after being in a domestic violence situation, and more. This work continues to make a difference in my life. As you can see, there are many ways to get back to your “Why?” and I hope this has been helpful to you. What’s the best niche topic to cover in your blog? I know you don’t what to hear me say “It depends.” so I won’t. Lean in, and I’ll share the very best niche for you, and it’s one that is also the most profitable, will feel more like you’re just having fun, will never go out of style, and will be the one that has absolutely zero competition. Which niche topic and target audience could it possibly be? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I learned when I began online 17 years ago that the best niche for anyone is the one that makes your heart sing and is probably a topic you take for granted. I had been teaching school for twenty years and my students were mostly Spanish and Tagalog native speakers. I told them if they wrote just a few sentences every single day – weekends, holidays, and school breaks included – their writing would improve. Those who followed my advice excelled, while those who didn’t floundered. During all those years, I seldom wrote anything unless it was required for my work as a teacher or for my part-time work in real estate. Fast forward to 2006, and I realized not only that I needed to write in order to succeed online, but also that what I’d done with my students would apply here as well. My niche for the next eighteen months was around helping others to write, publish, market, and sell eBooks. I wrote one on real estate farming – choosing and area close to home to connect with people who may need your services – as an example and sold it on my website. Back then, you had to sell eBooks on your own websites, as Amazon had not yet entered the world of self-publishing. My niche and website became “eBook writing and marketing secrets” and this topic took me to six figures. I was learning right along with the people who were learning and buying from me. I then moved that site over to https://ConnieRagenGreen.com to make a name for myself and to branch out to other topics. The bottom line is that you must begin by sharing what you already know something about and love. Blogging is the direct path to the visibility, credibility, and profitability you wish to have in your business. In my business, every idea begins as a blog post. This is where I think and research and brainstorm what’s on my mind in the very beginning. The blog post is ground zero for what could, and many times does become a product, course or program. Blog posts, while based on your idea, can be created with original content, private label (PLR) rights content, guest content, or curated content. While I immediately share my published posts on social media as “micro content” you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before syndicating your content on Medium. I also teach this syndication strategy in my popular and ongoing Syndication Optimization training program. Next up in your content creation and content marketing strategy is a short report, which you may sell online or give away as a lead magnet. I teach all of this in my Really Simple Short Reports training. This is what we refer to as “cornerstone” content that is extremely valuable. The final step is creating “authority content” by publishing your writing as a Kindle or paperback book to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert on your topic. I typically discuss time management and productivity in regards to entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors, and I’ve even co-authored a bestselling book on this topic, entitled “Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Manage Your Time to Increase Your Bottom Line” where we outline in great details the steps you may take to reach a level of optimal productivity and time management as an entrepreneur. But what about everyone else? Doesn’t every person deserve to live the lifestyle they want and deserve, where they enjoy financial freedom and the time to enjoy every moment to the fullest? Of course they do, and that’s what I’m sharing during this podcast. When I began online as a new entrepreneur in 2006, I realized immediately I would need help with technology and graphics, as these were the areas where I had no experience or talent. I bartered for these services for the first year or so, and then began to put together a team of people to support me so my business could grow. When I look back over my lifetime, I see that I have always had a team supporting me, whether it was while I worked as a classroom teacher, or in real estate as a broker and residential appraiser. Even while I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who supported me, from family, friends and neighbors to teachers, clergy, and people in the community. Put together your team and watch your business grow exponentially! When it comes to your visibility as an entrepreneur, where may we find you to see what you’re doing? This expert status comes from your writing, videos and audios, and your social media presence on the most active platforms for your target audience. My three popular and active blogs are at ConnieRagenGreen.com, HugeProfitsTinyList.com, and at MondayMorningMellow.com. Credibility is about what you already know and what you are learning. We all started our online businesses as adults, so we brought our knowledge and experiences with us. It made sense for me to help people write, market, and publish eBooks in the beginning, because I had worked as a classroom teacher for twenty years prior to coming online, and was learning about marketing and self-publishing. Profitability means that you must ask “What’s for sale?” every day in your business. Create your own simple products and courses, recommend others with affiliate marketing, and look into buying the resale rights to sell other people’s products as your own like I continue to do in my own business. The final part of this information on your expert status as an entrepreneur includes productivity, consistency, and attention to detail. Get everything in place as quickly as possible, and your online business is sure to grow exponentially! During my first couple of years online, beginning in 2007 I connected with mentors Alex Mandossian and Raymond Aaron. When I inquired as to what they were doing together as strategic alliance partners, they gave me a brief explanation and told me that I was not yet ready to move up to this level. Over the next two years they helped me to grow and elevate my business and my mindset as an online entrepreneur so that I could connect with others in this way. Seek out the people and groups you wish to be involved with and show them that you have moved past tactics and on to strategies. It will make all the difference and as you uplevel everything you’re doing online in your business, your free time and disposable income will increase exponentially! When I work with people in my Incubator Mastermind Mentoring program, the goal is to move them into position to become a strategic alliance partner with me and others to share their message in a bigger way. WHY did you choose the career you started your working life with? WHY did you get married, have children, and move into your first home? WHY did you make the conscious decision to leave your career at some point and start your business? WHY do you want to be an author or entrepreneur, or coach? WHY do you get up every single day and do the work required to become more successful on an ongoing basis? Everyone must have a WHY and there are no right or wrong answers here. But if you find yourself unmotivated to work or if you find yourself procrastinating on projects, then it's time to re-examine the main reason for your business. Name Your Reason – or Your WHY – for Starting a Business Focusing on your WHY can help motivate you, so write down your reason for starting a business on a regular basis. Did you want to fill your free time? Did you want to earn some play money or contribute to the family finances? Did you want to pay the medical bills of an aging parent or a sick child? Did you want to pay for your child's higher education or private school tuition? In my case, my answer to “what's your why?” was always around having enough income to live life on my terms. Over time, I came to the realization that every choice I was making, and each time I could not do something that had meaning for me, was all related to me needing to earn a paycheck or a commission from the classroom teaching and real estate work I was involved with each day. I missed just about every family event, vacation, and other activities because I was working 60 or more hours a week in order to cover my bills and other expenses. I wasn't angry or resentful because I believed that I didn't deserve to have a better life during those decades. This all changed in 2005 when I began reading books and attending events based on self improvement and personal development principles. Writing these reasons down – no matter what they are because every person's WHY will be different – should help motivate you to work hard. You should feel driven to make your business a success. You should be willing to tackle things outside your comfort zone because you know the end result will help your business. If you're not feeling motivated, then you need to dig deeper. I worked closely with a woman who was struggling to make her online business become profitable, and she continued to tell me that she had no problems or struggles in her life, currently or during her younger years. Then, one day she told me about her granddaughter who had passed away at age twelve and the floodgates opened. We got to the bottom of things, she discovered her why, and her business grew by leaps and bounds, almost overnight! Be Open and Willing to Examine Your Inner Feelings Life is fluid and ever-changing so it stands to reason that your WHY would change over time as well. Even if you started your business because you didn't know what to do once your kids were in full day school, you can change that WHY to something more meaningful now. A mentor once shared with me that she started a service business because she was a single mom and needed to earn money to survive. She was responsible for lodging, food, and clothing for herself and her child. She didn't have anyone to rely on except herself. THIS is enough to make you cry and to hustle for work, knowing that if she wasn't working, she wasn't eating. What are you passionate about that will get you hustling? Are you passionate about a cause or charity that can benefit from your financial assistance? Do you need to pull yourself up out of financial despair? Don't be afraid to own that reason and fight for your business. This is how you will continue to get closer to understanding and recognizing the answer to “what's your why?” Don't be Afraid to Switch Business Gears to Discover Your “Why” One of my mentees admitted to me early on that even though she has been in a service business for over ten years, that she hadn't been motivated to create any classes or products as a source of passive income. She blamed her indecision on a lack of new ideas and a feeling and belief that everything she knew had already been said and done, but I questioned if it was because she didn't feel attached to her particular niche of online marketing. After some more discussion, she agreed and has since modified her services that align better with what she enjoys. I still suggested that she explore a deeper WHY but this is a step in the right direction. Plenty of businesses add or subtract products or services or modify their mission statement. If something about your business doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to make changes. I'm bestselling author and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green, and now I can confidently answer the question “What's your why?” with enthusiasm and conviction. My “why” is around the concept of helping others to achieve their goals and dreams with writing and having a profitable online business so they may follow their dreams and passions without having to do work that doesn't make their heart sing or worry about meeting all of their financial obligations with grace and ease. You can double your productivity and be success with a business, or with anything you choose to accomplish in your life, if you are willing to implement what you learn and take decisive action on a consistent basis. Many people come to me to learn how to successful and profitable as an online entrepreneur. But some of them end up saying “I already know that” and moving on to something else. I know that I am able to do more than I ever thought would be possible in my life because I am willing to learn, implement, course correct, ask questions, take massive action and keep moving forward with consistency. Others may be smarter or more knowledgeable, but if they hesitate to take action they will not achieve the results they are hoping for in their business or with anything else. As long as you are specific and intentional with what you want to achieve, you can do it all as an entrepreneur, just not all at once. And we must throw perfection out the window. I have a new saying… The more perfecter your goal, the less purfeckt your results. “Everything we do in our lives is preparing us for something that will arise in the future, even though we don’t yet know what that will be.” ~ Connie Ragen Green Our stories are the fabric of our life. A story sets you apart from everyone else, makes you unique and memorable, and is all you have when it's all said and done. When I was a young child a neighbor girl, seven or eight years old at the time, interrupted my mother in the middle of a story she was telling to ask, “Why do you have so many stories?” My mother hardly skipped a beat, informing the girl that “You'll have stories too, when you get older.” On that evening a part of me became a storyteller in training. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was telling stories about everything from what I did in school that day to what happened in the neighborhood. I wore my storyteller's hat with pride and now I see that this one aspect of my life was preparing me for what I now do in my business and derive great joy from every single day. The word “praestabilis” is from the Latin and means outstanding, excellent, and extraordinary and this is the goal for you as you make your way in the online world. It took me until age 50 to step into the light and live an empowered life. I achieved this by leaving a job – classroom teaching – and a career as a real estate broker and appraiser to come online as an entrepreneur. I have no regrets about waiting so long, as everything unfolds once we are open to receiving it. There are three top strategies to help you move closer to an empowered life and they include… Writing – Every day, I want you to write! This includes blog posts, outlines, emails to your prospects, clients, and potential joint venture partners. Also, write short reports and white papers to show others who you are and what you know. Finally, write a book to solidify your expertise in your niche, and follow that up with additional books over time. Writing is crucial to our process of standing out from the crowd by sharing what we know and believe. Reach out to me if you’re interested in coming aboard for my “10 Week Author” program. Recent posts on my three blogs are at: “Broken Compass Stories We Tell Ourselves” – https://mondaymorningmellow.com/broken-compass-story/ “The eBook That Changed My Life” – https://hugeprofitstinylist.com/ebook-that-changed-my-life/ “Marketing Secrets from Creative Sources” – https://connieragengreen.com/marketing-secrets-from-creative-sources/ Speaking – I was the reluctant speaker, but once I got past my fears and insecurities you can’t get the microphone away from me. Speak about yourself and your topic to anyone who will listen. I began by speaking at my Rotary Club and I continue to recommend service organizations as a way to break in to speaking. Now I speak all over the world, in person and virtually on a variety of topics. Masterminding – Connecting with others for the sole purpose of reaching your full potential is crucial to life success. Find a Mastermind group to join, or start your own by inviting thought leaders to connect with you in this way. I have a group called the Incubator Mastermind that may be of interest to you. Hopefully, you can see that what I’m sharing with on each podcast will make a difference for you as you build and grow your business as an entrepreneur, author, and marketer. Make sure to think of marketing as a priority and get into the habit of sharing your best ideas and resources with the people who are on their way to becoming your raving fans! I’m always just an email away at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to connect with me. I promise to help you keep it simple while you grow your online business. Get started with your own eBook empire by learning how to write an eBook from the person who continues to guide me along this lucrative journey. Take a look at How to Write and Publish Your Own eBook…in as Little as 7 Days from expert and author Jim Edwards. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as I share my beliefs, perceptions, and experiences as an author, online entrepreneur, and marketing strategist with you. Marketing has become the joy of my life as I continue to learn, grow, and share concepts with others. I'm bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 159 first appeared on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 159 appeared first on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.

Bug, known online as quietwingsinthesky, is a renowned writer and podficcer with over 1400 works on AO3, deeply rooted in the Supernatural fandom. Fans of Dean Winchester and Sam Winchester will appreciate Bug's nearly 600 creations inspired by the beloved series. A prolific creator of fanfiction and podfics, Bug doesn't shy away from intense themes such as non-consent and major character deaths, making their work powerful and unforgettable. Join Sandra and Kasey as they dive into the world of Supernatural fanfiction with Bug, exploring their unique creative process and experiences in fandom.You can find Bug on tumblr and AO3.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:02:15 - The first fandom that bit Bug00:05:23 - Ship to Ship journey00:06:46 - The Supernatural of it all00:10:52 - Bug's blorbo00:12:18 - Show thoughts00:14:37 - Lucifer love00:16:00 - Hallucifer00:18:32 - Fave Sam seasons00:20:15 - Archangel spotlight00:23:17 - Mystery Spot00:28:21 - Discovering fanfic00:29:54 - Original writing00:32:05 - Writing style00:34:34 - Exploring themes00:39:32 - Drabble a Day00:41:19 - The start of podficcing00:44:08 - Building up the courage to post a podfic00:45:50 - Choosing a work to podfic00:46:23 - Initial reaction to Bug's narration00:47:45 - Podficcing behind the scenes00:50:33 - Critiquing your own narration00:52:55 - Production process00:54:48 - Podficcers in Bug's ear00:55:36 - Fave creations00:57:19 - Major podfic project00:59:46 - The best color01:01:41 - Questions from a fan01:06:35 - Video game tangent01:17:42 - One more fan question01:20:28 - Kasey's questions01:26:06 - Final thoughts and outro

Scott Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He also hosts The Psychology Podcast which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top  psychology podcasts in the world. Scott's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review, and he is the author and editor of 11 books. In his most recent book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential, he explores the limiting beliefs and widespread anxiety that puts people in boxes, lowers expectations, and holds them back. In addition to teaching at Columbia, Scott has also been a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and NYU. Scott received a B.S. in psychology and human computer interaction from Carnegie Mellon, an M. Phil in experimental psychology from the University of Cambridge under a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Yale University. In this episode we discuss the following: Scott's definition of intelligence: the dynamic interplay of engagement and abilities in the pursuit of goals. When we give people a chance to go deep into an area that they love, over a long period of time, they can develop expertise and brain structures that can override some of our IQ limitations. The thing that surprised Scott most as he researched intelligence was just how predictive IQ is. Scott thought he was going to be on a vendetta against IQ but ended up falling in love with the science of IQ, intelligence, and the brain. Differences in ability are both natural and valuable, and recognizing them—rather than denying them—creates better paths for growth and contribution. Unlocking our potential requires intellectual honesty, patience, and environments that allow passion and skill to reinforce one another over time.  

Join Sandra and Kasey as they dive into the world of fandom, ranking their favorite outfits worn by Sam and Dean Winchester in Supernatural. There's sure to be plenty of discussion and debate about these beloved characters and their clothing choices! Tune in for a fun trip through SPN fandom that celebrates the characters we love!This episode requires visual aids. So, if you aren't watching the video and need to see the presentation, click here for the reference material.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~

Sandra and Kasey share some exclusive vault tracks in these special outtakes from Idling In The Impala, your go-to podcast for all things Supernatural fandom. When they're not diving into stories about Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, and fanfiction, they offer candid conversations, behind-the-scenes insights, and discussions about the vibrant SPN fan community.Outtakes from this episode are from December 2023 through February 2024.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~

Sandra and Kasey warmly welcome fanfic authors and longtime SPN fandom friends, Laura Rye and Bailey R. Hansen, back to the Idling In The Impala podcast. As co-authors of the “A Monster By Any Other Name” Series, their journey through the world of Supernatural fanfiction, featuring beloved characters like Dean Winchester and Sam Winchester, shines alongside their transition into original series writing.In this episode, we dive into the creative process behind their fanfic and the final release of their original novel "Fire." Join us for an in-depth discussion on storytelling, character development, and their experiences within the vibrant SPN fandom. Whether you're a dedicated member of the SPNFamily or new to the show's fanfiction scene, this episode offers insight and inspiration from two talented voices in the community.You can find the “A Monster By Any Other Name” series at a variety of online booksellers. Visit Freak Camp for more info and check out all the extra content you can get on Freak Camp's Patreon.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:38 - Freak Camp origins00:05:47 - Selling the tale to traditional publishers00:07:54 - The well-earned romance and relationship of Tobias and Jake00:10:20 - The point where Supernatural canon was no longer acceptable00:16:40 - How discussion with fans has shaped Idling's interviews00:24:07 - Publishing journey wisdom00:27:37 - Could this have been a solo writing journey?00:32:39 - The next step into audiobooks00:41:28 - From draft to final00:42:56 - Favorite book baby00:44:36 - Sandra's spoilers and Kasey fesses up00:50:33 - Did they stick the series' landing?00:54:22 - How has the journey to finishing Freak Camp affected Laura and Bailey?00:58:28 - More Tobias and Jake?01:01:27 - Writing after Freak Camp01:06:16 - Reader reactions to the series' conclusion01:09:59 - Final thoughts and outro

Every once in a while, we meet someone whose gifts are so pure, so loving, and so spot-on that you walk away feeling like your entire soul just got hugged and rewired. That's exactly what happened when both Robyn and Karen had sessions with Intuitive Channel and Spiritual Teacher Stephanie Banks.Stephanie connects with guides, souls, and higher wisdom in the most grounded, compassionate, and insightful way. The messages that flow through her are not only accurate — they're life changing.In this week's conversation, Stephanie helps us understand:What it really means to be an intuitive channelHow we can all access our own inner guidance and strengthen our intuitionThe truth about divine connection — and why it's not “out there,” but already within youWhat our souls most want us to know right nowStephanie also shares her deeply personal journey — one that began when her mother was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and ultimately led her to open to higher wisdom. What began as a heartache turned into a doorway for spiritual awakening and the discovery of her life's purpose.Her story is raw, beautiful, and a reminder that the divine truly lives within all of us.A FEW SOUL NOTES FROM THIS EPISODE“Channeling is connecting to divine energy and wisdom. We are all divine beings — it's not something outside of us.”“Intuition never lies. It's never off. We've just been trained to doubt it.”“When we cultivate that quiet, loving presence within, we strengthen our ability to hear our soul's wisdom.”ABOUT STEPHANIE BANKSStephanie Banks is a highly sought-after intuitive channel, mentor and guide who helps people connect on the soul level. She channels from the perspective of any soul currently on the planet, souls on the other side, purely non-physical beings such as spirit guides, as well as trees, animals, and Gaia.As a conscious channel, Stephanie is both the vessel to receive the messages as well as a guide to provide depth and context for the information coming through. She uses her keen sense of humor, love, and compassion to join her clients in their spiritual experience.Stephanie also mentors clients in discerning their own inner voice of wisdom, enhancing their confidence and self-trust, improving their relationships, clarifying their soul's purpose, and finding their laughter and joy.Visit soulinsight.com to learn more about working with Stephanie and her offerings.Follow her on Instagram @stephanieintuitivechannel Visit seekingcentercommunity.com for more with Robyn + Karen and many of the guides on Seeking Center: The Podcast. You'll get access to live weekly sessions, intuitive guidance, daily inspiration, and a space to share your journey with like-minded people who just get it. You can also follow Seeking Center on Instagram @theseekingcenter.

Today's episode dives deep into preserving fandom history within the Supernatural community with longtime fanfic author and artist killabeez. Having been part of the fandom since before Dean Winchester and Sam Winchester became household names, killabeez shares her fanfiction journey and the importance of conserving all forms of fan artistry. Join us as we explore how fandom creativity evolves and what it means to preserve these treasured stories and creations like vids (or edits as they're more commonly known today). Whether you're a fan of fan fiction, podfics, or simply passionate about the Supernatural fandom, this episode showcases the heart and history that keep the community thriving.You can find killabeez on Discord and AO3.So many things to reference, we had to make a document for them, which you can check out here.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:02:44 - killa's SPN journey00:04:55 - A precursor show to SPN for killa00:08:25 - killa's blorbo00:13:30 - Reasons for dipping out of the show00:17:46 - The problem with angels00:22:08 - The Trickster | Mystery Spot | Writer's Strike00:31:52 - SPN Fandom00:32:54 - Realizing fandom is a thing00:35:49 - Drawer Fic00:37:32 - Searching for a fandom after Star Trek00:39:18 - Fancon history00:43:02 - Plans for IdlingCon00:46:08 - SPN on the fandom war scale00:48:02 - What is a vidder?00:55:02 - Vid hayday and preservation01:03:41 - killa's fanfic journey01:07:15 - Tiptoeing around Wincest01:11:08 - killa tropes01:12:47 - Fave creators01:14:51 - Author username origins01:21:08 - Kasey's secret question01:24:49 - What does killa love most about fandom01:25:50 - Preserving fandom01:30:59 - Final thoughts and outro

Welcome to Episode 158 of Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing Welcome to Episode #158 of “Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing” In this episode,the topic is “Mapping Out the year 2026 in a custom, world-class learning curriculum… plus tools to keep me consistently motivated and in excellence all year. I highly recommend you do something similar for your life and business, and I’m sharing the details of exactly how to do it within this podcast. I am sharing a live session of my “Really Simple Authority Blogging” ongoing training course with you and know you will benefit from the marketing strategies I am sharing and teaching here. Be sure to connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com or on X at https://x.com/ConnieGreen so I may serve you in the areas where my help could make a huge difference in your results. I’m going to share with you how much fun I’m having with creating simple courses using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in about 30 minutes. I know you can do the same thing. Keep it simple, and add the short course you create to a page on your existing website/blog. In this episode I’m discussing how to use keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) to grow your business. Your prospects and future clients, customers, and colleagues are waiting to connect with you, but if they can’t find you online it will never happen. Make it simple for your target audience to find you by using the keywords and phrases they are most likely to be searching for on Google, Bing, and the other search engines. The Power and Gift of Change”- We are all changing throughout each day, and I think we must embrace this change in order to grow and move forward. Changing can take many forms, and if you look back through your life you will come to understand that you are not the same person you were even a year ago. Here is a quote about this you may resonate with… “Growth lives outside the comfort zone. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.” ~ Marie Forleo I believe that our businesses are based on the concept of serving others. When you start on online (or even a brick and mortar) business, your goal is to serve others with what you know and to benefit in multiple ways, including by earning an excellent income. I’m sharing several examples in this podcast about my own and experiences with clients over the years. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This morning I was reading the message written by outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In it, he stated that his “parting prescription” for the American people is to cultivate a strong sense of community to help themselves and others. He added, “Relationships, service, and purpose are the time-tested triad of fulfillment that stands in contrast to wealth, fame, and power which define the modern-day triad of success.” Here are some other questions I want you to ask yourself: What is your commitment to yourself and to others close to you? Why are you focused on the things that are taking up your time? When will you begin to focus on goals that will allow you to create and leave a legacy? Whom do you trust to get you there? Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you. Motivation and Inspiration: What It Takes to Get Your Spark Back” During 2024 I went through a period where I wasn’t as motivated as I had been accustomed to being for many years. This gave me time to explore why I was feeling this way and to hopefully learn something that would help others. My inspiration to do all of the things I love in my business, including writing, creating, marketing, and mentoring was waning and I wasn’t sure why. Within a couple of months I was back on track and this is what I learned… Life isn’t easy, but then it isn’t supposed to be. Being challenged in so many ways on a regular basis makes us stronger and perhaps more appreciative and grateful for what we already have and what we know we can achieve if we believe in ourselves and have even one other person who knows we are special and tells us that as often as possible. Marie Forleo wrote a book titled “Everything Is Figureoutable” – https://ConnieLoves.me/FigureOutAble – Her precept is that if you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you. It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com and want to hear from you on this topic, or on anything else. “Merging Your Life with Your Business” as a strategy. We aren’t creating a business we need a vacation from. Instead, we’re creating a “lifestyle by design” where we have the time and financial freedom to live in a way that few people are able to, and with choices around everything we do. If you’ve met me in person, heard me on my podcast, or read any of my books, you know that I am a very positive person. No matter what situation or circumstances arises, I truly believe there will always be a positive outcome on the horizon, and sooner rather than later. But I wasn’t always this way. This is a journey that continues… My first year online was 2006, and very quickly I connected with people I’m still part of a Mastermind with in Austin, Texas. I was invited to speak at an event there a couple of years later. It was hosted by Joe Vitale and Mendhi Audlin was also there. She shared a concept she had come up with that she calls “What If… UP!” The premise is that there is truly a silver lining in everything negative that occurs. I liken this to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. My precept and general rule for life is that we can achieve anything we want and feel that we deserve. Others want to help us to achieve our goals, but many times we get in their way by telling ourselves stories that aren’t true. Mendhi’s precept aligns with mine, and a year or so after I first met her she published a book on this… “What If It All Goes Right?: Creating a New World of Peace, Prosperity & Possibility” by Mendhi Audlin reveals the secret to turning possibilities into a tangible reality. It works! https://ConnieLoves.me/WhatIfUp I’m discussing the importance of being willing to “Better Your Best” during this new year, as well as recommending that this be the year you finally embrace AI – Artificial Intelligence – for your business. I have been a student of and someone who uses AI almost daily since February of 2022, and I’m learning from experts Andy O”Bryan and Denise Wakeman in their ongoing AI Success Club. Asking “How Are You Defining Success?” Creating a business as an entrepreneur allows you to live a lifestyle by design, with both time freedom and financial freedom. Think about how you want to live each day and then take action to make it happen. Over the years I’ve changed many things, while others have remained the same. Instead of making changes just for the sake of change, think about what you could change up and what makes sense to remain at least mostly the same. Years ago, I used to put together my blog posts on a single topic, like copywriting or list building or creation digital products into a simple document that I referred to as a ‘Focus Guide’ and gave them away to my list and to my prospects. Each of these documents contained resources and an ‘About the Author’ page that helped me to build my credibility, visibility, and profitability. For the first time ever, I am recommending that you write a book about yourself, your niche topic, and how you serve others. I first did this in 2009 and now I have written and published twenty-eight full-length, non-fiction books on the topics of entrepreneurship, personal, development, and authorship. Life can be messy. Are their ways you can keep moving forward when your personal life is turning upside down? Yes! Finding joy in helping and serving others, as well as compartmentalizing what is currently going on in your life are just two of the ways to deal with change and situations outside of your control. I recommend that you choose two social media platforms to use for the sole purpose of helping your prospects find and connect with you online. My favorite is X – formerly known as Twitter, and I also use LinkedIn and YouTube as my favorite social media sites to grow my business. Please connect with me on these sites and let me know how I may best serve you as you build and grow your profitable business. Is your list of what you are willing to do longer than your list of what you don’t want to do? I recommend a mile-long “to-do” list and a daily schedule of no more than four things that you will work on each day in your business. Find a mentor who believes in you and get started with creating a lifestyle by design that you want and deserve. I’m recommending James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” – https://ConnieLoves.me/AtomicHabits – as a book to help you alleviate your fears. We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and fears regarding our life experiences. I have found that if we build up our confidence and have faith that everything will turn out in a way that will be beneficial to all, we can continue to move forward without negative effects. Having an online business requires confidence. These are some questions to ask yourself: Who will you serve? What are your prospects pain points? What’s your idea? How will it be created, and then delivered? How will you sell it online? Creating a simple product or online course is the beginning of living a lifestyle by design. Reach out to me any time at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to know more about getting started as an online entrepreneur. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My first online course back in 2006 was a simple one with three audio trainings and a workbook. Then, I began creating more sophisticated, but not more complicated courses. I’ve used the “Really Simple” branding for many courses at least 25 times, as well as using other terms and phrases based on the keywords I am optimizing for with each new course. Having your own online course on a topic you want to become known for will give you leverage to grow your business exponentially over time. It’s interesting to me that we as humans sometimes take things for granted that later on we know we should have appreciated in the moment. What I’m referring to here is having an online business you can run from home, or from anywhere in the world. There’s a window of opportunity that isn’t always open, and right now this window is wide open to everyone. A lot of it depends upon economic factors. I almost went back to graduate school two years ago to study economics, but decided against it because of the film and television writing I’m pursuing, but that’s a story for another time. Someone I work closely with had posted this quote from Richard Branson the other day: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This does NOT apply to online business, but instead refers to starting a physical, brick and mortar business. I know several people in both of my cities who borrowed against their homes, cashed out retirement savings, and sold family heirlooms to start businesses in the community, only to go bankrupt a couple of years later. What I’m saying here is that this is the time to get your online business off the ground and up and running profitably. It’s so inexpensive in comparison, and the biggest expense I incur is what I pay mentors to guide me in the right direction. Yes, I still have a mentor and recommend you do as well. This isn’t coaching, but instead a personal relationship you’ll build over time that could lead to strategic alliance partnerships and lifelong friendships. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you want to know more about mentoring with me. The four widely accepted learning modalities (or modes) are known by the acronym VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. They are sometimes inaccurately referred to as “learning styles” which implies that each learner has a “style” of learning that should be maximized in all learning situations. Focusing on consistency, productivity, and creativity makes sense for all online entrepreneurs in 2024. I’m also sharing some effective and time-proven strategies with you here that will make a difference in your business, as well as in your personal life experience. Each day I focus on writing, creating, marketing, and teaching/learning/mentoring. My writing began as short and simple blog posts and blossomed into more than twenty-five full-length books. My writing is my oeuvre, my body of work that is my legacy to family, friends, colleagues, and those who follow me. During 2023 I wrote and published more than 400 thousand words. This breaks down to one full-length book, Self-Directed: Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Yourself to the Greatness That Lies Within; the current book on marketing that is more than halfway written; 8 short reports on topics of interest to the people I work with online; one hundred thirty-eight blog posts on three different blogs I maintain; and 382 email messages to my online community. These are  practical strategies for effective time management, emphasizing the importance of creating a balance between work and personal life. Achieving work-life harmony requires effective time management strategies that allow you to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time more efficiently: 1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify your most important tasks and priorities for both work and personal life. Focus on what truly matters and allocate time accordingly. 2. Use a Time Management System: Choose a time management system that works for you, whether it’s a digital tool like Todoist or Trello, or a physical planner. Organize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress. Schedules vs To-Do Lists 3. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Prioritize tasks based on these categories. 4. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them during specific time blocks. This reduces the mental load of switching between different types of activities. 5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. This includes work tasks, personal commitments, and breaks. Stick to the schedule as much as possible. 6. Learn to Say No: Be selective about taking on new commitments. Saying no when necessary helps you avoid over-committing and allows you to focus on your existing priorities. 7. Delegate When Possible: Delegate tasks that others can handle. This applies to both professional and personal responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help. 8. Practice the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 9. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and increase stress. Complete one task before moving on to the next. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ You’re starting a conversation with your emails, and building a relationship with your prospects, customers, and clients over time. I’ve been online as an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer since 2006, and while much has changed, I believe that more has remained the same. Here, I’m discussing how we marketed in those early days, and why email marketing still remains top of mind. Most recently, I’ve co-hosted an Advanced Email Marketing Conference with Ellen Finkelstein. In April of 2023, I hosted my latest live marketing event in Los Angeles, and more recently I’ve hosted my Santa Barbara Retreat for those I mentor and teach. But like everyone else, I began by attending live events, and eventually virtual events in order to find my voice, connect with other like-minded people, and learn more about building and growing my online business. Guerilla marketing is a way to drive publicity and, as a result, brand awareness by promoting using unconventional methods designed to evoke surprise, wonder, or shock. Guerrilla marketing is the creating use of novel or unconventional methods in order to boost sales or attract interest in a brand or business. These methods are often low- or no-cost and involve the widespread use of more personal interactions or through viral social media messaging. This marketing method has increased in popularity with the rise of ubiquitous mobile and connected technologies that can amplify messaging and focus on target groups of consumers. Some consumers may be more attracted by guerrilla marketing campaigns as they may be more interesting and daring, while others may be turned off because of the perceived “disruptive” aspects of this style of marketing. Please subscribe and leave me a review. And connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com. Find out more about me HERE. Becoming an online entrepreneur was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been online since 2006 and now help others all over the world to do the same or something similar. We all have times where we are feeling a little down, lost, or confused. Life isn’t easy, and no one makes it out alive! These are my recommendations for how to get back on track and feeling more happy and optimistic about your future… Write! Whether you’re already a writer or are just beginning to think about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others, writing makes sense. I write every single day and publish much of my writing as blog posts, short reports, and full-length books. Writing opens your mind to what you want in the future, by allowing you to explore the past through your memories. You can also retell and reframe your stories in a way that will serve you going forward. Start a new project! I usually create products and courses as new projects, but this can also manifest as something you build or create with your hands. I have family members on two continents that love to put together complex jigsaw puzzles. They look forward to these as a new project on a regular basis. Volunteer! Before I started my online business, I promised myself I would volunteer my time and donate money to charitable causes… as soon as I had the time and the money to do so. Once I had my own business, I realized that I had some time and a little money to do this all along. Spend time with new people! As a part of the volunteering I now do regularly, I’ve spent time with very young children, veterans, women starting over after being in a domestic violence situation, and more. This work continues to make a difference in my life. As you can see, there are many ways to get back to your “Why?” and I hope this has been helpful to you. What’s the best niche topic to cover in your blog? I know you don’t what to hear me say “It depends.” so I won’t. Lean in, and I’ll share the very best niche for you, and it’s one that is also the most profitable, will feel more like you’re just having fun, will never go out of style, and will be the one that has absolutely zero competition. Which niche topic and target audience could it possibly be? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I learned when I began online 17 years ago that the best niche for anyone is the one that makes your heart sing and is probably a topic you take for granted. I had been teaching school for twenty years and my students were mostly Spanish and Tagalog native speakers. I told them if they wrote just a few sentences every single day – weekends, holidays, and school breaks included – their writing would improve. Those who followed my advice excelled, while those who didn’t floundered. During all those years, I seldom wrote anything unless it was required for my work as a teacher or for my part-time work in real estate. Fast forward to 2006, and I realized not only that I needed to write in order to succeed online, but also that what I’d done with my students would apply here as well. My niche for the next eighteen months was around helping others to write, publish, market, and sell eBooks. I wrote one on real estate farming – choosing and area close to home to connect with people who may need your services – as an example and sold it on my website. Back then, you had to sell eBooks on your own websites, as Amazon had not yet entered the world of self-publishing. My niche and website became “eBook writing and marketing secrets” and this topic took me to six figures. I was learning right along with the people who were learning and buying from me. I then moved that site over to https://ConnieRagenGreen.com to make a name for myself and to branch out to other topics. The bottom line is that you must begin by sharing what you already know something about and love. Blogging is the direct path to the visibility, credibility, and profitability you wish to have in your business. In my business, every idea begins as a blog post. This is where I think and research and brainstorm what’s on my mind in the very beginning. The blog post is ground zero for what could, and many times does become a product, course or program. Blog posts, while based on your idea, can be created with original content, private label (PLR) rights content, guest content, or curated content. While I immediately share my published posts on social media as “micro content” you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before syndicating your content on Medium. I also teach this syndication strategy in my popular and ongoing Syndication Optimization training program. Next up in your content creation and content marketing strategy is a short report, which you may sell online or give away as a lead magnet. I teach all of this in my Really Simple Short Reports training. This is what we refer to as “cornerstone” content that is extremely valuable. The final step is creating “authority content” by publishing your writing as a Kindle or paperback book to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert on your topic. I typically discuss time management and productivity in regards to entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors, and I’ve even co-authored a bestselling book on this topic, entitled “Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Manage Your Time to Increase Your Bottom Line” where we outline in great details the steps you may take to reach a level of optimal productivity and time management as an entrepreneur. But what about everyone else? Doesn’t every person deserve to live the lifestyle they want and deserve, where they enjoy financial freedom and the time to enjoy every moment to the fullest? Of course they do, and that’s what I’m sharing during this podcast. When I began online as a new entrepreneur in 2006, I realized immediately I would need help with technology and graphics, as these were the areas where I had no experience or talent. I bartered for these services for the first year or so, and then began to put together a team of people to support me so my business could grow. When I look back over my lifetime, I see that I have always had a team supporting me, whether it was while I worked as a classroom teacher, or in real estate as a broker and residential appraiser. Even while I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who supported me, from family, friends and neighbors to teachers, clergy, and people in the community. Put together your team and watch your business grow exponentially! When it comes to your visibility as an entrepreneur, where may we find you to see what you’re doing? This expert status comes from your writing, videos and audios, and your social media presence on the most active platforms for your target audience. My three popular and active blogs are at ConnieRagenGreen.com, HugeProfitsTinyList.com, and at MondayMorningMellow.com. Credibility is about what you already know and what you are learning. We all started our online businesses as adults, so we brought our knowledge and experiences with us. It made sense for me to help people write, market, and publish eBooks in the beginning, because I had worked as a classroom teacher for twenty years prior to coming online, and was learning about marketing and self-publishing. Profitability means that you must ask “What’s for sale?” every day in your business. Create your own simple products and courses, recommend others with affiliate marketing, and look into buying the resale rights to sell other people’s products as your own like I continue to do in my own business. The final part of this information on your expert status as an entrepreneur includes productivity, consistency, and attention to detail. Get everything in place as quickly as possible, and your online business is sure to grow exponentially! During my first couple of years online, beginning in 2007 I connected with mentors Alex Mandossian and Raymond Aaron. When I inquired as to what they were doing together as strategic alliance partners, they gave me a brief explanation and told me that I was not yet ready to move up to this level. Over the next two years they helped me to grow and elevate my business and my mindset as an online entrepreneur so that I could connect with others in this way. Seek out the people and groups you wish to be involved with and show them that you have moved past tactics and on to strategies. It will make all the difference and as you uplevel everything you’re doing online in your business, your free time and disposable income will increase exponentially! When I work with people in my Incubator Mastermind Mentoring program, the goal is to move them into position to become a strategic alliance partner with me and others to share their message in a bigger way. WHY did you choose the career you started your working life with? WHY did you get married, have children, and move into your first home? WHY did you make the conscious decision to leave your career at some point and start your business? WHY do you want to be an author or entrepreneur, or coach? WHY do you get up every single day and do the work required to become more successful on an ongoing basis? Everyone must have a WHY and there are no right or wrong answers here. But if you find yourself unmotivated to work or if you find yourself procrastinating on projects, then it's time to re-examine the main reason for your business. Name Your Reason – or Your WHY – for Starting a Business Focusing on your WHY can help motivate you, so write down your reason for starting a business on a regular basis. Did you want to fill your free time? Did you want to earn some play money or contribute to the family finances? Did you want to pay the medical bills of an aging parent or a sick child? Did you want to pay for your child's higher education or private school tuition? In my case, my answer to “what's your why?” was always around having enough income to live life on my terms. Over time, I came to the realization that every choice I was making, and each time I could not do something that had meaning for me, was all related to me needing to earn a paycheck or a commission from the classroom teaching and real estate work I was involved with each day. I missed just about every family event, vacation, and other activities because I was working 60 or more hours a week in order to cover my bills and other expenses. I wasn't angry or resentful because I believed that I didn't deserve to have a better life during those decades. This all changed in 2005 when I began reading books and attending events based on self improvement and personal development principles. Writing these reasons down – no matter what they are because every person's WHY will be different – should help motivate you to work hard. You should feel driven to make your business a success. You should be willing to tackle things outside your comfort zone because you know the end result will help your business. If you're not feeling motivated, then you need to dig deeper. I worked closely with a woman who was struggling to make her online business become profitable, and she continued to tell me that she had no problems or struggles in her life, currently or during her younger years. Then, one day she told me about her granddaughter who had passed away at age twelve and the floodgates opened. We got to the bottom of things, she discovered her why, and her business grew by leaps and bounds, almost overnight! Be Open and Willing to Examine Your Inner Feelings Life is fluid and ever-changing so it stands to reason that your WHY would change over time as well. Even if you started your business because you didn't know what to do once your kids were in full day school, you can change that WHY to something more meaningful now. A mentor once shared with me that she started a service business because she was a single mom and needed to earn money to survive. She was responsible for lodging, food, and clothing for herself and her child. She didn't have anyone to rely on except herself. THIS is enough to make you cry and to hustle for work, knowing that if she wasn't working, she wasn't eating. What are you passionate about that will get you hustling? Are you passionate about a cause or charity that can benefit from your financial assistance? Do you need to pull yourself up out of financial despair? Don't be afraid to own that reason and fight for your business. This is how you will continue to get closer to understanding and recognizing the answer to “what's your why?” Don't be Afraid to Switch Business Gears to Discover Your “Why” One of my mentees admitted to me early on that even though she has been in a service business for over ten years, that she hadn't been motivated to create any classes or products as a source of passive income. She blamed her indecision on a lack of new ideas and a feeling and belief that everything she knew had already been said and done, but I questioned if it was because she didn't feel attached to her particular niche of online marketing. After some more discussion, she agreed and has since modified her services that align better with what she enjoys. I still suggested that she explore a deeper WHY but this is a step in the right direction. Plenty of businesses add or subtract products or services or modify their mission statement. If something about your business doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to make changes. I'm bestselling author and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green, and now I can confidently answer the question “What's your why?” with enthusiasm and conviction. My “why” is around the concept of helping others to achieve their goals and dreams with writing and having a profitable online business so they may follow their dreams and passions without having to do work that doesn't make their heart sing or worry about meeting all of their financial obligations with grace and ease. You can double your productivity and be success with a business, or with anything you choose to accomplish in your life, if you are willing to implement what you learn and take decisive action on a consistent basis. Many people come to me to learn how to successful and profitable as an online entrepreneur. But some of them end up saying “I already know that” and moving on to something else. I know that I am able to do more than I ever thought would be possible in my life because I am willing to learn, implement, course correct, ask questions, take massive action and keep moving forward with consistency. Others may be smarter or more knowledgeable, but if they hesitate to take action they will not achieve the results they are hoping for in their business or with anything else. As long as you are specific and intentional with what you want to achieve, you can do it all as an entrepreneur, just not all at once. And we must throw perfection out the window. I have a new saying… The more perfecter your goal, the less purfeckt your results. “Everything we do in our lives is preparing us for something that will arise in the future, even though we don’t yet know what that will be.” ~ Connie Ragen Green Our stories are the fabric of our life. A story sets you apart from everyone else, makes you unique and memorable, and is all you have when it's all said and done. When I was a young child a neighbor girl, seven or eight years old at the time, interrupted my mother in the middle of a story she was telling to ask, “Why do you have so many stories?” My mother hardly skipped a beat, informing the girl that “You'll have stories too, when you get older.” On that evening a part of me became a storyteller in training. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was telling stories about everything from what I did in school that day to what happened in the neighborhood. I wore my storyteller's hat with pride and now I see that this one aspect of my life was preparing me for what I now do in my business and derive great joy from every single day. The word “praestabilis” is from the Latin and means outstanding, excellent, and extraordinary and this is the goal for you as you make your way in the online world. It took me until age 50 to step into the light and live an empowered life. I achieved this by leaving a job – classroom teaching – and a career as a real estate broker and appraiser to come online as an entrepreneur. I have no regrets about waiting so long, as everything unfolds once we are open to receiving it. There are three top strategies to help you move closer to an empowered life and they include… Writing – Every day, I want you to write! This includes blog posts, outlines, emails to your prospects, clients, and potential joint venture partners. Also, write short reports and white papers to show others who you are and what you know. Finally, write a book to solidify your expertise in your niche, and follow that up with additional books over time. Writing is crucial to our process of standing out from the crowd by sharing what we know and believe. Reach out to me if you’re interested in coming aboard for my “10 Week Author” program. Recent posts on my three blogs are at: “Broken Compass Stories We Tell Ourselves” – https://mondaymorningmellow.com/broken-compass-story/ “The eBook That Changed My Life” – https://hugeprofitstinylist.com/ebook-that-changed-my-life/ “Marketing Secrets from Creative Sources” – https://connieragengreen.com/marketing-secrets-from-creative-sources/ Speaking – I was the reluctant speaker, but once I got past my fears and insecurities you can’t get the microphone away from me. Speak about yourself and your topic to anyone who will listen. I began by speaking at my Rotary Club and I continue to recommend service organizations as a way to break in to speaking. Now I speak all over the world, in person and virtually on a variety of topics. Masterminding – Connecting with others for the sole purpose of reaching your full potential is crucial to life success. Find a Mastermind group to join, or start your own by inviting thought leaders to connect with you in this way. I have a group called the Incubator Mastermind that may be of interest to you. Hopefully, you can see that what I’m sharing with on each podcast will make a difference for you as you build and grow your business as an entrepreneur, author, and marketer. Make sure to think of marketing as a priority and get into the habit of sharing your best ideas and resources with the people who are on their way to becoming your raving fans! I’m always just an email away at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to connect with me. I promise to help you keep it simple while you grow your online business. Get started with your own eBook empire by learning how to write an eBook from the person who continues to guide me along this lucrative journey. Take a look at How to Write and Publish Your Own eBook…in as Little as 7 Days from expert and author Jim Edwards. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as I share my beliefs, perceptions, and experiences as an author, online entrepreneur, and marketing strategist with you. Marketing has become the joy of my life as I continue to learn, grow, and share concepts with others. I'm bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 158 first appeared on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 158 appeared first on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.

Jackie, known as jinkieswouldyoulookatthis, has been writing Supernatural fanfiction for over a decade, focusing more recently on Wincest. In this episode, Jackie shares her evolution as a fanfic author and podfic creator. Sandra and Kasey catch up with Jackie to discuss her amazing fanfic “Do Over.” They also learn more about fanbinding: Jackie's hobby that shares her appreciation of stories with their amazing creators in the fandom. Get ready for an engaging conversation about the Supernatural fandom, fanfiction culture, and Jackie's unique perspective!You can find Jackie on tumblr and AO3.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:02:52 - When and where did Jackie's fanfiction journey begin00:04:41 - The investment in reading00:10:53 - Where did Jackie find her online fanfic fix00:13:19 - Various devices for fanfic reading00:19:03 - Reminding ourselves to kudos and comment00:23:46 - Other ships Jackie finds interesting00:28:00 - Generational views on fictional characters00:39:48 - How Kasey and Sandra inspired one of Jackie's fanfics00:45:01 - Jackie's Wincest evolution00:47:12 - Leave the world building to other writers00:51:01 - Releasing a fic idea out into the fandom to see where it goes00:54:52 - Finding Kasey's Junkies00:55:55 - Plot Bunny Storage00:59:03 - Jackie's Do Over01:40:00 - Fanbinding01:51:23 - Checking in on Jackie's podcast01:58:44 - Final thoughts and outro

Today's conversation is all about shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of empowerment and possibility. My guest is Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a psychologist, professor, and bestselling author whose work focuses on helping all kinds of minds live creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized lives. In our conversation, Scott shares insights from his latest book, Rise Above, which explores the concept of the victim mindset and how we can move beyond it. We talk about the role of neurodivergence in shaping perspective, the traps of learned helplessness and rejection sensitivity, and the character strengths that help us cultivate resilience and personal growth. Scott also reflects on his own journey toward empowerment and what it means to truly rise above our limitations—both real and perceived. About Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast, which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top psychology podcasts in the world. Things you'll learn from this episode How Scott Barry Kaufman's personal experiences shaped Rise Above and his exploration of the victim mindset Why a victim mindset is not fixed—and how self-empowerment and learned hopefulness can transform it How rejection sensitivity and cognitive distortions can reinforce feelings of victimhood, especially in children Why leveraging character strengths and modeling emotional flexibility builds resilience and growth How an empowerment mindset helps individuals take ownership of their challenges and personal development Why self-compassion and realistic expectations are essential parts of the ongoing journey toward self-actualization Resources mentioned Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman's website Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential by Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD Via Institute on Character VIA Youth-103 (Age 13-17) (Currently being tested) Dr. David Yeager on the Science of Motivating Young People (Full-Tilt Parenting) 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by David Yeager, PhD Mindset: How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential by Carol Dweck Dr. Tamar Chansky on Children & Negative Thinking (Tilt Parenting episode) Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking: Powerful, Practical Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Resilience, Flexibility, and Happiness by Dr. Tamar Chansky Dr. Sharon Saline on Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) in Tweens and Teens (Tilt Parenting episode) Dr. David Yeager on the Science of Motivating Young People (Tilt Parenting episode) 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by David Yeager, PhD Victim Culture & Self-Actualization (Scott on the Last Meal with Tom Nash podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baby, the Impala, arguably one of the most iconic objects in the Supernatural universe, has captured the hearts of the fandom alongside Dean Winchester himself. Known as a genuine comfort character and home for the Winchester brothers, Baby's lore and significance in the show make her a fan favorite. In this episode, Sandra and Kasey dive deep into Baby's place in the series, sharing fun facts and discussing her impact on not only the characters but also on the wider Supernatural fandom. Whether you're a longtime SPN watcher or a fanfic enthusiast, this discussion offers rich insights into one of the fandom's most cherished icons.Link to Most Awesome Episode Reference Doc (compiled by Kasey)~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:02:23 - One of our most beloved characters00:04:52 - What Baby could have been00:15:13 - Supernatural history00:23:56 - Dean (and Jensen's) relationship with Baby00:28:23 - How many Impala's were on the show00:31:19 - The episode devoted to her00:33:20 - Why Sam doesn't drive the Impala much00:39:15 - You feel her absence00:46:18 - Baby's raised the value of vintage Impalas00:47:17 - The magic of sound effects00:51:38 - Supporting vehicles on SPN00:53:50 - These cars wish they were Baby01:00:57 - Final thoughts and outro

Happy birthday to Idling in the Impala as we celebrate four fantastic years exploring the Supernatural fandom! Join Sandra and Kasey as they look back on the journey, reflecting on the stories and fanfiction inspired by beloved characters Sam and Dean Winchester. This milestone episode is the perfect introduction for new listeners wanting to dive into SPN fanfic, podfics, and the enthusiastic fan community. Learn what to expect from this podcast — including fanfic recommendations, interviews with creators, and discussions about the show's iconic story arcs. If you're a Supernatural fan and love the community, buckle up and enjoy the ride!~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:00:54 - Idling is Four and Fabulous00:01:47 - Time to get the Impala inspected00:03:55 - What's Idling in the Impala anyway00:06:50 - Get to know Kasey and Sandra00:25:30 - How the podcast has evolved00:28:36 - How we categorize our episodes00:39:04 - Our writing journeys00:43:33 - We've got podfics, too00:46:04 - Multiship and Proship00:49:18 - Some podcast stats00:52:22 - Sandra wants all 50 US States listener representation00:54:08 - Backseat imaginings01:01:43 - Final thoughts and outro

In this last episode of 2025, I wanted to share a tangible way that you can start 2026 intentionally.  Consider it a new tool in your tool belt!I share about using vision boards as an easy, actionable tool and provide some simple prompts to get you (plus, kids you know and love) thinking about what you want or don't want in 2026 and beyond. Empower YOURSELF to step into the woman you want to become in this next year, and beyond.Julie Berman - Hostwww.womenwithcooljobs.com@womencooljobs (Instagram)Julie Berman (LinkedIn)Send Julie a text!!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I absolutely LOVE being the host and producer of "Women with Cool Jobs", where I interview women who have unique, trailblazing, and innovative careers. It has been such a blessing to share stories of incredible, inspiring women since I started in 2020. If you have benefitted from this work, or simply appreciate that I do it, please consider buying me a $5 coffee. ☕️ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/julieberman Thank you so much for supporting me -- whether by sharing an episode with a friend, attending a LIVE WWCJ event in Phoenix, connecting with me on Instagram @womencooljobs or LinkedIn, sending me a note on my website (www.womenwithcooljobs.com), or by buying me a coffee! It all means so much.

Explore the quirks and challenges of a long-running series in this episode of Idling In The Impala as Sandra, Kasey, and their fandom friend BJ dive into "Things That Didn't Age Well on Supernatural." From cringeworthy moments to dated pop culture references, they reflect on the show throughout the seasons, discussing aspects that have and haven't stood the test of time. Featuring insightful commentary on the beloved characters Sam Winchester and Dean Winchester, this episode is a must-listen for Supernatural fans and fanfiction enthusiasts alike. Join the conversation on fandom culture, storytelling, and the enduring impact of SPN within the fanfic community.Link to Screen Rant Article used as the discussion's jumping off point: https://screenrant.com/supernatural-havent-aged-well/~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:12 - Whinging is always better with friends00:02:09 - Things that didn't age well on SPN00:03:34 - TV Trope terms00:04:49 - How the boys handle their weapons00:06:54 - Shows that are relics of their time00:07:26 - Drawing parallels between Emma and Amy00:10:54 - Evolution of women representation00:21:33 - SoullessSam and DemonDean behavior00:28:38 - Dating themselves with pop culture00:39:38 - Lack of diversity00:41:50 - Christianity is front and center00:44:49 - Man's best friend with benefits00:52:18 - Playing Sam SA for laughs00:55:42 - Dean's early grump00:57:31 - Things the show got right01:09:49 - Final thoughts and outro

Sandra and Kasey are chatting with Mary, creator and co-host of the beloved Supernatural podcast “Carrying Wayward,” a cherished part of the SPN fandom. Launched as the show ended in 2020, Mary's podcast dives into character development and lore, and offers thoughtful critique. After a year-long hiatus, “Carrying Wayward” made a much-anticipated return with new episodes on September 13th—marking Supernatural's 20th Anniversary and our recording day! In this episode, discover what inspired Mary to start podcasting, her experiences in the fandom, and what new directions lie ahead for "Carrying Wayward." Whether you're a fanfic writer, podfic creator, or longtime Supernatural fan, this insightful interview celebrates the vibrant SPN family and its continued storytelling spirit.Link up to all things Carrying Wayward at: http://carryingwayward.com/You can find Mary on BlueSky.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:02:33 - Background on Mary and Carrying Wayward00:05:14 - Getting into the Supernatural Fandom00:06:52 - SPN's Comfort Factor00:07:48 - Brother blorbo?00:11:25 - Putting Mary on the spot for favorite season00:21:30 - Why start a podcast about a show that just ended?00:23:03 - Despair and the fandom00:33:21 - Support that got Carrying Wayward off the ground00:35:20 - Finding the perfect co-host00:36:59 - The podcast producer00:38:30 - Deciding on a podcast name and artwork00:40:34 - What worked and what didn't in the beginning00:42:46 - Fitting the podcast into real life00:47:12 - What brought Carrying Wayward back00:53:16 - Research and notes for a podcast00:55:43 - Along for the ride with a first-time watcher00:58:45 - Anger over the Anti-Christ01:00:53 - Tuning in to Angel Radio01:08:19 - Nostalgia and Societal Reflection01:13:13 - The podcast creator community01:17:26 - How podcasting has changed Mary's life01:20:49 - Processing the end of Season 801:32:17 - Kasey's question01:38:54 - Advice for anyone interested in starting a podcast01:41:28 - Final thoughts and outro

Welcome to Episode 157 of Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing Welcome to Episode #157 of “Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing” In this episode,the topic is “From 2025 into 2026: What will you change in your life and business, and what will remain the same?” It’s important to take a close look at what you’ve been doing this year, and if your results were what you expected. I believe that we can improve exponentially year over year, and that it’s up to us to decide what to change and what results we will expect. I am sharing a live session of my “Really Simple Authority Blogging” ongoing training course with you and know you will benefit from the marketing strategies I am sharing and teaching here. Be sure to connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com or on X at https://x.com/ConnieGreen so I may serve you in the areas where my help could make a huge difference in your results. I’m going to share with you how much fun I’m having with creating simple courses using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in about 30 minutes. I know you can do the same thing. Keep it simple, and add the short course you create to a page on your existing website/blog. In this episode I’m discussing how to use keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) to grow your business. Your prospects and future clients, customers, and colleagues are waiting to connect with you, but if they can’t find you online it will never happen. Make it simple for your target audience to find you by using the keywords and phrases they are most likely to be searching for on Google, Bing, and the other search engines. The Power and Gift of Change”- We are all changing throughout each day, and I think we must embrace this change in order to grow and move forward. Changing can take many forms, and if you look back through your life you will come to understand that you are not the same person you were even a year ago. Here is a quote about this you may resonate with… “Growth lives outside the comfort zone. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.” ~ Marie Forleo I believe that our businesses are based on the concept of serving others. When you start on online (or even a brick and mortar) business, your goal is to serve others with what you know and to benefit in multiple ways, including by earning an excellent income. I’m sharing several examples in this podcast about my own and experiences with clients over the years. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This morning I was reading the message written by outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In it, he stated that his “parting prescription” for the American people is to cultivate a strong sense of community to help themselves and others. He added, “Relationships, service, and purpose are the time-tested triad of fulfillment that stands in contrast to wealth, fame, and power which define the modern-day triad of success.” Here are some other questions I want you to ask yourself: What is your commitment to yourself and to others close to you? Why are you focused on the things that are taking up your time? When will you begin to focus on goals that will allow you to create and leave a legacy? Whom do you trust to get you there? Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you. Motivation and Inspiration: What It Takes to Get Your Spark Back” During 2024 I went through a period where I wasn’t as motivated as I had been accustomed to being for many years. This gave me time to explore why I was feeling this way and to hopefully learn something that would help others. My inspiration to do all of the things I love in my business, including writing, creating, marketing, and mentoring was waning and I wasn’t sure why. Within a couple of months I was back on track and this is what I learned… Life isn’t easy, but then it isn’t supposed to be. Being challenged in so many ways on a regular basis makes us stronger and perhaps more appreciative and grateful for what we already have and what we know we can achieve if we believe in ourselves and have even one other person who knows we are special and tells us that as often as possible. Marie Forleo wrote a book titled “Everything Is Figureoutable” – https://ConnieLoves.me/FigureOutAble – Her precept is that if you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you. It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com and want to hear from you on this topic, or on anything else. “Merging Your Life with Your Business” as a strategy. We aren’t creating a business we need a vacation from. Instead, we’re creating a “lifestyle by design” where we have the time and financial freedom to live in a way that few people are able to, and with choices around everything we do. If you’ve met me in person, heard me on my podcast, or read any of my books, you know that I am a very positive person. No matter what situation or circumstances arises, I truly believe there will always be a positive outcome on the horizon, and sooner rather than later. But I wasn’t always this way. This is a journey that continues… My first year online was 2006, and very quickly I connected with people I’m still part of a Mastermind with in Austin, Texas. I was invited to speak at an event there a couple of years later. It was hosted by Joe Vitale and Mendhi Audlin was also there. She shared a concept she had come up with that she calls “What If… UP!” The premise is that there is truly a silver lining in everything negative that occurs. I liken this to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. My precept and general rule for life is that we can achieve anything we want and feel that we deserve. Others want to help us to achieve our goals, but many times we get in their way by telling ourselves stories that aren’t true. Mendhi’s precept aligns with mine, and a year or so after I first met her she published a book on this… “What If It All Goes Right?: Creating a New World of Peace, Prosperity & Possibility” by Mendhi Audlin reveals the secret to turning possibilities into a tangible reality. It works! https://ConnieLoves.me/WhatIfUp I’m discussing the importance of being willing to “Better Your Best” during this new year, as well as recommending that this be the year you finally embrace AI – Artificial Intelligence – for your business. I have been a student of and someone who uses AI almost daily since February of 2022, and I’m learning from experts Andy O”Bryan and Denise Wakeman in their ongoing AI Success Club. Asking “How Are You Defining Success?” Creating a business as an entrepreneur allows you to live a lifestyle by design, with both time freedom and financial freedom. Think about how you want to live each day and then take action to make it happen. Over the years I’ve changed many things, while others have remained the same. Instead of making changes just for the sake of change, think about what you could change up and what makes sense to remain at least mostly the same. Years ago, I used to put together my blog posts on a single topic, like copywriting or list building or creation digital products into a simple document that I referred to as a ‘Focus Guide’ and gave them away to my list and to my prospects. Each of these documents contained resources and an ‘About the Author’ page that helped me to build my credibility, visibility, and profitability. For the first time ever, I am recommending that you write a book about yourself, your niche topic, and how you serve others. I first did this in 2009 and now I have written and published twenty-eight full-length, non-fiction books on the topics of entrepreneurship, personal, development, and authorship. Life can be messy. Are their ways you can keep moving forward when your personal life is turning upside down? Yes! Finding joy in helping and serving others, as well as compartmentalizing what is currently going on in your life are just two of the ways to deal with change and situations outside of your control. I recommend that you choose two social media platforms to use for the sole purpose of helping your prospects find and connect with you online. My favorite is X – formerly known as Twitter, and I also use LinkedIn and YouTube as my favorite social media sites to grow my business. Please connect with me on these sites and let me know how I may best serve you as you build and grow your profitable business. Is your list of what you are willing to do longer than your list of what you don’t want to do? I recommend a mile-long “to-do” list and a daily schedule of no more than four things that you will work on each day in your business. Find a mentor who believes in you and get started with creating a lifestyle by design that you want and deserve. I’m recommending James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” – https://ConnieLoves.me/AtomicHabits – as a book to help you alleviate your fears. We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and fears regarding our life experiences. I have found that if we build up our confidence and have faith that everything will turn out in a way that will be beneficial to all, we can continue to move forward without negative effects. Having an online business requires confidence. These are some questions to ask yourself: Who will you serve? What are your prospects pain points? What’s your idea? How will it be created, and then delivered? How will you sell it online? Creating a simple product or online course is the beginning of living a lifestyle by design. Reach out to me any time at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to know more about getting started as an online entrepreneur. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My first online course back in 2006 was a simple one with three audio trainings and a workbook. Then, I began creating more sophisticated, but not more complicated courses. I’ve used the “Really Simple” branding for many courses at least 25 times, as well as using other terms and phrases based on the keywords I am optimizing for with each new course. Having your own online course on a topic you want to become known for will give you leverage to grow your business exponentially over time. It’s interesting to me that we as humans sometimes take things for granted that later on we know we should have appreciated in the moment. What I’m referring to here is having an online business you can run from home, or from anywhere in the world. There’s a window of opportunity that isn’t always open, and right now this window is wide open to everyone. A lot of it depends upon economic factors. I almost went back to graduate school two years ago to study economics, but decided against it because of the film and television writing I’m pursuing, but that’s a story for another time. Someone I work closely with had posted this quote from Richard Branson the other day: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This does NOT apply to online business, but instead refers to starting a physical, brick and mortar business. I know several people in both of my cities who borrowed against their homes, cashed out retirement savings, and sold family heirlooms to start businesses in the community, only to go bankrupt a couple of years later. What I’m saying here is that this is the time to get your online business off the ground and up and running profitably. It’s so inexpensive in comparison, and the biggest expense I incur is what I pay mentors to guide me in the right direction. Yes, I still have a mentor and recommend you do as well. This isn’t coaching, but instead a personal relationship you’ll build over time that could lead to strategic alliance partnerships and lifelong friendships. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you want to know more about mentoring with me. The four widely accepted learning modalities (or modes) are known by the acronym VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. They are sometimes inaccurately referred to as “learning styles” which implies that each learner has a “style” of learning that should be maximized in all learning situations. Focusing on consistency, productivity, and creativity makes sense for all online entrepreneurs in 2024. I’m also sharing some effective and time-proven strategies with you here that will make a difference in your business, as well as in your personal life experience. Each day I focus on writing, creating, marketing, and teaching/learning/mentoring. My writing began as short and simple blog posts and blossomed into more than twenty-five full-length books. My writing is my oeuvre, my body of work that is my legacy to family, friends, colleagues, and those who follow me. During 2023 I wrote and published more than 400 thousand words. This breaks down to one full-length book, Self-Directed: Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Yourself to the Greatness That Lies Within; the current book on marketing that is more than halfway written; 8 short reports on topics of interest to the people I work with online; one hundred thirty-eight blog posts on three different blogs I maintain; and 382 email messages to my online community. These are  practical strategies for effective time management, emphasizing the importance of creating a balance between work and personal life. Achieving work-life harmony requires effective time management strategies that allow you to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time more efficiently: 1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify your most important tasks and priorities for both work and personal life. Focus on what truly matters and allocate time accordingly. 2. Use a Time Management System: Choose a time management system that works for you, whether it’s a digital tool like Todoist or Trello, or a physical planner. Organize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress. Schedules vs To-Do Lists 3. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Prioritize tasks based on these categories. 4. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them during specific time blocks. This reduces the mental load of switching between different types of activities. 5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. This includes work tasks, personal commitments, and breaks. Stick to the schedule as much as possible. 6. Learn to Say No: Be selective about taking on new commitments. Saying no when necessary helps you avoid over-committing and allows you to focus on your existing priorities. 7. Delegate When Possible: Delegate tasks that others can handle. This applies to both professional and personal responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help. 8. Practice the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 9. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and increase stress. Complete one task before moving on to the next. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ You’re starting a conversation with your emails, and building a relationship with your prospects, customers, and clients over time. I’ve been online as an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer since 2006, and while much has changed, I believe that more has remained the same. Here, I’m discussing how we marketed in those early days, and why email marketing still remains top of mind. Most recently, I’ve co-hosted an Advanced Email Marketing Conference with Ellen Finkelstein. In April of 2023, I hosted my latest live marketing event in Los Angeles, and more recently I’ve hosted my Santa Barbara Retreat for those I mentor and teach. But like everyone else, I began by attending live events, and eventually virtual events in order to find my voice, connect with other like-minded people, and learn more about building and growing my online business. Guerilla marketing is a way to drive publicity and, as a result, brand awareness by promoting using unconventional methods designed to evoke surprise, wonder, or shock. Guerrilla marketing is the creating use of novel or unconventional methods in order to boost sales or attract interest in a brand or business. These methods are often low- or no-cost and involve the widespread use of more personal interactions or through viral social media messaging. This marketing method has increased in popularity with the rise of ubiquitous mobile and connected technologies that can amplify messaging and focus on target groups of consumers. Some consumers may be more attracted by guerrilla marketing campaigns as they may be more interesting and daring, while others may be turned off because of the perceived “disruptive” aspects of this style of marketing. Please subscribe and leave me a review. And connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com. Find out more about me HERE. Becoming an online entrepreneur was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been online since 2006 and now help others all over the world to do the same or something similar. We all have times where we are feeling a little down, lost, or confused. Life isn’t easy, and no one makes it out alive! These are my recommendations for how to get back on track and feeling more happy and optimistic about your future… Write! Whether you’re already a writer or are just beginning to think about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others, writing makes sense. I write every single day and publish much of my writing as blog posts, short reports, and full-length books. Writing opens your mind to what you want in the future, by allowing you to explore the past through your memories. You can also retell and reframe your stories in a way that will serve you going forward. Start a new project! I usually create products and courses as new projects, but this can also manifest as something you build or create with your hands. I have family members on two continents that love to put together complex jigsaw puzzles. They look forward to these as a new project on a regular basis. Volunteer! Before I started my online business, I promised myself I would volunteer my time and donate money to charitable causes… as soon as I had the time and the money to do so. Once I had my own business, I realized that I had some time and a little money to do this all along. Spend time with new people! As a part of the volunteering I now do regularly, I’ve spent time with very young children, veterans, women starting over after being in a domestic violence situation, and more. This work continues to make a difference in my life. As you can see, there are many ways to get back to your “Why?” and I hope this has been helpful to you. What’s the best niche topic to cover in your blog? I know you don’t what to hear me say “It depends.” so I won’t. Lean in, and I’ll share the very best niche for you, and it’s one that is also the most profitable, will feel more like you’re just having fun, will never go out of style, and will be the one that has absolutely zero competition. Which niche topic and target audience could it possibly be? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I learned when I began online 17 years ago that the best niche for anyone is the one that makes your heart sing and is probably a topic you take for granted. I had been teaching school for twenty years and my students were mostly Spanish and Tagalog native speakers. I told them if they wrote just a few sentences every single day – weekends, holidays, and school breaks included – their writing would improve. Those who followed my advice excelled, while those who didn’t floundered. During all those years, I seldom wrote anything unless it was required for my work as a teacher or for my part-time work in real estate. Fast forward to 2006, and I realized not only that I needed to write in order to succeed online, but also that what I’d done with my students would apply here as well. My niche for the next eighteen months was around helping others to write, publish, market, and sell eBooks. I wrote one on real estate farming – choosing and area close to home to connect with people who may need your services – as an example and sold it on my website. Back then, you had to sell eBooks on your own websites, as Amazon had not yet entered the world of self-publishing. My niche and website became “eBook writing and marketing secrets” and this topic took me to six figures. I was learning right along with the people who were learning and buying from me. I then moved that site over to https://ConnieRagenGreen.com to make a name for myself and to branch out to other topics. The bottom line is that you must begin by sharing what you already know something about and love. Blogging is the direct path to the visibility, credibility, and profitability you wish to have in your business. In my business, every idea begins as a blog post. This is where I think and research and brainstorm what’s on my mind in the very beginning. The blog post is ground zero for what could, and many times does become a product, course or program. Blog posts, while based on your idea, can be created with original content, private label (PLR) rights content, guest content, or curated content. While I immediately share my published posts on social media as “micro content” you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before syndicating your content on Medium. I also teach this syndication strategy in my popular and ongoing Syndication Optimization training program. Next up in your content creation and content marketing strategy is a short report, which you may sell online or give away as a lead magnet. I teach all of this in my Really Simple Short Reports training. This is what we refer to as “cornerstone” content that is extremely valuable. The final step is creating “authority content” by publishing your writing as a Kindle or paperback book to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert on your topic. I typically discuss time management and productivity in regards to entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors, and I’ve even co-authored a bestselling book on this topic, entitled “Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Manage Your Time to Increase Your Bottom Line” where we outline in great details the steps you may take to reach a level of optimal productivity and time management as an entrepreneur. But what about everyone else? Doesn’t every person deserve to live the lifestyle they want and deserve, where they enjoy financial freedom and the time to enjoy every moment to the fullest? Of course they do, and that’s what I’m sharing during this podcast. When I began online as a new entrepreneur in 2006, I realized immediately I would need help with technology and graphics, as these were the areas where I had no experience or talent. I bartered for these services for the first year or so, and then began to put together a team of people to support me so my business could grow. When I look back over my lifetime, I see that I have always had a team supporting me, whether it was while I worked as a classroom teacher, or in real estate as a broker and residential appraiser. Even while I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who supported me, from family, friends and neighbors to teachers, clergy, and people in the community. Put together your team and watch your business grow exponentially! When it comes to your visibility as an entrepreneur, where may we find you to see what you’re doing? This expert status comes from your writing, videos and audios, and your social media presence on the most active platforms for your target audience. My three popular and active blogs are at ConnieRagenGreen.com, HugeProfitsTinyList.com, and at MondayMorningMellow.com. Credibility is about what you already know and what you are learning. We all started our online businesses as adults, so we brought our knowledge and experiences with us. It made sense for me to help people write, market, and publish eBooks in the beginning, because I had worked as a classroom teacher for twenty years prior to coming online, and was learning about marketing and self-publishing. Profitability means that you must ask “What’s for sale?” every day in your business. Create your own simple products and courses, recommend others with affiliate marketing, and look into buying the resale rights to sell other people’s products as your own like I continue to do in my own business. The final part of this information on your expert status as an entrepreneur includes productivity, consistency, and attention to detail. Get everything in place as quickly as possible, and your online business is sure to grow exponentially! During my first couple of years online, beginning in 2007 I connected with mentors Alex Mandossian and Raymond Aaron. When I inquired as to what they were doing together as strategic alliance partners, they gave me a brief explanation and told me that I was not yet ready to move up to this level. Over the next two years they helped me to grow and elevate my business and my mindset as an online entrepreneur so that I could connect with others in this way. Seek out the people and groups you wish to be involved with and show them that you have moved past tactics and on to strategies. It will make all the difference and as you uplevel everything you’re doing online in your business, your free time and disposable income will increase exponentially! When I work with people in my Incubator Mastermind Mentoring program, the goal is to move them into position to become a strategic alliance partner with me and others to share their message in a bigger way. WHY did you choose the career you started your working life with? WHY did you get married, have children, and move into your first home? WHY did you make the conscious decision to leave your career at some point and start your business? WHY do you want to be an author or entrepreneur, or coach? WHY do you get up every single day and do the work required to become more successful on an ongoing basis? Everyone must have a WHY and there are no right or wrong answers here. But if you find yourself unmotivated to work or if you find yourself procrastinating on projects, then it's time to re-examine the main reason for your business. Name Your Reason – or Your WHY – for Starting a Business Focusing on your WHY can help motivate you, so write down your reason for starting a business on a regular basis. Did you want to fill your free time? Did you want to earn some play money or contribute to the family finances? Did you want to pay the medical bills of an aging parent or a sick child? Did you want to pay for your child's higher education or private school tuition? In my case, my answer to “what's your why?” was always around having enough income to live life on my terms. Over time, I came to the realization that every choice I was making, and each time I could not do something that had meaning for me, was all related to me needing to earn a paycheck or a commission from the classroom teaching and real estate work I was involved with each day. I missed just about every family event, vacation, and other activities because I was working 60 or more hours a week in order to cover my bills and other expenses. I wasn't angry or resentful because I believed that I didn't deserve to have a better life during those decades. This all changed in 2005 when I began reading books and attending events based on self improvement and personal development principles. Writing these reasons down – no matter what they are because every person's WHY will be different – should help motivate you to work hard. You should feel driven to make your business a success. You should be willing to tackle things outside your comfort zone because you know the end result will help your business. If you're not feeling motivated, then you need to dig deeper. I worked closely with a woman who was struggling to make her online business become profitable, and she continued to tell me that she had no problems or struggles in her life, currently or during her younger years. Then, one day she told me about her granddaughter who had passed away at age twelve and the floodgates opened. We got to the bottom of things, she discovered her why, and her business grew by leaps and bounds, almost overnight! Be Open and Willing to Examine Your Inner Feelings Life is fluid and ever-changing so it stands to reason that your WHY would change over time as well. Even if you started your business because you didn't know what to do once your kids were in full day school, you can change that WHY to something more meaningful now. A mentor once shared with me that she started a service business because she was a single mom and needed to earn money to survive. She was responsible for lodging, food, and clothing for herself and her child. She didn't have anyone to rely on except herself. THIS is enough to make you cry and to hustle for work, knowing that if she wasn't working, she wasn't eating. What are you passionate about that will get you hustling? Are you passionate about a cause or charity that can benefit from your financial assistance? Do you need to pull yourself up out of financial despair? Don't be afraid to own that reason and fight for your business. This is how you will continue to get closer to understanding and recognizing the answer to “what's your why?” Don't be Afraid to Switch Business Gears to Discover Your “Why” One of my mentees admitted to me early on that even though she has been in a service business for over ten years, that she hadn't been motivated to create any classes or products as a source of passive income. She blamed her indecision on a lack of new ideas and a feeling and belief that everything she knew had already been said and done, but I questioned if it was because she didn't feel attached to her particular niche of online marketing. After some more discussion, she agreed and has since modified her services that align better with what she enjoys. I still suggested that she explore a deeper WHY but this is a step in the right direction. Plenty of businesses add or subtract products or services or modify their mission statement. If something about your business doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to make changes. I'm bestselling author and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green, and now I can confidently answer the question “What's your why?” with enthusiasm and conviction. My “why” is around the concept of helping others to achieve their goals and dreams with writing and having a profitable online business so they may follow their dreams and passions without having to do work that doesn't make their heart sing or worry about meeting all of their financial obligations with grace and ease. You can double your productivity and be success with a business, or with anything you choose to accomplish in your life, if you are willing to implement what you learn and take decisive action on a consistent basis. Many people come to me to learn how to successful and profitable as an online entrepreneur. But some of them end up saying “I already know that” and moving on to something else. I know that I am able to do more than I ever thought would be possible in my life because I am willing to learn, implement, course correct, ask questions, take massive action and keep moving forward with consistency. Others may be smarter or more knowledgeable, but if they hesitate to take action they will not achieve the results they are hoping for in their business or with anything else. As long as you are specific and intentional with what you want to achieve, you can do it all as an entrepreneur, just not all at once. And we must throw perfection out the window. I have a new saying… The more perfecter your goal, the less purfeckt your results. “Everything we do in our lives is preparing us for something that will arise in the future, even though we don’t yet know what that will be.” ~ Connie Ragen Green Our stories are the fabric of our life. A story sets you apart from everyone else, makes you unique and memorable, and is all you have when it's all said and done. When I was a young child a neighbor girl, seven or eight years old at the time, interrupted my mother in the middle of a story she was telling to ask, “Why do you have so many stories?” My mother hardly skipped a beat, informing the girl that “You'll have stories too, when you get older.” On that evening a part of me became a storyteller in training. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was telling stories about everything from what I did in school that day to what happened in the neighborhood. I wore my storyteller's hat with pride and now I see that this one aspect of my life was preparing me for what I now do in my business and derive great joy from every single day. The word “praestabilis” is from the Latin and means outstanding, excellent, and extraordinary and this is the goal for you as you make your way in the online world. It took me until age 50 to step into the light and live an empowered life. I achieved this by leaving a job – classroom teaching – and a career as a real estate broker and appraiser to come online as an entrepreneur. I have no regrets about waiting so long, as everything unfolds once we are open to receiving it. There are three top strategies to help you move closer to an empowered life and they include… Writing – Every day, I want you to write! This includes blog posts, outlines, emails to your prospects, clients, and potential joint venture partners. Also, write short reports and white papers to show others who you are and what you know. Finally, write a book to solidify your expertise in your niche, and follow that up with additional books over time. Writing is crucial to our process of standing out from the crowd by sharing what we know and believe. Reach out to me if you’re interested in coming aboard for my “10 Week Author” program. Recent posts on my three blogs are at: “Broken Compass Stories We Tell Ourselves” – https://mondaymorningmellow.com/broken-compass-story/ “The eBook That Changed My Life” – https://hugeprofitstinylist.com/ebook-that-changed-my-life/ “Marketing Secrets from Creative Sources” – https://connieragengreen.com/marketing-secrets-from-creative-sources/ Speaking – I was the reluctant speaker, but once I got past my fears and insecurities you can’t get the microphone away from me. Speak about yourself and your topic to anyone who will listen. I began by speaking at my Rotary Club and I continue to recommend service organizations as a way to break in to speaking. Now I speak all over the world, in person and virtually on a variety of topics. Masterminding – Connecting with others for the sole purpose of reaching your full potential is crucial to life success. Find a Mastermind group to join, or start your own by inviting thought leaders to connect with you in this way. I have a group called the Incubator Mastermind that may be of interest to you. Hopefully, you can see that what I’m sharing with on each podcast will make a difference for you as you build and grow your business as an entrepreneur, author, and marketer. Make sure to think of marketing as a priority and get into the habit of sharing your best ideas and resources with the people who are on their way to becoming your raving fans! I’m always just an email away at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to connect with me. I promise to help you keep it simple while you grow your online business. Get started with your own eBook empire by learning how to write an eBook from the person who continues to guide me along this lucrative journey. Take a look at How to Write and Publish Your Own eBook…in as Little as 7 Days from expert and author Jim Edwards. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as I share my beliefs, perceptions, and experiences as an author, online entrepreneur, and marketing strategist with you. Marketing has become the joy of my life as I continue to learn, grow, and share concepts with others. I'm bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 157 first appeared on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 157 appeared first on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.

Sandra and Kasey are thankful for their podcast listeners every day, especially those who are part of the Supernatural fandom and fanfiction community. In this episode, they take a moment during the Thanksgiving season to express their gratitude and give a special shout-out to members of their SPNFamily. Whether you're a fanfiction writer, a podfic listener, or simply a lover of Sam and Dean Winchester, this episode celebrates the fan creativity and dedication that keeps the fandom vibrant. Happy Thanksgiving to all who ride along in the Impala!~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:02:05 - Time to thank our listeners!00:08:55 - Outro

In this episode of Idling In The Impala, Sandra and Kasey dive deep into the fanfiction trope of Hurt/Comfort, a beloved and expansive category within the SPN fandom and beyond. They explore the many variations of this trope and the related tags commonly found in the world of fanfiction and podfics. As dedicated fans of Supernatural, they also discuss how Hurt/Comfort features in stories about the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, and how it influences their own creative writing. If you're a fan of fandom, fanfiction, and all things SPN, this episode offers thoughtful insights into one of fanfiction's most popular genres.Link to Hurt/Comfort Fanlore Page: https://fanlore.org/wiki/Hurt/ComfortDoc with all the stats and fic links discussed in this episode can be found here.Click here to check out fic recs from our Discord members: But we'd love you to join us in the server's #backseat to share your recs and thoughts!~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:20 - Our Discord got to pick the TnT topic00:02:40 - Tackling Hurt/Comfort00:03:32 - Do we write H/C?00:05:17 - Thoughts from Discord00:09:15 - Wrapping our heads around this broad beast of a tag00:15:43 - Variations and degrees of H/C00:21:39 - The history of H/C00:22:55 - It's like H/C was made for Sam and Dean00:26:23 - Slash fics00:29:05 - Emotional intimacy00:31:20 - Platonic comfort00:32:15 - Trope elements to look for in H/C00:33:05 - AO3 stats00:37:53 - H/C examples in our fics00:55:25 - A peek at some of our Discord member recs00:58:09 - Verdict on H/C01:00:08 - Outro

Dive into a detailed rewatch discussion of 'Mystery Spot,' one of the most iconic episodes in the Supernatural fandom. Join Kasey, Sandra, and special guest Ted as they explore this intense Groundhog Day episode and unpack emotional themes and personal reactions. Tune in to hear perspectives shaped by the unique Sam and Dean Winchester story arcs and the wider fan experience. Note: This episode contains sensitive conversations about grief and the death of a family member.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:00:47 - Breaking down an episode that Kasey does not like00:03:00 - Find Ted in our Discord00:03:54 - How the rewatch and discussion formed00:09:37 - Ted is an awesome wingman00:10:56 - The boys at the start of Mystery Spot00:15:27 - The trauma of losing a loved one00:17:10 - Sam tries to logic his way out of Tuesdays00:19:30 - Why doesn't Sam just give up00:22:46 - Getting real with the effects of trauma00:24:11 - Dean's comedic relief in the tragedy00:28:54 - Reasons why it's such a highly rated episode00:33:16 - Life for Sam without Dean00:34:47 - Sam and the Trickster were playing a game of chess00:45:03 - Dimensions and time manipulation00:51:24 - All the ways Dean bites it00:56:49 - “I'm supposed to wake up.”01:08:33 - Jared's experience filming01:10:06 - The episode that keeps on giving01:19:52 - Views on Mystery Spot01:24:15 - Final Thoughts and Outro

Show NotesKeywords: affirmations, self-care, positive thinking, personal growth, encouragement, self-love, manifestation, mental health, motivation, spiritualitySummary - In this conversation, Ms. G emphasizes the importance of creating personal affirmations tailored to individual needs. She encourages listeners to be their own cheerleaders, practice self-love, and maintain a positive mindset, especially during challenging times. Through her personal experiences, she illustrates how affirmations and faith can help overcome obstacles and set a positive tone for each day.TakeawaysCreate your own affirmations tailored to your needs.Speak words of affirmation to manifest your desires.Be your biggest cheerleader and encourage yourself.Self-care is essential for mental well-being.Trust in God and speak positively during challenges.Your words have the power to shape your reality.Establish a daily routine of reading scripture and affirmations.Write affirmations down and place them where you can see them.You have the power to set the tone for your day.Intentionality in positivity can lead to a better life.Empower Yourself with Personal AffirmationsThe Importance of Self-Care and Positivity"Speak words of affirmation.""Get up and move.""Speak life into yourself."

Join Sandra and Kasey as they dive into the world of fandom, ranking their favorite shirts worn by Sam and Dean Winchester in Supernatural. It's been a minute since they tackled a ranking, and this episode shines a light on the beloved characters and the fandom culture that surrounds them. With plenty of picture references and nostalgic discussions, discover which iconic shirts made the cut and how they resonate within the fanfiction community. Tune in for a fun trip through SPN fandom that celebrates the characters we love!Follow along with visual aids and check out Supernatural Wiki's Clothing Catalogue and hells_half_acre If Clothes Could Talk master post on livejournal to pick your favorites!Sandra's Fave Dean ShirtsKasey's Fave Sam Shirts~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:00:48 - Another ranking episode00:01:55 - Favorite Winchester shirts00:03:09 - Superwiki clothing catalogue00:04:57 - No rules were followed in this ranking00:05:35 - Already have more clothing to rank00:06:40 - The boys' wardrobe improved throughout the show00:08:16 - What influenced the picks00:10:19 - Sandra's fave Dean shirts00:24:29 - Kasey shares their Sam faves00:32:53 - Tangent about John's jacket00:33:36 - “Faith” hoodie significance00:33:54 - Another honorable mention00:35:17 - The best Sam shirt00:37:37 - But wait, Kasey's not done!00:41:18 - Final thoughts and outro

Join us this Halloween as we dive into the world of fandom with our episode rewatch of season four's 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester!' from Supernatural. Every day might feel like Halloween for Sam and Dean Winchester, but Sandra and Kasey find a unique way to celebrate the occasion through this fan-favorite episode. We recorded our discussion during a lively gathering in Idling's Discord server. In this episode, we explore the impact of Supernatural on the fanfiction community and share our favorite fan theories while celebrating the bond that fandom creates among us. Tune in and join the conversation, SPNFamily!~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:18 - Keeping in the Halloween theme00:02:11 - Rewatching The Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester00:04:14 - Cringe-Inducing Cold Open00:06:38 - Director Charles Beeson00:09:03 - A Witchy Episode00:11:45 - Dean is a creep00:19:38 - Creepy teacher Don00:20:11 - Sam drops some Halloween lore00:26:49 - Watching Sam lose his faith in real time00:31:35 - Still finding their character voices in the early seasons00:35:01 - Kasey's got some bones to pick00:43:38 - Sam's genius ideas00:45:47 - Demon eyes00:47:57 - Questionable choices00:48:40 - Burial choices and bodily autonomy00:54:32 - Teen parties: Hollywood Version00:58:31 - Sam's showdown with Samhain01:05:03 - Episode ending01:11:34 - Final thoughts and outro

In the latest episode of Empower Yourself, Andrew Tallents explores what it truly means to be an authentic leader: staying consistent, showing vulnerability, and aligning your purpose with your actions.From understanding the myths around authenticity to practical ways leaders can stay grounded, this episode is a guide to leading with trust, presence, and genuine impact.

Listeners are in for a real treat today as we explore the vibrant world of fandom and fanfiction! Join us as we chat with CookieMom6067, a multi-fandom creator who has been captivating audiences with her podfics for beloved series like Stargate Atlantis, Supernatural, and Star Trek for over 15 years. Starting her journey in the golden era of LiveJournal, she now boasts over 700 podfics on AO3, enriching the lives of fans everywhere.CookieMom6067's mission is simple yet profound: to express gratitude and love for all the creators and fans who make the world of fandom so special. During our conversation, we delve into her beginnings in fandom, uncovering her incredible contributions to the fanfiction community and the art of podfics. Sandra and Kasey were blown away by her aural prowess and passion for storytelling—she truly deserves a cookie for her dedication!You can find CookieMom on AO3 and tumblr.Tools and resources (external sites/links)AO3 Podfic Posting Helper (Fanlore page): https://fanlore.org/wiki/Podfic_Posting_HelperBlanket Permission Highlighter: https://github.com/BrickGrass/Blanket-Permission-HighlighterUnsplash (creative commons photography that Cookie sometimes uses for covers): https://unsplash.com/Fanworks Permission Statement Builder: https://www.inklewriter.com/stories/115743~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:03:49 - The fandom bug00:05:50 - RPF was the pathway to SPN00:07:46 - Fandom Roots00:09:44 - J200:13:36 - Show thoughts00:16:26 - Toxic fandoms00:19:29 - Steeped in SPN00:20:31 - Sam or Dean?00:26:56 - Comic Fandom00:33:32 - Getting into podficcing00:37:28 - Theatrical expression00:38:31 - Making fics accessible00:40:33 - Giving authors a new perspective00:41:51 - All hail comments00:42:09 - First solo podfic00:45:59 - Recording equipment00:51:08 - Inspiration to podfic00:54:00 - Blanket permission01:12:42 - Hosting and Posting01:26:00 - Communities01:31:52 - Props01:38:26 - Kasey's questions01:42:06 - Words of wisdom01:44:28 - Outro

In this episode of Idling In The Impala, Sandra and Kasey dive into the intriguing world of fanfiction, focusing on the common fanfiction trope of Amnesia. Join them as they unpack this trope and its related tags, discussing how it shapes narratives and impacts characters, especially the beloved Sam and Dean Winchester. Spoilers reveal that Kasey has some personal reasons for an aversion to this trope, so be prepared for some heartfelt moments. Discover the nuances of fanfiction and how tropes like Amnesia resonate within the Supernatural fandom. Send hugs and join the conversation!Link to Amnesia Fanlore Page: https://fanlore.org/wiki/AmnesiaDoc with all the stats and fic links discussed in this episode can be found here.If you'd like to check out more fic recs from our Discord members, join us in the #backseat.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:18 - Kasey is not a fan of the Amnesia trope00:03:09 - Amnesia has been used in everything00:03:56 - First thoughts when we hear Amnesia00:04:45 - The struggle between enjoying fiction about and the real-life implications of Amnesia00:12:43 - Hows and whys behind the use of Amnesia in fiction00:15:44 - Consent issues with Amnesia00:16:58 - Canon Amnesia00:18:15 - Season 7 Time For A Wedding00:20:22 - Regarding Dean00:21:00 - AO3 stats breakdown00:24:33 - Examples of the trope in fics00:30:29 - Questionable memory around myths and fairy tales00:31:31 - Kasey forgot how Sandra's used this trope00:36:31 - Back to the fairy tales00:39:08 - Sandra's picks for Amnesia fics and plot device use00:46:36 - Join our Discord for more fic recs of the trope00:47:58 - Final thoughts and outro

Episode #176: Stop Making Yourself Small! Unlock the secrets to authentic success by leaving outdated conventions behind. Imagine a world where your potential isn't just a dream but a reality within reach. With Kimberly Lovey as your guide, this episode promises to challenge your ideas about success in the modern world. Hear firsthand how she transformed a traditional corporate career into a platform powered by social media and modern networking, underscoring the necessity of visibility in today's fast-paced environment. The conversation emphasizes why overcoming fear and hesitation is crucial for maximizing your impact and achieving success. Break free from the constraints that hold you back, and take an active role in shaping your future. Explore the idea that it's time to stop judging yourself and start envisioning limitless possibilities. Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast, igniting a business, or advancing in your career, the key is pushing past excuses and recognizing your unique gifts. Kimberly shares her own story of perseverance and passion, urging you to see self-investment as a priority. It's about deciding whether to remain stuck or step boldly into your potential, playing big and unapologetically in a world full of opportunities. Chapters: (00:00) Step Into Your Power (13:31) Empower Yourself, Take Action Follow Kimberly on Instagram and TikTok @kimberlylovi or @iconicnationmedia  WATCH us on YouTube and view our brand new studio! 

Join us for an exploration of fandom as we dive into a first-time experience at the CreationCon in Philadelphia! In this episode, Sandra takes three family members along for an unforgettable adventure packed with SPNFamily moments. From the Saturday Night Special concert to exciting photo ops, panels, and an amusing encounter in the bathroom, the discussions offer insight into the vibrant world of fandom and fanfiction. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the SPN fandom, this episode is a delightful peek into the community. Tune in to get inspired by our tales and share in our excitement for all things Sam and Dean Winchester!It should also be noted that Kasey had not yet listened to the breakdown before this episode was put together. They did the best co-host thing by helping Sandra intro and outro this baby blind!~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:39 - The Day After PhillyCon00:03:30 - Each Con Experience Hits Different00:08:15 - Kasey is going in blind for this breakdown listen00:08:55 - We are family00:11:14 - Wanting to share more con stories00:13:33 - Join our Discord and listen to a tangent or two00:20:03 - Con Breakdown Time01:12:51 - Final thoughts and outro

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of writing Gender Neutral Reader-Insert (GNRI) fanfiction. Recently, Sandra and Kasey spoke with Reader-Insert writers who successfully incorporated culture and diversity into their characters. Now, they flip the script and explore what it means for authors to focus on writing GNRI, a topic that is both personal and nuanced in the realm of fandom. By spotlighting the voices of writers tackling this complex subject, Sandra and Kasey aim to honor their perspectives and experiences. Through a survey of various authors, they gathered diverse responses that provoke thought and discussion around the motivations and challenges involved in creating inclusive fanfiction.Content/Trigger Warning ~ This episode discusses gender identity and related topics, including gender dysphoria. If this subject matter might cause distress, please proceed with caution or skip this one for now.If any LGBTQ+ listeners of the podcast need support or are in crisis, reach out to an organization like The Trevor Project for help.The Episode Doc and GNRI Survey Responses can be accessed here.Links to Fics Discussed:Warm Brown Jacket by samsbladeI Really Wish I Hated You - D.W. - by flawlesslyspellboundKasey's fics: A Tale of Two Minds, Scents of Home, Second Base with Sammy~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:00:48 - What spurred the GNRI discussion00:04:06 - Our Reader Insert Roots00:05:02 - Kasey is Gender Neutral00:08:00 - GNRI research00:09:04 - What is GNRI?00:15:45 - AO3 stats on GNRI00:18:43 - Gendered Language00:20:10 - Gender Dysphoria00:21:52 - Kasey takes the wheel00:23:57 - Gender Identity vs. Gender Expression00:30:21 - Proactive pronoun usage00:36:00 - Nonbinary expectations00:37:41 - People on the journey understand the difficulty00:42:20 - Survey responses from writers01:19:02 - Kasey's thoughts on two GNRI fics01:24:19 - Kasey accidentally wrote GNRI01:31:23 - Outro

Join us for an insightful conversation about SPN fanfiction with Nyxocity, a celebrated author within the Supernatural fandom. In this episode, Kasey and Sandra welcome Nyx to discuss her groundbreaking works and the impact of fandom on her creativity. After her first appearance in December 2024, we delve into her latest J2 fanfic, "Retroactive", and her exciting plans to revisit the iconic "Homework Verse" for SPN's 20th Anniversary. Celebrate the brilliance of fanfiction and what the SPN fandom has meant to Nyx and countless others over the past two decades!Find Nyxocity on tumblr and AO3.If you haven't read Retroactive yet, check it out here!~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:20 - Finishing the epic Retroactive00:05:08 - The idea for Retroactive00:07:33 - Breaking out of writing in a vacuum00:11:22 - The comment gallery for Retro00:15:40 - Releasing in a serialized format again?00:19:34 - If Nyx can do it, GRRM can00:21:03 - Writing support00:22:19 - Retroactive highlights and points of pride00:25:47 - Any character surprises?00:27:34 - Retroactive spoilers00:30:58 - When the ending of Retroactive was in sight00:37:47 - Dipping back into Retroactive in the future?00:43:24 - Supernatural: the inspiration that keeps going and going00:44:35 - What is it like being fandom famous?00:47:21 - Retroactive pulled Nyx back into fandom00:49:09 - Getting assigned more Homework Verse00:55:02 - A Touch of Evil01:06:26 - Jealous Sky Verse01:10:42 - Nothing Ever Really Ends01:15:00 - Stranger Than Fiction01:17:20 - How the muse uses music in fics01:28:12 - Superposition01:37:23 - Supernatural fandom01:49:14 - A Stephen King tangent01:58:14 - Celebrating Retroactive01:59:26 - Future chats with Nyx02:03:29 - Outro

In this episode, Sandra and Kasey are joined by Masoena, a prolific creator and passionate cheerleader in the Supernatural fandom. Known on Tumblr and AO3, she first made her mark with a Supernatural fanfic back in 2018, but it wasn't until 2023 that her writing truly flourished. Since then, she's embraced the world of fanfiction, participating in various bangs as both a writer and artist, and taking on the role of challenge mod. Join us for a deep dive into her experiences, as we discuss the complexities of writing about the beloved Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, and the joy of J2 and multishipping. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about fan fiction and the vibrant SPN community!Find Masoena on tumblr and AO3.Find details on the SamWinJarPad Reverse Bang here.  Mas' Sam Winchester and the Grinch fic can be read here. Bang event summary from Midnight Silver can be found here.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:19 - Recording on Jared's Bday00:02:40 - When did Mas get into Supernatural?00:05:17 - Seeing the boys film on location00:09:18 - It's the moose for Mas00:14:50 - Why did Mas take a break from watching SPN?00:17:48 - Longevity of a show lessens quality00:19:52 - Finding fandom and fanfiction00:26:54 - IdlingCon is still in the infancy stage00:28:59 - But, also, whales - tangent00:30:25 - Fanfiction and writing journey00:38:25 - What does Mas muse about?00:39:55 - Mas, the multishipper00:42:33 - Think kink00:44:45 - The malleability of ships00:46:18 - J2 personas spark RPF for Mas00:52:16 - Take on tropes00:54:37 - Rare pair realizations01:00:01 - The writing sweet spot01:01:34 - Plot or improv?01:04:19 - Here for the happy endings01:05:14 - When to collab and when to hoard01:06:45 - The decision to mod a writing challenge01:12:35 - Fostering creative connection01:17:43 - Juggling responsibility and fandom01:20:04 - Kasey's questions01:23:32 - Final thoughts from Mas01:27:38 - Outro

In this episode, Sandra and Kasey chat with Tsukiyo-7, an exceptionally talented artist in the Supernatural (SPN) fandom. As a part-time fan artist and a vibrant member of Idling's Discord community, Tsukiyo-7 shares their artistic inspiration, process, and the joy of engaging with the SPN fandom. The conversation explores the intersection of creativity, fan collabs, and the beloved characters Sam and Dean Winchester, and how these elements thrive within the rich tapestry of the supernatural fan community.Link to Tsukiyo-7's tumblr and commissions info."Lest I burn, set afire by flames" (Wincest) by Tsukiyo-7 ~ https://archiveofourown.org/works/57781453~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen andDoctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:02:52 - When did Supernatural enter Tsukiyo's life?00:03:55 - Dropped out and dipped back into the show00:05:50 - Fandom immersion00:07:19 - Catholicism portrayal in American media00:11:02 - Sam or Dean?00:14:41 - Thoughts on the show00:16:45 - Sam in pain is great00:18:14 - Show quality in later seasons00:20:46 - Would SPN fandom be the same without 15 seasons?00:24:59 - Favorite characters00:28:36 - Kasey's show questions00:31:45 - Mystery Spot00:35:36 - When did fanfiction grab Tsukiyo?00:39:14 - Tsukiyo's reading habits00:47:08 - Wincest for the win00:55:58 - Has Tsukiyo written fanfic?00:56:39 - Tsukiyo's artistic start00:59:07 - Creating SPN fan art01:10:10 - Fan collabs and commissions01:21:16 - Participation in any challenges?01:27:59 - Fanning over other artists01:32:46 - Kasey's questions01:42:10 - Advice for the hesitant fan artist01:45:00 - Final thoughts and outro

Catch Episode 23 of Empower Yourself

In this episode, Sandra and Kasey celebrate an exciting journey in the world of fandom through their PodTogether 2025 project, a unique podfic collaboration. Joining forces with Jackie (jinkieswouldyoulookatthis) and BJ (darali_starscream), they explore the creative process of writing and producing a podfic together. PodTogether is an innovative challenge where writers create text designed specifically for audio, and podficcers bring that text to life through their performances. Tune in as they reflect on their experiences and the engaging finale titled 'Stuck In The Middle With You.' Whether you're a fan of Supernatural, fanfiction, or podfics, this episode promises an entertaining look into collaborative storytelling.Read and listen to “Stuck In The Middle With You” here.Check out the PodTogether collection on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Pod_Together~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:34 - How the PodTogether collab came together00:04:53 - Recent works by BJ and Jackie00:08:47 - The support of our ride or die beta, Dreamer00:10:08 - Did Jackie realize this would backfire?00:11:47 - BJ's initial thoughts on collaborating00:13:50 - Low-pressure group challenge00:16:07 - Prior collab experience00:21:21 - A three-act story00:22:35 - The brother's relationship00:23:46 - The brainstorming00:25:35 - Playing with sound00:27:22 - The theme that emerged00:33:47 - How the scenes built on each other00:37:04 - The song inspiration00:48:16 - Did we have a clue about what we were doing?00:52:39 - Writing in the same POV by accident00:59:23 - Tying the perfect bow on the story01:35:50 - 01:03:07 - The soundtrack01:05:44 - The podfic collaboration01:14:33 - The result01:21:54 - Final thoughts01:35:50 - Attempting an outro

Ever wondered why some people move past hardships while others get stuck in them?In this transformative conversation, Columbia professor Scott Barry Kaufman reveals the crucial difference between experiencing hardship and adopting a victim mindset, sharing research-backed strategies from his book, Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. Learn how shifting your perspective on boredom, lowering certain life expectations, and changing simple self-talk patterns can unlock new levels of personal power and possibility.You can find Scott at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you'll also love the conversations we had with Brené Brown about embracing Vulnerability to fuel creative growth.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesCheck out our offerings & partners: Beam Dream Powder: Visit https://shopbeam.com/GOODLIFE and use code GOODLIFE to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six Steps To Effective Team Coaching | Empower Yourself Ep-22What makes a team truly effective? In this episode of Empower Yourself, Sandy speaks with Andrew Tallents, leadership coach, author, and motivational speaker, about six practical steps leaders can use to transform the way their teams collaborate and perform. From building trust to driving accountability, Andrew breaks down simple yet powerful approaches that anyone leading a team can apply right away.

What are some practical ways to make an impact as a leader? In this episode, Kevin welcomes Margaret Moore and Jeffrey Hull to discuss how leaders can close the gap between science and real-world application. Margaret and Jeffrey translated hundreds of leadership studies into nine capacities. These are grouped into three levels: self, relationships with others, and the larger organizational and societal impact. They share what it means to lead intentionally, develop agility and authenticity, and build psychologically safe environments. They also talk about concepts like the "quiet ego," balancing compassion and strategy, and why conscious leadership underpins all other capacities. Listen For 0:00 Introduction and Framing the Conversation 1:16 About the Podcast and Live Opportunities 1:48 Kevin Introduces His Book Flexible Leadership 2:15 Guest Introductions Margaret Moore and Jeffrey Hull 3:14 Why the Word “Impact” 5:26 How the Book Came to Be 8:09 Researching the Research 13:28 Three Segments of Leadership Capacities 17:32 The 3 Self Focused Capacities 19:39 The 3 Team or Other Focused Capacities 23:39 The 3 Organization Focused Capacities 27:48 Most Misunderstood Capacities 30:12 The Concept of the Quiet Ego 32:42 Book Takeaways and Closing Reflections 35:03 What They're Reading 37:04 Where to Learn More 38:24 Kevin's Final Challenge Now What Their Story: Jeffrey Hull, PhD, and Margaret Moore, MBA are the authors of The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact. Jeffery has focused on leadership for over 30 years, as an HR leader with multiple corporations, cofounder of a leadership development consultancy, nonprofit executive director, and coach to leaders across the globe. He brings years of translating science into leadership as a consultant, psychologist, and teacher at New York University and Harvard Medical School. In writing this book, Jeff is excited to see his chosen professions—leadership and coaching—getting the scientific attention and application they deserve. Margaret blends leadership, coaching, and science, including thirty years in C-suite roles, co-leading four successful start-ups in biotechnology and coaching, and two decades of professional coaching and coach training. For 25 years, she has been a prolific translator of science into coaching, training, and leadership practice. Margaret's vision for this book is to help bring scientists, leaders, and coaches together to foster leadership excellence and support everyday leaders far and wide. https://www.scienceofleadership.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreywhull/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmeg/ This Episode is brought to you by... Flexible Leadership is every leader's guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos.  Book Recommendations The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact by Jeffrey Hull and Margaret Moore  The Transformative Self: Personal Growth, Narrative Identity, and the Good Life (Explorations in Narrative Psychology) by Jack J. Bauer  The Trauma of Everyday Life by Mark Epstein M.D Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective by Mark Epstein Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential by Scott Barry Kaufman PhD James by Percival Everett Like this? Cracking the Leadership Code with Alain Hunkins Connecting with Others Through Listening with Ximena Vengoechea Join Our Community If you want to view our live podcast episodes, hear about new releases, or chat with others who enjoy this podcast join one of our communities below. Join the Facebook Group Join the LinkedIn Group   Leave a Review If you liked this conversation, we'd be thrilled if you'd let others know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Here's a quick guide for posting a review. Review on Apple: https://remarkablepodcast.com/itunes    Podcast Better! Sign up with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free! Use promo code: RLP  

This podcast is not sponsored by anyone selling testosterone and its hosts aren't on T, but there are a many who are! Adam looks into testosterone replacement therapy, TRT, and its connection to some podcasts which are popular with men. Darren then gives us some reviews of five books: Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company by Patrick McGee, An Immense World by Ed Yong, Canada Alone: Navigating the Post-American World by Kim Richard Nossal, Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words by John McWhorter and Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself and Realise Your Full Potential by Scott Barry Kaufman.

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive scientist, podcaster, mentalist and author of 11 (!!) books. We had him on to talk about his latest “Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential, and were diagnosed with Vulnerable Narcissm (Yael) and being a Neurotic Jew (CL). We also mocked our negative self-talk, evaluated the usefuleness of self-deprecating humor, and learned about Dr. Scott's attempt to bring peace to the Columbia campus where he teaches. Read his book, and sign up for his newsletter right here on Substack! Thanks for reading Good for the Jews! This post is public so feel free to share it.Also covered:* Rabbi feel-good* Who's going to read a book that says your're the problem? (the answer: Jews)* Negative self talk is for losers* You are not your thoughts* Women love mind-reading* Opera sucks* Collective anxiety and pain* Making sense of teaching at ColumbiaDid we tell you to buy the book? Buy the book!Good for the Jews is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

Scott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive scientist and best-selling author of the book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. Scott's writing dives deep into the psychology of the victim mindset, narcissism, and the impact of performative vulnerability on social media. Having overcome childhood misdiagnoses that placed him in special ed classes and bullying peers, Scott went on to earn a PhD from Yale. He shares this deeply personal story of as a teachable moment to discuss mental health, cancel culture, psychological flexibility, and what truly helps us grow as humans. Thought-provoking, funny, and brutally honest—this is a must-watch for anyone navigating identity, trauma, or the modern self-help world. Scott's other books include Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization and Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt. Read Paul's Substack here: http://words.PaulOllinger.com Learn more about Scott's academic on his website and his magic and mind-reading on https://www.theamazingdrscott.show/

How can we grow into our full potential?—living up to what we know is the best version of ourselves, actualizing our goals, and expressing our deepest purpose in a life of impact and love?Grounded in cognitive science and psychology, best-selling author, podcaster, educator and researcher Scott Barry Kaufman believes that we need to redefine our understanding of greatness and excellence to include our whole selves—our emotions, dreams, failures, and gifts—all to live a life that is fully human, fully yourself.In this conversation with Scott Barry Kaufman, we discuss:Education and formation for the whole person, not just our intellect but our bodies, emotions, and spiritualityMaslow's hierarchy of needs and the journey that leads to self-actualizationThe difference it makes to see the world through growth rather than our deficienciesWhat it means to thrive even in the midst of mental illnessThe horizontal dimensions of transcendenceAnd how to connect and align with your deepest valuesEpisode Highlights“You can be mentally ill and thriving.”“Self-actualization is bringing your whole self to the table—not just one part of you.”“Real transcendence is about becoming one with the world—not being more enlightened than others.”“People are far more likely to demand respect than to give it.”“Only you can walk the path.”Helpful Links and ResourcesVisit scottbarrykaufman.comThe Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry KaufmanChoose Growth Workbook by Kaufman & Feingold*Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization,* by Scott Barry KaufmanScientific American: Spiritual NarcissismThe Lights Triad Personality TestSensitive Men Rising DocumentaryMaslow's Hierarchy of Needs Reimagined – Big ThinkCorey Mascara Podcast on ValuesShow NotesOrigin Story and Human ComplexityScott shares his journey from being labeled “ungifted” with an auditory disability to becoming a cognitive scientist.A pivotal teacher asked, “What are you still doing here?”—sparking self-belief and ambition.“I was a champion for the quirky kids from the start.”His work has shifted from an early obsession with greatness to a lifelong pursuit of self-actualization.“Greatness is tied up in power and status. Self-actualization is about bringing your whole self.”Reimagining Maslow & The Sailboat MetaphorKaufman replaces the hierarchy of needs with a dynamic sailboat metaphor.The boat represents safety (security, connection, self-esteem); the sail represents growth and transcendence.“Unless we open our sail and become vulnerable to the wind, we can't move toward what matters.”Adds collective dimension: “There are other boats in the sea. Some people forget that.”Contrasts “horizontal transcendence” (connection) with “spiritual narcissism” (superiority).Mental Illness, Creativity, and ThrivingChallenges the binary between wellness and illness: “You can be mentally ill and thriving.”Cites research showing creative strengths in children of those with mental illness.“They get the goodies without the baddies—the imagination without the psychosis.”Dismantles false dichotomies in psychiatry: labels vs. lived experience.Encourages integration rather than repression of neurodivergence and emotion.Alignment, Identity, and Individual GrowthAlignment—not perfection—is the goal of self-actualization.“Self-actualization coaching isn't about judgment. It's about helping people align with their values.”Different people prioritize different values: connection, power, freedom, meaning.Encourages reflection: What roles do you cherish most? What do you say yes and no to?“Ask: What's my reason for being? What legacy do I want to leave?”Moral Psychology and MatteringDiscusses mattering and the perils of performative self-importance.“Some people matter too much… they take up so much space, there's no room for others.”Proposes a “mattering ecology” for shared dignity and contribution.On moral flexibility: “People who scream loudest often don't like themselves.”Calls for emotional regulation, reflection, and collective moral grounding in a polarized world.Relationships, Whole Love, and SpiritualityIntroduces the concept of “whole love”—where all parts of the self are seen, accepted, and growing together.“It's as simple and as hard as that.”Critiques spiritual narcissism and “dark empaths” who use others for ego validation.Real empathy requires asking: “Am I helping this person for their sake—or because I need to be needed?”“Good character doesn't need an excuse.”Practical Takeaways & Coaching ToolsDirects listeners to Choose Growth, a practical workbook co-authored with Dr. Jordan Feingold.Reflection prompts: What am I proud of? What do I wish to change? What's my legacy?Encourages clarity around values and meaningful roles.Offers self-coaching questions to foster personal development and alignment.Provides listeners with tools for discernment, purpose, and sustainable growth.Pam King's Key TakeawaysScience and spirituality work together as an integrated pursuit of truth.Intelligence is so much more than a thought-process.Self-actualization leads us well beyond the self.Life is like a sailboat: so let the wind fill your sails as you dance on the waves toward our most valued harbor—and may the tides rise for all of us.To be a whole-person means resting in a loving compassion for ourselves and others—an openness and oneness with the world.“Many people could carry you across the bridge, but only you can walk the path.”About Scott Barry KaufmanScott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive scientist, author, and humanistic psychologist exploring the depths of human potential. He is the founding director of the Center for Human Potential and a the best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster. He hosts The Psychology Podcast. And he is author and/or editor of numerous books, including his celebrated *Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined*, as well as his latest books, Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt and Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. If you're interested in more from Scott, visit scottbarrykaufman.com. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

What if the greatest obstacle to reaching your potential isn't external barriers, but a mindset in which you see yourself as a victim? Today, I'm stoked to welcome back my good friend and one of my favorite thinkers, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman. This is Scott's third time on the podcast, and he always delivers. Scott is a humanistic psychologist, bestselling author, and host of The Psychology Podcast. His new book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential dives deep into what it means to move through suffering with both self-awareness and strength.In this conversation, we talk about the difference between victimization and a victim mindset, how subtle thought patterns like hostile attribution bias or over-personalization can limit growth, and why a mindset rooted in empowerment is the key to self-actualization.As you listen, reflect on your own internal narratives…. Maybe even the core triggers for when you tend to blame, deflect, or shrink back when things get hard? How might a shift toward a more powerful mindset — toward a deeper trust in yourself — change how you respond to life's challenges? Please enjoy this powerful conversation with my friend, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman.__________________Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletterDownload Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine!Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XScott Barry Kaufman: https://scottbarrykaufman.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When COVID hit we all wore masks, so as not to infect each other or get infected. I and many others perceive that a more dangerous virus is among us, and it's a victim mindset, which results in a victim identity. So how can we protect ourselves? My guest is Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D.,  a cognitive psychologist who is among the top one percent most cited scientists in the world for his groundbreaking research on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. He is the host of The Psychology Podcast, which is frequently ranked the #1 psychology podcast in the world. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. Dr. Kaufman's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review, and he is the author of eleven books, the latest of which is called, Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your True Potential. We dig into this issue of victim mindset and identity in a candid, and likely not very PC discussion. As you'll hear, I'm just as susceptible as anyone at falling to my own victim mentality, so as usual, I entered into this with a student mindset. And…I was schooled. I think you will be too. Sign up for your $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Harris speaks with Scott Barry Kaufman about Scott's new book, Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. They discuss victimhood culture, narcissism and psychopathy, the personality traits of successful individuals, the dark triad of personality traits, how victimhood culture presents on the Left vs. the Right, free speech, self-esteem and meaning in the age of AI, the replication crisis, the personality traits of MAGA conservatives, IQ, psychedelics, and other topics. If the Making Sense podcast logo in your player is BLACK, you can SUBSCRIBE to gain access to all full-length episodes at samharris.org/subscribe.   Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That's why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life's most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.  

In a special role-reversal episode of The Psychology Podcast, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is interviewed by renowned social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt to discuss Scott’s brand-new book, Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. This powerful conversation explores how modern culture can reinforce limiting beliefs and emotional fragility, and how we can instead reclaim agency, resilience, and meaning in our lives. Scott opens up about the myths of self-esteem, the emotional toll of victimhood culture, and the surprising strengths that come from sensitivity. Together, Scott and Jonathan unpack the cultural narratives that hold us back and offer practical strategies for developing emotional strength and personal empowerment in an age of anxiety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive scientist, bestselling author, and host of The Psychology Podcast, known for his research on intelligence, creativity, and self-actualization—his latest book is Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential.15 Daily Steps to Lose Weight and Prevent Disease PDF: https://bit.ly/46XTn8f - Get my FREE eBook now!Subscribe to The Genius Life on YouTube! - http://youtube.com/maxlugavereWatch my new documentary Little Empty Boxes - http://littleemptyboxes.comThis episode is proudly sponsored by:LMNT is my favorite delicious, sugar-free electrolyte powder to leave you feeling charged up after a sweat sesh. Get a free 8-serving sample pack at drinklmnt.com/geniuslife.Experience the unparalleled flavor and health benefits of fresh, artisanal olive oils delivered right to your door with the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club—your first bottle for just $1 at OLIVEOILGENIUS.com.Pique makes quadruple toxin-screened, cold extracted, and uber-delicious matcha for an all-day energy boost without the jitters! Head to http://piquelife.com/genius for up to 15% off.

It's tempting to see ourselves as damaged or powerless—defined by past traumas, overwhelming emotions, and daily struggles. But is that really the most helpful way to understand ourselves? Does seeing ourselves as victims lead to growth? Psychologist and author Scott Barry Kaufman joins us to examine how popular narratives around sensitivity, self-esteem, and emotional regulation may be holding us back. He unpacks the psychological costs of coddling (vs. empowerment), the rise of risk aversion, and how modern parenting, education, and therapy shape our sense of self. With insight, empathy, and humor, Kaufman offers a timely look at what it really takes to build resilience, choose meaning over comfort, and unlock the full potential of the human spirit. Scott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive psychologist who is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world for his groundbreaking research on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. He is the host of The Psychology Podcast, which has received more than 30 million downloads and is frequently ranked the #1 psychology podcast in the world. His new book is Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential.

What if the only thing standing between you and a more fulfilling life was your mindset? This week, host Paula Felps talks with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman — a leading cognitive psychologist, professor at Columbia University, director of the Center for Human Potential, and host of The Psychology Podcast — about how today's culture has helped foster a victim mindset. His latest book, Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself & Realize Your Full Potential, explains what is driving a rise in victim mindset and how it impedes our development. He also tells us how we can start changing this mindset and take control of their lives.    In this episode, you'll learn: How social media reinforces and rewards the victim mindset. The payoffs that keep us in a victim mindset. How overcoming the victim mindset creates full aliveness and cultivates a richer life.

Unlock the secrets of human potential & self-actualization with Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D. (cognitive psychologist, host of the #1 psychology podcast in the world - The Psychology Podcast, author of Rise Above)! Kaufman explains the mysteries of extrasensory perception and how he now believes in past-life regressions. He unravels the complexities of a ADHD diagnosis and how ADHD could be a sign of giftedness not just a disorder. Mayim and Jonathan explore with Kaufman the shocking link between trauma, creativity, and intelligence. Discover how labels like "learning disability" can be shattered to overcome anxiety and depression, how we all might be neurodiverse, and how cognitive distortions can influence your personality and create a victim mindset. Get ready for his game-changing take on reincarnation, creative genius, and the science of narcissism. Plus, we're back into unpacking more of the chart-topping podcast, The Telepathy Tapes! Mayim breaks down the scientific framework around collective consciousness and the challenges with proving it scientifically. This is a conversation you won't want to miss! Scott Barry Kaufman's latest book, RISE ABOVE: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737413/rise-above-by-scott-barry-kaufman-phd/ BialikBreakdown.comYouTube.com/mayimbialik