Podcasts about EMT

In this episode of the M&A Guy, host Brian Franco speaks with Byron Wade, CEO of American Health Care Strategies, about the current state of healthcare, focusing on trends such as consolidation, the rise of telemedicine, and the gig economy in healthcare. Byron shares his journey from EMT to healthcare consultant and discusses the implications of these trends on M&A strategies and the future of healthcare delivery.

Send us a textStrength isn't the absence of weakness—it's how we transform our challenges into growth. In this riveting conversation with leadership coach and author Becky Schmooke, we explore stoic philosophy as a misunderstood yet powerful tool for navigating life's inevitable obstacles.Becky shares her personal journey of using stoicism to overcome a twenty-year battle with bulimia, developing the STOA framework (Success, Targets, Obstacles/Opportunities, Action steps) that now helps everyone from executives to NFL players and first responders navigate high-pressure situations. Far from the emotionless stereotype, stoicism emerges as a practice of emotional awareness without emotional control."Leadership is a lifestyle, not a job title," Becky emphasizes, challenging conventional hierarchies with her SAFE framework that builds genuine capability rather than superficial "show muscles." Her approach transforms organizations from having "a team and a leader" to fostering "a team of leaders"—a critical distinction for environments where split-second decisions matter.The Japanese art of kintsugi—repairing broken pottery with gold—becomes a powerful metaphor for resilience throughout our discussion. When we acknowledge our breaks rather than hiding them, we become stronger precisely where we were once vulnerable. This principle applies powerfully to trauma recovery, offering a path beyond mere survival to genuine transformation.Whether you're leading a team, recovering from trauma, or simply trying to navigate life's complexities with more grace, Becky's practical frameworks provide immediate, actionable insights. Her husband, a fire captain, uses these same principles during emergency calls, demonstrating their real-world effectiveness under pressure.Ready to choose the handle that holds? Join us for this enlightening conversation about stoicism, leadership, and the art of transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. Find Becky's book "Choose the Handle that Holds" here and connect with her mindfulness retreats at www.beckyschmooke.com.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Craig and Monika are so smart and funny, and we had fun doing one long set this week instead of individual scenes. The Improv starts at 13:25, and features Tony Robbins, Tubi, EMT's, and a deadly Bar Mitzvah boy. GET THE FULL EPISODE AND SUPPORT THE SHOW!! patreon.com/mandog !!Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠ManDog on YouTube!⁠ - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNW0sgvxgiENf8OKGjNmoZgCheck out ⁠⁠⁠BigGrandeWebsite.com⁠⁠⁠! - https://biggrandewebsite.com/Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠Big Grande⁠⁠ on Youtube! - https://www.youtube.com/@biggrandevidsEat Pray Dunk and Hey Randy on CBB World! - https://www.comedybangbangworld.com/The Greatest Conversation Ever YT! - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGreatestConversationEverYes, Also YT! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgWKnIrmQ973mnHJtRRNAdA

The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths, Special Episode. The badge doesn't always protect the heart. Retired Seminole County Sheriff's Sergeant Mark DiBona knows that truth all too well. After more than three decades in law enforcement, spanning from Braintree, Massachusetts to the heart of Florida, DiBona's battle wasn't just with criminals, it was with the lasting traumas of police work, the devastating toll of a baby's drowning death, and a fight for his own life. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. “I couldn't save that baby,” Mark shared in this episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming on for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. “And that day nearly cost me my life too.” Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . The incident that nearly broke him happened in Seminole County, Florida, where DiBona had built a respected career within a sheriff's office, with 1,400 employees and nearly $170 million budget. Seminole County, nestled in Central Florida and part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area, is no stranger to public safety challenges. But few hit as close to home as the tragic, preventable death of a young child. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Drowning: Florida's Hidden Crisis Florida tragically leads the nation in child drowning deaths. In 2023 alone, 97 children in the state lost their lives to drowning. Residential pools, bathtubs, and even buckets of standing water claim lives year-round, particularly during the spring and summer months. Lack of proper supervision, faulty or missing safety barriers, and elopement behaviors in children are just a few of the contributing factors. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. DiBona responded to one such scene: a baby in medical distress from drowning. Despite doing everything he could, the child couldn't be saved. “That was it for me,” he admitted. “I'd seen violence, accidents, suicides, but that baby…I still hear that day in my sleep.” The Weight of the Badge, Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Law enforcement officers are at a significantly higher risk of developing PTSD than the general population. Studies show between 7% and 19% of officers experience symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The causes? The trauma is layered and relentless: Regular exposure to gruesome scenes and high-stress situations. Emotional and psychological burdens from the decisions they make. Cumulative trauma over years without real recovery time. Isolation and internal pressure to "stay strong" at all costs. Mark DiBona was no exception. “I developed PTSD, depression, anxiety…and it showed” he revealed, pausing to reflect. “There were times I didn't want to live anymore. I didn't think I was worth saving.” You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. His Recovery and a New Mission But he was saved, through faith, therapy, purpose, and community. DiBona, now a nationally recognized speaker and advocate, travels the country as the “Rock Star of Mental Health,” speaking about suicide prevention, first responder wellness, and the traumas of police work. His voice is raw, honest, and hard-won. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. “I want every cop, firefighter, EMT, dispatcher, any first responder, to know: You can come back from the edge. I'm proof,” he said. The full podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. He co-founded Behind the Tin an initiative aimed at protecting those who protect others. His story, shared widely through podcasts, various news and radio outlets, and social media platforms like their LinkedIn and Instagram, is saving lives by shining a light on what he calls “the silent injuries” of the job. “I always considered myself a cop's cop,” DiBona said. “But I didn't know I'd have to learn how to save myself too.” Spreading the Word, Saving Lives Mark believes the issue of PTSD in law enforcement isn't just under-reported, it's dangerously misunderstood. The macho culture, fear of judgment, and lack of institutional support often silence those who are suffering. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. “We lose more cops to suicide than to gunfire. Where's the outrage? Where's the support?” he asked. With his Christian faith as an anchor, Mark now views his darkest days as fuel for his purpose. He regularly appears in news features, podcasts, and mental health panels, using platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to reach first responders in crisis. Listen to his full interview on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website for free, also on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or most major podcast platforms. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Through his advocacy and public speaking, he's become a beacon for those walking the same dark path he once did. Whether on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or standing behind a podium in front of hundreds, his message remains consistent: “There is help. There is healing. And you are not alone.” Learn useful tips and strategies to increase your Facebook Success with John Jay Wiley. Both free and paid content are available on this Patreon page . Time is running out to secure the Medicare coverage you deserve! Whether you're enrolling for the first time or looking for a better plan, our experts help you compare options to get more benefits, lower costs, and keep your doctors, all for free! Visit LetHealthy.com , that's LetHealthy.com or call (866) 427-1225, (866) 427-1222 to learn more. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won't touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Your golden years are supposed to be easy and worry free, at least in regards to finances. If you are over 70, you can turn your life insurance policy into cash. Visit LetSavings.com , LetSavings.com or call (866) 480-4252, (866) 480-4252, again that's (866) 480 4252 to see if you qualify. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on MeWe , X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Get the latest news articles, without all the bias and spin, from the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Medium , which is free. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Attributions Safe Children Coalition Wikipedia LinkedIn Behind The Tin

Though evidence dictates much of what we do as emergency medical providers, some areas remain open to debate: How are we justifying stroke ambulances, CCT speciality teams, AHA guidelines, and our choice of crystalloids? How are we justifying what professionals are allowed to post on social media? And do we agree with the currently accepted norms? Who better to join us in this discussion than Mike Carunchio of The World's Okayest Medic Podcast. Diving into these and other controversial topics, we see if our two platforms can come to a consensus in a randomized, uncontrolled conversation. *Strong opinions were involved in this production. If something challenges your perspective, good—that's the point. Get CE hours for our podcast episodes HERE! -------------------------------------------- Twitter @heavyhelmet Facebook @heavyliesthehelmet Instagram @heavyliesthehelmet Website heavyliesthehelmet.com Email contact@heavyliesthehelmet.com Disclaimer: Heavy Lies the Helmet's content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow local guidelines and consult qualified professionals before applying any information. The hosts and guests are not responsible for errors, omissions, or outcomes. Views expressed are their own and do not reflect their employers or affiliates. --------------------------------------------  Crystals VIP by From The Dust | https://soundcloud.com/ftdmusic Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Seguimiento masivo en Málaga de la huelga nacional de médicos en contra del borrador del Estatuto Marco planteado por el Ministerio de SanidadLa Junta se muestra abierta a que los autobuses de la EMT puedan llegar a municipios del área metropolitana como Alhaurín de la Torre o Rincón de la VictoriaEscuchar audio

Episode 134: of the American Grown Podcast in the Colortech Creative Solutions studios with Brandi Whitman Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Move Forward Counseling.In this powerful episode, we sit down with Brandi Whitman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Move Forward Counseling, whose path to becoming a therapist was anything but typical. After tragically losing her father to a heart attack at 17—while taking an EMT class—Brandi faced heartbreak, academic setbacks, and career uncertainty...she eventually found her calling in therapy. Now EMDR-trained and specializing in PTSD, suicidality, and self-harm, Brandi shares how her personal experiences shaped her passion for helping others heal.To learn more about Move Forward Counseling click here: https://moveforwardpa.comSHOW SPONSORS:College Knowledge Foundation. Your path to higher education.A&M Pizza. Authentic Italian quality meals.Boyer's Tavern. Proper food & drinks made by slightly improper people.Triggered 22. Support a local veteran and help spread awareness for PTSD & #22aday.Cleona Coffee Roasters. A small batch coffee roastery & coffee shop, veteran & first responder owned located inside 911 Rapid Response in Annville PA.Modern Gent Customs. We don't make basics...We make statements.Hains Auto Detailing. Have your car smiling from wheel to wheel.Hossler Engraving. Looking for unique handcrafted gifts for all occasions Zach has you covered.Angelo's Pizza. Enjoy mouthwatering Italian dinners.Take a sip or snack break.SIP: Garage Beer.SNACK: Jurgy.OFFICIAL STUDIO SPONSOR: Colortech Creative Solutions. Colortech Creative Solutions takes your creative projects from visualization to realization. We've been doing so since 1980 all while keeping your budget in mind.To see photos of today's guest follow our Social media: IG- https://www.instagram.com/americangrownpodcast/ FB-https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077655465940 or visits us at https://rss.com/podcasts/americangrownpodcast/

In this podcast episode we want to introduce you to our BCEN friend, Amy Stevenson. Amy Stevenson is a seasoned emergency nursing professional with a dynamic background spanning roles as an EMT, 911 dispatcher, ER/ICU nurse, and flight nurse. She earned her BSN in 2012 and her MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2020 from South College, where she now serves as a nursing professor. Passionate about mental health advocacy for nurses and first responders, Amy is committed to supporting others by openly sharing her journey of personal and professional growth. Amy is an experienced emergency, critical care, flight nurse who is creating space for difficult conversations around the topic of substance abuse disorder. Through Amy's personal and professional experiences, she shares how healthcare teams can better take care of themselves and one another. This episode is called, "Scrub Circle: Breaking the silence to heal." Amy can be contacted through LinkedIn @AmyStevenson as well as through Instagram @ScrubCircle. BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

Send us a textStephanie Niemiec was raised in Fairfield, NJ. Stephanie graduated from West Essex High School and earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Thomas Edison State University. Her personal journey has been shaped by significant loss, having experienced the deaths of several close family members from a young age. These experiences have profoundly influenced her commitment to emergency medicine and her resilience in the face of trauma.Stephanie is a dedicated Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) Paramedic and clinical educator with over 25 years of experience in prehospital medicine. She beganher career in 1996 as an EMT with Cedar Grove Ambulance & Rescue Squad and advanced her training at Union County College's paramedic program in 1999. By 2000, Her passion for teaching emerged in 2003 when she became a paramedic instructor at Union County College. She later advanced to Clinical Coordinator for Bergen Community College's Paramedic Science Program.Stephanie is the proud mother of a 20-year-old autistic daughter, a thriving college music major who aspires to play clarinet in a traveling orchestra and teach music to special needs students. Stephanie is also the former spouse of a police officer, with whom she maintains a strong friendship. She openly reflects on the challenges faced by families of public servants, emphasizing the need for greater professional and community support. She believes the lack of professional and religious support are the reasons that contributed to the destruction of their marriageStephanie's career has been marked by her ability to navigate the aftermath of tragedy, both personally and professionally. Since the age of 15, she has endured the loss of close relatives and, throughout her 25 years in the field, has responded to countless critical incidents-including deaths, shootings, stabbings, hangings, drownings, motor vehicle collisions, domestic violence, and child abuse. These experiences have reinforced her dedication to compassionate care and her commitment to preparing the next generation of paramedicsFind Stephanie NiemiecInstagram Facebook LinkedIn Find The Suffering PodcastThe Suffering Podcast InstagramKevin Donaldson InstagramTom Flynn InstagramApple PodcastSpotifyYouTubeThe Suffering Podcast FamilySherri AllsupKetaReviveSupport the showThe Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube

Sean Patrick Hillman shares his incredible story of surviving extreme sepsis and emergency surgery — a recovery his surgeon called a miracle. We talk about his journey, his new role as Editor-in-Chief of New York Lifestyles Magazine, his NYC roots, love for animals, passion for the elderly, and work as an EMT — all delivered with his signature humor and heart.You can connect with Sean Patrick Hillman on Instagram @SMHillman or check out his/her website https://linktr.ee/SMHiillman

We need to remember that paramedic and EMT's are solely focused on emergency medicine vs RN's or even PA's who are trained in general medicine then learn how to do EM later onLearning sick vs not sick is a skill that develops with time, it's not always easyGestalt can be an important factor in your assessment but don't trust it all the time, it can lead you astrayA negative work-up does not always mean there isn't something dangerous going onRecognizing your biases will help protect you from making a mistake or overlooking somethingAdvice for the newbies:Have humility when you are new, be willing to be taughtNever stop learningBe proud when you do perform wellDon't trust your gestalt when you are new. Take every patient seriouslyKeep a journalBe honest, do what you document and document what you do, admit your mistakes quicklyTaking ownership over mistakes helps you learn and gives you more respect than passing the buckThe call you are going to is the call you are supposed to go to. That is where you are meant to go. No patient is a waste of time. That patient deserves your undivided attention Too many people hear the other exciting calls dropping nearby and they become distracted from what they are currently doingPeople are put in your path for a reasonAlex talks about a night he ran 3 GSW's and had to use good coping skills to recoverSometimes the lower acuity patients can rejuvenate youRunning only high acuity will burn you out too, take some joy in the less stressful callsAppreciate the highs and lowsSupport the showFull show notes can be found here: Episodes - Practical EMS - Content for EMTs, PAs, ParamedicsMost efficient online EKG course here: Practical EKG Interpretation - Practical EMS earn 4 CME and learn the fundamentals through advanced EKG interpretation in under 4 hours. If you want to work on your nutrition, increase your energy, improve your physical and mental health, I highly recommend 1st Phorm. Check them out here so they know I sent you. 1st Phorm | The Foundation of High Performance Nutrition Everything you hear today from myself and my guests is opinion only and doesn't represent any organizations or companies that any of us are affiliated with. The stories you hear have been modified to protect patient privacy and any resemblance to real individuals is coincidental. This is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice nor used to diagnose any medical or healthcare conditions.

Back To the GrindA 7-part series by Member389. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Stories. "You're quiet."I smiled. "Sorry, just thinking." I'd gotten home a few days before and promptly went back to work. This was my first night off, and sitting across the table from Mom, I thought that it was time to tell her, but unsure about how to go about it."Your trip went well then." She asked, the questioning tone left hanging in the air between us."It went very well." I said and looked her in the eyes. She knew, like mothers do, that there was a lot more to the story. She sat there with an expression that said, "when you're ready, tell me what you need to get off your chest.""Dinner smells terrific." I said."Yea it does. Sorry it's going to be a bit late, I got it into the slow cooker later than I'd planned." She said, before getting up and setting the table.I'm not sure if it was the homely sounds of the kitchen but I relaxed. "Do you remember two years ago when I went down to see Davy about a job for the summer?""Yes, when he'd given it to that Dylan boy." She said, knowing that the story was about to unfold."Yea, the reason he gave it to Dylan was because I didn't make it there in time. I stopped down at Paula's and she asked me to make a delivery for her since I was going right near the place on my way to see Davy." I began. I let the story unfold, not going into the steamy details. After all it was my mother I was talking to, and she didn't need to hear about that, any more than I wanted to tell her. I told her about taking care of Summer for weeks. She mentioned that Paula told her about me taking her to the concert in the park. I said that I had, and a good many people had let her know that I had been on stage and played for some girl named Summer. I had totally forgotten about how public that was, and yet she never mentioned it to me even though she'd heard about it. Mothers can be the sneaky when they want to be."So you already knew?" I said surprised."Well not so much as you think, but when your son serenades a pretty girl at a crowded summer concert, people will ask you about it." She said with a smile. "I thought that you'd tell me when you were ready." She paused. "I knew something had happened though, and I didn't want to pry. You're an adult, and I respect the fact that you're not going to tell me everything that's going on in your life. Listen to me, that sounded like a huge guilt trip, it's not. I just want you to know that I respect your privacy. Paula tried to dig for dirt with me and I told her that you hadn't discussed your job with me."I told her about how abruptly Summer had left. The look on my face must have conveyed exactly how it felt. She walked over and rested a hand on my shoulder before running her hand down the back of my head and giving my neck a little squeeze. She knew somebody had broken my heart, now she knew who it was."So you went to see her?" She asked."It's nice there, kind of like west of here over towards the mountains. She lives in a decent sized city, like Augusta maybe. She's a nurse at the hospital there. She's got a terrific daughter named Emily." At that I spied mom's eyebrows lift a fraction."So how did the first meeting go?" You hadn't seen her in over a year, the way she left I can't imagine you'd heard from her before that.""It was nerve wracking." I said with a laugh. I told her about leaving the note and finally meeting again. I mentioned meeting Emily and how they asked me to stay with them. I watched for a look of shock or surprise and didn't see one cross mom's face. Her head just bobbed as she took it all in."So, when?" She asked, picking up the thread of a conversation we'd had weeks before.I just smiled. "First of the year. I'll be done with my one year duty here. I've already picked up the necessary forms to apply there. If I don't get in there, I'll look to nearby towns, or just go back to school and get a job doing something else. I'm going to get my EMT training one way or another." She smiled at that."I hope I get to meet her someday." There's the guilt trip I thought."Well, funny you should mention that, because I was thinking of the same thing." I replied, and let her know how I hoped we could make it happen. She was all smiles after that."Oh my God, to have been a fly on the wall during that conversation." Summer said. Her voice sounded so sweet. It made my heart beat faster just to hear it."I left out most of the lurid bits of the story. I didn't want her to keel over on me.""I'm sure any parts you left out, she figured out already. From the sounds of her, she doesn't seem like the type to fool easily." She replied."That she isn't. Luckily I was a good kid so I didn't have to bullshit my way through many situations."We talked about little things, Emily was doing a little better in school, but still wasn't pushing for the all A's that Summer was looking for. I said to give her time, the music is helping I was sure of it. Emily insisted on talking to me, I could hear her bouncing like a jumping bean in the background. She was all excited to tell me about how her music teacher thought it was terrific she was so interested in everything I was showing her and her friends and how she was going to be in a holiday concert at school. I brought up school, asking how she was doing. She let out a little sigh."One A, two B's and two C's" was her reply. "I just don't get algebra!" The other C was from a history class which had her bored to tears talking about 'boring dead people' as she put it.I made her a deal, no C's by the mid-term report card and I'd make it worth her while. It was after her mother chivied her off the phone and to bed that I brought up my idea. I was surprised that not only did she like the idea she was very excited.Thanksgiving day past with several calls on homes with scorched turkeys, and one unfortunate turkey frying experiment that cost a family their garage. Soon the snow was upon us. This early the snow usually didn't stick long, not this close to the ocean. It did make the driving difficult for the people who hadn't seen it in seven months. Luckily there were no major incidents. That is until I handed my notice into the chief.He was less than impressed, until I told him my plans. He said he'd push to get me EMT training the budgets would be out soon. I showed him a picture of Summer and Emily that I'd snapped with my phone. "Unless you can make that job happen where they are. It's not likely to change my mind." I said with a smile."Would she be willing to move here?"I laughed. "Not nearly as I'm ready to move there. Don't worry I'm a first year greenhorn, I can't be that tough to replace.""No but that means I have to find one willing to relocate here or scrounge up another, get him up to Fairfield, and wait months to put him to work." He shook his head, then asked to see the picture again. "I'll say this, she looks worthy of a guy like you. Don't screw it up.""I like to think that I'm worthy of a girl like her. Trust me, I'll do everything I can to not screw it up."Christmas eve came quietly, the crackle of a log in the wood stove, the soft hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen and in the living room me rustling and muttering while attempting to wrap a gift."Do you want a cookie?" Mom called out from the kitchen."Of course, but did you make enough for Santa?" I said chuckling."Don't you worry, I'm practicing for when the girls get here. What kind of grandma street cred would I have if I couldn't whip up cookies on the spur of the moment?"We had a quiet dinner earlier just the two of us. I started to doubt my gift choice and my mother put her hand on my arm. "Relax, she's going to love it, trust me.""I know, I'm just getting a little anxious." I said with a sigh. She chuckled at that."She'll be here day after tomorrow. Breathe."Mom was going to pick her up at the airport since I'd swapped shifts with Mike so I could have the later part of the week off. I'd be working Christmas day and the day after and have the next three days off, then two more days and I was done. I'd already started packing. Mom kept trying to give me furniture, which was nice but wasn't going to travel well since I didn't know where I'd be living just yet. I asked Summer if I could stay with her for a few days while I looked at apartments to which she quickly said yes. I felt a hand on my shoulder rubbing it firmly."Breathe." She said again."You're going to like her.""I already do, because I trust you. You've always been a good judge of character." We did justice to the cookies leaving a couple out with a small glass of milk, just in case.Work went by slowly, we had a huge dinner at the engine house. We did have one call of a chimney fire from some overzealous wrapping paper burning. The next day had me so jumpy Herb said I should drink decaf from now on. When I told him why his face broke into a huge grin."You finally tugged back, huh? Tell me you're going to bring her by so we can meet the woman you're dumping us for.""I might, just to show her why I'm leaving." I laughed ducking his backhanded slap. About mid-afternoon I got a text saying that they had landed and mom had found them. They should be in town in a little over an hour. I did an equipment check and spent some time polishing the chrome on #3 to keep myself occupied."Hey Pete!" I heard from over by the kitchen. I walked around the corner and Summer was standing there, her arm on Emily's shoulder. Allan, the lieutenant on duty laughed. "I haven't seen him smile like that since the time we ordered pizzas from next door and didn't make him cook." I walked up and Summer launched herself into my arms. Several kisses later I noticed we were getting a round of applause."You may need to hose them off, they do this all the time." Emily announced to everybody, to a hale of laughter. I gave Summer another kiss before releasing my grip and reaching out to Em."Come here smart ass and give me a hug." She gladly dove into my side and I kissed her on the forehead."What are you feeding her? I used to be able to kiss the top of her head.""Everything, I think she's having another growth spurt." Summer replied. I showed them around, introducing them to the guys on duty. Herb gave me a sly wink, I don't think he had any doubts now as to why I was leaving.Allan walked over to us. "Damn, I'm sorry you're not feeling well Pete. Hopefully you'll feel better by Thursday. Danny is coming into the cover the overnight." I looked at him oddly. "Get outta here you three." He smiled and thumped me on the back and walked off.I wasn't sure what happened, but I wasn't about to argue the point. We all piled into my truck and I drove back to the house. I felt Mom's hand in this when I saw a big spread being worked on for dinner. I knew I was right. I asked her if she needed any help."Maybe a little." She put her hand on Emily's shoulder. "Would you mind giving me a hand Emily?" Mom gave me a look and raised an eyebrow in dismissal."Don't work her too hard. We'll need some help to clean out under the tree later." I said chuckling.As soon as we made it through the doorway Summer turned me and fell into my arms. The kiss was sweet with an underlying urgency. Her body felt like a taught bowstring against me, the energy waiting to be unleashed.Em said a little louder than necessary. "If I know them, they're in there with their faces stuck together." Causing us both to laugh."I hope we have a lot of potatoes to peel. I'm really hungry." I called back. Summer pulled me down onto the couch and kissed me again."I have a special surprise for you." She said with a big grin."Not here, my mother is right in the kitchen!" I said laughing."Not that, maybe later if we can find a way to pull it off." She said as she gave the front of my pants a squeeze. "I've only had Bob to keep me company the last two months, and he's a lousy cuddler."My eyes went wide. "Who is Bob?" I asked.She snorted and leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Battery operated boyfriend." I busted out laughing."Is this the same Bob you traveled with a few years ago?" I asked softly, not wanting the conversation to raise questions.Summer rolled her eyes. "Maybe, maybe not? You left me in a bad way two weeks ago when you called. It's not nice to ply a girl with pretty words and promises and then leave her to take matters in her own hands." I remembered the call, and I wanted so badly to ravish her until we both passed out."Oh my God, look at you blush." She said with a smile. She leaned in and whispered in my ear. "Don't you worry, I'll get my due for that, and then some." She took my ear lobe in her mouth giving it a tug. Her hand slipped between my legs, she massaged the inside of my thigh and it was getting the reaction she expected."I'm going to run upstairs and change, I'll be right back." I said, trying to steady my breathing.She grinned even further with a glint in her eye. "Want to show me your room?"I chuckled at that. "Sure." I stood taking her hand and led her upstairs. I led her into the room where she peeked out the door behind us before closing it quietly and began unbuttoning my shirt for me. In a flash I was shirtless and she was kissing her way down as she pushed my t-shirt up and off."Are you nuts?" I chuckled."I can't leave you like this through dinner." She said stroking my hard cock through my pants. She stepped back sitting on the edge of the bed and pulled me towards her by the belt and undid it. She had my pants and boxers around my knees and began licking my cock. She looked up catching my eye as she began taking it into her mouth. It's a wonder my knees didn't buckle at the sensation. She took me slowly at first, but sensed my mounting frustration and sped up, bobbing swiftly drawing me out until I exploded down her throat.I gasped catching my breath. "You're a little bit evil, you know that?"She dabbed at the corner of her mouth with a tissue she grabbed from the box on the nightstand."I don't know about that. I think I'm more angelic, to relieve you from your suffering like that." She replied."I can't wait to return the favor.""Neither can I." She said smiling. "Is there a bathroom up here?" I told her it was the last door on the right. "Good, let me go freshen up and head downstairs before you come down."I came down the stairs and stopped at the sight before me. Summer sat at the end of the couch, with a mug in her hands, eyes wide as she watched Em. Colored lights twinkled making the scene magical. She had the most beatific expression as she watched Emily scouting the presents under the tree. Emily sounded amazed that she had so many. Mom had pulled out the stops when she discovered she finally had a girl to shop for. Summer's gaze lit on me and her smile got even bigger as she beckoned me over. Just as I sat down Mom called out for a hand and I hopped back up and grabbed the tray she'd put together."This one for Em, no rum in it." She pointed at one of the mugs of hot cider."Going to be that kind of night is it?" I chuckled."Hey, it's the holidays. Why not enjoy ourselves?" She followed me out with a huge platter of food and set it on the coffee table. We chatted while dinner cooked. Emily landed next to the platter and began nibbling away. I had a dread feeling that this meeting was going to be awkward for everybody involved. Trust Mom to treat Summer like a longtime girlfriend, not like someone she'd met a few hours before. Somehow discussion turned to what I was like when I was little and the embarrassing stories began. Before long the buzzer on the stove went off and we mobilized and soon we were sitting around the table, a feast laid out before us."I wondered where he got his culinary skills from, now I know. Everything was delicious.""Thank you. I assure you that I only showed him the basics, he's more creative than I've ever been in the kitchen."Em piped in describing our weekend of Italian food when I was at their house a few months earlier."Your lieutenant wasn't happy with me because of it either. I guess since you've been there they've eaten better than they had in years. Some of the guys said you were a better cook than their wives." Summer said laughing."It's probably for the best, Earl was getting a paunch on him." I replied. "I have a gift. What can I say?""You could say, don't move Mom, I'll take care of the dishes."Hearing my groan caused Emily to add, "You know the deal, the cook doesn't do the dishes, and you didn't cook.""I didn't cook, either I'll help you hon." Summer added as the laughter subsided. It wasn't long before we joined Mom and Emily in the living room again."I now have a promise that you're going to practice your music so you don't forget it." Mom said. "Emily is going to teach you to play guitar too, so I hear.""I hope so." I replied as we got comfortable on the couch. I looked up and Emily's face was full of pent up excitement. Summer stifled a yawn behind her hand. "Maybe we should wait, your mom seems pretty tired.""Mom, do you need some coffee?" She asked with a longing in her voice. We all laughed as her mother declined."Pete, get in there and play Santa for us." Mom said as she prodded me with a toe.It was surprising how little time it took to tear through the loot. Emily dancing around a pile hugging her new game. She pouted slightly because her mother said she'd lose it if her grades didn't stay up. I agreed, and reminded her we had a deal. We did our best to neaten up and make a pathway. Mom said she was going to go to bed and made her way upstairs. We had Emily's bed made up in Mom's office on a borrowed folding bed. Summer allowed her to take the game with her so she could try it out. A quiet settled over the house as we tucked in for the night.Summer emerged from Emily's makeshift bedroom. I had cleared the coffee table off and set the last gift in the middle of the table. A small velvet box with a little red bow on it. She stopped half way across the room, her eyes wide as she looked at the box then over at me. I knelt on one knee in front of the wood stove a stick in hand poking up the coals. She looked at me kneeling then at the box again. I was unsure of what was going on in her mind, but a wash of expressions made their way across her face in a fleeting moment. She finally broke eye contact with me and retrieved a similar box from her purse setting it next to the one that was on the coffee table. She sat on the couch and patted the spot next to her. My heart pounding because of the look she gave me. I was both worried and hopeful.She inhaled quickly as if to begin a speech. "Pete, remember when you came out to see me?""Just open it first. Please." I interrupted her. She looked up sharply at me. "Please?" I said with a grin. She gave me a curious look and reached for the box like it might go off like a bomb if she moved to quickly. She lifted the lid gently and looked for a moment at the silver pendant. A grin crept across her face as she let out the breath she'd been holding."It's beautiful!" She said turning to me and giving me a kiss."It's one of a kind. The woman that made it said she wouldn't make another for at least three months. It was our deal after she saw the design I'd made for it." The pendant was a large silver heart with a smaller heart inside, and another smaller heart inside of that one. Along the edge where the three hearts joined, small stones were set. I chose our three birthstones and they worked well together in pale blue, clear and pink.I chuckled after a few more kisses. "I know what you were thinking. I was thinking the same thing myself. I spent weeks looking at rings." I said softly. "Then about a month ago, I don't know what reminded me of it, but I remembered how proud you sounded when you told me that you were back on your feet, and you were doing well. I didn't want to feel like I was trying to tie you down again, and become the old ball and chain."She drew a breath to say something and I turned looking deep into her eyes and saw the answer to the question I hadn't asked."I want you to want it as much as I do. When I ask, you'll know it's coming." I said as I took her face in my hands and kissed her deeply. I pulled back to see her eyes welling up."How is it that you understand me so well?" Her voice barely above a whisper."I listen to what you say, and to what you don't say." I smiled at her and the first tear broke free and rolled down her face. I brushed them away with my thumbs and before I knew it she was straddling me and our lips crashed together. The frustration of the past two months apart trickled away gently. It took a loud pop from the wood stove to rouse us. Summer jumped, startled by the sound, then realizing what it was began to chuckle. She sat up slightly, still straddling my lap and whipped her hair to one side, with a deft motion she undid the necklace she was wearing and set it on the table. She reached into the box and lifted out the pendant and handed it to me. She turned and sat on my lap and lifted her hair. I clasped the necklace and leaned in kissing her softly on the neck, causing her to let out a sigh and tilted her head inviting me to have my fill."You're distracting me." She mumbled."Really?" I said. "From what?" She shivered in my arms as I continued my gentle assault on her neck."We need to talk."I felt an icy bolt run down my spine. Those are words I never wanted to hear. She noticed I'd stopped nibbling her neck and patted the hand I had wrapped around her waist. She leaned forward and then slid off my lap and sat next to me. The other little box in hand. She was still smiling but looked at me with concern."Are you okay?""Yea," I said, "what do you mean we need to talk?"She laughed gently. "Relax. It's just that this needs a little explanation." She handed me the box and tucked her leg under her. She nodded at the box, urging me to open it. I looked up at her for a moment, her eyebrows went up as she urged me to open it with an impish grin. "Well go on." I pulled the ribbon off and tore the paper sliding out what looked like a jewelry box. I opened up to find a pewter key chain with my initials on it. I breathed a little better."Emily and I decided we don't want you to come stay with us for a few weeks while you look for a new place."I looked up sharply at that. She had a devious smile on her lips. She motioned towards the box again. I picked up the heavy oval and keys dangled out from underneath it."We decided we don't want you to look for a new home. You already have one if you want it."I turned it over, the inscription on the other side said, "Always Remember To Come Home.""That was Emily's idea. She knows being a firefighter isn't exactly the safest profession. She's close to Uncle Dale. So much so that sometimes I wonder which one is the kid." I turned and kissed her, smothering her next words. She pulled back gasping for breath. "Is that a yes?"I just nodded, too choked up to reply.EpilogueI sat on an old stump, steam rising off my coffee in the cool morning air. The clouds were heavy, a faint glimmer of the sun trying to break through near the horizon. The breeze kicked up, dried leaves skittered across the brown grass at my feet. I looked up, in the distance there was a V of southbound geese. I lowered my eyes and took in the little house with a grin and shook my head. So many things had happened in just a few short years. A blue jay called out just as the door opened and Emily barreled out headed for the school bus. She didn't even look up as she darted around the house to stand with the her friends down a few houses. She'd grown and was looking more like the beautiful woman she would soon become. I looked over at the kitchen window and saw a shadow move. A few minutes later the door opened again, Summer stood on the step scanning the yard, for me I assumed."Pete?" She hollered."I'm over here." I said, getting her attention. She walked over and stopped in front of me, her hair blew in front of her face, her arms crossed tight against the chill."Are you okay?""I'm fine.""What are you doing out here in the cold?" She said bumping my foot aside slightly so she could perch on my knee, her arm wrapped around my back as she nestled in to find some warmth."Counting my blessings. The second one just dashed up the road to catch the bus, the first one is right here." I said running my hand up her back. "After that I lost count.""Today?" I asked. We'd gotten into a little routine over the past year, where I had asked her to marry me, and she said she'd tell me when she was ready. It had been over a year, nearly two, since I'd moved here, and the life agreed with me somehow. The area was rough, but the people strong and supportive. There were whisperings about us, but they all disappeared when people realized just how in love we were... we are. Our game was to the point where I wouldn't have to say anything more, and she knew what I wanted. I asked daily."Happy birthday." She said, then leaned down and kissed me. The blue jay taking offense to our conversation decided to voice his opinion again. I raised my eyebrows at her. I never let her get away without answering me. She looked up over my head, her eyes scanning the yard, she looked up at the sky and slowly began nodding. She looked down at me with a smile. "Today."By Member389 for Literotica

Send us a textWhat happens when the strongest among us need support? In this powerful conversation, Elizabeth Ecklund takes us on an extraordinary journey from fighting fires in Antarctica to fighting stigma in mental health. As someone with 15 years of experience spanning firefighting, emergency medical services, and nursing, Elizabeth brings a rare perspective to the critical conversation about first responder mental health.The stigma surrounding mental health in emergency services creates a dangerous paradox: those who routinely face trauma are often the least likely to seek help. Elizabeth articulates this challenge with striking clarity, drawing from her own experiences to illuminate why cultural competency matters so deeply when providing therapy to first responders. "They don't know how to deal with their grief," she explains, highlighting how traditional coping mechanisms within emergency services—dark humor, emotional detachment, peer discussions—often fall short of addressing cumulative trauma.Her adventures at the South Pole provide not just fascinating stories—from living with three twenty-somethings in cramped quarters to experiencing oxygen saturation levels of 82% at 12,000 feet elevation—but metaphors for resilience in extreme conditions. Like the South Pole's challenging environment, the mental landscape of emergency work requires specialized knowledge and adaptation strategies that standard approaches may miss.Through MindForge Therapy Group, Elizabeth has created a sanctuary where first responders can speak freely without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Her approach acknowledges the unique needs of this population, incorporating humor and practical interventions that "don't feel like therapy." Most importantly, she recognizes that addressing these mental health needs impacts not just individual well-being but team safety, family relationships, and ultimately, the communities these heroes serve.Whether you're a first responder seeking understanding, a mental health professional wanting to better serve this population, or simply someone fascinated by human resilience in extraordinary circumstances, this conversation offers valuable insights into bridging the gap between emergency services and effective mental health support. Listen now to discover how one woman's remarkable journey from firefighting to therapy is helping heroes heal.To contact Elizabeth, go to www.mindforgetherapy.comFreed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

EMS Education is the topic this month with Falon Steiner, EMS Manager of Initial EMS Training. What are the basics? What changes do instructors need to make in teaching methodology? EMT programs are still under oversite by the state. The paramedic programs have oversight from the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is a programmatic post-secondary accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). All training has been amended to be more of an ongoing competency-based evaluation vs. a course final memorization competency review.

Leave them wanting moreA 7-part series by Member389. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Stories. We made our way to the Jeep and I put our stuff in the back and walked around to give her a hand into her seat. The look in her eyes was dreamy as I closed her door and walked around to the driver's side. We drove back in silence, her hand on my thigh giving it an occasional squeeze. When I pulled into the driveway she looked over at me, the expression in her eyes was full of longing. I got out and walked around the Jeep and grabbed the cooler from the back and walked around and opened her door."Do you need a hand?" I asked softly. She just nodded looking into my eyes. She slid off the seat landing on her good foot and wrapped her arm around me."Hang on." I said softly. I opened the door up, turned on the light and set down the cooler. I went back out and picked her up in my arms and brought her inside. I carried her into the living room and went to set her on the couch and she tightened her arms around my neck and shook her head gently. She lifted her chin towards the bedroom.I looked into her eyes and saw her expression, it looked like a mix need and desire. I carefully passed through the bedroom door and stood beside the bed. I had a split second notion to dump her on the bed laughing, but the look on her face told me that tenderness was needed. I set her down on her feet instead looking into her eyes. That look wrenched my heart, it said to me, "love me." I placed my hands on her hips and drew us slowly together and I leaned forward, her hands came up and lay on my chest, grasping lightly at the fabric of my shirt as she leaned into our kiss."Go turn off the lights." She whispered to me. I looked into her eyes for a moment longer and noticed the corner of her mouth rise slightly as she gave me the slightest push. I nearly ran out to the kitchen, made sure the door was closed and smacked the light switch. I turned the corner from the kitchen into the living room and saw her turning to stand right where she was when I'd left the room.A small lamp with a dim bulb cast a golden glow over the room. She looked up at me standing in the doorway and the corner of her mouth twitched and she bit her lower lip and looked away. I walked back into the room and saw that she'd kicked off her shoes but nothing else had changed. I followed suit and kicked mine off as I approached her. She looked up from under a fall of hair at me still biting her lip. I reached up taking her gently by the chin and releasing the lower lip from her bite, only to capture it with mine. Her arms came up around my neck as I encircled her waist with mine as our mouths explored. Her tongue danced like a flame in a fire, scalding hot one moment and gone another. My hands slid up her waist bringing the shirt with them and I ran my hand around behind her, running my fingers gently up her spine, her skin was so soft and warm. I felt the tremor as she shivered at my touch and it brought a small smile to my lips. She kissed me deeply, our tongues twirling like skilled dancers, before she leaned back slightly raising her arms in surrender.The fabric slid up her curves giving up every beautiful inch grudgingly. The shirt was laid aside as I drank in her beauty. My fingers traced down the smooth curve of her waist, then back up her soft flat stomach with its little silver and pink heart bangle. The thin lace did nothing to hide her excitement, her nipples pressed easily through the flimsy fabric, the small pink areola swelled slightly. The invitation was conveyed, yet I decided to wait on responding. I looked up into her eyes, her expression, soft but willing me onward, yet not giving direction. I was on a voyage of discovery, and Summer was letting me find my own way.I took her in my arms and kissed her again willing myself to go slowly. I broke from her lips, trailing kisses up her jaw as she tilted her head back giving complete freedom for my lips to roam. I made it to her ear, teasing the lobe with the tip of my tongue. Summer inhaled sharply as traced down her neck with the tip of my tongue. She reached up under my shirt running her hands over my back, pulling us together, rubbing her chest to mine. The scent of her perfume urged me on, and I surrendered greedily kissing my way down her chest. I followed the top of her bra with the tip of my tongue before sliding across the fabric and taking the nipple fully into my mouth and sucking it greedily as my hand massaged its twin. I made my way across to the other, offering the same attention to the right. Summer's breathing was ragged, her head tilted slightly back offering herself to me."Take it off." Came the urgent whisper. I pulled her towards me making my way up the other side of her neck while liberating her from the confines of lace. I pulled the fabric slowly down, dragging the lace across her hard nipples, with a whimper she bit her lower lip. Her hands slid up my back, taking my shirt with them as she lifted it over my head and threw it aside. Our skin touched, her nipples poking my chest, it felt like the heat between us was enough to start a fire.She leaned forward taking the upper hand, and in no uncertain terms let me know that it was her turn as she kissed her way from my mouth down my jaw , her hands drawing down my chest as her mouth blazed a trail to my nipple. She toyed with it, flicking it with her tongue before taking it into her mouth, causing me to gasp from the heat that enveloped me. She worked her way from one nipple to the other achingly slow.I reached between us and grasped the front of her jeans fumbling to get them unbuttoned and the zipper pulled. She took my forearms in her hands willing me to slow down."Easy, there's no hurry." She whispered. I calmed myself with a deep breath and unbuttoned her jeans sliding the zipper down. I parted the waist, just as she leaned down pulling them from my grasp. She trailed kisses down my chest as she began shedding my own jeans. She didn't appear to be moving quickly but had mine pushed down to my thighs quicker than I realized. My cock was as hard as old hickory, and it raised a tent in my boxers. She ran her hands down my stomach, and placed them on my hips as she knelt in front of me looking up into my eyes. I know my eyes begged urgently for satisfaction but Summer wouldn't have it. She saw my hands flexing as if looking to grab hold of something and took them in her hands pinning them to my hips before she leaned forward and began nuzzling my hard cock through the fabric of my boxers. She nibbled her way up the underside of my cock, her tongue occasionally lashing out for a lick. She looked up at me smiling as she pushed my hands away and began peeling my boxers down freeing me from the confines. She ran her cheek down my length, she kissed the base as she reached up beneath and took my balls in her hand massaging them as she began kissing her way up the shaft, her tongue leaving a wet trail.She stopped at the tip and cleaned up the moisture that had already begun leaking. I willed her to take me in her mouth, grab me with her hand, but she didn't, she just slowly lapped at the tip and stroked my balls. She was building me up to go off like a cannon and she knew it. Finally she relented and took the tip in her mouth, slowly swirling her tongue around me. I pushed forward hoping she would take more of me and she backed away in equal measure. She looked up at me with a raised eyebrow as if to say, "Did you really think that would work?" She took her time making sure she never missed a spot with her tongue and lips, but never drawing me out. She just kissed and caressed her way down my length. I didn't think I could take much more when she stopped and looked up at me, her eyes smoldering in the dim light. Without a word she tilted her head slightly and bent forward taking one my balls into her mouth and began stroking it with her tongue, rolling it around her mouth. I gasped at the sensation, and I thought I would lose it right then as she let it drop from her lips.It was only then that I realized that I was shaking in anticipation. Summer stood slowly looking into my eyes, her lips parted slightly and I instinctively leaned into her kiss. Her arms came up around my neck and my hands went to the waist of her jeans, two could play this game. I pushed them down to her hips, breaking our kiss with a smile. I pushed my jeans all the way off before kneeling before her and sliding her jeans down to her knees. I smiled a little wider at the pink panties with the tiger stripes and noted a large damp spot, I pushed the jeans down and she stepped out of them, they landed next to mine when I tossed them aside. She stood still, her hands at her sides as I drank in the sight of her long sun kissed legs. I ran my hands up her thighs, she was trembling under my hands. I leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on the damp spot, a soft sigh escaped her lips, as I kissed downward pushing my tongue against her through the fabric. I traced my tongue back up, she grasped my wrists urging me to pull the flimsy fabric down her hips and be done with it. I had sufficiently quelled my desire to throw her down on the bed and take her fast and hard. I was learning to enjoy taking my time.I nuzzled her tugging the panties up pulling them tighter into her crease, pressing my tongue into her through the fabric, soft moans escaped from deep in her chest. Her grip on my wrists tightened urging me to take them off, but I held fast teasing her through the fabric until she let out a pleading moan. I loosened my hold and let her hands push mine down, her panties sliding down with them. The scent of her arousal caused a wave of urgency to hit me, and I inhaled deeply reigning it in. I turned her slightly setting her on the edge of the bed. I slipped between her spread legs and began teasing her kissing my way down and stopping, working my way down the other side of her. It wasn't long that I felt her leg wrap around my head, and her fist grab my hair that she'd had enough teasing and she needed release.She laid back pulling me down into her, as soon as I dipped my tongue to her molten center her back arched and she let out a feral growl. Her hips lifted grinding herself into my probing mouth, and I did my best to stoke the fire, tongue dancing over slippery flesh, relishing every moment of pleasure I could give her. Her hips began to buck as I locked my lips around her clit attacking it with my tongue and she began to cry out as her back arched. I did my best to keep her at that edge and let the pleasure wash over her. She slowly settled back down her body relaxed while she gasped for air.She took my head in her hands and drew me up over her languid body. I took the time to kiss my way up as she drew my face to hers. Her eyes were still closed but her lips didn't miss their mark as kissed my forehead first and worked her way down my face, our tongues wrestling like lovers."Well you've certainly become skilled at that." She sighed."To become truly skilled at anything, you must love what you're doing." I replied softly, conveying an adage one of my old teachers used often."Do you love what you're doing?" She asked between kisses.I smiled and let out a low chuckle. Our bodies melted together, her legs parted and wrapped around my hips, and I entered her slippery warmth. Neither of us were in a hurry as we sampled each other's body. The heat kept building like a fanned fire and I began stroking longer, and pushing deeper, her legs urging me on, her tongue tracing down my ear as she whispered encouragement. I kissed and nibbled down her neck, as I reached beneath her, taking her shoulders in my hands I held her in place as the pace of my strokes became more insistent. She started to whimper, her lips parting and she began moaning, spurring me on. She gasped, and cried out arching her back offering herself even wider to me and began shaking. The end was near for me as I too groaned and drove forward, pulling on her shoulders, pressing into her as hard as I could. I erupted deep inside her, arching my back as we both gasped for breath.I slid off lying beside her still gulping air. Summer rolled up onto her elbow and laced her leg between mine, rubbing her knee against my thigh as she leaned down and kissed me. Her hand ran up and down my sweat slicked chest as she stole every gasp for air I made."I'm not sure if I'm an excellent teacher or you're an excellent student, but wow!" She said. She rolled off the side of the bed saying she'd be right back. A cool breeze blew and I felt myself shiver."Oh shit!" I whispered looking down and my spent cock laying on my stomach drying. So many things started racing through my mind.Summer padded back into the bedroom, a towel in her hand. She crawled up onto the bed smiling at me, and leaned down for a kiss."I'm so sorry." I nearly cried. She just looked at me, one eyebrow raised."See how easy it is to forget?" She replied softly, knowing instinctively what I meant. "Why do you think I just went and washed up. I didn't want to be sleeping on the wet spot." She grinned."What if..." I started and she leaned down covering my mouth with hers."Don't worry," she whispered, "the lesson I wanted you to take away from that first day was that it's your responsibility to remember to cover your member." She giggled.She let out a deep sigh. "I don't exactly go around jumping into bed with just anybody, despite what you may think of me." Her expression turned serious. "I'm disease free, I got checked out a few months ago, and don't worry, I can't get pregnant." There seemed to be something left unsaid, she just sighed again.She proceeded to use the towel to clean me up, without saying anything more. I reached up and gently lifted the hair away from her face, but she didn't look up from what she was doing. She was looking at what she was doing, but she was a million miles away. I slowly slipped the towel from her hand and pulled her down to me wrapping my arms around her. She nestled herself against me hugging me tightly as I turned off the lamp. I ignored the wet feeling on my chest."Are you awake?" She whispered. I had been in one my half-awake moments when she asked. I opened my eyes, and noticed it was still dark outside."Yea." I replied softly as I kissed her shoulder. I realized I was spooning her and tightened my hold just a bit."I'm sorry about earlier, how I reacted." She sighed deeply."You've got nothing to be sorry for." I whispered softly in her ear before giving it a nibble.She started playing with my hand, tracing the fingers with hers, slipping hers beneath mine and I closed my hand around hers gently."If you don't want to talk about it..." I started."No. I don't mind." She replied twisting her head speaking over her shoulder. I ran my fingers down the length of hers resting where the ring would be, and rubbed slow circles. I felt her little smile and quick gust of breath rather than saw it. "Right to the point. Ten years, damn that sounds like a long time. I just realized you probably don't have any idea how old I am, do you?""Doesn't matter." I said kissing her shoulder and up the side of her neck."Last summer I came home from my shift at the hospital early, nearly caught him in the act with a friend of mine. It was pretty obvious what was going on. I found out it had been going on for a while by then.""What a dirt bag." I said, my grip upon her tightened a little in response. "A guy like that doesn't deserve someone like you. Did you leave him that day?""Leave him? I threw him out, both of them actually." She said. A few moments went by before she started again softly. "One woman wasn't enough for him, or maybe I wasn't enough for him.""Hey now. Don't start talking like that. Where one man sees a rock, another sees a diamond."Summer busted out laughing. "Where in the hell did you hear that?"I started laughing along with her. "Probably on TV or in a magazine." I took her hand in mine and ran it down her stomach and began circling slowly with our fingers entwined.She took a deep breath. "You're a subtle one, you are. She's ten, her name is Emily, and she's the most wonderful little girl in the world.""Where is she now?" I asked, scared to hear bad news."Summer camp in western Pennsylvania. My folks are picking her up when the session ends."I kept rubbing slow circles, and flicked her little silver heart belly button ring gently. "No more?""No." She said softly. "After Emmy something went wrong with the plumbing, I had to have surgery.""It sounds like it's time to move on, start over.""Yea, it's taken a year and a lot of prodding from family and friends, but I think it's time. This trip was going to be a little solo adventure. My total lack of grace and dexterity landed me on my ass for two weeks." She chuckled."Well it looks like you're doing well. You've had a passionate love affair with a hot, young stud. What else is there?"She giggled. "I'm not sure I'm done with that part yet." She ran her hand down behind her finding my hardness in the dark gently rubbing it."Yay for me." I whispered. She wiggled away from me and rolled over to face me, our lips met in a deep kiss."Me too." She said between kisses.She pushed my shoulder back laying me flat on the rumpled sheets, she climbed on me straddling my hips as we made out like teenagers. I must have nudged her just right a few times."Somebody is looking for a little more action." She grinned as she reached down between us lining me up and slipping down slowly. A soft hum of approval vibrated from her throat, or was that me? I couldn't tell. Our bodies rocked slowly like a boat on a gentle swell. Our pace built slowly, savoring the feeling of just being together. She sat up and began pushing herself down harder on me as I raised my hips to meet each with a firm thrust. We were in no hurry, but passion quickly set the pace and we were both moaning loudly, her body began to shake in my hands. I knew I wouldn't last much longer, and was thankful as she leaned forward and tightened her grip on me. She threw her head back and moaned deeply as she ground herself on my cock. Her whole body shook as the wave of her orgasm crashed over her, I couldn't hold out any longer and lifted my hips and erupted in her again.She laid down on my chest panting."I love you." I whispered softly, kissing the top of her head.I woke to an obnoxiously loud seagull squawking outside. I took a deep breath and stretched and felt rumpled sheets next to me. I blinked away the fog from my eyes and noticed I was alone. I tugged my jeans on and walked out to the kitchen. I felt right away that something was wrong. I jogged out the kitchen, the screen door banged against the porch rail. The Jeep was gone. I ran back inside to the bedroom, her clothes were gone, in the bath her toiletries were gone. The coffee table in the living room had a magazine or two on it. I looked in the kitchen and nothing was different except for the note on the counter.Dear Pete,I feel like a complete and total asshole right now, because I know when you read this you'll be pretty upset. When I woke up I checked my messages and my Mom had called yesterday. Emmy was in an accident at camp and broke her arm. She's okay, but I didn't feel right staying with you while my folks took care of her.I heard what you said last night and it scared me. I wanted so badly to say I love you too. I'm just not sure if it's real or not. We come from different worlds, we're at different places in our lives, it would be impossible for us both. You should move on, and remember everything I taught you. I have no doubt you're going to make some girl very happy. You did this one.Love,SummerHugs & kissesSummer hated herself for the lie about Emmy breaking her arm, but she'd hope it would ease the sting of her running off. She was sure there was no other way to end it. The tear was drying leaving a cool streak down her face.The traffic was getting heavier as she neared Portland, so she decided to get off the highway and start west along back roads. She still had a couple weeks of her vacation, so she wasn't worried about getting home right away.Road TripIt had been over a year now.I was working support in Warren down along the Camden road. There was a large blueberry farm there that was burning their fields. It's common practice to keep the other plants from taking over, blueberries grew like weeds out here, the fall burning helped increase the crop, and here in down east Maine blueberries are big business.I sat on the back of Fire Engine number 3, looking out over the fields, we were just here to make sure that the fires didn't get away from the farmers. Dark smoke rolled along on the breeze as the low flames crept eastward. These were the worst times. Normally I was too busy to think about it, too busy to dredge up the past and go over it like a raccoon pawing through a trash bin. Unfortunately, I tended to hold on to things like that. I could see Summer in my mind as if I'd seen her yesterday. The blue eyes, and that crooked little smile, her straw colored hair blowing in the breezes off the water. She hadn't tanned so much as she just glowed, as if reflecting the sun's color and warmth on to you.Fifteen months. That's how long it had been since she left. I still had the note carefully folded in my wallet. A few times frustration nearly got the better of me and I almost threw it away, but sentiment always seemed to win out.After she left I stewed for weeks, mom and friends kept trying to shake me out of my funk and none of them succeeded. I talked to Davy about a job but he'd already given my spot to someone else since I hadn't gone down to see him early enough. He told me that the city was looking for recruits for the fire department, and after my level headed rescue of a boater last year I should apply for it. The boater in question thought it was a smart idea to smoke his cigar while refueling, and the fumes caught. I got to him with a fire extinguisher before the place went up. He got burned up his arm and some around his neck but he survived. I didn't have any other prospects and it seemed like a good idea.The chief remembered the story about my fast thinking the summer before and looked over my paperwork. Before I knew it I was getting a ride up to Fairfield to the fire training academy. After six months I'd gotten my certification in firefighting and my first aid training. I requested further EMT training but the chief said it would have to wait until the new budget year before he could send me back.The summer had been busy with the tourists, the occasional fire, plenty of rescues, but now that the season was over it had quieted down. It was the quiet times, like now, that I'd fall into this pensive mood. Some of the older guys would try to rouse me, ruffling my hair to snap me out of it. I remembered Herb, the engineer for #3, sat next to me beside the fire house a few days ago. He didn't say anything for a few minutes."She must have been something."I just nodded. "She was everything."He nodded. "You know, when the smokes thick, sometimes you have to check the line between you and your partner. Make sure he's still there. If he pulls, and you don't tug back he doesn't know if he's snagged, or lost you."I smirked. "Yeah."He stood up and wandered back into the station. He was right, she tugged, but I didn't tug back. I let her leave. I won't lie and say I didn't cry out her name while I kicked the gravel in the driveway. I couldn't understand how she could leave like that without even a goodbye.Herb was right, and it's time to respond to the tug. We finished out the day walking the line to make sure there weren't any hot spots that would flare up before heading back to the station. Tonight was the end of my shift, I'd be headed home when we got back to the station, and I was off for the next couple days. I told the guys I'd see them on Friday and grabbed my duffel and headed to my truck.I walked into the house and it smelled wonderful. Mom said hi to me and told me dinner would be ready in a little bit. I went to my room and unpacked my bag. I remember when I told her that I was joining the fire department, she was torn between being happy that I'd found a direction after school, and sad that I'd be getting into a dangerous line of work. When I mentioned moving out and finding my own place she had convinced me to stay, and to put my money away. The house was plenty big, and she didn't like the idea of living alone, even though half the week I spent at work.I went into the kitchen and after a little silence she asked me what was wrong. I just raised my eyebrows at her."What makes you think something is wrong?""First of all, that response, second, you're not usually so quiet around dinner time." She chuckled. I didn't reply at first."What if I told you that I was thinking about moving? I don't mean getting my own place, like to another state?"She stopped what she was doing and looked at me for a moment. "Chasing your dream girl?" She asked. She had correctly deduced that last year's crashing depression was brought about by a girl, but I never told her who it was. She figured it was some girl I'd known in school that left for college."How will I ever know she's only a dream if I don't try to catch her?"She didn't say anything for a minute and went back to setting the table."I just don't want to see you get hurt. I mean, what if she's got a boyfriend or she didn't see things the way you did. It's not as if you were dating her long, I never even got to meet her."That idea shot through my mind, my mother meeting Summer sent a chill up my spine. I nearly forgot that mom thought this was some high school girlfriend. Then her statement rang a bell as if my head were in it. What if Summer had moved on, and was seeing someone or worse, remarried. My heart leapt into my throat and I swallowed."If that's the case then I may be back sooner than later.""Don't you get vacation time from work now that you've been there a year?"I nodded."Then why not take it and find out. Don't burn your bridges Smokey."She had a point. If I quit and headed into the wild unknown I'd be risking a decent future. I chuckled."Thanks." I replied with a little more sarcasm than necessary to get my point across."What?""I actually expected you to tell me to not go chasing dreams. It never works out like you hope it will, blah, blah, blah.""Is that what you want to hear?" She asked. "Best thing you did was joining the fire department. If nothing else, it's a job you can get pretty much anywhere you go. I'm not going to try and scare you out of living your life. You're smart, you'll always land on your feet, I've never really worried about you like that.""I think I'll talk to the chief about taking a vacation." I said smiling.When I got back to the station on Friday I went to the office and put in my request, I decided to take the week of my birthday off. I got the okay the next day. I spent the next couple weeks making calls and doing a little detective work. I found the rental agent in town that handled the house rental and inquired about Summer's address. It took a little finagling to get the woman to give me an address, but I got it.The next couple of weeks went by slowly, thankfully nothing major happened, and my vacation began. I'd packed up my duffel and headed south then west. I burned up the highway arriving at the state line in only a couple hours. I crossed New England by mid-afternoon, and drove on into New York state, making it to the Pennsylvania state line just after dinner time. I was beat, so I found a motel and ordered some take out.I dreamt of her. The last night we spent together, she opened up, telling me so many things. She had cried, I remembered. There was pain there that was barely hidden.The next morning I checked out and found the little diner on the edge of town recommended by the clerk. I had breakfast and pored over a map to plan the rest of my trip. Having pushed myself yesterday I'd made it more than half way to my destination, at this rate I'd be there by dinner time. After breakfast I hit the road again, skirting the cities and burning up the miles I found myself looking up at a sign, 'Welcome to West Virginia; Wild and Wonderful'. That caused a chuckle as I thought about Summer. It was a good description of the natives if she was any indication.I skirted the edge of town and found myself a motel room. I laid back on the bed and I wondered what I was doing. I came all this way to see her, and I hadn't spent a single moments thought on how I was going to go about it. Show up at her home and say, 'Hey, how's it going? Remember me?'I decided the best way was to let her know I was here and to let her come to me if she wanted to see me. It sounded conceited at first, but it also felt right. If she didn't want to see me, she'd only have to call me and say so, and I'd go home. That thought sent a cold chill through me, and I did my best to brush it away. I rummaged through the little desk and found some stationery and wrote her a note.Dear Summer,I thought it best to let you know I had come here to see you, and let you decide if you wanted to see me, rather than showing up at your door unannounced. Please, give me a call and let me know if I should stay or go.PeteI put my number on the bottom of the note, and decided the best time to drop it off would be in the morning. Emmy would likely be in school and Summer would probably be at work. I put the note into an envelope and sealed it and wrote Summer's name on the front.The next morning I decided I'd grab some breakfast in the coffee shop of the motel, before I made the trip across town. Where she lived seemed to be on the outskirts of the city on the other side of the river. I took my time making my way carefully through commuter traffic. Then across the river and up into the hills. I found the house and pulled up in front, a small stone retaining wall held back the front lawn from the road, and a mailbox stood sentinel at the head of the driveway. There were no cars in it, and I looked at the little house with its small windows and front porch. A few last die hard flowers held out against the October cold. I smiled, as I imagined her sunbathing naked on the front lawn, causing accident after accident on what seemed to be a busy road. I pulled up and left the note in the mailbox, and hoped that if there were someone else, that it was vague enough not to cause trouble.As I drove away the anxiety began. I had no idea the kind of reception I'd get. I drove around the outskirts of town killing time. The area reminded me of home, more up towards the mountains not along the coast. I roamed down tree lined roads passed a few farms, cows and horses sunning themselves in fields. I turned back towards the city after noon and made my way back to my motel. I figure if I'm lucky enough for her to want to see me, I should at least be presentable.After my shower I stood in front of the sink looking into the mirror and noted that I'd firmed up since becoming a firefighter. My face looked a little more angular, my shoulders and arms were a lot stronger. I didn't look like a skinny kid any more.I got dressed and laid back on the bed, channel surfing for anything to watch while I waited for the phone to ring. Time passed slowly, the tedium of lousy TV shows wasn't helping. It was after 4, and I was getting anxious. I grabbed my phone and took a walk around the outside of the motel so I wouldn't go stir crazy.I was on my second lap, thinking about how this trip was a big mistake when my phone rang, jolting me out of my reverie. I yanked my phone out of my pocket and noted it was a local number calling."Hello?"Silence."Summer?""You're really here?" She asked softly."I am here. I'd really like to see you." I stopped knowing that if I said any more I'd probably break down. She didn't respond at first. "I'll understand if you don't want to. I'll just go home if you say no.""No, I mean yes! I mean don't go, I want to see you. Meet me at RJ's, it's a little bar not far from you. I'll see you in an hour." She gave me directions from the motel, and told me that she called from her cell to just call her if I got lost.To be continued in part 4, by Member389 for Literotica

Mission: Employable is back in Le Mars to find out more about how the Le Mars Fire Department is using work-based learning to get students interested in becoming EMTs. Le Mars Battalion Chief John MacGregor joins the show and shares an emotional story about why he cares so much for teaching the next generation, including his son, who also joins the podcast.   

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Annemarie Lafferty, a woman who has dedicated the majority of her life helping first responders heal from past traumas and chronic injuries. Traditional modalities treat symptoms, Annmarie addresses the root cause thus removing the source of the pain both physically and emotionally. I know that, I don't know, and Annmarie was excellent at explaining concepts and theories in an easy to understand way. Sit back and give this episode a listen and walk away better informed, and with some new tools to address trauma and pain.  More about Annemarie: Mind-Body Medicine sessions and FCOA that release cellular trauma for first responders and everyday clients! Great for acute and chronic injuries as well as persisting behaviors that western medicine has been unable to resolve.Groups, EMS agencies and individuals welcome! Get brain and body working together.Founder-Practitioner at Healing Within Wellness since 2015. Getting to the root cause of chronic injury and trauma in EMS personnel. NET, FCOA, Energy Medicine, Reiki, Advanced Trauma Mind-Body Medicine Facilitator, Amazon author of "Eight Steps to Uncovering Who You Really Are" and past KPCA Radio 103.3FM Programmer/ Host of "The Healing Within Show." Ret. EMT, Ret. RDA in pediatrics. Founder-Owner Healing Within Wellness Sprayshttp://www.healingwithin.us/healingwithin11@gmail.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarie-lafferty-cecp-424b00a0/https://youtu.be/lQGx0kTgFk8?si=F63wacJHFKPTJawVThank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :www.lawenforcementlifecoach.comJohn@lawenforcementlifecoach.comAnd if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel : https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

This week Dan returns to join Kyle, Bear and Baba Yaga in a lively discussion about their personal experiences and changes in the trading community. They reflect on the evolution of their trading room, the challenges of balancing personal freedom with community obligations, and the decision to shift away from structured trading commitments. The conversation is filled with humor, camaraderie, and insights into the trading world. The speakers discuss their experiences with trading, the emotional toll it takes, and Dan shares how he shifted towards passive investing. They share personal stories about their journeys, the challenges of trading psychology, and the importance of self-acceptance. The discussion also touches on the art of improv and how it relates to their identities. The hosts explore a variety of themes ranging from humor and creativity to the intricacies of customer service and trading. They discuss the importance of positive reinforcement in training, the journey of writing a book, and the balance between humor and serious topics. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with natural disasters, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of individuals in challenging situations, emphasizing the importance of community resilience, support, and the lessons learned from adversity. They discuss the challenges faced during a natural disaster, the connections formed with neighbors, and the long-term impacts on their lives and community. The dialogue highlights the value of small-town living and the integrity required in community engagement, ultimately conveying a hopeful message about human connection and support in difficult times.Subscribe, share, and join the trading conversations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Discord!Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at SMaki@fairwaymc.com or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Use code CHINASHOP15 to save 15%**Visit Airsoftmaster.com to support one of our own!To contact us, you can email us directly at bandoftraderspodcast@gmail.com Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!Baba Yaga:Solving problems, helping set goals, and refining processes is the bulk of Baba's passion. He does that in many contexts ranging from nonprofits to real estate firms and everything in between. He focuses on market structure through the lens of TPO charting and executes based on volume, misplaced large orders, and delta. He loves the opening range breakout and typically trades the market from the “inside out”. Vanta Trading YouTubeFollow Baba Yaga on TwitterBear:Bear made the transition from investing to trading at the beginning of COVID. After initial success with options, he quickly learned that his luck was greater than his skill and shifted his focus to futures. Bear has fully embraced the role of emotions and mental capital with the mindset that trading futures is purely an internal struggle that rewards patience, calm, bravery, focus, passion, and commitment. Beyond markets Bear finds joy in his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.Follow Bear on TwitterDan:Dan co-founded 2 Bulls in a China Shop with Kyle when their shared passion for active trading ignited during the lockdowns. Their daily discussions about trades, interests, and the valuable lessons learned created the bedrock for what eventually evolved into both the 2 Bulls in a China Shop and Band of Traders podcasts.While navigating the complexities of trading, Dan infused humor into the shows with his self-deprecating wit and candid discussions about their trading experiences. This dynamic duo's chemistry became the catalyst for a podcast that resonated widely, capturing the attention of a diverse audience.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Summer Arrives on the Atlantic Coast of Maine, in time for his first time.A 7-part series by Member389. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Stories. I was finally glad to be out of school. My buddy Jeff got out last year. He went off and joined the military and left our little town. I figured I'd work the summer here and see what was what after the tourists left. It was still early yet, they hadn't started arriving yet, clogging the roads with their luxury cars, acting as if they owned the place. Truth be told, they did. If it weren't for them, the rest of us wouldn't have a living. Fishing wasn't cutting it anymore, and the old quarries down coast were barely running now. Luckily we had the tourists.I walked down into the village near the docks, and popped into the little corner store."Hey Peter." I heard as I walked in. Paula nodded at me and smiled. She and her husband ran this little place, and did well by the locals and tourists alike. I waved and smiled at her as I headed to the back and grabbed a soda from the cooler."You headed over to see Davy about work?" She asked."Yea, I figure I gotta do something before mom tosses me out of the house." I chuckled."Would you do me a favor? Chip is out on a delivery and we're short-handed. Is there any chance you could make a delivery for me, it's on your way. The lady has an account so you don't need to collect any money. It's just, I heard she twisted her ankle on the beach and I told her that if she needed anything to call us and I'd get it over to her.""Sure, where is it going?" I said.She handed me two canvas sacks from the cooler, and gave me the address. It was just a couple blocks over from where I was headed. Paula refused to let me pay for my soda before leaving. I walked the few blocks turning up onto the driveway that led to a house facing the water. I walked around the house looking for the kitchen door. As I turned the corner I saw a woman lying on a towel on the lawn. She lay there basking in the morning sun completely naked. A small pile of fabric beside her looked like a swimsuit she may have been wearing. I stopped and looked around, the spot was well sheltered on the curve in the road. Her long blonde hair trailed out above her on her towel, her arms down at her sides, her deep pink nipples pointing up to the sun. Her stomach was flat and a little glint of something shiny hinted at a belly button ring. From this distance I couldn't be sure. A small strip of hair dipped down between her thighs. Her legs were long toned and pale, but getting red. She had just started tanning by the color she'd turned already. She was going to look like a freshly boiled lobster in a very short time.I realized she hadn't heard or seen me, so I turned and cleared my throat loudly. I looked over my shoulder, and she hadn't moved. I decided I'd just put the groceries in the house for her. I set the bags on the kitchen table and peeked to make sure nothing needed to be put in the icebox. Thankfully I did or the cold stuff would have spoiled. I put them away and left the rest. I walked towards the back door again and looked out the screen at her. She was beautiful, like she'd just stepped out of a magazine centerfold. She still hadn't moved, and it wouldn't be long before she burned badly. So I took it upon myself to rescue her, that's just the kind of guy I am. I opened the back door and pushed it open as far as possible and let it swing shut. The loud rap of the wood on the frame did the trick. She jumped, then the realization that somebody was near and she was naked came on her and she rolled onto the grass pulling the towel over her covering up. I saw why she hadn't heard me as an earbud fell out onto the grass.She peeked over the top of her big sunglasses, and in an accent I hadn't heard around here, she asked. "Can I help you?" The scolding tone of her voice saying that she didn't appreciate being peeked at while she was sunbathing.I scrunched up my face. "Where are you from?" I asked, curious about her accent."Right here buster, I'm renting this place. Where in hell did you come from?" She replied."Oh! Paula down at the market asked me to deliver your groceries. They were shorthanded and I was headed this way."She just stared at me for a moment, and I returned the stare taking in the scene with a dumb-founded look."Would you be a gentleman and please turn around?" She said a little testily. I did as she asked. Unfortunately for her I'd turned and was looking directly at her reflection in the kitchen window. She stood up cursing quietly, putting her weight on one foot, and wrapped the towel around her and tucked it in above her breasts. She was tall, and though her breasts weren't large they were nicely shaped, and red. The little stripe of hair ended neatly where I thought. The towel was just long enough to cover her modestly. She hobbled over to the little pile of cloth and swept up her bikini and started hobbling towards the house like a wounded animal. She passed me and got to the step and hobbled up the half step, and opened the door using it for stability and hopped up the step into the kitchen.She hobbled back to the screen door and said. "Well come on in."I walked over and stepped into the kitchen. She was sitting down on one of the chairs one leg splayed out in front of her the other tucked under the chair. The smooth skin was kissed with a flush of pink. I knew she was going to regret falling asleep out there later, but I'm glad I happened to wake her up so she didn't get severely burned. She was fumbling with her towel to keep it up, and digging through a big pocket book."Paula said that you have an account." I held up my hand. "I'm not going back to the store anyhow."She peeked up at me from her purse through a tangle of long blonde hair. "Thank you, but I was going to give you something for the trouble. She mentioned that you wouldn't be here until afternoon because it was busy today." A pink nipple peaked over the top of the polka dot beach towel. She caught me staring. "Though it could be surmised that you already got your tip." She said an eyebrow going up, and a small grin turning the corners of her mouth up. She shook her head as she pulled the towel back into place and tossed the purse onto the table. She held her arm out straight with a folded bill in it. I just shook my head once and waved it off."Thanks, but you don't need to do that." I said."Don't make me get up, my ankle hurts like hell, and I'm in no shape to use it to kick your ass for being a peeping tom." She replied grinning. She waved the money again. I shrugged and took it slipped into my jeans pocket. I was hoping she hadn't noticed they were tighter in front than a moment before."Thanks." I nodded."No, thank you Chip, I would have come into town to get them later but she insisted on having you deliver them."I smiled. "I'm not Chip. He was doing another delivery. I'm Pete.""Nice to meet you." She said holding out a hand. "I'm Summer."I shook her hand. She had a firm grip and didn't let up until I did. I just stood there for a moment looking at her. She had mesmerizing blue eyes and a crooked little smile. I realized I was staring when her brow went up. I felt myself blush."Are you thirsty? I could use something cold." Summer asked. I nodded."If you don't mind, there's a pitcher of iced tea in the fridge. I'm going to go put something on besides a towel.""Not on my account I hope?" Why not, I figured, she seemed to have a sense of humor about getting caught. I smiled over my shoulder at her as I reached for the cupboard door. She laughed aloud at that.She stood again, wobbling, and took her bikini in hand and walked towards the living room and gasped grabbing for the door jamb. In the process the towel let go and she stood there grasping the towel in one hand the door in the other. Her long smooth back tapered to a narrow waist and flared back out to beautifully curved hips. On her back was a pretty sunflower tattoo with vines around it. There looked to be a figure in the center of it."Oh to hell with it. I don't think I've got anything left to hide at this point." She muttered and hobbled out of the room. I opened up the freezer and got a tray of ice out, and filled the glasses. I heard her fumbling around a bit and she started to hobble back out. She'd pulled a light blue flowered sundress on, and taken a minute to brush out her hair. She hobbled over to an easy chair in the living room and sat down. "Would you be a doll and bring that in here?"I walked into the living room and she was gingerly setting her foot on the coffee table. I handed her a glass and set the other down. I took the towel she'd tossed on the sofa and folded it up into a little bundle and went to take her leg. I stopped myself and looked up at her, from under fallen bangs."May I?" I asked. She held her glass with both hands, licking tea from her upper lip, and nodded. I lifted her calf, the skin smooth and warm in my hand, and slipped the folded towel under her ankle to pad it from the table. I set it down carefully and she let out a sigh. I sat down on the sofa and took up my glass. I was looking into the glass at the ice cubes floating around. I set it back down and went to the kitchen, found a plastic bag and filled it with the rest of the ice. I looked down at her, she sat there wide eyed as I reached to carefully set it on her ankle."Thank you," She said softly, with a smile "again.""You slammed the door on purpose didn't you?" She asked."Well you were beginning to look like a lobster out there, fresh from the pot. I wasn't sure if you were asleep and I didn't want you to burn, or worse." I said.She smiled. "Thank you." She said, and after a moment she added, "West Virginia.""Rockport here, welcome to Maine." I toasted her with my tea, and we clinked glasses. Neither of us said anything we just sat there enjoying our tea."You said this was on your way? Where were you going?" Summer asked."I was headed down to Davy's marina down the road." I said. Then pointed. "If you go down Sea Road and bear right. He runs a couple of boats for fishing, sightseeing and whale watching. I was going to see if he needed any help this summer."She nodded, and looked down at her ankle. Water running down her leg from the condensation on the bag."If he doesn't give you a job on a boat, you might want to consider going to medical school." She chuckled. "You're a quick thinker and have a gentle touch. I don't mean to keep you from where you were headed but since this is really feeling like hell." She pointed at her foot. "I was wondering if you could do me another favor before you leave.""Sure, what else do you need, lunch?" I asked.She laughed. "Well that would be nice, but I was just going to ask you to go into the bathroom and grab the ace bandage that's rolled up on the counter and the bottle of pain killers for me. I want to get this wrapped again, now that I'm not worried I'll look like a cat with one white paw."I set my glass down, and went to the bath and found the items. I found a bottle of sunburn lotion on the counter and brought that too."I see you came prepared to burn." I looked at the bottle."Well when you're as white as I am, it happens often, especially this early in the season." Summer said as she reached up for the items. She reached down and took the ice off, and dried her foot off on the towel. She crossed her legs, her dress riding up high as she reached to start unrolling the bandage.I laughed. "That looks more awkward than a lobster trying to climb a tree." I reached out for the bandage and took it from her. "Let me show you how it's done." I sat on the edge of the coffee table and laid her leg across mine. I wrapped her ankle neatly slipping the clips on at the end with a flourish. I looked at her toes peeking up, the nails a sparkly pink color. A small throat clear broke me out of my reverie, only to notice that I'd been absently stroking her shin and calf. I snatched my hand away, and felt my face turn bright red again. I looked down at the rug and apologized."For what? Doing a better job than I would wrapping my ankle? Or maybe the lame lobster jokes." She flipped a hand at me and took the bottle and popped it open. She poured out her dose and knocked them back with a swallow of her tea."I should take these with food." She took her foot off my lap and set it gingerly on the floor, grabbing the arms of the chair preparing to get up."Whoa! Where are you going?" I asked."I was going to go see what was in those bags to eat." She said."Sit down. I'll get you something." I answered quickly.She rolled her eyes at me. "You've done far more than you should have for a tired, broken down old lady." She rolled forward again, and I put my hand on her shoulder to keep her balance back."I'll get it." I said firmly. "What would you like?""You are too sweet." She said, relaxing back into the chair. "What did you bring?"I went into the kitchen to rummage through the bags. Given a little creativity and a few minutes time I whipped up a sandwich and chips. I peeked around the door jamb to ask if she wanted mustard or mayo on her turkey. The sight that greeted me stopped me in my tracks. Summer had sat forward on the chair, and slipped the straps off the sundress pushing it down to her waist. She sat there slowly rubbing in the sunburn cream into her skin. She finished her arms and began working on her chest rubbing slowly giving each nipple a pinch and tug. My jeans felt about ready to explode at the sight of her. I popped my head back around the door and called out asking my question. She replied, mustard. I responded that it was ready then, to give her time to cover up.I walked into the room with the plate in front of me and the bag of chips dangling beneath to try and hide my arousal. I sat quickly as I handed her the plate, hoping I'd covered myself well enough."Ooh thanks!" She said setting the plate down and reaching for half the sandwich. She just stopped and looked at me. "You didn't make one for yourself?" I shook my head. "Here," she handed me the other half, "I hate eating alone."I shrugged and took the other half, and we ate quietly. I asked her how she twisted her ankle. Exploring wet rocks on the outbound tide, she'd slipped and thought she'd broken it. She had gotten an X-ray and it was only a bad sprain."Ironic. I ended up having to postpone starting work at the very hospital that I was going to be starting at next week." She said."Oh? You a doctor?" I asked."RN, and I was serious earlier, you have a gentle touch, and you wrap a mean ankle." She followed with a smile."Sports." I said by way of explanation. She nodded.She opened her mouth laying a chip on her tongue and took it in whole giving it a crunch. I didn't know why, but she fascinated me on an entirely new level. I'd seen naked girls before, well in magazines and movies, anyway. Here sat a woman who, unlike those from around here, wasn't scandalized by having her body admired. This isn't the end of the world, but not far from it."How old are you Pete." She asked. I told her the truth, that I was nineteen, and I'd just graduated last month. She offered me the chips, and I took a few."What are your plans from here?" She asked."I honestly don't know. I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up." I said chuckling.She set the chips aside and wiped her hands on the towel. She took up the bottle of cream and popped the cap up. She nonchalantly pulled up the hem on her dress to a nearly indecent level and leaned forward and began rubbing the cream into her leg. She continued to ask me about the area, what there was to do after school got out. She worked her hand further up her thigh, the warm pink flesh supple under her fingers. She pulled back again, the hem of the dress slid up, and a peek of pink lace appeared. She asked if I had a girlfriend. Which made me pause. She started on the other leg working from the ankle up to the knee. She stopped and looked at me when I didn't reply."No?" She asked, no doubt noticing that I'd been watching every movement she made.I just shook my head looking down at the floor. "No. I've gone out a few times, but never really had a girlfriend."She looked down her leg again, massaging her up her thigh slowly. Watching her was not helping the situation in my jeans one bit."That's too bad. Seems an awful waste of resources if you ask me." She smirked."Huh?" I said looking up at her with a quizzical look.She bit her lower lip and looked me in the eye for a moment, then down at my lap, and nodded.I must have turned deep red, she looked up at me and smiled, then busted out laughing."Oh my God! You're as innocent as the day you were born, aren't you?" She asked grinning ear to ear.I stammered."Oh hell." She waved her hand. "Don't be embarrassed hon. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get you a hard time." She reached over and gave my wrist a quick squeeze. The feel of her warm hand sent a shock up my arm. She leaned back in the chair, not bothering to adjust her dress. The little pink lace peeking out kept drawing my eye. I could feel her eyes studying me as I tried not to look.She started softly. "Am I the first woman you've ever seen naked?" She followed with, "in person?"I cleared my throat. "Well, that close, yea." I said softly. "Last summer, my friend and I found a cove where some girls go to tan in the summer, but we stay well back. They mostly only took their tops off. Jeff had binoculars." I felt my ears turn red.Summer smiled again biting her lip. "So, the peeping tom thing isn't new." She giggled. She was enjoying teasing me. A moment of silence passed while I looked anywhere but at her. "Stand up Pete, and come here." I looked at her and did as she asked. She slowly reached up, and tugged the straps of her dress to the side, and looped her arms up through, pushing it down her torso. Her breasts popped free, the cherry red nipples stiff in the cool breeze coming through the house. She looked up at me from under a lock of hair, still biting her lip. Time seemed to stop, and I wasn't sure what to do next, but instinct pushed me to reach out and cup her breast. It was warm and soft in my hand, and I stroked it gently. I reached up with my thumb and rubbed the nipple. A sigh as she inhaled deeply, her eyes were closed while I explored. I rolled it between my thumb and finger it was as hard as a pencil eraser."That feels nice." She said softly. I stroked the curve up to her chest, and back down between them following it around.Time started again when I jumped back startled. I hadn't expected it when her hand reached up and pressed against the front of my jeans."Oh!" She giggled. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just thought you might enjoy a little rub too." She nodded at my jeans. "Let me see it."I went wide eyed like a deer in caught in headlights."Come on. It's only fair, you saw mine." She urged. Her hand slid down raising the hem of her dress showing off the pink lace panties with black lace trim. She circled the front with her finger, pressing as she did. She reached over and took the last swallow of her tea and caught an ice cube from the glass. Swirling it around her mouth. She opened her mouth showing me that she was rolling the cube around with her tongue.Without conscious thought my hands reached for my zipper to release the pressure built up behind it. I pulled it down as she watched intently. I unbuttoned the fly of my boxers and the pressure was gone as my hard cock pushed its way out seeking relief.Summer made an approving sound deep in her throat at the sight of it. "Ooh that's nice." The ice cube clicked on her teeth and she crushed it quickly, chewing the bits of ice. She looked up at me and made a come hither motion with her free hand, the other still working on the pink lace. I stepped forward as if she were drawing me towards her with an invisible tether. She reached up slowly this time and took me gently into her hand. Stroking the shaft and rubbing the tip with her thumb. I gasped, my breath coming in short panting breaths. "That's it, easy now." She said in a soothing voice, as if calming a frantic animal. "You aren't going to last very long."My body was humming like a taut wire as she gently stroked me. In a move that surprised me, she leaned forward and took me into her mouth. The cold sensation from her chewing the ice nearly pushed me over the top. I gasped. She licked my cock like a kid with an ice cream cone, her icy tongue dragging away at me. I knew I was about to cum, and she did too. She stepped up the pace of her licking, and took me into her mouth once more sliding down further until I lost it. I felt my hips jerk forward and she put her hand on my thigh to keep me from choking her. I grabbed for the first thing at hand, and it happened to be the back of her head, and I erupted. My body stiffened as I gasped for air. I felt as if she was drawing me inside out. I exploded in her mouth, her tongue cleaning up the mess I'd made."Is that the first time a girl has done that to you?" She asked softly, lapping my still hard cock. I nodded between gasping breaths."You poor thing. Have you ever thought of what it would be like to lick a girl down there?" She asked innocently. I looked down to find her fingers had slipped into the panties and were making deep circular motions. I had to think, because if I hadn't before now, I certainly was beginning to. She kept darting her tongue out, giving me soft licks and quick flicks with her tongue and thought I could do that.She stood up awkwardly not putting her weight on her bad ankle, and reached up beneath her sundress tugging at the fabric. Soon her panties were around her knees. She turned and tossed the towel onto the chair and spread it out."Oh screw it." She said pushed down the fabric of her sundress as it slid over her hips. She sat down pushing her dress and panties off and tossed them on the couch. She leaned back on the chair as I watched her chest rise and fall with her slow deep breathing. My eyes followed down her taut stomach, a small silver heart dangled from her belly button on a chain. My eyes scanned further down and found the top of her little narrow strip, the soft tuft of dark blonde hair leading to deep pink lips. I stood there with my mouth hanging open as she set her leg back up on the coffee table, opening up a little more for me. I licked my dry lips, which must have been a sign."That's what I like to see. A willing student." She smiled and winked at me. "Grab a pillow and kneel down. I'll give you a quick lesson on the special anatomy of a girl." She chuckled. I did as she asked and knelt before her. She proceeded to point out the highlights softly, in an encouraging voice. Explaining how best to please a woman down there.I leaned forward, my nose filling with the scent of her. I reached forward licking upward between her spread fingers. She let out a deep sigh and I began licking and nibbling. I tilted my head up and began swirling her clit with my tongue like she'd done to my cock. She threw her head back and her jaw dropped as a low moan escaped her lips.She panted quickly. "Slip your finger inside me, and make a come here motion." She mimed it with one finger.I did as she asked, slipping my middle finger into her as far as I could. It was wet, and warm and I could feel her tighten down on me. I started off slowly stroking in and out of her, then remembered how she'd shown me and I rubbed up and forward and back again. I had forgotten what I was doing and noticed she'd reached down to start stroking her clit with incredible speed. I leaned down putting my tongue to it again, and began flicking it with my tongue as fast as I could. Summer arched up off the chair and began yelling, 'Oh my God.' She stayed that way for nearly a minute before collapsing back into the chair gasping for air. My hand was soaked with her juices. I wasn't sure, but I figured I'd done well. I used the corner of the towel to wipe my hand. I looked at her swollen, wet and deep pink lips and just leaned forward and began lapping up the mess she'd made, slowly with the tip of my tongue. She inhaled sharply and her legs came together quickly."Easy there." She said pushing my head away gently. "It's very sensitive after." She released the grip she had of my hair and ran her fingers through it. She was just looking at me smiling while I licked my lips."So how did I do teach?" I asked.She chuckled. "I'd say you did pretty damn well for a first-timer. I'll give you an A plus for effort and an A for technique." She smiled. I was hard as a rock, and wondered if I was going to be allowed to follow through with the next thing that came to my mind."Are you a typical young guy with a raincoat in your wallet?" She asked, reading my mind. I looked at her with my quizzical look again. She just rolled her eyes and shook her head. I sighed looking down, and shook my head slowly. I got a slightly scolding look in reply. I wasn't sure if it was because I didn't have one, or that she was unhappy about it as well."Get up." She said giving a slight push to my forehead. I leaned back and stood in a single motion. I nearly fell over backwards when I realized I still had both legs caught with my jeans around my knees. Summer leaned forward to grab my arm and help me balance. She nodded down at them and without saying a word let me know that I should get them off. She gripped my hand solidly and pulled herself carefully out of the chair and hobbled a step aside. She reached down taking the rumpled beach towel off the chair and flipped it in half and lay it on the center cushion of the sofa. She turned me back to and gave me a push so I fell back onto it."Don't move." She said leveling a serious gaze at me. She hobbled back off to the bedroom. A little rustling later she came back with something closed in her fist. She pulled the coffee table up close and sat gently on the edge of it facing me."First things first. It's never her responsibility to make sure you're prepared." She said holding up a little foil packet. "If you aren't prepared, then keep it in your pants, or her hand if you're lucky enough." She smiled. "The only time it'll be up to her to help is now. If she'd like to." She reached forward and began slowly stroking me, her fingers firm and soft at the same time. "You see, you can't wrap the rascal unless he's primed and ready." She smiled. "I'll show you how best to use this so you don't end up a daddy too soon, or worse."I smiled and rolled my eyes."Hey, we can stop right now if you like." She said levelly at me. The shock on my face must have been plain as day. "That's what I thought." She smiled and looked down at my hard cock. "I'd hate to stop now myself." She peeled the wrapper down the side pulling out the little ring. She held it close for me to see. "See how it's rolled up? Place it with the rolled side up over the tip like this." She reached holding my cock in one hand and setting the condom on the tip. "Unroll gently down the shaft like this." She said sliding her fingers down my shaft unrolling it fully. "All the way down. That's important since she's not going to want to fish the thing out of her if it comes off in the middle of your good time. It also makes it pretty useless if that happens." She gave the base of my cock a little squeeze. She pulled my knees together, and stood up kneeling on the sofa straddling me."This is a good position for us to start with. It gives a woman the ability to control the depth and speed with which you entering her. Missionary isn't bad, but if you get a little over zealous it can end up hurting her. If you want to her to ever want you back in her again then it's best to make sure she has a good time too." She said reaching down between us she ran her finger up and down her swollen lips."Remember to open her gently beforehand, the more care you take with her, the more likely she'll be calling you for more." She sat up, and lined herself up over my cock and took my shoulders as I took her by the hips. She looked down at me for a moment, one eyebrow going up."Oh." I said reaching between us and stroking her still wet lips placing fingers on either side and gently opening her up. As I did she lowered herself on me. The sigh that escaped my lips was loud. I nearly passed out from the feeling of the warmth and tightness, as she slowly rode the entire way down my length. A soft purr came from her throat.She sat there for a moment and proceeded to just tighten herself around me and relax. I started pushing urgently with my hips."Easy does it." She whispered into my ear then licked her way down nibbling the lobe and kissing my neck. "A woman's nipples are very sensitive, and shouldn't be neglected." She took my hand and ran it up to her small breast. Lifting it away slightly and rubbing her nipple with my fingers. She bit her lower lip as I took the hint and stroked her breasts and rolled the nipples between my fingers. I leaned forward taking it in my mouth rolling it around, lashing it with my tongue. Summer sighed deeply and rolled her hips forward and started rising up and lowering herself on me. My other hand found its way behind her gripping her ass and pulling her down onto me with each stroke. She started a long deep stroking rhythm that I thought was going to drive me over the top again. She must have noticed my urgency as my hips rose to meet her down stroke hard. She stopped on an upstroke and let me slip out of her and I thought I was going to die when my eyes popped open pleading with her. She smiled at me."What's your hurry? Aren't you enjoying yourself?" She said sweetly.I nodded furiously. "Yes I am." I gasped."Good. The journey can be as much fun as the destination, so take your time." She got off the couch. I looked at her pleading with her not to stop now. "Let's see how well you improvise." She said.She turned around and knelt down on the pillow that was on the floor, and leaned forward setting her elbows on the chair she was sitting in before. Her beautiful ass, up in the air her lips open and pouting in invitation. I scrambled off the couch and knelt behind her, nearly ready to drive my cock into her when I paused and opened her up slipping back into herShe whipped her hair over one shoulder and looked at me over the other. "You're in the drivers' seat now. It's going to be up to you to be aware of the clues a girl is giving you. If she's pulling away from you, you're fucking her to hard. If she's pushing against you, well she wants you to put the pedal to the metal, so to speak." I pushed forward feeling myself fall into her and never wanting to leave. I began pushing and she met me stroke for stroke as I sped up. I couldn't take it any longer. Summer let out several long high pitched moans followed by a gasping, 'Harder!' and I went into overdrive. Plunging her depths with abandon I finally drove her forward hard, pushing her hips against the chair as I exploded. I stiffened as I felt every ounce of strength drain from my body. Summer shuddered hard in my hands bringing me out of my daze."Are you okay?" I gasped between breaths.She rose up slightly, hair a complete mess covering her face. She started to laugh, gasping for air. "I was just thinking, this vacation started off lousy, but it's improving nicely."I chuckled. "Welcome to Maine, Vacationland." She busted out laughing at that. I backed away falling free of her, the cool breeze came in from the screen, cooling the sweat on my skin."Let's get cleaned up." She stood shakily, with the help of the arms of the chair. I stood as well. She turned and slipped an arm around my shoulders. "Help me to the bathroom, would you please?" I looked at her, and turned slightly and reached down picking her up off the floor. She let out a whoop of surprise. "I only needed a shoulder to lean on honestly." She said smiling."So lean on it." I said smiling. I negotiated the narrow path to the bathroom and brought her in careful not to bang her against the doorjamb. I set her on a little stool next to a big claw foot bathtub."Let me get that." Summer reached over and popped up a tissue and reached up sliding the condom off of me and wrapping it and tossing it in the trash. She looked up at me, her hair still a mess. I reached down pushing it off her forehead. She smiled. "Grab a washcloth for me, would you please?" She nodded at a small shelf, and I took one down and handed it to her. She reached over to the bath running water onto it and a little squirt of her bath gel. She frothed it up and began washing herself off. She rinsed and repeated. She dried herself with another towel hanging from the bar. She looked up at me from under her bangs, scanning down. "Really?" She said in a resigned voice as she saw that I was once again ready.I shrugged. "The benefit of youth?"She laughed. "I guess!"She rinsed the cloth again and began gently washing me with it. The cool water and warm hands were soothing but not doing a thing for the fact that it was loaded and ready to go yet again."Would you hand me that light blue bottle there." She asked. She poured a small amount into her palm and set the bottle aside. She rubbed the oil between her hands and rubbed it between her legs oiling herself up. The sight of this was not doing me any good either. A crooked smirk spread across her face as she watched me watching her in fascination.She reached up with her oily hand and began stroking my shaft. The hardness slipping through her firm grip with little friction. The other hand began fondling my balls. They were already tight, and ready to go again. She slid her hand further under and began massaging me underneath in a tight circle. The feeling blew my mind as I couldn't contain myself and came hard, with a loud splatter, on Summer's chest."Not sure if it's good for burns, but I've heard it does wonders for the skin." She said, leaning forward cleaning the last few drops off with her tongue. She then used her cloth to wipe up the cum I'd splashed on her chest.. I just watched her, her movements so graceful and efficient.She looked up at me with a smirk. "Pete, how would you like to give me a hand for a couple weeks while this ankle heals?"My eyebrows went up. "How?" I asked."The usual mow the lawn, grocery runs, cleaning, maybe even an occasional turkey sandwich. It'll allow me to keep off this as much as possible and not feel like I'm an invalid. I'll warn you now though it's not only doctors that make lousy patients."It was my turn to smirk. "What's it pay?" I asked wiggling my eyebrows.Her mouth dropped open. "You little shit! I'm not hiring you to be a gigolo!" She laughed. "But there's always the possibility of a bonus. I could continue your lessons. Practice makes perfect they say." She smiled at that."I don't know." I said, my spent cock hanging inches from her lips. Oh I knew alright, but I played along. "I'll have to see what Davy has to offer this year. Those rich folks that come in to fill up can be pretty good tippers too."She raised an eyebrow at me again. "Okay if you'd rather work for him I'll understand." She said in mock resignation. She stood on her good foot, testing the floor with her bad. I instinctively wrapped my arm around her waist."You drive a hard bargain." I said pulling her to my side so she could put her arm over my shoulder.She looked me up and down me and smiled. "This vacation isn't turning out bad at all."To be continued in part 2, by Member389 for LiteroticaSummer In Maine: Part 2Lesson Two, and Two and a half.A 7-part series by Member389. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Stories.This summer job wasn't turning out the way I'd thought. So far I'd mowed the lawn, done the dishes, (thankfully there's a dishwasher) hauled trash, done laundry, dusted and vacuumed. When Summer asked if I wanted to help her out for a few weeks I sort of expected there would be fringe benefits to go with, or instead of, getting paid. Instead it was actual work. She wasn't shy, about her body or mine, she often would wrap her arm around my waist to help with her balance. She occasionally stroked my ass through my jeans. I didn't hesitate to return the favor but I always ended up with only a smile in return. I figured after that first day when I took the job I might get some more personal time with her. The other night I helped her to run a bath, and she shooed me out of the bathroom. One night we watched a late movie I slept over, and ended up on the couch. Something didn't seem right about all of this. Nearly a week had gone by, and it was as if that first day hadn't even happened, and I was too shy to say anything. I hitched the grocery bag I was carrying a little higher, tonight, I'd say something tonight.I walked up to the kitchen stoop and pulled open the screen door and I heard a gasping cry. I dropped the bags on the table and darted into the living room, she wasn't there. Another cry, and I looked to the right and saw the bedroom door was open. I walked quietly towards the door, and Summer was laying back on the bed naked except for her bandaged ankle. She was sliding a pink vibrator up and down between her thighs. She tilted it slightly and slid it into her, her other hand pulling on her nipple. I was instantly hard watching her pleasure herself. She let go of the nipple and slid her hand down and began flicking her clit, rubbing it fast. She arched her back crying out "Yes!" She pulled the vibrator out slipping her fingers in as she came. She continued rubbing her clit slowly and stroked her fingers in and out for a few before falling flat to the sheets like a deflated balloon. Her breathing was fast and shallow."How long have you been watching?" She asked, not looking up. She looked absolutely radiant, her skin flushed pink through her tan. Her hair was a tangled mess of sun streaked gold, she looked fantastic."Just a couple minutes." I said quietly looking down at the floor. I heard the old brass headboard creak and I peeked up. She had raised her head and was looking at me."What's the matter?" She asked gently. I shrugged and walked out to the kitchen, and started putting away the groceries."I picked up some local shrimp for lunch. I'll put them on ice in the fridge." I said loudly from the kitchen. I turned and Summer was leaning against the doorway to the kitchen watching me with her arms crossed in front of her, buck naked. She gave me a shrewd glance."Please tell me what's bothering you."I looked at her for a moment, then turned away and put a couple other items in the fridge."Nothing." I said, unconvincingly."It's just..." I started. I looked over at her and said."Never mind." I walked out to the yard looking around to see if I should mow the lawn again already or not. I heard the screen door bang shut behind me. I felt her hand on my shoulder as she stepped up beside me."I love it here. The salty sea air, the big sky, everything seems so much simpler." She said softly. I instinctively wrapped my arm around her waist, her skin was warm and damp."Why?" I asked softly."Why what, Pete?" She asked with surprising sincerity. "Why haven't we had sex since Monday? Is that what you want to know? Are you asking me if you were a one afternoon-stand? What Pete? Ask me." She urged.Her words inflamed me and my frustration flared. "Yes!" I turned to face her, her arm sliding down from my shoulder. "Was I just a one shot deal? Screw me, then have me cook and clean for you?" I immediately sensed I'd gone too far and full well expected a slap. I'd deserve it if she did. I opened my eyes wide.She stood there looking at me, her eyes smoldering. She coolly pointed out. "Which one of us is the one standing here naked?" I stood there a moment longer, every muscle in my body taut like a drawn bow. I snapped and took hold of her and kissing her hard as our lips parted, tongues lashing out at each other like sparring fencers. Her arms wrapped around my waist pulling us together."Damn, I thought I you'd never come around." She said between kisses. I leaned back and gave her a queer look."What?" I asked, completely confused. She grinned ear to ear."Lesson number 2, confidence is sexy. Hell it took me walking around naked to get your damned attention. What the hell is wrong with you?" She bopped me on the forehead. I shrugged, feeling completely confused. I had no idea what she was talking about."This exercise, which you nearly failed miserably I might add, was to see if you would take the lead. I personally tend to be a bit passive. Therefore, as the guy, you need to learn to take the lead, just like dancing." She held my hand up and snugged her hand around my back and gave a little sway."The other night when you fell asleep on the couch I laid awake waiting for you for nearly an hour. I finally took matters into my own hands, maybe I should have made more noise.""I knew girls were crazy. I honestly was hoping to get more insight from you, not more confused." I said smiling. "You were waiting for me?""You haven't seen crazy yet, give me a week." She winked.I groaned, then kissed her again, holding her against me, my hands stroking down her back to her ass massaging it as I pulled her to me. Holding her was like holding a flame, seductive, hypnotizing and hot, and I didn't care if I got burned."Tell me you've had the good sense to pick up some protection." Summer mumbled between kisses. Without breaking our kiss I reached back for my wallet and held it up."Please tell me you bought more than one." She growled. I felt her hands come between us resting on the waist of my jeans unbuttoning them and grabbing for the zipper. She pushed my jeans and boxers down far enough for me to escape captivity. She let out an appreciative hum as she ran her hand up and down my hardened length. She broke our kiss long enough to grab the hem of my polo shirt and drag it up pulling it over my head. She leaned down and took one of my nipples into her mouth. I gasped out loud at how the sensation shot through me. It felt as if my cock was getting even harder and I didn't think that was possible."Holy shit! Does it feel this way when I do this to you?" I gasped.She hummed an agreement as she switched to the other side, then stepped back and looked at me smiling.I stood dumb-founded for a moment. I quickly realized she was waiting for me to do something. She placed her hands on her hips and gave them a slight tilt. "I'm all yours, all you need do is tell me how you'd like me, or better yet, show me." She winked. I kicked off my shoes and pushed my pants the rest of the way off and looked at her for a moment. The sun kissed her body so exquisitely, her pink nipples hard and pointing straight at me. Her hair was blowing in the breeze surrounding angelic face like a golden halo. I stepped forward, wrapped her up in my arms again and kissed her deeply. I ran my hand up between us taking her breast in my hand cupping it twirling the nipple in my fingers. I work my mouth down her jaw, kissing her neck and I feel her shudder and gasp. I moved down the center of her chest trailing kisses to the other nipple and teased it with my tongue before taking into my mouth suckling it gently. A moan escaped her lips. Her hand was pulling me towards her, fingers running through my hair. I wanted her so badly but I didn't want this to end. I pulled away looking up at her face, her mouth hung open her eyes half closed."Your ankle has to be killing you right now." I said, noting she'd been standing for a while now. I walked over and brought one of the Adirondack chairs over and set it behind her and she smiled. I laid my clothes on it to keep her from burning her ass on the sun heated wood. She just looked at me without sitting. "Sit down." I told her, and she tilted her head in assent and sat. I knelt down in front of her and kissed her nipple again and began trailing kisses down her stomach. She took the cue and leaned back on the chair. I flicked her little belly button ring aside and licked her belly button. She let out a whoop and jumped, chuckling."Ticklish?" I chuckled. She grasped a handful of my hair and gave me a little push further down, but I was going at my own pace and I made my way down nuzzling her little blond stripe. I kissed my way around her pouting lips, my tongue darting out giving little licks. She tasted sweet, the scent of her was driving me mad, I couldn't take it any longer and slipped my tongue into her as I massaged her clit.She arched her back and moaned. "Yes!" I lapped up to her clit taking it in my lips and giving it due attention. Her cries got louder and I stepped up the assault on her. Her leg came up over my shoulder and she pulled me hard into her with her heel. I let up a bit, I didn't want this to end too soon, it seemed that I wasn't the only one enjoying it. I slipped my middle finger into her, and felt her grip it tightly. Her hips started rocking forward. I was pretty sure I could finish her off quickly if I had a mind to, but I didn't. I continued bathing her clit, varying the pressure on it. She let out a few short gasps. "Please?!" She begged. I knew then I had to finish her and slipped another finger in to join the first and intensified my tongue lashing. Her hips lifted off the chair as she climaxed. She held on to me, still moaning, finally collapsing back into the chair panting."You sir, are a natural." She gasped. I returned her smile and licked my fingers."Am I mistaken, or is there a very hard cock in my immediate future?" I grinned even wider and nodded. "How would you like me?""Over hard." I said smiling. Her eyes lit up like a fire had been kindled."Well then, dig that little party hat out and show me how easy it is to put on."I chuckled and dove for my wallet lying on the grass a few feet away. I dug out the foil wrapper and crawled back. I tore open the packet holding the ring carefully and reaching down, putting in place and unrolled it carefully."Very good." She said her eyes flashing. She stood up and knelt down on the grass facing the chair. "Over like this? I'm sure you'll supply the 'hard' part." She added with a wink."Yes." I said, my breath shallow. I had to have her and scooted up behind her and lined up pushing the head in. I took her hips and pushed forward in a single motion burying myself in her.We both gasped loudly. In moments she started moving her hips back and forth and I pulled out and began taking slow strokes at first, but I knew I wasn't going to last. She leaned back pushing hard against me and I responded in kind driving forward, the sound of our bodies coming together pushed me into a frenzy. Her gasps were coming in short cries of, "Yes!" She began shaking in my hands, her moans coming from deep in her throat as she arched back into me and climaxed again pushing me over the edge. I drove her forward nearly knocking her and the chair over as I stiffened arching my back. I froze in place for what seemed an eternity, and not long enough both at the same time as I came deep in her.She leaned back against my chest, the heat of her skin against me was incredible, she reached behind us grasping my ass pulling our hips tight together. "I love how you feel inside me." She whispered. I leaned down and began kissing her shoulder, working my way up to her neck and nibbled on her ear."I love how you feel too." I said, my voice a little weak.She breathed a deep contented sigh. "What now?" A small smirk spread across her lips."I don't know about you but I worked up an appetite." I said. "Those shrimp sound good about now.""All this and you cook too. You're not going to be single long." She chuckled and reached up behind her and stroked my cheek. "I think we may need to move for that though." She said lightly, reminding me that I still had her pinned against the chair. I leaned back, pulling free of her. I stood stepping back, I gathered up my clothing. Summer put her good foot down and stood, steadying herself on the arms of the chair. "Let's go clean up and have lunch." She smiled slipping an arm around my waist and we went into the house.I started a pan for the shrimp, a little olive oil, some garlic and some red pepper flakes tossed on top of fresh spinach. My killer homemade vinaigrette to top and she would be mine. Well she already seemed to be. I stopped and stared out the little window above the sink out over the water. That thought caught me by surprise. What exactly was going on here? An hour ago I was pissed off for being shunned, now I was making her lunch with a silly, satisfied grin on my face.Summer hobbled into the kitchen wearing a pale blue tank top and panties with little pink hearts on them."Don't you own pants?" I asked smiling."Sure, would you rather I be fully dressed, or comfortable?" She asked."Oh I don't mind your outfit, as long as you don't mind your lunch burnt to a crisp." I laughed."What are you making?" She replied chuckling."I'm going to woo you with my culinary skills. My own special shrimp and spinach salad with homemade vinaigrette." I said."Wow, sounds awesome. You're a man of many talents. I think you're a little late in the wooing department though." She said smiling.My chest tightened at that. Nobody ever thought of me as a man before. Everybody has always treated me as a kid until now. The shock of it must have been evident in my expression."What?" She asked, her eyes widening. I didn't answer her, I just leaned forward and kissed her softly, she responded in turn."Nothing." I said, my grin returning."Need a hand?" I handed her two lemons with directions to squeeze the hell out of them then juice them for me into a bowl. I diced up the shallot, and garlic tossing them into the big bowl, salt and pepper followed. In went a huge dollop of spicy mustard, I looked at how much juice Summer had squeezed out of the lemons and eyeballed it pouring it into the bowl, straining out the seeds. I dug a whisk out of the drawer and started whisking in olive oil."Most vinaigrette recipes ask for vinegar, obviously. I like mine with lemon juice, especially with seafood." I said. I stopped whisking dribbling a little onto my finger to try it. "That's the ticket." I said offering a taste to Summer who agreed with a little sound. I set the big bowl aside and had her start splitting the cherry tomatoes. The shrimp were rinsed and patted dry on a towel, and I threw some garlic into the pan starting it with some of the olive oil. I salted and peppered the shrimp and in they went tossing them around to coat them all with the hot oil. They were ready in a couple minutes and the kitchen smelled terrific. I stacked the plates with spinach and started building the salads with the tomatoes, red onions, shrimp and as a topper sliced almonds."If this tastes like it looks, you're staying on as cook after this heals." She said lifting her foot behind her."Prepare to have your mind blown." I said handing her a plate and a fork. I had brought a small baguette with me which I'd sliced up and we ate."A girl could get used to this." She smiled popping a shrimp into her mouth. Cooking for a girl is a sure way into her panties."I laughed. "Even if she wasn't wearing any?""Well she's wearing some now." Her eyes flashed."But for how long?" I said playing along."You have your driver's license don't you?" She asked, changing the subject."Yea, I just don't have a car of my own yet." I said, wondering why she asked."Do you know of anybody that would loan you one, like your folks?""Yea I'm sure I can get one. Why, do you want to do it in the backseat?" I wiggled my eyebrows at her."Hell yea, but I'd also like to get a ride to go get my Jeep. It's been down at the clinic for a week now. They told me it would be safe but I'm getting a little stir crazy stuck here in the house." She replied.I looked out the window. "I can ride down and bring it back, it's only about four or five miles." I said."Ride?" She asked."I have a bike, I can put it in the back and haul it back if you don't mind.""Not at all." She smiled.I did the dishes and cleaned up after lunch, and Summer kicked back on the sofa folding a load of laundry I'd done earlier. I took a look at the grass, yea the lawn could wait a couple more days. "What else needs to be done?" I asked from the kitchen. I got no answer. I walked into the living room and she was bobbing her head as I walked around the edge of the couch I noticed she'd put in earbuds and was listening to her mp3 player. She was lip syncing some unknown song. She looked up at me and grinned, pulling one of the buds loose."I couldn't live without my music." She threw a towel at me to fold."Listening to anything good?" She mentioned a band I'd never heard of, and moved the folded stuff from beside her and patted the seat beside her. I sat and she handed me the ear bud."Check it out, you might like it." I put it in my ear and listened for a song or two, folding another towel. A hard rock song started and she turned it up a bit and started singing along. She got to the chorus and really joined in full blast. The lyrics were pretty explicit. I was thinking you wouldn't hear music like that on the radio around here. There was a pause, then a soft intro began. The ballad was soft and low, and Summer stopped and closed her eyes, her lips barely moving with the lyrics. When I noticed I stopped and listened intently to the lyrics, it was about intense, heart-felt, you are my world, kind of love. The kind of love that lasts longer than a lifetime. When it ended she reached down and stopped the playback. She looked straight out the window for a moment and turned to me, a shy sweet smile on her lips."Do you believe in love Pete?" She asked me. I stared at her in wide-eyed amazement for a minute, and began slowly nodding."I do now." I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I wanted to kiss her so badly, but something in her eyes made me hesitate. There was sadness there, and they welled up as if she were doing her best to hold back tears. A wash of emotion swept over me like a storm driven wave, and I leaned forward lifted her chin and kissed her softly. Our lips brushed, our tongues sought out one another, delicately probing. Something wet touched my cheek making me break the kiss long before I wanted to. I pulled back and a tear streamed down Summer's cheek. I reached for one of the towels and daubed it. I took a deep breath and was about to ask why she was crying when a curt little head shake waved off the question."Please don't ask, not yet anyway." She said, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry." She said wiping the remaining tear with the heel of her hand."You don't have anything to be sorry about." I replied softly.She inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. She turned to me with a smile on her mouth but sadness in her eyes."I saw there's a free concert in the park tonight. Want to go? A rock blues cover band is playing. Sounds like they might be good."I knew they were good, my friends brother was in the band, and I'd heard them before. I smiled and nodded. "Sounds like fun, and they are good, I've heard them before.""I should ride down and get the Jeep. There's no way you're walking that far." I said sternly."Yes dear." Summer rolled her eyes at me. She giggled, and got up hobbling off to the bedroom and came back with a set of keys handing them to me."It's black, and I'm guessing the only one with West Virginia plates. It's at the walk-in clinic on Route 12."I nodded. "I know exactly where you mean. I'll go get it. You relax, take a nap if you want. I should be back in an hour or so." I smiled. I kissed her again, the underlying want in our embrace was nearly too much. She placed her hand on my chest, with the barest hint of pressure. She was right, if I kept it up we weren't going anywhere. I reluctantly stepped back, picked up the folded towels and put them away. I walked back out and she had laid down on the couch with her foot up on a pillow. I smiled that she'd taken my suggestion."Can I get you anything before I go?" I said softly leaning over the arm of the couch. She just smiled and gave her head a little shake. She reached up pulling me down closer for a quick upside-down kiss. I headed for the kitchen door, pausing as I closed it quietly, looking back into the house. I turned and started walking home.I walked, lost in thought. This week had been a week of firsts for me. I grinned at the thought of the first day when I lost my virginity to an amazing woman. The aggravation of the following days of not knowing exactly what was happening. If I had just opened my eyes I would have noticed she was waiting for me. Then today when she all but pushed me into making love to her again. I wondered why, well why me anyway. I knew so little about her. What was going on here. We'd known each other about a week, what was that question about believing in love. I could easily fall in love with her, I had to admit. Was I doing just that? So many questions came to mind as I walked up my driveway, I grabbed my bike out of the garage and hopped on. I made my way down to the coast road and started pedaling in earnest up the first rise. The traffic drifted past me as I sought answers to my questions. I pedaled harder nearly coasting up the next rise. Why was I over analyzing this? I was living out a fantasy any red-blooded male would die for. A beautiful, sexy woman wanted to have sex with me, repeatedly. Isn't that enough for me? I laughed out loud at that thought because I realized, it isn't.I rolled down the long slope of the hill seeing the clinic up ahead. I pulled into the parking lot and rode around looking for the Jeep and found it near the side of the building. I checked the plate and got off my bike, took out the keys and opened up the driver's side door. The heat billowed out of it from being parked in the sun so long. The smell of a roasted sweet smelling air freshener poured out and nearly gagged me. I walked to the back and looked at how I was going to get my bike in there and noticed there was a folding bike rack on the spare tire mount. I figured it out in a few minutes an

Join us in Jerusalem for Ohr Samayach's 2nd Yarchei Kallah event from July 7th to 9th, 2025! Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more Click here for more information.   Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ----------------------------------------------------   Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at  https://ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu 0:00 were Ruth and Orpah converts at the time of marriage to Naomi's two sons 9:50 can we say that both psaks are correct in a halachic makloket How do we resolve the concept of one soulmate with the ability to have multiple wives What is the cause of the Shidduch crisis Can others rely on the Temani Masorah for eating kosher Grasshoppers Wearing tzitzit without Techelet 30:50: activities that cause one to forget his learning 32:50 do we have a Masora of transmission of the Zohar from Rav Shimon Bar Yochai to Rav Moshe DeLeon 38:25 how does one use their relationships with others to enhance our relationship with Hashem 41:05 what are the parameters for being allowed to break Shabbat for emergency EMT work 45:50 are lower quality hekshers like Rabbanut fully operating within permitted leniencies or do they violate some kashrut laws 55:35 will many things still continue as per normal after Mashiach 1:01:15 when the Mashiach, will we not get as much reward for mitzvot, will gerim be allowed 1:05:45 why isn't mashiv haruach morid hatal mentioned fully in tefilah 1:09:15 why is there a discrepancy between secular and Jewish dating of the temple periods 1:17:50 why is the schmita requirement only limited to farmers and not other professions 1:21:15 why are there 2 days of Yom Tov for Shavuot which is determined by counting down 1:25:25 when are certain people zocheh to learn with a magid or Eliyahu HaNavi 1:28:15 what does the Rav consider to be the best proof for Judaism 1:30:55 is there a way to explain the Torah through science 1:33:30 what are the halachic ramifications of being a plant geneticist 1:35:00 why do we keep 2 days of yom Tov but not Rosh Chodesh   Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel​whatsapp us at https://bit.ly/OSREGISTER or call our placement specialist at 1-254-981-0133 today! Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos     You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ https://ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS  

On a spring morning in May 2013, Dick and Ruth Foth's life changed forever. While gathered with longtime friends in Estes Park, Colorado, Ruth suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. With no pulse and minutes to act, a chain of miracles unfolded—beginning with a rookie officer's CPR and culminating in Ruth's full recovery, with no brain damage.Twelve years later, Dick sits on the porch with Ruth to reflect on that extraordinary day, the people who intervened, the power of prayer, and the deep gratitude that has marked every day since.This is a story of crisis, community, faith—and grace that goes beyond explanation.⏱️ Episode Highlights + Timecodes00:00–00:32 – Setting the scene: birds, trains, and a morning full of memory00:46–02:08 – Ruth collapses mid-conversation after reciting a poem02:08–04:14 – First responders arrive and perform CPR; Ruth is shocked three times04:49–05:13 – Airlift to Loveland; doctors offer a grim prognosis05:20–06:07 – Friends around the world begin to pray; candles light up online06:22–08:13 – A doctor prays over Ruth—and hours later, she wakes up08:24–09:18 – Ruth beats the odds: survival, recovery, and full cognition09:25–11:19 – One year later: apple pie thank-you tour to responders11:19–12:20 – A police captain asks Dick to pray for his team13:00–16:11 – Ruth reflects: family, friends, and Andre Crouch's “My Tribute”16:14–17:43 – Final thoughts on life, love, and laughter

This week, we apply an EMT's trauma checklist to project leadership. Using the DCAP-BTLS framework, we explore how to scan your project for failure symptoms—before they spiral.Key focus areas:• Spotting early signs of project breakdown• Clarifying roles and responsibilities• Responding with intention, not reactionCall to Action: Identify one “injury” in your project—like burnout, misalignment, or scope creep—and treat it today.People first. Combined process. Progress together.

A. J. BERMUDEZ is an award-winning author and filmmaker based in Los Angeles and New York. Her first book, Stories No One Hopes Are About Them, won the 2022 Iowa Short Fiction Award and was a 2023 Lambda Award Finalist. Her most recent feature film project, My Dead Friend Zoe (co-written with director Kyle-Hausmann Stokes, starring Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman), premiered at SXSW and won the Narrative Spotlight Audience Award in 2024. Her work has been honored at Sundance, the LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival, the Yale Center for British Art, and elsewhere. She is a recipient of the Diverse Voices Award, the PAGE Award, and the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize. In addition to writing and filmmaking, Bermudez is also a former boxer and EMT, and her work gravitates toward contemporary explorations of power, privilege, and place. Find more about AJ here: https://www.networkisa.org/profile/ajbermudez

Join us in celebrating our 100th episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast! In this special milestone episode, we welcome Craig DiLouie from the Lighting Controls Association and Alexa Berger from NEMA to discuss the future of lighting education, workforce development, and technological innovation in lighting controls.   We explore the transition from Education Express to the new NEMA Academy, an all-in-one platform for industry professionals to access high-quality education and training. Plus, we dive into the evolving landscape of lighting controls, from wireless systems to AI integration and the growing demand for electrical professionals in the industry.   Big thanks to our sponsor MaxLite and to the Lighting Controls Association and NAILD for making the 100th episode possible!   

Send us a textSteve Bisson welcomes Cyndi Doyle, licensed professional counselor, retired police spouse, and founder of Code for Couples, to discuss the unique challenges faced by first responder relationships and strategies for building resilience.• Meeting Cyndi Doyle - licensed professional counselor specializing in first responder relationships for over 20 years• Understanding the "married but single" phenomenon that many first responder spouses experience• Recognizing grief in relationships when expectations don't match reality• How hypervigilance affects communication and connection at home• The importance of perspective-taking to reduce resentment• Standing in your partner's shoes to understand their experience• Changing the narrative we tell ourselves about our relationships• Finding gratitude amid the challenges of first responder life• How unspoken traumas create both protection and distance• Learning to listen rather than just hear your partnerFind Cyndi Doyle at code4couples.comOn social media @code4couplesGet her book "Hold the Line: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Law Enforcement Relationship" at any online retailer.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Send us a textDr. Damaris Maria Grossman welcomes Joe Berg, creator of protein-packed grass-fed beef snacks, and his strategic partner John Engelson to discuss integrative health and clean protein options.• Joe Berg shares his journey from 35-year tech industry veteran to EMT volunteer to energy healer• Joe developed ability to sense which foods would benefit different individuals• His daughter prophetically suggested "Joburg" as a business name years before he entered food industry• COVID-19 shutdown created opportunity to build a 20,000 square foot facility focused on clean beef snacks• John Engelson brings background as founder of "You Are What You Eat" and pioneer in health food sections• Products contain no sugar, no junk ingredients, no nitrates/nitrites, and no preservatives• Maltodextrin in many snacks has glycemic index 40% higher than table sugar• Joe lost 12 pounds in one week eating only his protein snacks• Approximately 85% of population struggles with insulin resistance• Small dietary changes can create significant health improvements• Intermittent fasting (12-14 hours daily) beneficial for most people• Each bag contains equivalent protein to a six-ounce steak• Products have one-year shelf life despite containing no preservativesUse code DAMARIS15 for 15% off at joburgmeats.com Support the showSponsor Affiliates Empowering Wellness Through Evidence-Based Education https://www.atecam.com/ Get YOUR Own Joburg Protein Snacks Discount Code: Damaris15 Or Damaris18 Feeling need to Lose Weight & Become metabolically Healthy GET METABOLIC COURSE GLP 1 REseT This course is designed for individuals looking to optimize their metabolic health through integrative and functional medicine approaches. Whether you're on a GLP-1 medication or seeking natural ways to enhance your metabolic function, this course provides actionable steps, expert insights, and a personalized roadmap sustainable wellness. Are you feeling stressed, tired, or Metabolism imbalanced? Take advantage of our free mindful steps to help improve your well-being.ENJOY ONE OF our Books Mindful Ways Health Wealth & Life https://stan.store/Mindfullyintegrative Join Yearly membership ALL IN O...

Lauren Canaday has lived quite a life. Two lives, if you ask her. In her memoir, Independence Ave: How Individualism Killed Me and Community Brought Me Back, Lauren recounts her dating life and career from statician to hair stylist to hair industry executive. Then the moment that changed everything -- Lauren suffered sudden cardiac arrest and didn't have a heartbeat for 24 minutes. By her husband's quick action and one fierce EMT, she survived, and was miraculously declared cognitively intact. In our converation, Lauren talks about how her endless pursuit for independence was turned upside down by this near death experience. She shares about the long and brutal road to recovery and how she's yet again rebuilding life to meet her reality. You can find Lauren and learn more about her work at https://laurencanaday.substack.com/

This week on The Dating Detectives, we meet Sandra, an accomplished counselor whose relationship began with friendship, trust, and late-night heart-to-hearts during the pandemic. But what started as a slow-burn romance with a charming EMT quickly spiraled into a web of lies, emotional manipulation, financial devastation, and ultimately, physical violence. In Part 2 of this two-part series, Sandra bravely walks us through the gradual erosion of reality that left her questioning everything, including her own sanity. It's a textbook case of how abusers groom, isolate, and control, layer by layer, and a powerful reminder that trusting your instincts isn't just important, it can be life-saving.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes descriptions of emotional, financial, and physical abuseClick here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkThis episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Simply Pop. Find your favorite new prebiotic soda at CokeURL.com/SimplyPop.This episode is sponsored by Miracle Made. Get silver-infused, bacteria-fighting, temperature-regulating sheets and towels at TryMiracle.com/TDD and use code TDD to save over 40% and claim a FREE 3-piece towel set.This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Dipsea. Enjoy 30 days free of spicy, female-focused audio stories at DipseaStories.com/TDD.Looking for a new mattress? We cannot recommend Helix enough! Get 25% off sitewide during Sleep Awareness Month at helixsleep.com/datingdetectivesStop putting off those doctors appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/tdd find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Make this spring your most delicious yet with Green Chef. Head to greenchef.com/50datingdetectives and use code 50datingdetectives to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“No necesitas un cerebro para moverte, no necesitas un cerebro para captar el medio ambiente, no necesitas un cerebro para ver o para oír. ¿Para qué tenemos un cerebro entonces? Yo creo que tenemos un cerebro para conectar con los otros”. Con este planteamiento humanista, el neurólogo Álvaro Pascual-Leone, protagonista de este nuevo episodio de Aprendemos juntos, da un salto exponencial en el conocimiento del cerebro y defiende la socialización, relaciones personales sanas y un propósito vital como aspectos claves para mantener la salud cerebral. Catedrático de Neurología y decano asociado de Ciencia Clínica y Traslacional de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Harvard, el doctor Pascual-Leone dirige la División de Neurología del Comportamiento y el Centro Berenson-Allen de Estimulación Cerebral No Invasiva en el Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess en Boston. Se ha especializado en el desarrollo y aplicación de la estimulación magnética transcraneal (EMT), una técnica no invasiva que permite activar o inhibir regiones del cerebro mediantes pulsos magnéticos, con extraordinarios resultados en pacientes con ictus, Parkinson o depresión resistente. Su trabajo e investigación sobre estimulación cerebral no invasiva, recogidos en las principales revistas científicas y en el libro ‘El cerebro que cura', se ha visto amplificado a través de programas de formación en Harvard. El doctor Pascual-Leone, doctor Honoris Causa por la Universidad de Madrid, es también miembro de la Real Academia Nacional de Farmacia en España y ha sido reconocido con galardones como el Premio Ramón y Cajal en Neurociencia (España), el premio Norman Geschwind en Neurología del Comportamiento de la Academia Americana de Neurología, el premio Jean–Louis Signoret de la Fundación Ipsen (Francia) y el premio de Investigación de Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel de la Fundación Humboldt (Alemania).

Join Kosta and his guest: Penny Foister, Director of Putnam County 911. In this episode: I think there's only one question we can start this episode with: what happens when we call 911? You started as an EMT in 1992 with our favorite County Mayor Mr. Randy Porter. We'd be hard pressed to find someone that knows more about emergency services in Putnam County than you, so I have to ask: what's the hardest job in emergency services? What's something the average person completely misunderstands about calling 911?Find out more about Putnam County 911:https://putnamcountytn.gov/911-centerBetter Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com

EVEN MORE about this episode!What really happens when we die? After being declared dead for over an hour, Vincent Tolman returned with an astonishing story that defies logic and inspires the soul. In this captivating episode, Vincent shares his near-death experience—an accidental overdose, a rookie EMT's intuitive act that changed everything, and an unforgettable journey through heavenly realms.Guided by a divine presence named Drake, Vincent explores stunning landscapes, encounters celestial beings, and uncovers powerful truths about love, purpose, and the interconnectedness of all life. He reveals how near-death and trauma can awaken intuitive gifts and reconnect us with our spiritual essence.If you've ever wondered what lies beyond the veil, this conversation will expand your perspective and ignite your inner knowing. Don't miss this extraordinary glimpse into life after death—and what it means for how we live today.Guest Biography:At 25 years old, Vincent Tolman was discovered dead in the bathroom of a small restaurant, having been clinically dead for over an hour. Miraculously revived while in a body bag, he awoke from a coma three days later. Vincent now shares the profound and beautiful experiences he had on the other side—and the life-changing lessons he brought back with him.Episode Chapters:(0:00:01) - Answering Life's Big Questions With Vincent(0:11:53) - Near Death Experience(0:26:42) - Learning Life's Spiritual Lessons(0:33:44) - Revelation of Spiritual Dimensions(0:41:13) - Heavenly Encounters and Spiritual Unveilings(0:52:05) - A Brush With the Afterlife(1:06:29) - Spiritual Guides and Soul Connections(1:10:40) - Unlocking Intuition Through Abuse and NDEs➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Español YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Português YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Deutsch YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Français YouTube✏️Ask Julie a Question!

Here is a quick bonus episode to celebrate EMS week this year! In this episode, we reflect a bit on the year but mainly chat about differential diagnoses and when you don't understand what's wrong with the patient. Those can be hard calls, and I'll try to give you some advice for when you're facing that situation on a call.Produced by Master Your Medicshttps://www.masteryourmedics.com/Send us a text

Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Luke Estes, manager of Prisma Health's Mobile Integrated Health Program, to explore the transformative role of community paramedics in prehospital medicine. Dennis shares his journey from a young aspiring EMT in Missouri to leading a groundbreaking health initiative in South Carolina. The program, which has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, addresses various social determinants of health, aiming to reduce hospital readmissions and enhance patient care access. With a footprint spanning 18 counties—primarily rural—this initiative adapts to meet diverse community needs, breaking down barriers to healthcare through education and resource connection.

Send us a textThe walls we build to protect ourselves from trauma can become our prisons. This powerful truth emerges as Dr. Charlie Powell returns to share groundbreaking developments with his "Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind" documentary, now evolving from a television series into a theatrical release scheduled for November 11th.Charlie takes us deep into the intricate relationship between PTSD and addiction, revealing how these conditions often share the same root causes. "Most cases of PTSD don't start in adulthood," he explains, sharing his personal revelation that despite decades in military service and trauma medicine, some of his most significant healing came from addressing a childhood near-drowning experience. This perspective shatters conventional understanding of trauma, suggesting that many of our adult struggles trace back to moments where life came at us "too fast, too much, and too soon."The conversation ventures into uncomfortable but vital territory as Charlie and Steve discuss how trauma survivors' silence impacts relationships. "The silence that you put your partner through," Steve notes, "may not seem like verbal abuse or trauma, but it is." Charlie takes this further with a provocative comparison: this withdrawal can be as damaging as infidelity, representing a loss of faith in the partner's ability to handle the truth of your experience.Most powerfully, Charlie shares his initial reluctance and eventual decision to make his personal story central to the documentary. "People think vulnerability is a weakness. It's not. It's a strength," he explains, challenging the stigma that keeps many first responders and veterans from seeking help. This vulnerability has already resonated deeply—the documentary's first trailer garnered an astounding 4 million views in just three and a half days.For anyone struggling with trauma's grip, this conversation offers not just insight but tangible hope. Charlie describes how interventions combining multiple healing modalities helped six veterans and first responders achieve transformative recovery in just ten days—freedom from both PTSD symptoms and associated addictions many had developed to cope. As Charlie puts it: "Challenge anybody out there—imagine the biggest accomplishments you've ever had in life and tell me which one was easy." Perhaps our greatest traumas, properly processed, can lead to our greatest growth.Ready to see trauma recovery differently? Listen now, and watch for the new Healing Heroes trailer dropping this Memorial Day.Here is the trailer for "Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind" Season 1: https://youtu.be/16bnQ7eVKKI?si=46VOPpo1fLq_WB9oFreed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

This week on The Dating Detectives, we meet Sandra, an accomplished counselor whose relationship began with friendship, trust, and late-night heart-to-hearts during the pandemic. But what started as a slow-burn romance with a charming EMT quickly spiraled into a web of lies, emotional manipulation, financial devastation, and ultimately, physical violence. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Sandra bravely walks us through the gradual erosion of reality that left her questioning everything, including her own sanity. It's a textbook case of how abusers groom, isolate, and control, layer by layer, and a powerful reminder that trusting your instincts isn't just important, it can be life-saving.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes descriptions of emotional, financial, and physical abuseClick here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkThis episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Ava. Rebuild your credit fast with no interest, no credit check, with AVA. Download the AVA app and use promo code.This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Simpli Pop. Find your favorite new prebiotic soda at CokeURL.com/SimplyPop.Take control of your data today. Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan by visiting joindeleteme.com/datingdetectives and using the promo code TDD at checkout. ***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Band of Traders, Kyle and guests Bear Goes Long, Cleo, and Baba Yaga dive into the critical topic of discipline in trading. Cleo shares her struggle to stick to her trading plan after a big loss, highlighting the importance of external accountability and rebuilding self-trust. Baba Yaga emphasizes clarity of goals as a foundation for disciplined trading, distinguishing it from adapting to new trading seasons, and explores how neurodiversity and personal discipline styles impact decision-making. Bear discusses overcoming the "lone wolf" trader mentality, while Kyle reflects on simplifying his process to avoid impulsive trades. Through candid personal stories and practical insights, the group offers valuable strategies for maintaining discipline and navigating the emotional challenges of trading.Subscribe, share, and join the trading conversations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Discord!Sponsors and FriendsOur podcast is sponsored by Sue Maki at Fairway Independent Mortgage (MLS# 206048). Licensed in 38 states, if you need anything mortgage-related, reach out to her at SMaki@fairwaymc.com or give her a call at (520) 977-7904. Tell her 2 Bulls sent you to get the best rates available!For anyone trading futures, check out Vantatrading.com. Founded by Mr. W Banks and Baba Yaga, they provide a ton of educational content with the focus of teaching aspiring traders how to build a repeatable, profitable process. You can find our exclusive affiliate link/discount code for Vanta ‘s subscription in our free discord server as well!If you are interested in signing up with TRADEPRO Academy, you can use our affiliate link here. We receive compensation for any purchases made when using this link, so it's a great way to support the show and learn at the same time! **Use code CHINASHOP15 to save 15%**Visit Airsoftmaster.com to support one of our own!To contact us, you can email us directly at bandoftraderspodcast@gmail.com Check out our directory for other amazing interviews we've done in the past!If you like our show, please let us know by rating and subscribing on your platform of choice!If you like our show and hate social media, then please tell all your friends!If you have no friends and hate social media and you just want to give us money for advertising to help you find more friends, then you can donate to support the show here!Baba Yaga:Solving problems, helping set goals, and refining processes is the bulk of Baba's passion. He does that in many contexts ranging from nonprofits to real estate firms and everything in between. He focuses on market structure through the lens of TPO charting and executes based on volume, misplaced large orders, and delta. He loves the opening range breakout and typically trades the market from the “inside out”. Vanta Trading websiteVanta Trading YouTubeFollow Baba Yaga on TwitterBear:Bear made the transition from investing to trading at the beginning of COVID. After initial success with options, he quickly learned that his luck was greater than his skill and shifted his focus to futures. Bear has fully embraced the role of emotions and mental capital with the mindset that trading futures is purely an internal struggle that rewards patience, calm, bravery, focus, passion, and commitment. Beyond markets Bear finds joy in his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.Follow Bear on TwitterCleo:Cleo has been learning to trade for the past 3 years and is an active member of the Vanta community. She came to trading through the angle of personal development, and she sees trading as an amazing way to get to know oneself as well as expand one's capacities. Cleo's professional background is in leadership development and facilitation. She has facilitated thousands to communicate in authentic and compelling ways. She loves being in the seat of curiosity. Cleo has worked with executives, corporate groups, religious groups, middle school students, groups of women, families, and couples. Her current focus is the CA criminal legal system, advocating for holistic approaches such as restorative justice and community-based violence prevention. Having played in the crypto and futures markets for the last three years, Cleo sees trading as one of the most challenging things to undertake and is particularly interested in what it takes to become a consistently profitable and well-rounded trader.Follow Cleo on TwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

One of the bigger announcements heading into the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was Luciano Cigars entering into a joint partnership with Empresa Madeirense de Tabacos SA (EMT) to form Constella Group.  While both Luciano and EMT will be integrating operations, each will also keep their own identities. Co-Owner Luciano Meirelles has said Constella Group is like an umbrella company for various Luciano Cigars and EMT brands, much like Altadis and STG, which are holding companies for their brands. In addition, baseball great Adrian Gonzalez is coming in as a full partner in the Constella Group operation. Gonzalez also has a new cigar brand of his own called The Resilient. This is one of four new releases Constella brought into PCA 2025. We apologize in advance for some of the audio issues. We recommend you turn up your volume here to enjoy this great interview. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wAI  

One of the bigger announcements heading into the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was Luciano Cigars entering into a joint partnership with Empresa Madeirense de Tabacos SA (EMT) to form Constella Group.  While both Luciano and EMT will be integrating operations, each will also keep their own identities. Co-Owner Luciano Meirelles has said Constella Group is like an umbrella company for various Luciano Cigars and EMT brands, much like Altadis and STG, which are holding companies for their brands. In addition, baseball great Adrian Gonzalez is coming in as a full partner in the Constella Group operation. Gonzalez also has a new cigar brand of his own called The Resilient. This is one of four new releases Constella brought into PCA 2025. We apologize in advance for some of the audio issues. We recommend you turn up your volume here to enjoy this great interview. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wAI  

What's the difference between an EMT and a paramedic? Today Dr. Jonathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur are joined by Wayne Murphy, a paramedic for Capital Health with over thirty years of experience, to have a conversation about what being an EMT or a paramedic is about.

This week Clint speaks with Sam Austin.  Sam grew up in Shreveport where he met his wife, Lindsay. They have 2 kids that keep us active and enjoy quiet evenings and simple lives. Sam has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Leavell College and is a Licensed Pastoral Counselor through the National Christian Counselors Association. After being trained as both an Infantryman in the Army and an EMT on the civilian side, God has inspired Sam with a passion for facing the darkest parts of life to help others grow stronger. He also currently work at The Hub: urban ministries serving people who have been affected by homelessness, poverty, and trafficking.     Sam and Clint's conversation emphasizes the significance of suffering in personal development and the necessity of choice in faith. They reflect on their experiences and the ongoing nature of growth, healing, and the role of Jesus in their lives. 

When it comes to taking criticism, EMS professionals are … not great. In this episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson get real about why criticism hits so hard and how we can start to deal with it like grownups (instead of defensive toddlers). They break down Chris's recent article, “10 practical tips for responding to criticism,” sharing personal stories of defensiveness, arrogance and the long road to emotional intelligence. From learning to separate emotion from feedback to asking for clarification and recognizing when there's truth in someone's harsh words, this episode is a masterclass in professional and personal growth. The duo also explores how criticism ties into self-awareness, communication with partners, and even romantic relationships. Whether you're a seasoned medic or a brand-new EMT, these tips will help you take feedback like a pro without letting it wreck your day. "We do not want our medicine criticized. We do not want our work ethics criticized. We just do not want criticism.” — Chris Cebollero "Experience comes from mistakes. Mistakes come from lack of experience." — Chris Cebollero  “Back in the day, I didn't care. I used to say the same thing. People either love me or hate me; there's no in the middle. But you know what? I wasn't looking at the bigger picture.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Email the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you'd like to join us as a guest.

Send us a textThe weight of witnessing trauma daily doesn't just disappear when the uniform comes off. For our first responders—those who run toward danger while others flee—the psychological impact accumulates silently, often with devastating consequences.Beth Salmo, licensed professional counselor and owner of Thin Line Counseling, joins us to unveil the realities of mental health in emergency services. Drawing from her specialized experience working with police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and military personnel, Beth shares how the profession's culture of stoicism creates barriers to necessary care. Her journey into this work—sparked by the alcohol-related death of a former partner who was an ATF agent—reveals how even those trained to help others often struggle to seek help themselves.We dive deep into the misconceptions that keep first responders from therapy doors. "They can't take my gun" and "my department will find out" top the list of fears Beth dispels with clarity and compassion. She explains the iron-clad confidentiality that protects client-therapist relationships and how specialized clinicians understand the unique culture and challenges of emergency service work.The Missouri First Responder Provider Network emerges as a model program, connecting those in need with culturally competent therapists within days rather than the weeks or months typical of standard mental health services. This network of vetted professionals not only understands first responder culture but also provides financial assistance to ensure access regardless of economic barriers.Through authentic conversation peppered with unfiltered language that mirrors real first responder culture, Beth emphasizes that true strength lies in acknowledging human vulnerability. For those running toward danger every day, mental well-being isn't optional—it's essential maintenance that ensures they can continue serving when others need them most.You can connect with Beth through Thin Line Counseling by visiting www.tlc-help.com Follow her on Facebook www.facebook.com/thinlinecounselingservices and Instagram @tlc_help. She can be reached at beth@tlc-help.com or at 314.297.0331The Missouri First Responder Provider Network can be reached here: https://mofrpn.org/Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with John Hall, a former U.S. Coast Guard pilot and current registered nurse.Hall's remarkable journey begins at the Merchant Marine Academy, where he chose to earn his EMT certification. A decision that set the stage for a life of service. He recalls his first traumatic call as an EMT and shares a few standout moments from his Academy days that shaped his path forward.He then dives into what inspired his move to continue to the U.S. Coast Guard and the experiences that followed. Hall recounts a powerful story of responding to an emergency involving a fellow sailor he had once competed against, underscoring the gravity of decision-making in high-stakes rescue situations.As a Coast Guard aviator, Hall walks us through his first operational rescue, his initial hoist mission, and the critical role of in-air medical assessments in supporting the rescue swimmer on scene. One particularly memorable story features a nighttime canyon rescue involving an amphibious vehicle stuck in a river with three people onboard—a challenging and unforgettable mission.The conversation takes a turn as Hall discusses his transition into the world of emergency medicine. He speaks passionately about the parallels between aviation and healthcare, the value of mentorship, and the importance of staying resilient under pressure.Hall closes with insights drawn from both his military and medical careers, highlighting the common thread of service, selflessness, and a commitment to helping others in their most vulnerable moments. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Airbus, Axnes, Centum, Metro Aviation, ReadyBAR, and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.Mentions: So There I Was Podcast

Join hosts Tony Moore, Michael Mattes and Justin Hareld, as they recap episodes of Days of Our Lives from the week of May 5th-9th, 2025.This week on Dishin' Days, we discuss if we are Team EJ or Team Xander for control of the hospital?  We love Johnny's pettiness toward EJ, and need Leo to take a seat with the accusations.  We love Phillip and his apology tour, and wonder what Javi is hiding about his EMT past.  We are officially over Chad and Kat and need them together ASAP!!!Be sure to follow us on all social media platforms:  Facebook: DishinDaysShow  Instagram: @dishindays  Twitter: dishindays

Be sure and join us with our special guest FDNY 23 year veteran, Lt. Salvatore Mirra Jr.-He joined the Department in August of 2001 as an Emergency Medical Technician and worked as an EMT in Corona, Queens for 2 years-Sworn in as a Probationary Firefighter on September 14, 2003-Assigned to Engine 289 in Corona, Queens in December 2003-Transferred across the floor to Tower Ladder 138 in 2007

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/CQm0FID9AXYDay 9 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 5, 2025. We continue with Cross Examination and finishing up the testimony of Hannah Knowles from the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory who explains the blood alcohol conversions and retrograde extrapolation, and how timing is critical in this case. Testimonies from Ryan Nagle, Heather Maxom, and Sarah Levinson provide insights into the events at 34 Fairview, including arrival times and observations of Karen Read's SUV. Sarah Levenson's surprisingly states never seeing the dog, Chloe, at the Albert's residence despite being friends with Brian Albert Jr. for many years.Katie McLaughlin, the female EMT who Jen McCabe stated Karen read said, "I hit him" three time in front of took the said. She also said that she heard Karen read say, "I hit him," but it was four times. Cross-examination by Alan Jackson focused on the timing of these statements and used dashcam video to break down these interactions and how her testimony does match up with what is happening on the video. Unfortunately, Jackson spent a majority of the time trying to get a "gotcha" moment by trying to prove that Katie McLaughlin and Caitlin Albert are close friends but he was unable to recreate that moment from the first trial due Special Prosecutor allowing Katie to explain her acquaintance relationship with Caitlin ahead of the Cross Examination. Jackson did manage to impeach Katie based on her words of first trial where she said that she knew of a girl by the name of Caitlin Albert that went to her school but that victory was short lived because he tried to being in picture evidence that kept being objected and sustained by Judge Cannone. Last witness of the day, Lt. Paul Gallagher, worked for the Canton Police Department at the time of the John O'Keefe's death and was the site supervisor. His testimony reveals issues with evidence handling and a lack of reports. It was his decision to use a leaf blower on the snow to uncover evidence, put blood found in the snow in Red Solo Cup and then transport them in Stop & Shop bags and found and handled the shattered drinking cocktail glass. Lt. Gallagher never wrote a report about his methods or even logged evidence with the blood he transferred. Questions about the chain of custody and why crucial information regarding Karen Read's statements was not relayed to the site supervisor. We also learn that Lieutenant Gallagher was not interviewed until just before the previous trial on April 3, 2024 by the Prosecution. We will resume with Cross Examination on Day 10. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the Karen Read Retrial and provide detailed breakdowns of each day's proceedings.RESOURCESWhat You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTSThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/tL9-DNEWaLoDay 7 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on April 30, 2025. Jen McCabe is back on the stand with Direct Examination. Special Prosecutor, Hank Brennan, asked her to recount when Karen Read said, "I hit him, I hit him, I hit him." Jen said it was in front of a female EMT and she was shock that Karen would say something like that. Direct Examination end in the morning for Alan Jackson to come in hot for a fiery Cross Examination! Jackson confronted Jen McCabe about not telling the Grand Jury that Karen said that she hit John O'Keefe and in fact she only said "Could I have hit him?" and "Did I hit him?" Jen was very evasive with her answers and even questioned Jackson. Judge Cannone would ask Jackson to move along because he would ask Jen McCabe the same question over and over again. Sometimes it would seem like he was making mountains of mole hills. Other times he would make snarky comments and the Judge would tell him to stop and tell the Jury to dismiss his comments.Jackson pointed out how Jen was corroborating stories with everyone that had been at 34 Fairview Rd the night of the 28th and the morning of the 29th. It began as early as after the Police and First Responders left the scene. Jen even went as far as to ask Julie Nagle for a screenshot of a text message of when her brother, Ryan Nagle, arrived at 34 Fairview Rd to pick her up. Jen did not share that information with Law Enforcement.The biggest discrepancy was that she initially lied to the FBI! The FBI showed up to Jen McCabe's to question her about the case. Jen asked them to wait for 10 mins before speaking with them. The FBI reminded her that it is crime to lie to them and they asked her if she called anyone before they began their conversation. Jen told them that she called her husband, Matt McCabe and her friend, Kerry Roberts. Jen ended the interview early because she felt uncomfortable with the questions they had asked her. Jen later called back the FBI to let them know that she "forgot" that she had also called 3 additional people during those 10 mins: Peggy O'Keefe, The District Attorney Witness Advocate, and Brian Albert Sr. Judge Cannone had another Freudian slip by calling Jen McCabe- Ms. Read. Ouch!There are many highlights of Jen McCabe seemingly being evasive but the biggest thing that didn't add up was her saying that she told Former Trooper Michael Proctor that she told him that she hear Karen Read say, "I hit him." However, that was not in his report. It doesn't make sense that Mr. Proctor didn't include that his report because that would have been perceived as a confession and Karen would have been in hand cuffs much sooner.RESOURCESRetrial Day 6 Case Brief - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV3yO_X6EpsSherri Papini Case - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVeiHSEo6VMWhat You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo Karen Read Trial - 2024 -

Send us a textWhat happens when those who run toward danger need help themselves? In this compelling conversation, host Steve Bisson sits down with Kevin Cornine, a former fire captain and battalion chief who's transitioning to a new role as a mental health counselor focused on supporting first responders.Kevin shares his powerful story of serving 15 years in fire rescue while watching colleagues struggle with the profession's hidden costs. After his cousin, a detective, died by suicide in 2022, Kevin's path became clear – bridging the significant gap in cultural competency between mental health providers and the first responder community. "There's a large gap... it's a population, not necessarily a client," Kevin explains, highlighting how traditional therapeutic approaches often fail to recognize the unique needs of emergency personnel.The conversation delves into the physical and emotional toll of emergency service work, from chronic sleep deprivation to the impossible choices made during crisis situations like hurricane season. Research shows that while spouses try to create opportunities for sleep recovery at home, they simultaneously experience resentment at their firefighter's unavailability for emotional support. This complex dynamic creates ripple effects throughout family systems that many therapists fail to fully comprehend.Perhaps most enlightening is Kevin's practical advice for mental health professionals seeking to better serve this population. Rather than relying solely on training programs, he advocates for immersion experiences – spending time at fire stations, joining them for meals, and participating in debriefs after difficult calls. "Just sit at the table, just listen, watch," he suggests. "It's a family."Whether you're a first responder seeking understanding, a mental health professional looking to better serve this community, or someone who cares about the wellbeing of those who protect us, this episode offers rare insights into a world where strength meets vulnerability. Join us as we explore how cultural competency can transform treatment outcomes for those who dedicate their lives to helping others.We talked about several topics and here are some links to help you out: -Second Alarm Project (https://2ndalarmproject.org/)  in Florida want to help with education, peer support, and capacity building-The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) (https://www.iaff.org/)  is committed to support firefighters across the United States And Canada-NextRung.org is committed to make sure firefighters across the country know they are not alone. Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

On November 25, 2020, just one day before Thanksgiving, multiple residents called 911 to report a fire at a house in Mount Morris, Illinois. Inside, first responders found twenty-seven-year-old Melissa Lamesch, who lived at the home with her father.  Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the murder of Melissa Lamesch. Melissa was pregnant and due to be induced two days later. All fingers began pointing at the baby's father, Matthew Plote, a firefighter and EMT. The revelations during the investigation were startling. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology   An Emash Digital production