Podcasts about encourage

In Genesis 2, we read about how God uniquely created men and women. Those differences can loom so large at times that it is almost as if the sexes are from entirely different planets. In this program, Chip explains how couples can bridge the gap between each other to communicate effectively, understand each other's needs, and navigate challenges together. Discover how to have a thriving, God-honoring relationship with your spouse.Foundational Marriage TruthsFoundational truth #4 (for men):I will choose to LOVE my wife today in a SPECIFIC and SACRIFICIAL way that is meaningful to her. She is God's gift to me and I will CHERISH her just as Christ loves His bride, the Church.Key verse:Ephesians 5:28-29Foundational truth #5 (for women):I will choose to ENCOURAGE and RESPECT my husband today in a specific and sacrificial way that is meaningful to him. He is God's gift to me and I will BUILD HIM UP with my words and actions for the glory of Christ.Key verse:Proverbs 31:10-12Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource MentionsMarriage Truth Cards Offer"Uninvited Guests" ResourcesConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

6x Your Ad ROI: The Power of Google Reviews for Cash Practices In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down how one simple factor—Google reviews—can transform your return on ad spend (ROAS) from 2x to 12x. Using a real example of two nearly identical clinics, he explains why social proof is the difference between average and elite marketing results, and how to build a system that keeps reviews (and new patients) flowing. Quick Ask Help us reach our mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to the profession—share this episode with a clinician friend or post it to your IG stories and tag Danny. He'll reshare it! Episode Summary Case Study: Two clinics, same ads, same demographics—one made 12x ROI, the other only 2x. The difference? 250 Google reviews vs. zero. Intent-based ads win: Google search leads are high-intent buyers looking for a real solution, not just scrolling. Social proof = trust: Buyers skip clinics with few or no reviews. Local reputation heavily influences clicks and conversions. AI search impact: Platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini still pull heavily from Google data—especially reviews—for local service rankings. ROI math: A 12x return means hiring faster, filling schedules, and scaling with confidence; 2x means ads are barely sustainable. How to 6x Your Return on Ad Spend Ask in person: Don't automate gratitude. When a patient shares a big win, that's your moment to ask for a review. Make it easy: Text them the direct Google review link right then. If they use Gmail, they're likely already logged in—instant review. Follow up: People get busy. Email or text them again a few days later with the same link and a quick thank-you note. Train your staff: Encourage your team to ask happy patients too—especially those they love working with. More ideal patients come from more aligned reviews. Automate wisely: Use email triggers to request reviews mid or post plan of care, but never rely on automation alone. Mindset & Systems Fundamentals matter: Gathering reviews may not feel flashy, but it's like dribbling with your non-dominant hand—it changes your game. Track outcomes: Compare ad performance monthly. Reallocate spend toward high-ROI locations with more social proof. Empower your team: Remind staff that reviews bring in more of the patients they enjoy treating—reducing burnout and improving morale. Notable Quotes “The difference between a 2x and a 12x ROI isn't your ad—it's your reviews.” “Social proof is your digital word of mouth. It's what people trust before they ever meet you.” “This is like dribbling with your non-dominant hand. It's not sexy—but it wins games.” Pro Tips You Can Use This Month Audit your listings: Count your Google reviews and compare them to competitors in your area. Create a script: Role-play how your staff asks patients for reviews at the right time. Use Gmail leverage: Focus on patients with Gmail accounts—they can review you in seconds. Celebrate wins: Share positive reviews in team meetings to reinforce the habit. Measure ROI: Track ad results before and after review pushes. The data will speak for itself. Action Items Text your Google review link to 5 happy patients today. Train your team to ask at every discharge or major breakthrough moment. Follow up once per week with anyone who hasn't yet left a review. Revisit your Google Business Profile—add photos, services, and recent updates to boost visibility. Programs Mentioned PT Biz Part-Time to Full-Time 5-Day Challenge (Free): Clarify your numbers, pick your best path to full-time, and build your one-page business plan. Resources & Links PT Biz Website Free 5-Day PT Biz Challenge About the Host: Doc Danny Matta—staff PT, active-duty military PT, cash-practice founder & exit; now helping 1,000+ clinicians start, grow, and scale with PT Biz.

You can listen wherever you get your podcasts, OR— BRAND NEW: we've included a fully edited transcript of our interview at the bottom of this post.In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein returns to talk with me about what parents need to know about concerning anti-woman rhetoric and actions in the “manosphere” and the “womanosphere”. We cover the philosophy of each, the terms and important figures of these movements, as well as what to do if your kid is already being influenced and how to protect them from these harmful messages.**If you'd like an ad-free version of the podcast, consider becoming a supporter on Substack! > > If you already ARE a supporter, the ad-free version is waiting for you in the Substack app or you can enter the private feed URL in the podcast player of your choice.Know someone who might appreciate this post? Share it with them!We talk about:* 7:10 What is misogyny?* 7:45 What is the “manosphere”?* 15:00 What is the “womanosphere”?* 20:00 What are the false statistics that have a lot of traction?* 22:00 What do we do as parents for our boys?* 26:00 What to do if your boys are listening to misogynistic influencers* 28:00 The four parts of developing critical media literacy* 35:30 How to mentor not monitor social media* 34:00 Terminology we need to know as parentsResources mentioned in this episode:* Yoto Player-Screen Free Audio Book Player* The Peaceful Parenting Membership* Sexism and Sensibility: Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls in the Modern World with Jo Ann Finkelstein: Episode 164 * Sexism & Sensibility Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls In The Modern World * Episode 118: Raising Kids in the Era of Technology with Devorah Heitner * Jo-Ann Finkelstein's Substack* Jo-Ann Finkelstein's website xx Sarah and CoreyYour peaceful parenting team- click here for a free short consult or a coaching sessionVisit our website for free resources, podcast, coaching, membership and more!>> Please support us!!! Please consider becoming a supporter to help support our free content, including The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, our free parenting support Facebook group, and our weekly parenting emails, “Weekend Reflections” and “Weekend Support” - plus our Flourish With Your Complex Child Summit (coming back in the spring for the 3rd year!) All of this free support for you takes a lot of time and energy from me and my team. If it has been helpful or meaningful for you, your support would help us to continue to provide support for free, for you and for others.In addition to knowing you are supporting our mission to support parents and children, you get the podcast ad free and access to a monthly ‘ask me anything' session.Our sponsors:YOTO is a screen free audio book player that lets your kids listen to audiobooks, music, podcasts and more without screens, and without being connected to the internet. No one listening or watching and they can't go where you don't want them to go and they aren't watching screens. BUT they are being entertained or kept company with audio that you can buy from YOTO or create yourself on one of their blank cards. Check them out HERETranscript:Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Peaceful Parenting Podcast.I've been noticing a lot in the media, and in the world around me, an enormous amount of tension around gender equity and ideology—as well as seeing concerning anti-woman rhetoric and actions. I've also heard from parents who are worried about the influencers and media their kids are being exposed to, and the really quite problematic ideas that come with that.That's why I asked Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein to come back on the podcast. She was on an earlier episode about her book Sexism and Sensibility—we'll link to that in the show notes if you haven't heard it yet. I wanted her to talk with me about what parents need to know about the manosphere and the womanosphere.You might not even have heard of the womanosphere—I just learned about it through Jo-Ann's work. And while I think most of us have heard of the manosphere, we might not be quite sure what it is. Jo-Ann gives us a great overview of the big ideas, terms, and key figures of these movements, as well as what to do if your child is already being influenced—and how to protect them from these, quite frankly, harmful ideas.If you know anyone who needs to hear this, please share it with them. And we'd really appreciate it if you'd rate and review the podcast on your favorite podcast player app—it really helps us reach more families and support more children and their caregivers.Let's meet Jo-Ann.Sarah: Hey, Jo-Ann, welcome back to the podcast.Jo-Ann: I am so glad to be back.Sarah: I've really been wanting to talk to you about today's topic because there's just so much going on in the world—and in North America right now—that feels so hard. Especially as a person who cares about people, and as a parent. I get your Substack and I love what you write about gender equity and sexism. Of course, your book Sexism and Sensibility was what you were on the podcast to talk about last time—it's a wonderful book. We'll link to that episode and to your book in the show notes.But before I dive in any further, tell us a little bit more about who you are and what you do.Jo-Ann: I'm a clinical psychologist and a writer. I wrote the book Sexism and Sensibility: Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls in the Modern World, as you just mentioned. I see all genders in my private practice, but I do see a lot of girls and women—and a lot of mothers and daughters.Since writing the book, and especially since the political changes we've seen in the United States, I've really expanded the areas I study, think about, and write about. So I'm glad to be here to talk about such an important topic—the manosphere and the womanosphere.Sarah: I'm so glad you're here to talk about it. My feeling is that we're going backwards in terms of gender equity and women's rights—rights that were hard-won over generations. We've seen the loss of reproductive rights in the U.S. and threats of even more restrictions. And it feels like it's become more acceptable again to share misogynistic viewpoints, especially with the rise of the manosphere and the womanosphere.Before we go further, can you explain a few things for anyone who might not know? What is misogyny?Jo-Ann: Misogyny literally means “hatred of women,” but it's often used more broadly to describe the sexism women experience. It can be an attitude or an action—something someone does to put down or harm someone who identifies as female.Sarah: Okay, and then the manosphere and the womanosphere—or femosphere, as you said it's sometimes called.Jo-Ann: Yes, though there are slight differences between the womanosphere and femosphere. But basically, the manosphere is a diverse collection of websites, blogs, and online forums that promote masculinity, misogyny, and opposition to feminism.In a world where two-thirds of young men say that nobody really knows them—and where there's no clear agreement on what a “good man” looks like or how to become one—it creates the perfect conditions for men to look for connection online, often through the manosphere.This network swoops in to provide what feels like clear messaging about gender roles and relationships—and it promotes the belief that for women to advance, men have to lose something.Sarah: When I was reading about it yesterday to prepare for this, one thing that stood out was that a lot of young men don't necessarily encounter the overt anti-woman content right away. It often starts with fitness advice, or how to talk to girls—kind of self-improvement content. The anti-woman message is the undercurrent, but it's still there.Jo-Ann: Exactly. They swoop in with these simple explanations of how to be a man—and they groom these boys in a very slow-drip way. The scary messages are mixed in with talk about gaming, relationships, mental health, wellbeing, getting rich, and getting enough protein.The misogyny starts as memes or jokes—things that can be brushed off as humor or “locker room talk.” But over time, algorithm pulsl them further down the rabbit hole, toward deeper messages about being victimized by society.You can imagine a lonely, rejected boy sitting at his computer thinking, “Yeah, that's not fair—I haven't done anything wrong. The system is rigged against me. I'm being victimized.” It's a very appealing message for someone who feels like a loser—to reframe himself as an underdog, downtrodden by a world that's unfair to him.Sarah: Do you think that connects to the Me Too movement? Was the rise of the manosphere a response to that, or did it start earlier?Jo-Ann: I don't know if there's a direct line, but yes—I write a lot about backlash. Me Too was a real moment for women to speak up and have their voices heard, to talk about the things in our culture that are frightening, violent, and deeply unfair.Whenever there's progress, there's backlash. As women began to be heard and things started to change, it felt threatening to some men. That's part of what fuels the manosphere.And just to clarify for your listeners—kids don't call it “the manosphere.” Adults do. The kids think that term is totally cringe.Sarah: Right, your teenager's not going to respond if you say, “Who do you follow in the manosphere?” They'll be like, “What?”Jo-Ann: Exactly.Sarah: But I have had a friend—a progressive dad—reach out to say, “My 15-year-old son loves Andrew Tate. What do I do?” And Andrew Tate seems like one of the biggest figures in the manosphere.Jo-Ann: Yes, Andrew Tate is huge—and very toxic. He was charged with sex trafficking and sexual assault in Romania and London, and Trump is thought to have even helped bring him back to the U.S. so he couldn't be tried.Sarah: Let's talk a bit about the femosphere, but before that, I just want to say—my 18-year-old daughter started working in restaurants this year, and as much as it feels like we're going backwards in some ways, I can see progress too. When I was her age, there were things that were totally acceptable—especially in restaurant culture—that no one would ever do now, at least not openly.And I see in my kids' generation this awareness and confidence—when someone says or does something inappropriate, they call it out right away.Jo-Ann: Yes, we don't want to be too depressing—there has been real progress. I wouldn't say those things never happen anymore, but maybe they happen less, and there's much more awareness around them.Sarah: I think maybe part of the rise of the manosphere is that feeling among some men that the ground has shifted under them. There was this celebrity who got “canceled” for behavior that would have been considered normal when I was a teenager, and I think a lot of men who grew up with that were like, “Wait—that's just how it's always been.”Jo-Ann: Exactly. That used to be part of masculinity—and now you're saying they can't do that. So they ask, “What is masculinity?” And women are saying, “Just behave well. Don't be a creep.” And they're like, “Wait—I thought that was being a man.” It's confusing.We have to listen to boys, take them seriously, and teach them well.Sarah: Thank you for saying that—much more eloquently than I did. Okay, so what's the womanosphere?Jo-Ann: Before we go on, I want to add that some of the other big manosphere influencers are people like Logan Paul and the Nelk Boys—who, by the way, are from Canada originally. They've had a huge influence on boys and even on the U.S. election outcomes.Sarah: I'd never even heard of them—thank you.Jo-Ann: So, the womanosphere includes people like Brett Cooper and Candace Owens. It's helpful to know what to look out for.If the manosphere is toxic masculinity dressed up as philosophy, then the womanosphere is misogyny dressed up in milkmaid clothing.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Jo-Ann: It looks soft, harmless, even aspirational—cottagecore filters, tradwife influencers with gorgeous homes and perfectly dressed kids. But beneath that aesthetic is a push for women to shrink themselves, to submit to their husbands, and to trade ambition for dependency.It preys on the very real struggles women face. But instead of fighting for systemic change—like paid leave, affordable childcare, or equal partnership—it sells women this glossy rewind to the days when women were expected to find fulfillment only through being a wife and mother, taking on all the domestic labor with a smile.If you're a woman suffering, —or a girl who sees your mom — suffering under the weight of everything she does, the message “Just let him take care of you” can sound pretty appealing.Sarah: It must also be a direct response to how hard it is for women to juggle it all. I was listening to an interview with Elizabeth Warren, and she talked about how, as a young mother, her biggest struggle was finding reliable, affordable childcare. Then her daughter's biggest struggle was the same thing—and now her granddaughter's is too.And I recently listened to Ketanji Brown Jackson's memoir, where she talked about crying on the kitchen floor because she didn't know how she could keep working and still care for her kids, even with two working parents.So when it all feels overwhelming, that romanticized domestic ideal must look really appealing.Jo-Ann: Absolutely. Working and raising kids—it's exhausting. I look back and don't know how I survived those years. None of us can be the moms we want to be when we're that tired and still fighting for equality at home.So yes, when you see a woman on the internet who looks like she has it all together, you think, “I want that.”Sarah: Yeah. And I think it can be even darker than just the “make your own bread and stay home” message—there's also the undercurrent of submission, of not being an equal partner.Jo-Ann: Oh yes. There's a lot about submitting to your husband. The goal seems to be: if we glorify femininity and motherhood enough, women will stop demanding things like birth control and abortion access. They'll become too overwhelmed, overburdened, and outnumbered to organize against a culture built to serve men's needs at women's expense.I really do think this comes from a deep fear—among men in power—of women's power. A fear that they'll lose what they've long believed is their birthright.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Jo-Ann: Their birthright of power, head of household status, sex—all the things they've been raised to believe they're entitled to.Sarah: Right? So, where does it make sense to go to next in our conversation here? I mean, I had some anecdotes that I've shared a couple of along the way, but one thing that made me think about this was watching this documentary—have you seen the Lilith Fair documentary on Netflix?Jo-Ann: No, I haven't.Sarah: It was really good.Jo-Ann: I've heard it's really good.Sarah: It was really good. Why Sarah McLachlan organized Lilith Fair was because she would go to a radio station, and they'd be like, “Oh, we really like your music, but we already have a woman on this week—we're playing Tracy Chapman.” There was just so much sexism in the music industry, right? There wasn't room for more than one woman at a time. So she was like, “I'm going to do a whole festival with only women.” And it was enormously successful.Then the next weekend, I went to a three-day music festival, and I started counting how many women were on stage. I had to stop because it was so depressing. It's still the same. It's a little off-topic from the womanosphere and manosphere, but sometimes I just feel so helpless. Like, what's the point in all of this? So what can we do as parents?Jo-Ann: Before we get into the how-to, I just want parents to get a sense of what their kids are hearing. They're hearing the same false statistics over and over again—like “false rape allegations are very common.” They hear that all the time.So as a woman, you're saying, “I'm counting these people on stage, and there are very few women.” But they're hearing the opposite. They're hearing, “Women are taking over,” that “men are losing out,” that “they're being rejected because 80% of women only date 20% of men,” which is false. They hear conspiracy theories that feminists want to destroy white men, who are supposedly the real victims of society.So your son is online, finding this community of guys who feel the same way he does—and they're offering him belonging he may not have felt before. These are ready-made friends. And like you said, it's this drip, this undercurrent. When they start to realize that these men are actually calling for the rape and destruction of women, it doesn't sound that bad anymore because they've been so overwhelmed by these messages. It starts to sound normal—maybe even righteous—to incite hatred toward girls and women.It doesn't just harm women—it harms boys and men too, because it promotes unrealistic and extreme measures to “improve” their social standing. For example, “looksmaxing”—which can mean anything from hygiene tips and fitness routines to extreme dietary restrictions, cosmetic surgery, or steroid use.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Jo-Ann: So as parents, we have to help boys integrate the idea of themselves as caring, emotionally connected, cooperative people—to see those qualities as aspirational, not emasculating.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Jo-Ann: For the good of everybody. That's a basic value that I'm sure many of your listeners already hold, but we have to help boys understand that those are human qualities, not feminine ones. Because at the root of sexism is the rejection of the feminine.Sarah: The people listening to my podcast already care about connection, but I just want to call out—having raised two boys—don't listen to anyone who tells you they need you less than your girls might, or that they're not as bothered by things. They still need connection, care, and intimacy with their families just as much as girls do.Jo-Ann: And they need it within friendships too. But when they seek it out, they're called “soy boys” or “white knights.” If they're seen as subservient to women in any way, or having needs that women have, they get called derogatory names.Sarah: Okay. So, onto the how-to—what would you say to my friend whose 15-year-old loves Andrew Tate?Jo-Ann: The first thing I'd say is don't panic. Be curious. Really listen without jumping to react, even if what they say is shocking or upsetting—because that will just push them away.I went through this with my son. It wasn't extreme, but he was listening to a lot of those streamers. Thankfully, he was bringing some of this stuff to us, kind of with bravado. Inside, I'd feel disgusted or angry, but I kept my poker face and really listened.We're lucky—he grew up with parents who think critically about these things, and in a liberal extended family, so he was less likely to go down that road. But he really could have. He's also very skeptical. He'd notice when some streamers shifted politically—from liberal to very conservative—and he'd say, “These people are getting paid.”So we really want to help our kids develop critical media literacy.Engaging online with your kid can be a natural way to start conversations about what they're exposed to. I talk about this in my book—it can be broken down into four parts.Sarah: Sure.Jo-Ann: The first one is to promote skeptical thinking. Teach your kids to question information they see online. Encourage them to consider the source and the creator's intentions. For example, they can ask, “Why is this person telling me this? What are they trying to sell me?”The second is to explain the origins of online content. Teach them that many influencers monetize controversy. They use shock value, misinformation, or skewed statistics to get views—and their advice often lacks expertise. You can say, “These guys aren't experts. I wonder where they're getting their information. Let's look up the real statistics.”Third, teach them that these ideas aren't just internet fads—they're tied to larger political goals, like restricting reproductive rights, pushing “hyper-motherhood,” and keeping women too overburdened to organize.Also, teach them how “anti-victim” language reframes systemic issues as personal failures. “It's not sexism—it's your mindset.”Sarah: Right.Jo-Ann: That's especially true for girls, because it turns structural inequality into an individual woman's problem to fix.Sarah: Right—like, “You're just not working hard enough,” or “You don't believe in yourself.”Jo-Ann: Exactly. Or, “It was just a joke. Stop being so sensitive.” It's the same old stuff. We want them to understand that real liberation isn't just “dealing with the cards you're dealt.”Because in the womanosphere, you'll hear, “Men are just naturally stronger and need to lead—and if you let them, everything will be fine.” And in the femosphere, it's “Men are trash; you've got to game the system, use them for money.” We want girls to see that real liberation is the opposite—it's about naming injustice, demanding systemic change, and building communities of women.The fourth part is to debunk pseudoscience. Teach kids to recognize misinformation—distorted statistics or pseudoscientific gender theories—and help them identify reputable sources. Give them solid information about mental health and relationships.And finally, talk openly about and challenge gender stereotypes. Point out the endless denigration of girls and women in movies, TV shows, and other media. Help them see that stereotypes limit everyone and reinforce the rigid beliefs of those online echo chambers.Sarah: Mm-hmm.Jo-Ann: I give a lot of examples of this in Sexism and Sensibility—common sexist themes in media that parents can use to reach their kids. Of course, you don't want to “yuck their yum” too much, or they'll tune you out. Ask open-ended questions, share your thoughts, and encourage reflection—but don't be heavy-handed, or you'll lose them.Sarah: Yeah, that's super important. Because if you go too hard, they'll just go underground. They won't tell you what they're following or listening to, and you'll have even less ability to help them think critically about it.Where do you stand on social media guidelines? Do you think people are right to say “no social media until 16”?Jo-Ann: I'm not a social media expert, but I don't think waiting until 16 is realistic. I really believe “mentor, not monitor” is the more effective way—because kids will always find ways around the rules.Of course, when they're young, the longer you can delay Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, the better. But that's how teens find community and connect. It's not all bad. Boys, for example, do find real communities online—on Discord, for instance—it's just which communities they find that's the problem. So yes, mentor, not monitor.Sarah: “Mentor, not monitor.” I like that. That's helpful.Jo-Ann: Credit to Devorah Heitner.Sarah: I was going to say! Aren't you friends with Devorah Heitner? I've heard her say that. She's also been on the podcast, and we'll link to that episode in the show notes.So—what should I have asked you about that I haven't?Jo-Ann: Maybe some of the terminology. Do parents know what “red-pilling” is?Sarah: Tell us.Jo-Ann: It's basically the manosphere's core philosophy. It comes from The Matrix and means “waking up” to feminism's supposed oppression of men. The “blue pill” represents ignorance—someone who doesn't realize men are being oppressed. The “black pill” is used by incels, meaning they've accepted their “terminal celibacy.”Maybe I should explain who the different groups of the manosphere are.An incel believes men are entitled to sex but aren't getting it because women deny them—and that women should be punished for that.Then there are Pickup Artists—this is a $100 million global industry led by men who boast about rape and believe it should be legalized on public property. They train men to harass and assault women.Then there are Men's Rights Activists. They claim to care about men's issues, but in practice, they focus on attacking women and dismantling feminism—bringing lawsuits to defund sexual violence services or weaken women's protections.And finally, there's “Men Going Their Own Way” (MGTOW)—men who believe women are so toxic they have to cut them out of their lives altogether.Sarah: Wow. This is dark stuff.Jo-Ann: It really is.Sarah: It reminds me of that idea that there's only one pie—if other people get rights, it takes away from yours.Jo-Ann: Exactly. But I believe we can help boys and men see that it's not a limited pie. They may have to give something up, but they also gain something—relationships, connection, emotional fulfillment.Care work in this culture is so demeaned that men avoid it—but it's also where so much of women's connection comes from. Many men's deathbed regrets are about not having the relationships they wanted.So yes, as women take on more public work, men will have to take on more private work—not more overall, but more equally—and they'll also gain. Yes, they might have to wash the toilet, but they'll get more time with their kids, more friendships, more access to their own emotions.Sarah: I remember when our first son was born, my husband hadn't really taken care of babies before, and I had. I was much more comfortable changing diapers, all that. His first instinct was, “You do that—you're better at it.” And I said, “This is where all the connection happens—in the caregiving. If you miss out on that, you'll miss out on the connection.”He was like, “Oh, okay.” I think he was just nervous.Jo-Ann: What a beautiful thing to say to him. That's so impactful.Sarah: Yeah, because connection was important to him—he wanted that bond with our baby, but he didn't realize how much of it comes through caregiving.Jo-Ann: Exactly. And you're reminding me of a statistic: people say women are more nurturing, but research shows proximity changes hormones. When men spend more time caregiving, their “nurturing” hormones increase too.Sarah: I've read that! It's so cool. And it feels good too, right? The oxytocin.Jo-Ann: Yes, exactly.Sarah: Thank you so much. I think this will be really helpful for parents to understand what their kids are being exposed to.Jo-Ann: My pleasure. I'm so glad you're talking about this—it's so important.Sarah: I encourage everyone to check out your Substack and your book. We'll link to both in the show notes. Before I let you go, I ask all my guests this: if you could go back in time to your younger parent self, what advice would you give yourself?Jo-Ann: Oh boy, so much. I'd tell myself not to get caught up in the competitive stuff. At the time, I thought I wasn't, but I was. I told myself I wasn't a good enough mother because I wasn't baking endless banana bread like my mom did, or because my house wasn't as neat as someone else's. But that's just culture's way of undermining women and making motherhood a competitive sport—when really, we all just need to have each other's backs.Sarah: Love that. Thank you so much, Jo-Ann, for coming on. What's the best place for folks to find you?Jo-Ann: My website is jo-annfinkelstein.com. My Substack is Raising Her Voice—jo-annfinkelstein.substack.com—and I'm also on Instagram and TikTok at jo-annfinkelstein.phd.Sarah: Great. We'll link to all those in the show notes. Thank you so much.Jo-Ann: Thank you. I really appreciate it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe

Playing time can be one of the most emotional and confusing parts of sports for athletes and parents alike.You see your daughter working hard, but she's frustrated when she doesn't get minutes on the court or field. You want to help, but you're not sure how to do it without stepping in or making things worse.In this episode, Coach Bre shares practical ways to support your daughter when she's struggling with playing time, and how to guide her to confidently talk to her coach.You'll learn:✅ How to understand your team's playing time philosophy✅ How to help your daughter own her role and see her value beyond minutes played✅ What to do (and not do) when you're frustrated, too✅ Step-by-step conversation tips for your daughter to approach her coach✅ How to reframe tough situations into powerful growth opportunitiesYour daughter's worth isn't measured in minutes. It's reflected in her effort, her courage to speak up, and her growth through challenges.When she learns how to advocate for herself, she doesn't just earn more playing time. She earns lasting confidence.Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Coach Bre sets the stage: Playing time is one of the most emotional, frustrating topics for parents and athletes alike.[00:03:10] Invitation to join the TrainHerGame.com free training, a gateway to the Elite Mental Game program designed to boost girls' confidence fast.[00:05:30] Inside look at how Bre's varsity team sets clear expectations and defines roles to help players feel valued even if they aren't starters..[00:09:20] Bre shares her own college story of being a blocking sub. This is proof that limited playing time doesn't equal limited impact.[00:11:40] Moms, check yourselves. Is it your frustration about playing time, or your daughter's? Honest self-reflection prevents emotional overreactions.[00:13:50] Encourage self-advocacy! Don't email the coach yourself. Let your daughter take the lead to build real-world communication skills.[00:15:00] How to prepare for “the talk” with her coach: plan ahead, reflect on strengths and areas to improve, and approach with curiosity, not blame.[00:17:00] Sample conversation starters: “Coach, can you help me understand my role?”, “What can I work on to contribute more?”[00:18:40] Prepare her for tough feedback and remind her to thank the coach for clarity. This is growth in action![00:20:10] Perspective check: Coaches make decisions for the team, not just one player. Parents can remind their daughters to see the bigger picture.[00:21:00] If the environment doesn't fit your daughter's goals, it's okay to seek a better team next season. Look for one that aligns with her needs.[00:22:00] Wrap-up: These hard conversations build confidence, communication skills, and resilience. Playing time might not change overnight, but her self-belief will.[00:23:00] Final encouragement: Remember, your daughter's self-worth isn't measured in minutes on the field but in her courage to keep showing up and speaking up.Next Steps:Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You DoVisit our podcast website for more great episodesThank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Sermon in a sentence: "A strong marriage isn't built on feelings but on Christ-like love and sacrifice."Action Steps:Pray together 3x this weekServe intentionally dailyEncourage daily, speak life over your spouse

Episode Summary:In this enriching episode of the "Faith with Friends" podcast, host Lisa Lorenzo and her guest dive into the transformative power of gratitude and its profound effects on one's spiritual journey and daily life. Emphasizing that gratitude goes beyond being a mere mindset hack, this episode highlights how it is deeply intertwined with God's will for us, offering peace and joy irrespective of our circumstances.Listeners are taken through a journey that connects gratitude with biblical teachings, including examples from Jesus' life. The episode explores various scriptures, such as Thessalonians, Psalms, and Revelations, showing how gratitude is more than acknowledging blessings—it's a way of life that aligns us with divine purpose and fosters intimacy with God. The speaker concurs that this shift in focus from life's challenges to God's constant presence can greatly enhance spiritual clarity and personal growth.Key Takeaways:Gratitude is essential for spiritual growth and aligning with God's will; it is more than an attitude adjustment.Scientific studies support the benefits of gratitude, including reduced stress and improved mood.Thanksgiving is a powerful tool in fostering spiritual intimacy and a positive outlook, even amidst hardship.Jesus' life serves as the perfect template for living with gratitude, exemplifying how it can transform situations of lack or suffering into scenes of abundance and trust.Practical steps such as identifying daily blessings and communicating gratitude can significantly enhance one's spiritual journey.Notable Quotes:"Gratitude is not a life hack. It's not just an attitude adjustment; it is the will of God for you.”"A thankful heart shifts our focus away from our problems and back into God's presence and his provision.""Gratitude unlocked abundance in the miracle of feeding the 5,000.""Thanksgiving starts right here, right now, but it will go on forever.""Next time you want to complain, flip it, and find a reason to give thanks."Resources:Follow "Faith with Friends" on Instagram: faithwithfriends for more updates and encouraging content.Encourage your heart and spirit by listening to the full episode. Gain in-depth understandings of gratitude's profound impact on everyday li

When searching for peace, follow the best example—Jesus Thank you for listening to Encourage-Mint. If you've been refreshed, don't forget to subscribe, Leave a review on iTunes, and share a little Encourage-Mint with someone you love. Encourage-Mint is a podcast from Family Radio. These moments are just a taste of what you can hear every day. Listen at FamilyRadio.org or find more encouragement on the Family Radio app.  Get daily Scripture and encouragement by following Family Radio on your favorite social media platforms:FacebookInstagram Twitter

If you could sit across from your younger self with a latte in hand, what would you say? That's the heart of today's conversation with 15-year-old Rose Patton.We thought it'd be fun to share some big sis advice — the kind of wisdom I wish I had tucked into our back pockets during those messy, beautiful teen years.In this episode, Rose shares her testimony and heart for discipling young women, and together we unpack:What we'd say to our younger selves (and the next generation of Christian girls).How Gen Z girls can stand confident in who God says they are despite the pressure of social media, comparison, and culture.Encouragement for older Christian women who want to come alongside their younger sisters in Christ.Whether you're in high school figuring out faith in real time, or you're a woman looking to encourage the next generation, this episode is packed with truth and a whole lot of sisterly love.To connect with Rose, head over to @blessed_bonds1 on IG!Rose's podcast, Blessed Bonds: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blessed-bonds/id1788375577 Rose's devotional, Better Believe It: https://amzn.to/4lsuUh3 SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywordsSHOP MY BOOKS:Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3LusgrzLove Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes/⁠ https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast Shop my Amazon faves: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehannahhughes⁠

Pastor John Bingham - Psalm 62 - A Psalm to Encourage

Episode: How to Get Your Team to Embrace AI: Leadership, Training & The WhyHost: Donna Peterson, World InnovatorsEpisode Summary-Many forward-thinking CEOs and leaders are embracing AI — but struggle with one key challenge: how to get their teams on board. In this episode of the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast, host Donna Peterson shares practical strategies to inspire buy-in, align employees with AI tools, and create a culture of experimentation.Drawing from leadership principles and her own journey with ChatGPT, Donna explains why defining the “why” is critical, how transparency builds trust, and why training and one-on-one conversations are essential to long-term adoption. You'll also hear examples of how leaders can introduce AI in simple, personal ways that reduce overwhelm and spark curiosity.If you're a leader trying to integrate AI into your business, this 16-minute episode will help you move beyond resistance and turn your team into active adopters of AI.Key Takeaways You Can Implement Right Away-Start with the why. Explain why AI matters for the company — and help each team member find their personal why.Be transparent. Share your own AI journey, including doubts, failures, and wins.Encourage curiosity. Create space for experimentation; not every AI use case has to stick long-term.Invest in training. Don't expect employees to learn AI on their own — provide workshops and accountability sessions.One-on-one conversations matter. Personal discussions help employees connect AI with their specific goals and tasks.Start simple and personal. Show fun, everyday uses (recipes, sports training, book summaries) to break down barriers.Make it ongoing. Set up regular check-ins so employees consistently engage with AI and build confidence over time.Episode Chapters (~16 minutes)00:00 Introduction: The challenge of getting teams to embrace AI01:10 Why the “why” is the starting point03:00 Lessons from leadership books on purpose and ownership05:20 Be transparent about your own AI journey07:15 Encourage experimentation and curiosity09:05 Why training and accountability sessions matter11:20 The importance of one-on-one conversations with team members13:40 Start small and personal: simple AI use cases to spark interest15:00 Closing thoughts and call to action: inspire success through AI adoptionResources Mentioned-Simon Sinek – Start With WhyJocko Willink & Leif Babin – Extreme OwnershipAnnie Howell & Ed Frauenheim – The AI-Savvy LeaderCall to Action-Leaders: AI adoption starts with you. Share your journey, invest in training, and connect with your team so they see the value of AI for themselves.

In this KaiNexus Continuous Improvement webinar, Mark Graban (author, speaker, consultant, and Senior Advisor at KaiNexus) is joined by Tracy O'Rourke (Lean consultant, coach, and co-author of The Problem-Solver's Toolkit) for a powerful session on:“Leveraging Psychology for Effective Behavioral Change with Process Gemba Walks.”Get slides and moreGemba walks are a cornerstone of Lean and continuous improvement, but too often they fail to create real change. Why? Because simply walking the floor and asking questions isn't enough. To truly shift behaviors and sustain improvements, leaders need to understand the psychology of how people think, feel, and respond in the workplace.In this webinar, you'll learn how to:✅ Use psychology to make Gemba walks more effective and engaging✅ Identify behaviors that support or undermine a culture of improvement✅ Encourage employees to speak up without fear, building psychological safety✅ Avoid the pitfalls of Gemba walks that feel like “management by walking around”✅ Reinforce positive change through coaching and structured follow-up✅ Apply practical strategies for habit formation, motivation, and cultural alignmentTracy shares lessons from her work helping organizations implement Lean in healthcare, government, and private industry, while Mark offers insights from his books Lean Hospitals, Measures of Success, and The Mistakes That Make Us. Together, they highlight how blending Lean tools with behavioral science leads to stronger, more sustainable results.Who should watch:Leaders seeking to improve employee engagement and cultureLean practitioners and continuous improvement professionalsManagers frustrated by Gemba walks that don't “stick”Anyone interested in connecting psychology, leadership, and operational excellenceResources & Links:Learn more about KaiNexus Continuous Improvement SoftwareExplore our full webinar libraryTracy O'Rourke's resources

10 Practical Steps for Handling Upset Individuals in Small Group MinistryIn this episode of SG Squared, Pastor Steve Gladen, with over 25 years of small group ministry experience, and his co-host Derek discuss valuable advice on managing upset individuals within small group ministry. The conversation includes light-hearted pre-show banter about their college football teams, but focuses deeply on equipping listeners with 10 practical tips for dealing with conflict. Key points discussed include listening actively, validating feelings, offering practical support, and much more. The episode concludes with the importance of patience and understanding that not all conflict situations will be resolved immediately. Listen in to gain essential tools to foster peaceful and empathetic conversations within your ministry.10 Tips For Tough Conversations (and to download the full notes click HERE)Start the time in prayer.Make the meeting in a quiet public placeListen actively and empathetically: Allow the member to express their feelings without interruption or judgment. Show that you are truly hearing them by nodding, making eye contact, and offering verbal affirmations like "I understand" or "That sounds really tough."Validate their feelings: Let them know that their feelings are understandable given the situation. You can say something like, "It makes sense that you feel [upset emotion] about this" or "I can see why you'd be frustrated." Get to a place where you can express that "feelings" aren't "facts".Offer practical support (if appropriate): Ask if there's anything they are looking for to be done. This could help you know how extreme they are coming from or they just may want to be heard. You can help them brainstorm solutions, or simply pray with them.Suggest a distraction or activity: Sometimes a change of scenery or a fun activity can help shift their mood. This could be going for a walk, watching a movie, or doing something they enjoy. However, be sensitive to their readiness for this and don't push it if they prefer to talk. A prayer meditation time may bring another perspective.  BBasically focus on Jesus versus the situation.Remind them of your support: Reassure them that you care about them and are there for them. A simple "I'm here for you" or "You're not alone in this" can be very powerful.Encourage self-care: Suggest activities that might help them relax and de-stress, like taking a quiet time, listening to music, or getting some rest.Avoid minimizing their feelings: Don't say things like "It's not that big of a deal" or "You're overreacting." Even if the issue seems small to you, it's significant to them.Don't offer unsolicited advice: Unless they specifically ask for your opinion or solutions, focus on listening and validating. Sometimes people just need to vent.Share a relevant experience (briefly and cautiously): If you've gone through something similar, you might briefly share your experience to show solidarity, but avoid making the conversation about you.Be patient: It can take time for someone to process their emotions. Continue to check in with them and offer support as they navigate their feelings.00:00 Welcome to SG Squared00:21 Pre-Show Banter and Game Week Excitement03:24 Addressing National Tensions and Church Relevance04:17 Setting Up for Practical Tips11:04 10 Practical Tips for Handling Upset People28:07 Bonus Tips and Final Thoughts33:09 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder ★ Support this podcast ★

Jesus paid the debt of sin to make guilty people righteous. Thank you for listening to Encourage-Mint. If you've been refreshed, don't forget to subscribe, Leave a review on iTunes, and share a little Encourage-Mint with someone you love. Encourage-Mint is a podcast from Family Radio. These moments are just a taste of what you can hear every day. Listen at FamilyRadio.org or find more encouragement on the Family Radio app.  Get daily Scripture and encouragement by following Family Radio on your favorite social media platforms:FacebookInstagram Twitter

Hour 1 for 9/30/25 Drew and Steve Bucci from Heritage break down Sec. of War Pete Hegseth's speech today and the Gaza deal (17:23). Then, Fr. Brian Gannon from Courage International covers the work of the ministry (31:52), enCourage (43:02), and the importance of chastity (46:11). Links: x.com/@SBucci https://couragerc.org/

Three LCMS pastors,Tim Niekerk, Scott Giger, and Brad Hubbard, share how their congregations are growing amid Synod decline, why confessional and missional belong together, and how to raise more leaders without losing our Lutheran soul. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.Today's episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.Thanks to this week's sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.For only $40 a month, you can help change a child's life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we're using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.The LCN Pastors' Challenge (this week)· Encourage a church worker who needs it (text/call someone today).· Keep the main thing the main thing: lead with love, preach Christ, meet people where they are.· Know your community: identify one tangible need outside your walls and serve it in Jesus' name.Are You Following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don't know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it's free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.Watch the Entire Season on YouTube We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.Resources Mentioned in the Episode · Salem Lutheran Church (Tomball, TX) — Tim Niekerk · Cornerstone Lutheran Church (Central Indiana) — Scott Giger · St. Lorenz Lutheran Church (Frankenmuth, MI) — Brad Hubbard · LCMS Youth Gathering (New Orleans) · Best Practices Heartland Conference · Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix · King of Kings (Omaha, NE) · “Voices of the LCMS” VideosSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever noticed your brilliant, sensitive gymnast getting stuck in their own head? You're not alone. As a sports psychology expert, I've seen countless smart kids struggle with mental blocks, and today I want to share some hope and practical advice. What Makes Smart Kids Different in Sports Intelligent athletes often have some common traits:They're incredibly talented.They move quickly through skill levels.They love their sport deeply.They're sensitive and cautious.They set incredibly high standards for themselves.Sound familiar? These qualities are actually superpowers when understood correctly. The Science Behind Smart Kids and Anxiety Research shows that intelligent kids have more active imaginations. This means they're amazing at problem solving but also incredible at imagining potential problems. Their brains are wired to detect threats quickly, which kept our ancestors safe but can create mental roadblocks in sports. Turning Overthinking into a Strength Here's the good news: overthinking can become your child's greatest asset. By teaching them to:Question their negative thoughtsUse positive imageryBreak skills into manageable stepsTrack their own progressYou can help transform anxiety into confidence. Quick Tips for Coaches and Sports ParentsListen to their fears without dismissing them.Help them collect data about their performance.Encourage growth mindset thinking.Celebrate small victories.Remember, a mental block isn't a weakness. It is an opportunity for incredible growth.Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990BurFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.comReady to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

In this episode of the Stronger Sales Team podcast, Ben Wright tackles the challenge of hiring and retaining top B2B sales talent during uncertain economic times. He highlights the need for adaptability and continuous learning as global markets slow, urging leaders to seek candidates who can thrive under pressure. Ben introduces three key strategies: testing for grit, assessing a salesperson's ability to connect, and verifying strengths through referee checks. His insights emphasise the value of resilience and relationship-building in sustaining sales success. The episode reinforces Ben's commitment to equipping teams to not only withstand adversity but excel in it.Key Takeaways: • Focus on identifying candidates who have demonstrated resilience and determination in various aspects of their lives, not just in their professional experiences.• Determine if the candidate is someone that customers would want to buy from, focusing on traits such as trustworthiness and relationship-building capabilities.• Use the critical question, “Would you hire them again?” during reference checks to gain objective insights into the candidate's suitability.• Recognize the challenge of hiring professionals who may not have faced difficult sales environments and find ways to assess their adaptability.• Encourage an ongoing commitment to training and development among sales teams to help navigate complex economic shifts.Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro2:00 Hiring5:00 3 Areas To Focus on With Hiring5:45 Recruiting For Skill6:55 Grit10:10 Would You Buy From That Person?12:55 Validating The Decision15:59 Recap17:08 OutroRate, Review, & Follow If you're liking what you're hearing, make sure you ‘follow' the show wherever you listen to your podcasts…so you never miss an episode! I'd also love to hear what you think, so drop us a review after you close that next deal…tell me what you're liking, and what you want more of so I can look to cover it in a future episode.

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, offers space for reflection on a season every responder knows too well—the one where you almost walked away. Whether it was burnout, frustration with leadership, family pressures, or the weight of trauma (Amazon Affiliate), most first responders can point to a time when quitting felt like the only option. But those seasons carry lessons. Sometimes they teach you boundaries. Sometimes they remind you of your purpose. And sometimes they simply show you that talking about “it”—whatever your it is—might be what keeps you here. 1. Naming the Year You Almost Quit Why it's important to identify that season instead of burying it. The power of storytelling in processing your own burnout. 2. Common Breaking Points for First Responders Family strain, missed milestones, and feeling disconnected at home. Frustration with leadership, politics, or lack of support. Emotional exhaustion from cumulative trauma exposure. 3. What That Season Teaches You Boundaries: Learning where you need to draw the line to protect yourself. Resilience: Discovering the strength you didn't know you had. Purpose: Reconnecting with why you chose the job in the first place. 4. The Power of Talking About “It” “It” may be trauma, anger, grief, or resentment. Why silence compounds burnout and how honesty creates connection. The healing that happens when you put words to your experience. 5. Strategies for Moving Forward Without Quitting Seek support before the breaking point—peer groups, mentors, therapy. Redefine success in seasons of burnout: sometimes survival is success. Use reflection to shape healthier choices going forward. Encourage others to share their “almost quit” story to normalize the struggle.

You are handcrafted by God—not an accident, not a mistake. Thank you for listening to Encourage-Mint. If you've been refreshed, don't forget to subscribe, Leave a review on iTunes, and share a little Encourage-Mint with someone you love. Encourage-Mint is a podcast from Family Radio. These stories are just a taste of the stories you can hear every day. Listen at FamilyRadio.org or find more encouragement on the Family Radio app.  Get daily Scripture and encouragement by following Family Radio on your favorite social media platforms:FacebookInstagram Twitter

Once upon a time there was a queen named Esther. Being a queen sounds great, but sometimes it can be dangerous! What would you do if you found out someone was planning to do something bad? Listen to hear what Esther did!EstherHey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week's lesson about Esther with your child after they've watched the video service!Who was today's Bible story about?Esther. God made Esther and she loved God.What did Esther wear on her head?A crown! The crown showed everyone that Esther was a queen.One day, she heard someone was going to do something bad. Uh oh! Did Esther stop the bad thing from happening?Yes! She stopped the bad plan. Shake your head “no” because the plan was not good.Esther had to do something brave and tell the king to stop the bad plan. Can you be brave, too?Yes! God helps us be brave. Show me your strong arms because God made us to do good and brave things.Take some time to pray with your toddler. Encourage your toddler to sit with you and fold their hands, saying something like:God, thank you for loving us and wanting to be our friend. Thank you for making us. Help us do good things and be brave like Esther! We love you! Amen.Parent Encouragement - EstherHey parents! Here's something for you to be encouraged by and get ideas to bring this Bible story into your everyday conversation with your child at home!DownloadToddler Craft – Esther Character StickIn this craft, your toddler will create their own Esther Character Stick to remind them of the main character from the Bible story. God made Esther, and God made them!DownloadToddler Activity – Talk Like EstherIn this activity, your toddler will bring the craft they made to life. They will practice saying and doing things with their Esther Character Stick to remember this Bible story about Esther.DownloadToddler Coloring Page - EstherWe have a variety of coloring pages to help your child remember familiar faces from this month's lesson!DownloadNavigating Parenthood - EstherHey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this blog post all about how to foster healthy obedience in our children that comes from a place of love and respect rather than rules they follow out of obligationDownloadAt Saddleback Kids we believe every kid should be known, connected, equipped and empowered. KNOWN by another kid and a leader. CONNECTED to a group where they can grow spiritually. EQUIPPED with the tools and the knowledge to develop a strong faith in Jesus. EMPOWERED to serve others and share Jesus in the world.To sum it up, Saddleback Kids exists to connect kids to God and others while helping them live a purpose driven life.

GOOD SAMARITANHey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week's lesson, Good Samaritan, with your child after they've watched the video service!Jesus told a story. Who was today's Bible story about?A Samaritan man.A Jewish man was hurt – he had lots of owies. A Samaritan man came. He helped the Jewish man. Let's say, Hooray for the Samaritan man. It is good to help people when they are hurt.God made people because he loves everyone. Can you point to someone God made?Help your child point to you and to themselves!Jesus is happy when we help someone and we can be happy, too. Show me your happiest happy face.Take some time to pray with your toddler. Encourage them to sit with you and fold their hands, saying something like:“God, thank you for making us. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for wanting to be our friend. Help us to help people just like the Good Samaritan. We love you! Amen.”Parent Encouragement - The Good SamaritanHey Parents! Here's something for you to be encouraged by and get ideas from this week to make the Good Samaritan lesson part of your everyday conversation with your toddler at home!DownloadToddler Coloring Page - The Good SamaritanAs your child colors this coloring page, they will be reminded of today's Bible story and that God made them! There are additional coloring pages with familiar faces from today's lesson, too.DownloadToddler Craft – The Good Samaritan BadgesThis week, your child will create a Good Samaritan badge to remind them they can help people just like the Good Samaritan helped in the Bible story.DownloadToddler Activity – Find the Hurt ManIn this activity, your child will find the hurt man hiding under a cup. They will remember they can be like the Good Samaritan. When they see someone who is hurt, they can help.DownloadNavigating Parenthood Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this Two-Minute Tip, How to Help Your Children See Themselves Through God's Eyes Pt.1, all about solidifying the basis of your child's identity through three words.Download

In this episode, our guest is Sohail Hasnie, host of Energypreneurs, who shares his personal reflections on the game-changing potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. Driving through Metro Manila, Sohail explores the "10 things V2G can do for us"—a practical and visionary list that shows how electric vehicles can go far beyond transportation to become mobile power stations. He explains how V2G could: Reduce electricity bills Provide backup power during emergencies Enable income streams through bi-directional charging Optimize solar energy use Support grid stability during peak demand Boost property values Encourage energy independence Create community-level resilience Allow participation in energy markets And ultimately, reshape how we generate, store, and use electricity Drawing from real-world scenarios and analogies to the mobile phone revolution, Sohail makes a compelling case that V2G could transform both the energy and transport sectors in ways we're only beginning to imagine. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this week's episode of Leaning Into Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Zac Bauermaster, an elementary principal in Lancaster County, PA, whose fist-bump videos with students recently went viral — one reaching over 382 million views on Instagram. But behind the headlines is a leader who has learned through personal challenges, family priorities, and a deep commitment to faith what it truly means to lead with people first.Zac shares openly about his journey through teaching, administration, and overcoming struggles with anxiety and overwork. He talks about shifting from chasing “work-life balance” to finding a “work-life rhythm,” building systems that align priorities with actions, and the importance of being intentional about presence both at school and at home.We also explore his writing, including his six-pillar “PEOPLE” framework for fruitful leadership: Prioritize, Empathize, Observe, Pray, Love, and Encourage. Along the way, Zac reminds us that small, consistent acts of encouragement can have lifelong impact.This is an inspiring and authentic conversation about leadership, culture, family, and faith — one that will encourage every leader to pause, reflect, and lean into what matters most.Connect with Dr. Zac BauermasterWebsite: ZacBauermaster.comInstagram, Facebook, X: @ZBauermasterBooks: Available on Amazon

Message by Pastor Stacey ShiflettText: 1 Samuel 30:6September 28, 2025 - 5PM

Regardless of limitations, you can still serve and bless others through prayer and conversation. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

“Encourage and Build Up One Another” Message by Loyd Flaherty  MESSAGE NOTES  Hebrews 10:24–25 The post 2025.9.28 Sunday JP-EN bilingual service first appeared on Kobe Bible Fellowship 神戸バイブルフェローシップ.

Join us as we welcome Elizabeth Brunner, the inspiring founder and creative director of Stereotype Kids, a gender-inclusive fashion brand sparked by her own children's creativity. Elizabeth shares her journey from being a mom of boy-girl twins who loved swapping clothes, to becoming a pioneer in kids' fashion that promotes dressing for joy, not gender. Her mission of fostering individuality and authenticity extends beyond fashion into literature, as she discusses her children's book "Me Is All I Want to Be." The book tells a heartwarming story of a snake overcoming self-doubt with the help of a friend, aligning with her brand's vision of encouraging kids to embrace their true selves.   Listen in as Elizabeth opens up about the unexpected path to entrepreneurship and authorship. Discover how her background in design, combined with a calling to challenge traditional norms, led her to establish a unique brand. We also explore her aspirations for future collaborations, such as expanding into accessories and adult fashion lines, all while maintaining a focus on inclusivity and empowerment. Elizabeth's insights on following one's heart and leading by example resonate throughout our conversation, inspiring not only children but future generations to embrace authenticity and courage in pursuing their dreams. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about Elizabeth's transformative journey and her vision for a more inclusive world.   Connect with Elizabeth: Website: www.stereotypekids.com Instagram: @stereotypekidsofficial | @founder.elizabeth.brunner Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest  Watch my TEDx talk: http://bit.ly/martatedx Are you feeling stretched thin, constantly behind, or guilty? No matter how you choose to spend your time, Amy Pierre-Russo can help. She's a certified Work-Life Harmony Coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurial moms find ease, flow, and fulfillment while reducing stress, guilt, and burnout.

Note: I am the web programme director at 80,000 Hours and the view expressed here currently helps shape the web team's strategy. However, this shouldn't be taken to be expressing something on behalf of 80k as a whole, and writing and posting this memo was not undertaken as an 80k project. 80,000 Hours, where I work, has made helping people make AI go well [1]its focus. As part of this work, I think my team should continue to: Talk about / teach ideas and thinking styles that have historically been central to effective altruism (e.g. via our career guide, cause analysis content, and podcasts) Encourage people to get involved in the EA community explicitly and via linking to content. I wrote this memo for the MCF (Meta Coordination Forum), because I wasn't sure this was intuitive to others. I think talking about EA ideas and encouraging people to get [...] ---Outline:(01:21) 1. The effort to make AGI go well needs people who are flexible and equipped to to make their own good decisions(02:10) Counterargument: Agendas are starting to take shape, so this is less true than it used to be.(02:43) 2. Making AGI go well calls for a movement that thinks in explicitly moral terms(03:59) Counterargument: movements can be morally good without being explicitly moral, and being morally good is whats important.(04:41) 3. EA is (A) at least somewhat able to equip people to flexibly make good decisions, (B) explicitly morally focused.(04:52) (A) EA is at least somewhat able to equip people to flexibly make good decisions(06:04) (B) EA is explicitly morally focused(06:49) Counterargument: A different flexible & explicitly moral movement could be better for trying to make AGI go well.(07:49) Appendix: What are the relevant alternatives?(12:13) Appendix 2: anon notes from others--- First published: September 25th, 2025 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/oPue7R3outxZaTXzp/why-i-think-capacity-building-to-make-agi-go-well-should --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

Matt and Maria Raine say their son, 16-year-old Adam Raine, started using ChatGPT-4o in September 2024 to help with his homework. After Adam died by suicide this past April, his parents realized that ChatGPT was also lending an ear to Adam's suicidal ideations and giving him advice on techniques. In a lawsuit filed against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, the Raines allege that the chatbot actively isolated Adam from family and friends.  They say ChatGPT not only didn't stop Adam from taking his own life —  it actually helped him do it. Kara speaks to Matt and Maria, as well as their attorney, Jay Edelson of Edelson PC, about Adam's final months, why they believe OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman should be held responsible for Adam's suffering and death, and what kind of safety features are needed for AI companions.  In response to a request for comment, an OpenAI spokesperson said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the Raine family for their unthinkable loss. Teen well-being is a top priority for us - minors deserve strong protections, especially in sensitive moments. We have safeguards in place today, such as surfacing crisis hotlines, guiding how our models respond to sensitive requests, and nudging for breaks during long sessions, and we're continuing to strengthen them. We will soon roll out parental controls, developed with expert input, so families can decide what works best in their homes, and we're building toward a long-term age-prediction system to help tailor experiences appropriately.” This episode discusses the death by suicide of a teenager in significant detail. If you are struggling, please reach out for help. In the US and Canada you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 anytime for immediate support.  Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

✨ Achieve Your Goals FAST With the “Needs” Course. Free for Life With a 7-Day Trial https://attachment.personaldevelopmentschool.com/dream-life-free-course?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=dream-life-free-course&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=pod-09-25-25&el=podcast   Have you ever wondered what really happens when you pull away from a Dismissive Avoidant? It can feel confusing when the person who once shut down suddenly starts to pursue you. This push-pull cycle can be painful, but understanding it is the key to breaking free from games and creating real, lasting connections. In this episode, Thais Gibson explains why Dismissive Avoidants often re-engage when you step back, the subconscious fears driving this pattern, and how you can respond in a way that honors both your needs and theirs. By learning these dynamics, you'll gain the clarity to set healthy boundaries, stop repeating cycles, and know when it's time to walk away.   You'll learn: ✅ Why Dismissive Avoidants feel safer pursuing when you step back ✅ How “feelings minus fears” explains their hot-and-cold cycle ✅ The role of childhood conditioning and trauma in these behaviors ✅ Why pulling away works temporarily—but isn't a long-term solution ✅ How to find the middle ground between autonomy and intimacy ✅ The importance of setting boundaries, deadlines, and direct communication ✅ How to know if someone is willing (or not) to do the work in a relationship   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Intro  00:49 – The Four Attachment Styles 01:46 – Feelings Minus Fears 03:39 – 1. Learn How to Walk the Middle Ground 04:34 – Discover, Embrace, & Fulfill Your Personal Needs Course Promo  04:54 – 2. Encourage the Other Person to Work on Themselves 06:06 – 3. Set a Deadline 07:10 – 4. Communicate Directly About the Situation 07:58 – Conclusion   Meet the Host Thais Gibson is the founder of The Personal Development School and a world leader in attachment theory. With a Ph.D. and over a dozen certifications, she's helped more than 70,000 people reprogram their subconscious and build thriving relationships.   Helpful Resources:

In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores the power of multicultural children's literature through conversations with two remarkable authors who celebrate family, language, and personal growth. First, Mari Bellas shares her delightful picture book "Tio Ricky Doesn't Speak English," a touching story that highlights the important role children play as family translators. The book beautifully captures the experience of bilingual families, showing how language can be a bridge of understanding and love. Mari's passion stems from her own multicultural background, raising bilingual children and creating representation in children's literature. The episode then shifts to Meredith Rusu's inspiring book "When Auggie Learned to Play Chess," a touching narrative about a young boy finding confidence through learning chess with his father. Rusu's story is deeply personal, inspired by her father-in-law's immigration journey and the intergenerational connections formed over a chessboard. Both authors emphasize the importance of diverse storytelling, showing how children's books can:     Build cultural understanding     Celebrate family connections     Encourage language learning     Boost children's confidence     Create windows into different experiences Listeners will be inspired by the authors' personal stories of cultural identity, family bonds, and the transformative power of storytelling. Whether you're a parent interested in bilingualism, a lover of children's literature, or someone who appreciates heartwarming family narratives, this episode offers something special. The conversation goes beyond simple storytelling, exploring themes of resilience, communication, and the magic that happens when families share experiences across languages and generations. Parents, educators, and book lovers will find this episode both educational and deeply touching, reminding us that every story has the potential to connect, teach, and inspire. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

Whitetail Hunting in Ohio Ep 72 features Vinny Bennett #112 youth rider from New York joins the show. Hear about his quick ascension, snowmobile "crosstraining", moose, and more.  MWEDT final round at SRP featuring the ProAM Triple Crown.  Listen to the end to hear about our "causes for concern", complaining, criticizing, and "good!" Follow Us ALL-Outdoors-LLC-Dragon-Racing-Fuels 88livetoride.com allterrainmotorsports www.keizerwheels.com

Topics: Daily Bread, Worship God, Deconstruction, Welcome to the show BONUS CONTENT: Hoax/Spam/Unity   Quotes: “I need to be faithful with today.” “Everybody has a ‘why'.” “You're not making any judgement you're just telling the story.” “Our unity supersedes the algorithm.” . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook! For Christian banking you can trust, click here!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones.

This episode of Pipeline Visionaries features an interview with Tamir Sigal, the CMO of Trintech, a company that helps finance and accounting teams simplify and automate the entire financial close process, from reconciliations to reporting. Tamir explans his marketing philosophy of focusing on the customer journey, driving alignment across the organization, and evolving tactics around personalization, in-person experiences, and AI. He also reflects on rebranding challenges, innovative campaigns, and why he encourages his team to experiment—even if it means making mistakes along the way.Quote: “We just get so much information into our lives—whether it's through email, social media, our devices, and how do you differentiate? How do you cut through the noise? So one of our tactics is making sure that we're personalizing the message to the right audience. One of my pet peeves is saying the right message at the right time at the right channel. That's so cliché to say, but it's at the heart of what we want to do—making sure that the message is personalized to the industry, to the persona, and to the topic.”Key Takeaways:Personalization cuts through noise. Tailoring messages by industry, persona, and timing is key to standing out in a crowded digital landscape.CMOs are responsible for creating alignment. Success depends on aligning marketing with sales, finance, partners, and leadership.Encourage experimentation. Tamir fosters innovation by rewarding his team for trying new ideas and learning from mistakes.Episode Timestamps:(04:00) The Trust Tree: Why time is the most valuable currency(10:44) The Playbook: Top uncuttable tactics—personalization, events, and AI(29:06) Dust Up: Rebranding a 100-year-old company against the odds(31:15) Quick Hits: Tamir's quick hitsSponsor:Pipeline Visionaries is brought to you by Qualified.com. Qualified helps you turn your website into a pipeline generation machine with PipelineAI. Engage and convert your most valuable website visitors with live chat, chatbots, meeting scheduling, intent data, and Piper, your AI SDR. Visit https://www.qualified.com to learn more.Links:Connect with Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianfaisonConnect with Tamir on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamirsigal/ Learn more about Trintech: https://www.trintech.comLearn more about Caspian Studios: https://www.caspianstudios.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A handwritten note can do what an email never will, it can change a life.I loved every minute of this warm-hearted conversation with Elizabeth H. Cottrell, author of Heartspoken: How to Write Notes That Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire. Elizabeth is a champion for authentic connection, and we explored how meaningful, handwritten notes create ripples of kindness, build relationships, and even drive business success. Whether you're expressing gratitude, sympathy, or encouragement, writing from the heart is a radical, personal act that sets you apart in a noisy world. We discussed her NOTES formula, ways to personalize even simple thank-you cards, and how professionals, especially in corporate and sales, can rethink note-writing as a relationship-building tool, not a chore.Highlights:1. The Power of One Note - How a single heartfelt letter changed a grieving mother's life—and Elizabeth's mission forever.2. NOTES: A Simple Framework for Better Writing - Elizabeth breaks down her N.O.T.E.S. formula to help you write more personal and impactful notes.3. Business Meets Heart - Why handwritten notes aren't just for thank-you cards—they're tools for trust and client loyalty.4. Digital vs. Handwritten: Is There Room for Both? - A thoughtful take on when to use digital notes, and when pen-to-paper still matters most.5. Writing as Mindfulness - Discover how slowing down to write by hand can boost clarity, connection, and personal growth.Connect with Elizabeth:Website: https://heartspoken.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethcottrell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartspokennotes Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/heartspokenlife.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartspokenlife Sign up for Elizabeth's free weekly newsletter – The Heartspoken Note - https://heartspoken.substack.comIn appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won't regret it. AND … Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!Connect with me:http://JanicePorter.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

In this scripture-centered and passion-fueled episode, Pastor Karl unpacks Kidmin Covenant #5: Use the Bible—a timely challenge for every children's ministry leader to keep God's Word front and center in everything they teach and do.In the rush of lesson prep, games, and teching, it's easy to reference the Bible without really showing it—visually, practically, and intentionally. Karl shares personal stories, practical examples, and biblical encouragements that will inspire you to not just teach from the Bible but to demonstrate its authority every time you lead kids.Whether it's holding it in your hand, reading from it aloud, or visually highlighting that it's your source—you'll walk away with renewed motivation to make the Bible seen and central in your teaching.You'll also hear a sneak peek about what's happening over at KarlBastian.club, and how the Kidmin Covenant Reflective Journal can help you live out this calling with daily intention.

Episode 344: How to Care For Orphans and Widows   Recognize that you have widows and /or orphans in your church and community. Single Moms (and single dads) Caring For Widows Be intentional. Assign specific people to serve specific widows. Call them. Send cards. Help them with home and auto repairs. Visit and take meals. Give them a hug. Hold their hand. Widow and widower banquets Caring for Orphans Encourage church members to become foster parents. (Example: Amy in Yuma asked God for a sign) Support foster families How many children in America need foster homes? Support Christian children's homes. Don't just assume that the government is going to take care of orphans. Volunteer. Raise funds. Consider mentoring programs Example: The Buzzards (little brothers). Pair up a man with an orphan boy to teach them what a dad would teach. Encourage mentoring Programs - Fathers in the Field after-school tutoring projects Single moms are another area of need physical, emotional, and financial burden car repairs school supplies care groups -

Are we protecting our kids too much? Today we tackle the controversial topic of risky play — climbing trees, speeding down hills, roughhousing, even handling tools. The things that make parents anxious might actually be the very things kids need most. Discover why risk is essential for resilience, confidence, and courage — and how to give your child the freedom to play without pushing them too far. KEY POINTS Why “risky play” isn’t dangerous play — it’s just play the way we grew up. The Canadian Paediatric Society’s 9 types of risky play (and how to try them at home). Why broken arms aren’t the worst thing, but bubble-wrapping kids might be. The surprising link between risky play and lower anxiety in children. Five simple ways to say yes to risk while keeping things developmentally appropriate. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE“You want your kids to be as safe as necessary — not as safe as possible.” RESOURCES & RELEVANT LINKS Jonathan Haidt, After Babel Substack Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention | Canadian Paediatric Society Roald Dahl quote on kids and risks Playing It Safe May Be The Biggest Risk Of All [Article] Resilience: Developing strength, calm and kindness in our kids [Webinar] #50 Risks and Rolling Down Hills [Happy Families Podcast] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Say yes more often when your child wants to try something new. Get kids outdoors — nature is the best playground. Encourage rough-and-tumble play and sports. Ditch screens when possible; real play builds real skills. Step back — give your kids space to take age-appropriate risks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whiskey Review: Maker's Mark 101 Special Proof Follow us on all your podcast platforms and: Instagram: @manhoodneat X: Manhood Neat (@ManhoodNeat) / X Youtube: Manhood, Neat Podcast - YouTube Reach out: manhood.neat@gmail.com   Show Notes: What if the health of your church isn't measured by its size or popularity, but by how faithfully its leaders shepherd the flock?  In a world of shifting cultural winds, why does the Bible insist on structured leadership? Overview why church leadership matters,  its God-ordained roles in teaching, correcting, sending, and encouraging; the unyielding accountability to Scripture over congregational whims  the necessity of ongoing biblical evaluation; and a snapshot of biblical church  "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV).  "The true shepherd is one who leads the flock by going before it, not by driving it from behind." – Charles Spurgeon   Section 1: Why Church Leadership and Its Structure Are So Important Key Statement: Church leadership isn't optional—it's God's blueprint for unity, growth, and protection against chaos. Without it, the church drifts into individualism or cultural compromise. Points: Leadership provides direction in a fallen world, preventing division  1 Corinthians 1:10: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you". Structure ensures accountability and order, mirroring God's order in creation and the Trinity. Historical context: The early church exploded in growth under apostolic leadership (Acts 2:42-47), but faltered when structure was ignored (Corinth's factions in 1 Corinthians). "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (Hebrews 13:17, ESV) leaders as soul-watchmen.  "The church is not a debating society but a body under authority." – John Stott  highlighting the need for structured submission for spiritual flourishing. Share a brief anecdote of a church thriving under strong leadership vs. one fractured by leaderless drift. Section 2: The Roles of Church Leadership – Teaching, Correcting, Sending, and Encouraging. Teaching – Grounding in Truth Leaders proclaim sound doctrine to build mature believers.  "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV).  "The pulpit is the Thermopylae of Christendom." – J.C. Ryle  underscoring teaching as the church's frontline defense. Correcting – Restoring the Wayward Gentle yet firm rebuke to prevent sin's spread, fostering holiness.  "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV). "Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower." – John Wesley  balancing correction with grace. Sending – Equipping for Mission Leaders commission members outward, advancing the gospel. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them'" (Acts 13:2, ESV) the Antioch church sending Paul and Barnabas.  "The church exists for the salvation of the world." – Lesslie Newbigin,  reminding leaders to propel the church beyond its walls. Encouraging – Building Up the Weary Sustaining hope amid trials, spurring one another on. "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). "A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success." – Unknown Which role have you seen most in your church? Least? These roles are powerful, but they're only effective when leaders anchor them in something unchanging Leadership's Accountability – To the Gospel and Bible, Not Congregational Feelings  True leaders serve God first, resisting the temptation to pander for approval, which dilutes the gospel. Points: Accountability to Christ ensures fidelity to truth, even if unpopular Galatians 1:10: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ". Dangers of emotion-driven decisions: Leads to moral relativism and church splits. Paul's farewell charge  Acts 20:24: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus". "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV) unwavering proclamation. "The pastor must be a man of conviction, not convenience." – A.W. Tozer warning against crowd-pleasing. Have you witnessed leaders prioritizing feelings over the Gospel?" Section 4: The Crucial Need for Constant Evaluation of Traditions and Practices  Churches must regularly test their customs against Scripture to avoid idolatry of tradition, ensuring relevance and purity. Points: Traditions can ossify into legalism if unchecked  Mark 7:8: "You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men". Benefits: Renewal, unity, and gospel-centeredness. Model: The Bereans Acts 17:11: "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so".  "Test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV).  "Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." – Jaroslav Pelikan  distinguishing helpful heritage from harmful habit. Encourage listeners to start a "Berean group" in their church for verse-by-verse checks.   Section 5: A Brief Overview of Biblical Church Structure  The New Testament envisions a simple, plural, servant-hearted model: Plurality of elders (overseers/pastors) for spiritual oversight, deacons for practical service, all under Christ's headship. Roles ( we will break these down in upcoming Episodes further): Elders: Plural, qualified men leading by teaching and example  (1 Timothy 5:17: "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching" Deacons: Servants handling logistics to free elders for prayer and word (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Congregation's Role: Active participation in discipline, giving, and mutual edification (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 14:26). No CEO-style hierarchy; mutual accountability and local autonomy. "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God" (Acts 20:28, ESV). "The New Testament knows nothing of a one-man ministry." – John Piper  advocating elder plurality. Does your church match this?

The world is moving faster than ever. Technology is advancing at lightning speed, industries are being disrupted, and skills that worked yesterday are already becoming outdated.In this episode, Denis Gianoutsos highlights a powerful truth: “If you're not learning faster than the pace of change, then you're falling behind.” Change is no longer a one-off event; it's the environment leaders must now operate in.Through real-world examples from Microsoft, PepsiCo, and New Zealand's legendary All Blacks, Denis shows how leaders who embrace continuous learning create lasting impact.You'll discover why skills have an expiry date, how curiosity fuels adaptability, and the seven practical steps leaders can take to embed learning into their culture and thrive in disruption.Step into this conversation and learn what it really takes to lead in a world where change never stops.Why Learning is the New Leadership EdgeChange is constant: no more “business as usual”Skills now expire within years, sometimes monthsLeaders must adapt faster than disruptionLessons from Business and SportSatya Nadella (Microsoft): From know-it-all to learn-it-all cultureIndra Nooyi (PepsiCo): Curiosity as a driver of global growth and sustainabilityThe All Blacks: A “no excuses” debrief culture that sustains excellencePractical Steps for LeadersModel the way Build curiosity into your culture Invest in future skillsCreate a reflection space Encourage peer-to-peer learning Stay close to your customersCoach and mentor Key Quotes:“If you're not learning faster than the pace of change, then you're falling behind.” - Denis Gianoutsos“Leadership today is not about having all the answers. It's about you being curious, adaptable, and willing to keep growing.” - Denis GianoutsosBook a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead Connect with Denis:Email: denis@leadingchangepartners.comWebsite: www.LeadingChangePartners.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos

Send Us Your Prayer Requests --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones.

Back to school feels different this year—and Rebecca is embracing the change with wisdom, humor, and heart. Rebecca is joined by her husband, Seth Greene, and their daughter, Ella, who shares her powerful maxims for navigating junior year with optimism and grit. From big dreams to daily resets, Ella's mindset is both inspiring and practical. Rebecca follows with grounded parenting advice for making the school year smoother and more connected, especially in a season of big transitions. Key Takeaways:→ Dream big—even if it feels unrealistic, go for your best possible outcome→ Routines help kids thrive—especially when they have a say in them→ Connection over correction leads to better behavior and stronger relationships→ Set expectations based on effort, not outcomes→ Encourage independence gradually while staying supportive Quotes to Remember:→ “Every day is another chance to do better.” – Ella→ “Connection gets you what you want.” – Rebecca→ “Value effort, not just outcome.” – Rebecca Call to Action:→ Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple or Google Podcasts→ Visit whinypaluza.com and sign up for the free newsletter→ Follow Rebecca on Instagram @whinypaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Encourage him.” — Deuteronomy 1:38 God employs His people to encourage one another. He did not say to an angel, “Gabriel, my servant Joshua is about to lead my people into Canaan — go, encourage him.” God never works needless miracles; if His purposes can be accomplished by ordinary means, He will not use miraculous […]

Every man needs a locker room. Join a brotherhood of like-minded men in The Locker Room, our bi-monthly live Zoom Q&A call! We meet in the Locker Room twice a month for community, fellowship, laughter, and to help each other find biblical answers to life's difficult questions. Sharing community with these amazing men is one of the most enjoyable things I do. - Jim Ramos. You can join here: https://patreon.com/themeninthearena

Life can leave us feeling like victims of our circumstances—overwhelmed by grief, hardship, or unfair struggles. In today's prayer and devotional, Scripture calls us to shift our perspective: instead of asking “Why me, God?” we can ask “How can You use this, Lord?” Keri Eichberger shares the inspiring story of her friend Mark, who battled cancer with unshakable faith. Even in his hardest days, Mark chose to see himself not as a victim but as a vessel of God’s glory. His testimony reminds us that God can redeem our suffering for good and use our pain to point others to His strength and hope. When we lean not on our own understanding but on the Lord, our hardships become platforms for His faithfulness. Today, ask yourself: Am I living as a vessel of God’s light, or am I letting my circumstances define me as a victim? Today's Bible Reading: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 Key Takeaways God can use even the hardest circumstances to bless others and bring Him glory. Choosing to be a vessel shifts our mindset from despair to purpose. Trusting God with all our heart allows us to endure trials with peace and hope. Our legacy can inspire faith in those who watch how we live and suffer with trust in God. Let’s Pray Together Heavenly Father, You are the one I can hold tight to. Thank You that You use every valley, every hardship, and every tear for good. Help me choose to be a vessel of Your glory and not a victim of my circumstances. Fill me with Your peace and joy today, so that my story points others to Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Begin each day asking God to make you a vessel of His love and truth. Encourage someone walking through a difficult season by reminding them of God’s presence. Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer to receive fresh encouragement and devotionals each day. Resources & Mentions When Life Feels Too Hard, Remember This – Crosswalk.com Trusting God in Difficult Times – Christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mildred J. Mills. Topic: Life journey, resilience, and her memoir Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs, and Rising Above Her Roots Mildred J. Mills shares her powerful story of growing up on a cotton farm in Alabama as one of 17 children, overcoming domestic violence, poverty, and systemic barriers to become a successful IT executive, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker. Her memoir is a testament to resilience, faith, and self-determination.