Podcasts about encouraging

In elevating opportunities and understanding for girls, there's a group that's gotten left behind; boys. With fewer male college admissions, longer days sitting at desks in the classroom, and a generation who has substituted real adventure and challenge for video games, it's no wonder parents are trying to figure out how to best raise their sons. Author and boy mom Rebekah Lovell joins Julie Lyles Carr on the AllMomDoes podcast to share how she's maximizing work and play for her boys to prepare them for their lives as men.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3WLGdHs Takeaways:Raising boys involves understanding their unique wiring and energy.Boys often express themselves through physical activity and exploration.It's essential to balance nurturing with allowing boys to take risks.Boys need to learn emotional regulation and resilience.Mentorship plays a crucial role in a boy's development.Boys thrive when they feel challenged and capable.Encouraging boys to take on responsibilities fosters independence.Boys can learn valuable lessons from hero stories and role models.It's important to celebrate masculinity without diminishing femininity.Creating a supportive environment helps boys navigate societal pressures.Sound bites:"We want boys who launch.""Boys need to know they measure up.""Boys need to know they can try again.""We want good men who will lead.""Boys need mentors to guide them.""Boys are hero worshippers."Chapters:00:00 Navigating Boy World04:31 Understanding Boys' Nature and Nurture10:39 Emotional Landscapes of Boys13:54 Raising Resilient Sons19:07 Challenging Passivity in Boys30:06 Finding Male Mentors for BoysKeywords:raising boys, boyhood, parenting, emotional intelligence, masculinity, boys' nature, nurturing boys, resilience, mentorship, family dynamics

Voles, gophers, and ground squirrels are more than a nuisance — they can devastate vineyards if left unchecked. In this episode, host Fritz Westover sits down with Kelly Mulville of Paicines Ranch and Newt Wimer, an agricultural innovator, to discuss practical, sustainable ways to manage these vertebrate pests. Kelly shares his firsthand experience with a sudden vole outbreak at Paicines Ranch — one of the worst he's ever seen — and explains how quickly the damage escalated. He walks through the telltale signs of vole damage, how girdling kills vines, and why population cycles and rainfall patterns play a role in outbreaks. Newt provides insight into developing an organic-approved, non-poisonous control technology that uses liquid CO₂ to safely and efficiently manage underground pests without harming predators or soil ecology. Together, they emphasize that pest management must balance ecological health, economics, and innovation. Listeners will learn how combining predator support (owls, weasels), physical barriers, and new technologies can help reduce damage sustainably. The conversation also highlights ongoing efforts at Paicines Ranch to create regenerative systems that share successes and failures openly, helping the vineyard community at large. In this episode, you will hear: Voles, gophers, and ground squirrels can cause extensive vineyard damage, especially through girdling and root feeding. Outbreaks are cyclical and may correspond with wetter years that promote vole breeding. Physical barriers like vole tubes and underground fencing can protect vines—but must be properly installed and buried. Encouraging natural predators such as owls and weasels significantly supports organic pest control. New cryogenic CO₂ technology offers a fast, organic-approved, and cost-effective solution for underground pest management. Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

In this episode of The Knight Report podcast, hosts Mike Broadbent, Richie O'Leary, and Alec Crouthamel break down Rutgers Basketball's quick 2-0 start, defeating both Rider and Maine to open the season. 00:00 Introduction and overview of Rutgers Basketball season 05:43 Performance analysis of Recent Games 10:42 Encouraging and discouraging aspects of the team 20:14 Grading the team's performance 25:38 Outlook for the season ahead Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of Raising Confident Girls, your host Melissa Jones tackles one of the toughest moments for parents—when their daughters aren't invited to social events. Melissa offers heartfelt guidance on how to support girls through the sting of exclusion while helping them build emotional resilience and self-worth that isn't tied to popularity or social circles.In this episode, we discuss:Supporting your daughter through feelings of exclusion with empathy and presence.Helping girls separate their self-worth from social situations.Practical strategies for different age groups to navigate friendship challenges.Encouraging girls to express their emotions openly and take small, empowering steps forward.Normalizing the changing nature of friendships as a healthy part of growing up.Join Melissa for this compassionate and insightful conversation on helping your daughter feel seen, valued, and confident—even when she feels left out.Download the Quick Tips PDF of today's episode for future reference.If you know a parent who could benefit from this conversation, share this episode with them! Let's work together to raise the next generation of confident girls.Melissa's Links:• Website • Instagram • Facebook• TikTok• LinkedIn

Hi, friend. I hope you're having a good day.  Today's episode brings us to one of the unlikeliest heroes of the Bible—Rahab. Maybe you know her story. Maybe you relate to her story. Nothing to lose, pulled from the bottom of the pit and pressed into service for God's plan. God used her because she trusted him. May we all have that in common with Rahab.

In the special segment "They Said What?!" Shanna and Laura discuss the funny, outrageous, or offensive things they've heard people say recently, including some hilarious comments from Laura's kids, a surprising parenting tactic Shanna overheard in a grocery-store parking lot, and more! Also, Shanna reports on leaving her family for a retreat in the mountains, and Laura talks about her last-minute ticket score that led to an exciting mom's night out. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura's kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-Going on a moms-only weekend retreat without your kids-Going to a concert with your mom friend-Using Resort Pass to take your kids to a pool for the day-Hilarious things our kids say to us-Surprising things strangers say to us-Encouraging your child's interest in art-Taking your kids to the libraryProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-TickPick-Chappel Roan tour-Resort Pass-Radiohead's "There, There" music videoPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 382 (Where the outtake of Shanna and Laura talking about 6-7 is from)This episode's full show notes can be found here.Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website!Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Financial stress can linger even in the most seemingly prosperous lives. In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Steve Riley sits down with Jacquette Timmons, a nationally recognized financial behaviorist, to explore the power of a financial mindset for lawyers. Together, they examine why even successful attorneys can feel financial stress, and how beliefs, habits, and emotional patterns shape the way you manage money—personally and professionally. Financial success isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It's about clarity, confidence, and control. Jacquette and Steve unpack the hidden factors, like childhood messages, cultural expectations, and firm dynamics, that influence your money decisions. By understanding these patterns, you can start to make financial choices that align with your values and goals. Through reflective exercises and real-world stories, Jacquette shows lawyers how to identify the emotions driving their financial behaviors. She introduces tools to help reframe limiting beliefs, reduce money anxiety, and create habits that foster long-term stability and satisfaction. By cultivating a stronger financial mindset, you can build not just a great practice, but also a more peaceful, intentional, and fulfilling life. In this episode, you will hear: The emotional and behavioral aspects of financial success with financial behaviorist Jacquette Timmons Debunking the myth that wealth automatically eliminates stress and challenges Understanding the influence of family, culture, and workplace on financial decisions Cognitive biases and inherited beliefs that impact financial habits Shifting responsibilities in retirement planning from employers to employees Encouraging a proactive mindset shift for meaningful financial success and personal growth Practical tools like the "financial flywheel" for aligning financial actions with personal goals. Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐ Supporting Resources: Jacquette Timmons: www.jacquettetimmons.com  Podcast: More Than Money with Jacquette Timmons: www.jacquettetimmons.com/podcast   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jacquettetimmons    Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacquettemtimmons Atticus Newsletter: atticusadvantage.com/newsletter My Great Life Focus: atticusadvantage.com/books/my-great-life-focus If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at steve.riley@atticusadvantage.com. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Hi, friend. I hope you're having a good day.  Today's episode brings us to one of the unlikeliest heroes of the Bible—Rahab. Maybe you know her story. Maybe you relate to her story. Nothing to lose, pulled from the bottom of the pit and pressed into service for God's plan. God used her because she trusted him. May we all have that in common with Rahab.

In this powerful conversation, I'm joined by Katrena Cohea, the creator behind Your Body Image BFF, to explore how dance educators can reframe conversations around body image, teaching methods, and dancer wellness.Katrena shares her journey from bunhead to flamenco dancer to teacher and studio owner, and how her experiences led her to create resources that help teachers integrate body neutrality and self-respect into dance training. Together, we discuss how early messages about body image begin forming in childhood, how pop culture reinforces harmful norms, and why the common “love your body” message can sometimes feel inaccessible to dancers.We also unpack the importance of evolving beyond the “we've always done it this way” mindset in dance culture and finding a balance between discipline, accountability, and compassion in the studio. This episode is full of honest insights, practical teaching tools, and hope for a more supportive dance world.Key Points in this Episode: Katrena's dance journey from ballet to flamenco and teaching How early body image messages shape young dancers Why “love your body” can feel vague - and what to say instead The creation of Love Your Body (or Don't), Katrena's five-day toolkit with Nicole Sabella Simple classroom practices that combine wellness and technique Rethinking traditional dance teaching methods and finding balance between rigor and empathy Encouraging curiosity, respect, and realistic self-awareness in dancersConnect with Katrena:INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/yourbodyimagebffLOVE YOUR BODY (OR DON'T): https://www.thenourisheddancer.com/love-your-body-or-dontLinks and Resources:Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10.Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition GuideLet's connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career callQuestions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

From 'Go Birds' (subscribe here): In today's episode the work week begins for the Eagles as they inch closer to their huge game coming up against the Green Bay Packers. Eliot Shorr-Parks starts to preview that matchup, shares a super encouraging Jaelan Phillips stat and talks about a Howie Roseman quote that seems to preview a future Myles Garrett trade. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Committed to the Cause, Pastor Jeremy Chism of Bethany Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, concludes the devotional series through Haggai with a stirring reminder that true spiritual construction must begin with heart-level consecration.Though God's people had resumed building the temple, their hearts still needed cleansing. ⚒️ Pastor Chism explains from Haggai 2 that religious routine without repentance produces no revival. God desired more than walls of stone—He wanted hearts made holy.

Good morning! Start your day with Go Birds! Daily, a daily Eagles podcast giving you everything you need to know for November 6th. In today's episode the work week begins for the Eagles as they inch closer to their huge game coming up against the Green Bay Packers. Eliot Shorr-Parks starts to preview that matchup, shares a super encouraging Jaelan Phillips stat and talks about a Howie Roseman quote that seems to preview a future Myles Garrett trade. Help us raise money for TreeHouse Books and win a Zack Baun signed football by clicking ⁠HERE⁠! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode of Remodelers on the Rise, Kyle explores a powerful question for remodelers: how can generosity become a meaningful and intentional part of your business vision? He's joined by Matt Baehr, Executive Director of Homes for Hope, to share how microloans are transforming families and communities around the world by fueling real entrepreneurship. You'll hear inspiring stories — like a $50 welding loan that became a thriving homebuilding business, and 20 plastic chairs that launched a successful wedding company — and learn how remodelers can practically support this work. Kyle and Matt talk about dignity-focused giving, breaking cycles of poverty, and ways remodelers can involve their teams and trade partners in generosity that creates lasting impact. Homes for HOPE partners with builders to fight global poverty through sustainable economic development. Funds raised from home builds support entrepreneurs with training and microloans, helping families break the cycle of poverty with dignity. Learn more at Homes for HOPE.  ----- Today's episode is sponsored by Builder Funnel! Click here to learn more about how Builder Funnel helps remodelers and home builders grow through strategic digital marketing. ----- Takeaways Homes for Hope invests in entrepreneurs living in poverty. Microfinance helps break the cycle of generational poverty. The building industry is highly generous and supportive of charitable causes. Successful stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through microloans. The importance of dignity in charitable giving and support. Homes for Hope allows builders to contribute to global poverty alleviation. Generosity can be integrated into business practices. Building relationships with communities enhances the impact of charitable efforts. Encouraging employees to participate in charitable giving fosters a culture of generosity. Choosing a cause to support can simplify charitable giving decisions. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 03:43 The Importance of Generosity in Business 06:45 Understanding Homes for Hope 12:40 The Impact of Microfinance on Poverty 15:25 Building Industry's Role in Philanthropy 20:36 Practical Applications of Homes for Hope 21:37 Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Microloans 25:42 Transformative Stories of Impact 30:11 Building Dreams: The Role of Housing 31:32 Innovative Financial Solutions for Entrepreneurs 37:23 The Ripple Effect of Generosity 40:52 Getting Involved with Homes for Hope

In this episode of Committed to the Cause, Pastor Jeremy Chism of Bethany Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, opens

"Answer Engine Optimization is the future." Connect With Our SponsorsGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this conversation, Jeff Slater discusses the evolving landscape of digital marketing, particularly in the orthodontic field. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to new trends such as Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), while still maintaining a strong foundation in traditional SEO practices. The discussion also highlights the critical role of Google reviews, content structuring for AI, and the necessity of leveraging technology to enhance patient engagement and streamline marketing efforts. Connect With Our Guest Kaleidoscope Orthodontic Digital Marketing - https://thekaleidoscope.com/ Takeaways AEO focuses on AI-driven search results and voice assistants.Content should be structured in a Q&A format to align with user queries.Google reviews significantly impact search rankings and visibility.Encouraging detailed patient reviews can enhance credibility.The traditional SEO foundation remains crucial amidst evolving strategies.Regularly testing website functionality is essential for user experience.Utilizing technology like NFC cards can simplify the review process.Marketing strategies must adapt to changing consumer behaviors.Creating engaging content for humans is key to successful marketing.Being proactive in your career can lead to greater opportunities.Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:58 Jeff Slater's Background and Role at Kaleidoscope03:53 AI in Orthodontic Marketing: AEO and GEO Explained12:04 Optimizing Content for AI: Strategies and Tips21:13 Importance of Google Reviews in AI and SEO27:44 Avoiding Review Contests28:43 Leveraging Staff and Close Contacts29:45 Using NFC Technology for Reviews34:30 The Importance of SEO and AI39:49 Testing and Optimizing Your Website44:09 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

We all want our children to succeed in Life. Dr. Joshua Straub will explain how helping your child to understand and express their feelings can dramatically improve their lives in areas like school performance, relationships, and personal health.

What should you be saying to your kids? In a time of gentle parenting, the come back of authoritative styles and more, it can be confusing to know how to talk to your kids and how to correct them. Amy Hughes joins Julie Lyles Carr on this episode of the AllMomDoes podcast to unpack what's up with parent speak.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47gtJO3 Takeaways:Writing is often a reflection of what we need to hear ourselves.Gentle parenting is a response to authoritarian styles of parenting.Language choices can significantly impact a child's emotional health.Phrases like 'don't be sad' can shame children for their feelings.Encouraging children to express emotions is crucial for their development.The balance between authority and gentleness is a common struggle for parents.Children need to learn how to navigate different communication styles.Role-playing can help prepare children for real-world interactions.Awareness of harmful phrases can lead to better communication.Parenting is a journey of learning and growth for both parents and children.Sound bites:"This needs to be its own book.""Don't be sad is shaming.""Hurry up can cause anxiety."Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Parenting Dynamics02:51 The Importance of Language in Parenting05:53 Navigating Emotional Expression10:00 Replacing Harmful Phrases12:07 Building Emotional Resilience16:32 Trends in Parenting Challenges19:07 Engaging with Community Language22:43 Understanding Rising Childhood Anxiety25:43 Preparing Kids for the Real World27:54 The Role of Repair in ParentingKeywords:parenting, communication, childhood emotions, language impact, gentle parenting, childhood anxiety, emotional intelligence, parenting challenges, family dynamics, child psychology

In this episode of Committed to the Cause, Pastor Jeremy Chism of Bethany Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, opens

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledDecember comes faster than most of us expect, and if you're not planning your shop's holiday marketing now, you'll be scrambling when the tinsel hits the floor. In this episode of The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker and Caroline LeGrand break down how to finish the year strong with festive, community-driven content that actually connects.From shop Christmas parties and Operation Santa Paws to car giveaways and safety awareness campaigns, Brian and Caroline unpack creative, authentic ways to bring holiday cheer into your marketing. They even dive into clever spins on National Cookie Cutter Week, sharing your shop's “naughty and nice” list, and the power of using year-end stats to celebrate your team and customers.Whether you're highlighting your community involvement, promoting gift cards, or just sharing some lighthearted holiday fun (Hallmark movie talk included), this conversation will give you ideas that help your shop stand out while staying true to who you are.Listen now to learn how to plan December's marketing with intention so your social media, promotions, and community efforts close out the year on a high note and set the tone for an even better new year.Show Notes with TimestampsPodcast Introduction (00:00:00) Brief intro to the podcast network and hosts, sponsor mentions.Reflecting on a Year of Podcasting (00:00:59) Hosts discuss recording for December, marking a full year of episodes.Holiday Community Events & Charity (00:01:43) Ideas for shop charity events: Wishes on Wheels, Toys for Tots, Angel Trees, and customer appreciation.Sharing Shop Holiday Activities (00:02:41) Encouraging shops to share Christmas parties, decorations, and holiday closure dates on social media.December Observances: Santa Paws & Car Donation Month (00:03:22) Highlighting National Operation Santa Paws Month and National Car Donation Month, including car giveaways.Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention (00:04:30) Discussing National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and partnering with local law enforcement.Older Driver Safety Awareness (00:05:14) Promoting Older Driver Safety Awareness Week and sharing personal stories about senior drivers.National Cookie Cutter Week (00:07:17) Joking about celebrating National Cookie Cutter Week with holiday cookies, not generic marketing.Fun December Days: Apples, Giving, Santa's List (00:07:47) National Eat a Red Apple Day, National Day of Giving, and Santa List Day ideas for shop engagement.Non-Holiday December Observances (00:09:43) Mentioning National Miner's Day, International Civil Aviation Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and Blue Collar Day.Holiday Sweets & Shop Competitions (00:11:11) Ideas for National Pastry Day, Gingerbread House Day, and National Cupcake Day competitions in the shop.Device Appreciation & Buddy the Elf Day (00:11:40) National Device Appreciation Day and answering the phone like Buddy the Elf for fun shop engagement.Favorite Christmas Movies Discussion (00:12:36) Hosts discuss favorite Christmas movies and suggest shops ask their teams about theirs.December 20th Onward: Ugly Sweaters & Flashlights (00:17:04) National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, Caroling Day, and National Flashlight Day for shop participation.Winter Solstice (00:18:20) Explanation of the winter solstice and its significance for winter-themed marketing.Festivus and Christmas Eve/Day (00:19:56) Mentioning Festivus (Dec 23),...

Join our free WhatsApp community for Q&A submissions,polls on future episodes & links to the podcast first: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HB7n1PNGdGL5STACssEH1sLeave us a review and share this episode with someone youthink might enjoy it! It really helps us out.Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/teachsleeprepeatpodcastFollow us on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/teachsleeprepeatpodcast

How do you turn an angry or sad customer into a loyal one? In this solo episode, Crystal Vilkaitis explores the emotional side of retail—how optimism, playfulness, and genuine human connection can transform every interaction in your store.From simple yet powerful gestures like smiling to encouraging your team to show up with energy and joy, Crystal shares practical insights to help retailers create memorable customer experiences that go beyond transactions. If you're ready to inspire positivity in your store and strengthen customer relationships, this episode is a must-listen![0:44] Sending out surveys to friends for honest feedback[2:26] The value of staying optimistic with your customers[4:05] Turning an angry or sad customer into your best one[5:10] Embracing your role as a performer in retail[5:37] The power of a simple smile[7:01] Encouraging employees to show up, be playful, and have funJoin the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!

On this week's episode of Raising Confident Girls, your host Melissa Jones dives into the societal pressures young girls face today and how you can help them stay true to themselves in a world full of expectations. Melissa explores what it means to nurture authenticity and self-worth from a young age, offering practical tools for guiding girls to embrace their real, confident selves.In this episode, we discuss:Supporting girls means helping them feel grounded.Encouraging authenticity over conformity.Recognizing the societal pressures on young girls.Helping girls navigate their self-image positively.Join Melissa for this empowering conversation on raising girls who are confident in who they are—not who the world tells them to be. Download the Quick Tips PDF of today's episode for future reference.If you know a parent who could benefit from this conversation, share this episode with them! Let's work together to raise the next generation of confident girls.Melissa's Links:• Website • Instagram • Facebook• TikTok• LinkedIn

President Donald Trump announced trade progress with a number of countries on a swing through Asia. And while details still need to be worked out, the talks offer positive signs for exports of U.S. beef and pork according to U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO, Dan Halstrom. Source: USMEFSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Hewson is a passionate mental health advocate, educator, and speaker committed to building mentally healthier workplaces, communities, and lives. With close to 30 years of leadership experience at major financial institutions including CBA, ING, and Rabobank, Tim brings a rare blend of corporate insight and human connection to his mission.In 2021, he founded Mongrels Men, an award-winning mental health charity that equips men with the tools, support, and confidence to take control of their mental wellbeing and prevent suicide. In 2024, he launched Betterment Consulting to expand that impact into workplaces through tailored advocacy, education, and leadership training. Then in 2025, he created His Story, a storytelling platform where men share lived experiences to inspire honest conversations and connection across generations.Recognised in NSW State Parliament for his work in mental health, Tim is also a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, workshop facilitator, and ASIST Suicide First Aider. Through his work, he helps people and organisations create what he calls “brave spaces” — places where we feel safe to talk, supported to listen, and inspired to change.Key Takeaways38% of men do not talk about their feelings due to societal pressures.Creating brave spaces for men to express themselves is crucial.Vulnerability should be viewed as a strength, not a weakness.Role modelling positive behaviours can influence younger generations.Community support networks are essential for men's mental health.Encouraging emotional intelligence in men is vital for their well-being.Conversations about mental health should be normalised among men.Surrounding children with positive role models can help break generational cycles.For more information about Tim, check out these places;-LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/timhewson1Website: www.BettermentCo.com.auInstagram: @betterment_consultingWebsite: Mongrels Men Health and WellbeingInstagram & Facebook: @mongrelsmenWebsite: HisStoryInstagram: @his_storytellingHead to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today's guestsConnect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCoxConnect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcoxConnect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcoxAND, if you have a burning topic you'd love people to talk more about, or know someone who'd be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- 

Today I'm sharing winter nutrition tips for horses. As temperatures drop and the seasons shift, you will need to adjust your feeding to support your horse's health through the colder months. I'm in Calgary, Alberta, where we experience extreme temperature swings. Wherever you live, the degree of cold you experience will influence how you should feed your horses for optimal health, and one of the most important factors to consider is your horse's weight regulation.Managing Weight in WinterWinter poses challenges for both easy and hard keepers. Easy keepers often enter the season carrying extra weight, while hard keepers struggle to maintain condition due to increased energy demands for warmth. Managing both types requires paying attention to diet, sugar levels, and feeding strategies.Easy Keepers: Use Winter as an OpportunityWinter can help easy keepers lean out naturally. When grass is dormant or covered by snow, sugar intake gets reduced. That is ideal for managing insulin resistance, PPID, and equine metabolic syndrome. Encouraging natural movement and moderate feedingEncourage natural movement and moderate feeding by spacing hay stations far apart. Avoid free-choice hay for overweight or sugar-sensitive horses. Instead, feed in controlled portions, ideally using slow-feeding nets, ensuring they don't stand for too long without food.Leaner winter conditioning helps restore insulin sensitivity, supports metabolism, and prepares horses for spring.Hard Keepers: Prioritize Calories and WarmthFor hard keepers, maintaining weight in cold weather is essential. Offer them free-choice hay or extra feeding sessions separate from easy keepers. Provide larger mashes (such as beet pulp or alfalfa cubes) to boost calorie intake and hydration. You can use extruded feeds temporarily for better absorption and calorie density. Even if the ingredient list is not perfect, the priority is to prevent weight loss and support their muscle mass through the winter.Once spring arrives, you can detoxify them and move them back to cleaner feeds when forage becomes available.Supplements to Prevent DeficienciesWhen a horses shift from grass to hay, the levels of fat-soluble nutrients (especially essential fatty acids) drop sharply. Supplementation is the key to preventing deficiencies that affect skin, coat, and metabolism. Crushed flax, hemp hearts, or chia seeds are excellent plant-based sources of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oils, such as flax, camelina, or hemp, can be used short-term, but only in small amounts. They must be stored properly, however, and selected for stability.Selenium and Vitamin E SupportHorses on hay-only diets are usually deficient in selenium and vitamin E, which are vital for immune function, circulation, metabolism, and hoof health. The two nutrients work synergistically, as selenium enhances vitamin E's antioxidant action. Since hay rarely provides enough nutrition, consistent supplementation is essential. It is always best to use high-quality supplements that are free of unnecessary additives or preservatives. Carrots and Beta-CaroteneCarrots provide beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, and easy keepers can eat them in moderation. The fiber and phytonutrients in carrots prevent blood sugar spikes, making them a beneficial winter addition.Winter Nutrition TakeawayWinter is the perfect time to fine-tune your horse's nutrition. Allow easy keepers to lose weight gradually on their own while ensuring hard keepers receive enough calories to stay warm and maintain their condition. Focus on good quality hay, balanced supplementation, and moderate feeding to support movement and metabolic health. By managing your horse's sugar intake, providing...

Christian College Sex Comedy: Part 25 Being Subversive Isn t As Much Fun As It Looks In 30 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the podcast at Explicit Novels.             Friends stand by you through the struggles your enemies create   "You are depraved and despicable," Mhain seethed. "I get that a lot; now get out," I growled back, "because I have a thousand other bitches who are, scratch that, 999 other bitches, Doctor Kennedy is growing on me; the rest I'm not so sure about, who are making my life miserable." "Don't get your hopes up, Mr. Braxton," Doctor Kennedy warned me. "I'm happily married." "Cool," I responded. "I hope to be like that one day." "Happily married?" Virginia inquired. "No; a female law professor at an all-girls school," I grinned. "It sounds like a real cool job." "Feel free to hit him," Dana interrupted. "I swear that is the only way to get him to learn anything; or the only way we will discuss at this moment." Ah, sex. I thought my life had gone on a bit too long without the mention of sex. "It is also a fun form of stress relief." A painful blow rocked my shoulder and nearly sent me sprawling. "You are right," Gabrielle noted clinically. "I feel better." Fuck, she hits hard. I look at her and try not to get pissed off and say something stupid. She makes my life difficult but my existence at FFU makes her life far too interesting as well. Whack! Someone hit me with a briefcase. "I have to agree," Doctor Kennedy confirmed. "It has a therapeutic quality to it." "Bloody hell," I blurt out. "Everyone, please stop physically abusing Zane," Ms. Goodswell snapped. "He's a student, for Pete's sake. He's not subject to corporal punishment." "Virginia, have you ever punched or slapped Zane?" Dana teased. "Give it a try before dismissing it out of hand." "He likes spanking," Barbie Lynn beamed happiness as she skipped by on her way to my/our bedroom. Technically, it is mine, Vivian's, Barbie Lynn's, Rio's, and Mercy's, plus whoever is feeling lonely on a given night. As for the spanking, I'm more of a giver than a receiver, but I doubt explaining that right now would be appropriate. "Uhmm, okay, I think that is my cue to leave," Virginia piped up. "I have rounds to make," Gabrielle added. "I'm going home to my family," Doctor Kennedy headed out. "I'm going to stay here, kick back, and watch some Pay-per-view," Dana grinned. "What are you going to watch?" Hudson inquired. "BBC America has this show called Copper that I've been meaning to catch," Dana informed her. "Mind if I watch an episode with you?" Hudson asked. "Sure, knock yourself out. You can pick the second show," Dana yawned. "It's only Zane's money after all." The rest of my guests filed out and I retired to the showers and then to my room. The day's stress revealed itself as the women curled into bed calmly and soon were cuddled together, including the odd ones out. On the far side we had the rather unusual appearance of Valarie. Next to her was Rio, who had her arms wrapped around Mercy. Mercy was snuggled against Barbie Lynn who held the middle spot. I was on my side, face-to-face with Barbie Lynn. After a few minutes, Vivian came to bed, wedged up against my back, and put an arm over me. I was in close proximity to several beautiful women but as long as no one doused the room with an aphrodisiac, we'd do just fine. "Zane," Barbie Lynn whispered, "my vibrator burned out this morning, and I'm terribly horny." Oh, fuck!   Barbie Lynn gazing down at me, I'm not sure another guy should ever see this because it could break one's heart to see it once and never again. She's built a faint sheen of sweat on her body already and she's looking at me with a definite Zen to fuck. My cock is cocooned deep inside her rectum, rubbing inside as she rotates forward on her hips. The distant, dreamy look in her eyes flashes to alertness as she catches me looking at her; 'hi' she whispers. I nod and smile so she inclines into me so that we can start kissing. She leads in with her tongue along my lips. I touch the tip of her tongue with my own, snaking inside her mouth before we are done. She starts murmuring, deepens our kiss, and begins rubbing my nipples. "Vivian?" Valarie says softly. She snuck around the bed to settle behind my guardian. "Yes?" Vivian replies. She is on her side watching Barbie Lynn and I. "I, umm, Valarie moans. Out of the corner of my eye I catch it as Val's hand brushes Vivian's hair off her neck and her lips start suckling on the exposed flesh. Vivian closes her eyes briefly but doesn't move Valarie away. "Oh, Baby," Barbie pants with barely an inch separating our lips, "I know I say this often but I so love this. You tear me up inside and I want it so bad all the time, it scares me." "Vaginal sex with you scares me," I tease back. "Will it be even better?" she draws in an even deeper, breast flaunting breath. "You never know, but you are so damn good at everything else, I can't imagine you doing anything but haunting my dreams forever," I say, as I coax her movements with my hands on her hips, flanks, and thighs. Barbie shows her appreciation by running her hand through my bangs and pushing my hair back so that she can cover my forehead, eyes and nose with kisses. "You like that romantic shit, don't you, Mercy-slut?" Rio grumbles playfully from the other side. "Yes," Mercy whispers. I know Rio well enough to know that when a spiteful reply isn't immediately forthcoming, she's dusting off (and unchaining) her Better Angel. Mercy is looking at Barbie Lynn and me, her head facing sideways as she lies on her back. Rio crawls on top of Mercy, prompting Mercy to open her legs, and locks her hands over her head to gaze down on her. "Your skin is so pure, your hair so black, and your eyes so full of passion, it breaks my heart to look at you, My Little Whore," Rio begins. She leans in and bites Mercy's earlobe, causing her victim to moan and buck up slightly. "Mercy, you give and give, making me so hot inside that I want to grab you and never let go." "Really?" Mercy gasps. "I, " "Don't get used to this," Rio growls with famished sexual enticement. "But, well, I want you to know that I hope all our children look just like you." Poor Rio was running out of material. It was terribly uncomfortable for me to show her where to go. I ran my hands over Barbie's body, which is an absolute torture I am forced to struggle through repeatedly. I start by massaging Barbie Lynn's tits, rotating three fingers over the nipples before rolling up the whole meaty breast in my palms. Barbie Lynn starts pushing back on my cock harder and grunting to the rhythm. "Damn, Mercy," Rio teases, "I love these titties." She accentuates by sucking the top third of one breast into her mouth and twirling her tongue around it. Vivian gives a visible shiver from her side of the bed; Valarie has done something to her beneath the sheets to turn her on. In the interim while I have been watching Rio and Mercy, Valarie has been working over Vivian, temple to shoulder, with her lips. Now I see Vivian pulling up her left (upper) leg until it is resting snugly against my upper ribs, giving someone easier access to her snatch. She's also put her left arm behind her back between herself and Valarie. I'm starting to wonder if there is something in the air filters of my place, some undiscovered aphrodisiac mold, fungi, or spores that turns nice, virtuous girls into promiscuous bi-sexual vixens. To the best of my knowledge and belief, neither Valarie nor Vivian had the slightest lesbian tendencies before they started coming to my room. I give Barbie Lynn's luscious orbs one final squeeze before migrating my hold down to her ass, giving each cheek a double-slap. Barbie Lynn exhales a huff of ecstatic relief as the impact travels through her. Rio smirks and follows suit, her hand reaching between their thighs, prying Mercy's leg up, up and up until Mercy's knee is nearly at her breast. "Your body is the first female form that I've ever lusted after," Rio murmurs as she rubs and pats Mercy's buttocks. "I think I've always wanted you, to taste you on my tongue, your scent strong in my mind and your sweet, sweet ass under my hand." Mercy brings one hand up to stroke Rio's cheek as she gives a strangled sob. No matter how much Mercy fears loving a woman, Rio can chisel that away and get her to love openly and freely. Barbie Lynn bounces up and slams down on me repeatedly as she is coming to the end of her fuse. "Zane, Zane, oh yeah," she pants. Vivian chooses this moment to sneak her climax in on the rest of us. I am vaguely aware of her biting her lip, rocking her hips under the sheets, and perspiration beginning to bead on her lower lip. "Holy God, Christ, and, my, hot damn, Val, ugh, Oh, God!" Vivian squeals as Valarie vigorously whips her hand in a tight pattern, cloaked from sight but obvious to the knowledgeable. Vivian's clit, lips, and the gateway to her cunt are all supers-stimulated. Valarie cools her down and holds her with enough strength to stop Vivian from rolling face-first into the sheets. "Jesus Loves Me!" Barbie Lynn screams one last time. Her body bows, her breasts thrust forward and up, bouncing so deliciously while her thighs tremble in climax. Her anal muscles rippling from sphincter toward my cockhead are grinding me toward orgasm. Finally, she collapses against me, still twitching and fighting for breath. With my arms wrapped around her, I roll us over toward Mercy and Rio, placing Barbie Lynn on her back. Barbie Lynn has her legs pulling back before I can even move to push them back. While I had never fully pulled out, I was nearly there. I shove my hips forward, forcing my cock back in hard, causing Barbie Lynn to grunt, her mouth to gape open, nostril flaring, as her eyes squeeze shut. "Oh, hell, yeah," Barbie Lynn gasps, "hammer me!" "Oh, fuck," Valarie moans, "I am so lonely." Vivian is still roaming her hands over Valarie's special place, picking up the pace as she's inspired by Barbie Lynn's passion. Rio expresses her perverse nature by going at Mercy slow while the rest of us are going gangbusters. "Here is my baby-smooth, tasty friend," Rio says as she kisses Mercy's bald twat. Rio pushes her thighs apart, her leg muscles taught while laying on the bed. Rio's restraint could only last so long. Every lick became more insistent, every nibble elicited a greater yelp, and every hip-thrust by Mercy into Rio's hungry mouth was more desperate. Valarie gives off one long, cavernous growl, then screams in between Vivian's shoulder blades. "Damn," Vivian whispers, as a sympathetic orgasmic shiver coasts through her body. I'm pushing up on my knuckles, Barbie Lynn's legs between them as I rise up until my bulbous head is fixed in her sphincter; then I slam down once more. She's rocking her hips up to maximize the depths I reach as she cries out, again and again and again. When I finally let go, I feel a volcano of lust, frustration, and fulfillment exploding out all at once. Barbie Lynn's head sways rapidly side to side as she comes unglued. "Zane, Jesus loves me, Jesus Loves Me!" she howls loud enough to shake the glass panels overhead. Those words ringing in my ears are going to haunt me in whatever church I go to. "Ugh, ugh, ugh, Love, right there, feels so good," Mercy drags out with shallow breathes. "Umm, Rio gurgles. Mercy has gotten quite wet and visibly aroused. I'm sure Rio has worked a finger or two into the action and in Mercy's ass. Mercy starts bouncing off the sheets as she hisses out the last of her restraint. "Mother-fucker-god-damn!" Mercy cries out. Rio growls, slurps, and sucks up Mercy's cunt juice while lapping up and down her slit. "That's my baby," Rio's fluid-marked face looks up from between Mercy's legs and smiles. "Was that good for you?" Rio asks? Mercy nods dreamily. "Are you a happy little whore?" Rio teases. Again, Mercy nods with pleasure. "Did you use the 'L' word, Ass-fuck slut?" Rio hardens. This time Mercy realizes her mistake and shudders. She raises her head and looks into Rio's eyes. "Yes. I'm sorry, Rio," Mercy mumbles. "Sorry isn't going to cut it this time, Bitch," Rio sneers. "Tomorrow morning you are going to get it coming and going, all day long." I am actually aware of what that threat means. "Okay," Vivian sighed, with more contentment than annoyance, "we've all cum so let's try and get some sleep." "I haven't gotten off yet," Rio chuckled. I knew what I had to do before someone else volunteered my services. "Come here, Rio." I smile to her and extend a hand. "Let me get another taste of my best bro." "I'll clean you up," Barbie Lynn grins up at me, as she wiggles her body around my own so she's on top again. She slithers down my torso, waggles my still mostly hard cock against her lips, then begins to take it into her mouth. Barbie Lynn's tongue licks along my shaft as she gobbles up more of my rod. I expect Rio to come over but Mercy, following along and lying on her belly, her head propped up on her hands and elbows as she watches my blonde angel's skilled fellatio, is a bonus. Rio ends up near my pillow, one hand on my chest and the other resting between Mercy's ass cheeks. Her fingers are definitely sliding in and out of Mercy's cunt. If Mercy is a bit sore, she's smart enough not to complain to her Mistress about it. "What do you have in mind, Zane?" Rio catches my gaze. "I want your teeth tearing up the mattress with your ass up in the air as I plow you through the headboard," I inform her. I make a focus group assessment of the situation by slipping a finger into her cunt, she's creaming already. For Rio, the greater physicality of the sex, the better it is for her. She'll let me have my foreplay and some good loving, but she goes wild over the raw, brutal act of sex itself. "I think you are ready to put that smile on her face," Barbie Lynn taunts Rio as she informs me she's finished. "Come with me," Barbie Lynn turns to Mercy. "My nipples need some attention. Can you do that for me?" After checking with Rio, Mercy gives a hungry look and lick of the lips at Barbie Lynn. Barbie crawls over Mercy to land on her back on the far side. Mercy twirls around and latches on to Barbie Lynn's left breast with such rapidity, it momentarily causes my visage to blur. "I want some of that," Valarie suddenly blurts out. She makes her own quick trek around Rio and me as we are still positioning ourselves to come swooping down on Barbie Lynn's right side. The right nipple disappears into our school biker girl's mouth with a decidedly audible smacking of the lips. Val's hand starts to stroke the inside of Barbie Lynn's thigh but Mercy's free hand reaches over and starts tweaking Valarie's closest nipple. Yes, I definitely must check the air filters. Rio resumes her sensually crawl my way and I give her a beguiling look to lure her in. I'm on her in a flash once she's close enough for me to make my move. She screeches like an alley cat but I've got a hand on the back of her head and the other on her hip as I slam her face first into the pillow. "Bastard," she screams through the fabric, but she's not following through with the anger. "Give it up, Bitch," I snarl back. My cock slides full-throttle all the way into her cunt on the first pass. Her cunt feels like slick, melted butter as I bottom out in her hole. At the same time, I let up on her head a bit. "Oh, fucking-A," Rio gasps. "Did someone sneak a gerbil up behind me or is it Needle-cock pretending he's a man?" I give her another powerful slam. "Oh, fuck, stop that." "What? Too much for the bitch whose had it all?" I tease Rio. "I swear, if I spit up, my ovaries," she chokes, "we are, going to have, words." "Words like I'm the best fuck you've ever had'?" I taunt Rio between packing her cunt as full and deep as I can. She's squealing and moaning yet thrusting back strongly against me all the way. I move my hand off Rio's hip and take hold of a breast, squeezing and torturing the nipple. She's snarling like a wounded tigress now. She possesses no acceptance of defeat, no surrender to exhaustion, and no fear of pain; in fact, what we are doing is a turn-on. I'm actually becoming beaten up by all the impact of my hips against Rio's ass. Within ten minutes, her fluids are all over her crotch and mine and she's actually starting to dribble down her thighs and onto the mattress. "Zane, don't forget she's your friend," Vivian sounds worried. "Shut, up," gasps Rio, violently and with passion. This is what Rio craves right now, a brutal fucking, and she's not going to be denied by Vivian's compassionate sensibilities. "Ah, fuck me, fuck me, break me, you bastard," Rio pants. "Hammer me, Bitch!" she screams, and that's all she can take. She has some sort of seizure, thrashing and pulsating all over the place. For the second time tonight I'm shooting my seed into a woman; this time Rio's cunt. I plunder Rio's barely responsive form for several more savage thrusts until I'm spent, collapsing with my full mass on top of her, which is not my normal form but I want Rio to feel warm and encompassed by me at this moment. I make sure that some of my weight is taken onto my knees and elbows so I don't suffocate my crazy best friend. "Zane," Rio pants a half-minute later, "that vice-like bump you were feeling with that horse-cock of yours, " "Yes?" I respond softly. I pull her hair out of her face as she turns it to the side so she can speak clearly. "That was my cervix, dumbass," she giggles. "Next time I want my uterus scrubbed, I'll call a fucking gynecologist." "Hardy-har-har," I chuckle. "Doing it with a Princess Barbie Pony Action Figure doesn't qualify as bestiality, you bimbo, and it certainly doesn't give you horse-cock experience." "Rio, you are kind of gross," Vivian chastises my buddy. "Thank you," Rio pants, "I knew you cared." "Behave, Rio, and next time it's going up your ass," I murmur into Rio's ear. "Oh, that's just cold, Bro," Rio pouts as she wiggles her tight ass against my semi-flaccid cock. "A person uses the threat of denying anal sex to a girl as a means of enforcing polite behavior," Vivian ponders as she flops on her back and stares up at the stars through the glass ceiling. "Worse, it makes sense to me. What has happened to my life?" "Rio, are you okay?" Mercy whispered. Rio turns her head the other way to address her lover: "My cunt is numb, my hips feel dislocated, I'll be pulling pillow fiber out of my teeth for a week, and I think he bruised a nipple, I feel fucking awesome." "I'd ask Zane to do it to me again but I know Vivian would choke me out," Rio snickers. "I know what I am going to do, though: In the morning I'm going to have Zane pounding your ass as hard as he fucked me right now so I can hear you cry and scream." "Um, okay," Mercy answered, trying not to sound too anxious. "Damn," Valarie mutters. "I hate being a virgin, and I'll pimp slap the first one who suggests anal sex. All I want to do is get laid without the repercussions." No one said anything for a minute. "I'll help with that," Barbie Lynn and I volunteered almost at the same time. "Bed," Vivian laid down the law. Thankfully, the rest of us were too tired to argue. POWER PLAYFULNESS At our five a.m. wake up, I swept up Valarie into a six-nine, her on top. Barbie quickly got behind Val and began licking my nose, the back of Val's cunt, and teasing her butthole with tiny probes. At first our biker babe resisted and grumbled with her mouth around my cock, but Barbie Lynn was as relentless as she was sensually enticing. Val returned the surprise by slamming her thighs together as the dam of her sexual frustration burst; she clamped her thighs tightly on my head and bucked so hard she bounced us off the bed as she screamed. There were no words to it; the scream was primal, violent and somewhat frightening. The other remarkable thing was that Barbie Lynn retained her hold on Valarie's ass cheeks and kept tongue-fucking Val's anus. Valarie's mouth had released my cock seconds before orgasm. She gave it an occasional swipe of the tongue until her last orgasmic quivers stopped. I motioned for Barbie to let up and when she did, Valarie collapsed beside me. "Oh," Valarie panted, "that was good. That should tide me over until lunch time." "Showers, everyone," Vivian reminded us. There were a few groans but cleanliness was an inevitable bonus for all of us, and Rio, if we bundled her up and took her squirming, griping form with us. Rio gained a measure of revenge by announcing to my shower buddies that I had an unresolved morning blowjob begging for attention. Brandi elbowed two girls aside to bend over at the waist and take me in. Opal was kind enough to stroke Brandi's kitty from behind, getting us off almost at the same time. Opal gave me several finger scoops of Brandi's nectar to slake my sexual thirst. I was busy getting a taste of Opal with a bonus clitoris massage when Iona dragged me away. Outside the showers, I bent down, wrapped my arms beneath Iona's towel-clad posterior, and lifted her up so that she was looking down at me. "Thank you," I smiled at her. "You've always got my back." "You are welcome," she beamed happiness back down at me, "and it is my pleasure, Zane. Do you think we can go motorcycle shopping Thursday?" "Sure, that won't be, oh fuck, it's Wednesday," I gasped. I realized I had confused Iona. "I told Erin I would call her Monday and totally lost track, of a woman," I blinked. "I don't think that's ever happened before." "You have a ton of things going on," Iona comforted me while hovering above me still. "I think she'll understand." "Thanks again, Iona," I sighed as I let her slide down my body. "Can I sleep with you tonight?" she asked. "Of course," I grinned. "Are you going to give me your scrumptious behind?" Iona's smile grew even brighter. "You will have to wait and see," she teased me before racing off to her room. I made my way up to my room for a short workout and a few minutes meditating. I was peripherally aware of Paige coming into my room and rummaging around (i.e., she wanted me to know she was there without noticeably ruining my concentration). The main distraction was Rio and Mercy getting dressed. They had both long since moved all their belongings into my place; that wasn't a problem because of the massive space I had. The problem was, it is insane to put two pseudo-lesbian young lovers who are new to their relationship into a space where they are constantly tantalized by each other's naked or scantily clad bodies. Mercy couldn't resist reaching out shyly and touching Rio's lesser erogenous zones. Rio couldn't resist bending Mercy over the bed, licking her from behind, and/or spanking her, just a few taps but that hardly helped them get their clothes on. Today, Rio added the extra complication of inserting a vibrating ass plug into Mercy's ass and taping a vibrating egg against her clit. She was finishing up the work when I felt a glimmer of evil intellect enter my mind. "Hey, Rio, why don't you do the same thing?" I suggested. "Are you going to ring my bell?" she teased me. "No. I actually thought you would share with Mercy," I clarified. "Share what?" Valarie questioned as she entered the room. "They are each going to have a vaginal and anal stimulation device, theoretically with the other having the controlling mechanism," Paige stated. She held up two pairs of bra & panties for me to examine, gossamer peach bow-knot or strawberry crotchless/cupless. "I don't know, Babe," I mused. "I'd have to see you naked to make a determination." "You've seen me naked, my Boy-toy," Paige gave a wicked turn of the lip. "I, I have no recollection of it," I confessed. "Maybe it was that blow Rio gave me upside my head. I guess I need to see your nude, nubile form once more." "Oh, my poor baby," Paige pouted. "Someone as helpless as you cannot afford to lose any of your already inadequate brain power. I really should help you out." She was knee crawling up the bed, unbuttoning her shirt. When she was only a few feet in front of me, she sat down and worked her skirt off as well. She wasn't naked; she still had her knee-high socks on. "You really ought to cover those little boobies up," Rio taunted Paige. "Someone is going to think Zane has a middle-schooler up here." Paige's head turned and I could feel her anger, but before she could spew forth her vitriol, I latched on hungrily to her closest teat and sucked it in on one gulp. Paige gasped and thrust her body against me. Soon her hands were running through my hair as I soaked up her tender flesh and swelling nipple. I also stroked my hands down her body. My left hand drifted from right below her suckled breast, along her smooth, flat stomach, before dropping south until I cupped her sex. My right hand went down the ribs and around to her ass. I weighed and fondled her small yet firm buttocks, then reached between her cheeks and rubbed over her sphincter without pressuring it. "Paige," I said quietly as I released her nipple, "today go with the peach." "Umm, maybe I will," Paige teased me with a nibble to my neck, "after all, there are a very few things you are good at, and female sexiness is one of them." "Paige?" I continued. She was a little more suspicious now. Our relationship had always been rocky. "I appreciate you giving me some space the last few days," I thanked her. "It has really helped me get my head on straight." Paige's eyes lit up once more. She had sacrificed (in her mind), and I had noticed and was grateful. "I'm surprised you noticed," she started to say, then abruptly softened. "You mean a lot to me, you really do." I put my hands on each side of her jaw and pulled her into close face-to-face contact. "Paige, bouncy, bouncy," I whispered into her ear. Paige gasped slightly and twisted her head to make eye contact, looking somewhat expectant. "Meet me for lunch and I'm going break that ass open," I taunted her quietly. Rocky the squirrel must have snuck up on me and then clubbed me with Bullwinkle the Moose because her response was, "Okay," while she looked at me with a mixture of fear and lust. "Are you sure?" I was curious. "If that is what you really want," Paige responded. "Oh, I don't want to do it until you feel ready, Paige. We'll wait," I confessed. "I will have to think of something else to do with you at lunch today." All Paige did was grin in a very mysterious way. She held that look until Valarie put a hand on each ass cheek and pulled them apart. This time, someone had snuck up on Paige. "Hey!" Paige gasped. "What are you doing?" "Encouraging you to get dressed," Valarie chuckled. "Otherwise, Zane and I are going to slip one finger into your pretty little cunt and rub them in and out like a buzz-saw. Then we will smear your juices over your face and force you to go to breakfast smelling like sex." My girls really need to work on their 'discouraging' speeches. "I should get dressed," Paige hiccupped with reluctance. "Peaches, got it." Paige scurried away and began dressing while eyeing Valarie and me. "Oh, yeah," I joked with Valarie, "that terrified her." "Ask her about the party; then it will make sense," Valarie snickered. In the annals of female migration through my bedroom, Vivian wasn't really sneaking up on anyone, but her presence didn't send up shockwaves of alarm either. "Zane, we need to be heading out soon," she greeted me. She greeted Valarie by putting a hand on her shoulder and rubbing it. Quickly enough, Paige got dressed, Rio and Mercy got their acts together, and we gathered up Iona, Barbie Lynn, Brandi and Opal before heading down to join the rest of feminine humanity that constituted my dorm. My old (way back in Chapter 3) buddy Easter Valentine had me rate the top ten Christian Rock bands which was made much more difficult by my utter disbelief that there was actually something called Christian Rock, color me biased. Breakfast passed uneventfully, as did Assembly, before things began happening. First off, I touched base with Erin now that she was most likely awake. "Hey Erin, this is Zane," I started off, "and I am so sorry that I blanked on my promise to call you. Can I make it up to you and Gerry?" "Oh,um,okay, I guess," she drew me out. "What do you have in mind?" That was a good question; what was I going to do to make it up to them? "Have you ever heard of the SYFY network?" I asked. "Sure, Eureka, Warehouse 13, Being Human, and Lost Girl," she answered. "Saturday night they are showing Ice Spiders versus Snow Beast, I know, great title; right? And I'd like it if you two would come over to my house, get some pizza, and watch it with me," I offered. "Let me think about it, yeah, we'd be glad to come by and eat something," I could feel her grin coming through the airwaves. "Okay, one more question; how do you feel about three-ways?" "I've never been part of one but I'm willing to give it a try," Erin sighed happily, "if I must." "It's a date, then," I agreed, and after trading 'goodbye's', I hung up and caught my crew gathering outside. As I made my approach I saw Heaven give me a look and a smile then turn on Rio. "Handmaiden's Duty, Rio," Heaven beamed maliciously. "What do you want, you old cow?" Rio sneered right back. "Give me your controllers." Heaven grinned as she held out her hand to Rio. Mercy gulped (the two boxes controlled her vibrators) and Rio looked stunned. "Hand them over." Technical Mercy would have been immune, except it was Rio with her controllers. "How?" Rio mumbled. She looked around for support but found some sympathetic eyes, not comrades in arms. She angrily slapped Heaven's palm as she handed them over. Heaven handed those two small white devices to Hope, then reached out toward Rio once more. "Give me the ones Mercy is holding for you, too," Heaven snickered. Rio snarled before motioning for Mercy to hand them over to her. In short order, she handed those over to Heaven as well. "I'll be expecting those back at ten o'clock (one hour from now)," Rio growled. "Of course," Heaven chuckled. "I'll see you then, Sweet-cheeks." "God damn it," Rio leaned into me and whispered, "who, ah, hmm, betrayed me?" Apparently, someone was playing with her controllers. By the way Mercy developed a little tremble and a blissful smile, someone was having a go at her too. "I swear to God, it wasn't me," I shrugged. "Well, it wasn't Iona, she'd never do that to Mercy," Rio mused, then, "Paige! That little cunt did this to me." "I don't know if she did it or not," I pleaded, "but please don't kill her." Rio was several seconds in responding as she wobbled slightly and skipped a step. "Two fucking vibrators," Rio glared at me. "What were you thinking?" "Liking it?" I teased. "Love it," Rio gasped. "Mercy?" "Mumph," Mercy gasped. Added to the smile on her lips, I had to see that as an affirmative. Ms.  Goodswell's class was good but what came afterwards was far more amusing. "What do you mean, you traded them to some random upperclassmen?" Rio snarled. "Oh, I had to explain what they did. When I told them they were inside you, they jumped at the chance," Hope nodded serenely to the furious Rio. "How am I, oh, oh, oh, yeah, supposed to get them back?" Rio fumed. "Maybe they will run out of power soon," Mercy put a positive spin on things. "I put long-life batteries in those bitches this morning," Rio grumbled. "They can go for 24 hours of continuous use." "I insisted that they be returned to Zane at nine this evening," Christina said in a detached manner. "I swear, I'm going to tie down all you bitches one weekend and then we will see who's so superior," Rio seethed; "Dildos and lube all around. Arrgh," Rio growled. She staggered over to the closest wall and put her hand against it to stop from falling over. "Some whore just discovered the '10' setting," she gasped. "I was going to say something cruel," Hope stated, "but now it would be redundant." "Rio and Mercy, stay hydrated," Chastity suggested. "I'll pick you up between classes to, decrease your difficulties." "Thanks, Chastity," I patted her arm. "Heaven and I will watch after Mercy," Christina chimed in; being surprisingly helpful to someone she had shown no interest in before now. Christina was all about responsibility and since this was Heaven's stunt (or so it seemed), she was doing 'the right thing'. "Classes everyone," Vivian insisted. Thankfully I had one capable adult in my life. I hoped that me turning her into a vibrant bi-sexual didn't change that. Today I received an hour's warning of my lunch appointment with Doctor Victoria Scarlett, our beloved Vice-Chancellor. I let Paige know that I had to postpone our get-together. "It is good to see you, she was going to say 'Mr. Braxton' but she was sensitive to my preferences, ", Zane. How are things going on this first full day of our experiment?" "Well, Doctor Scarlett, let me say that you are even more deftly beautiful than you are deceptively manipulative," I countered. "As to your question, my efforts to corrupt your intentions precede a pace." She smiled, shook her head, and walked around the table, stopping when she was in front of my chair-bound form. "Come now; the tribal elections have begun. Seven leaders have been named and the rest of the tribes should do the same tonight," she informed me. "What were you able to accomplish yesterday?" Oh, so that was today's tune. I stood up and cupped her facial cheeks. "What do you think you are doing?" Victoria Scarlett mumbled. I pressed in and kissed her, leading by example as opposed to words. Her hands pressed against me. She wasn't shoving so I didn't stop. Victoria didn't even make a token effort to keep her mouth shut, though her tongue refused to play an overly active part in my French kiss. My hands didn't wander and my body didn't thrust against her. "I think I'm working out our relationship, your Kahina to my Pelagius," I responded, our faces only inches apart. Victoria rested her hands on my hips so I placed mine on her shoulders. "Kahina, have you been reading my works?" she smiled far too seductively. You would figure that a dedicated, righteous Christian theoretician would have body proximity issues. Not Victoria, damn it. "The only things hotter than smart, sexy chicks are smart, sexy, and sensually lethal chicks," I allowed. "This could be construed as sexual harassment or inappropriate sexual behavior," Doctor Scarlett grinned, all bold and gracious. "A 'no' on your part would suffice," I assured her. "Not you, Zane; me," she corrected me. "You are my student, after all, and my hands are on your hips." I arched an eyebrow; she kept smiling so I went back in for a kiss. Three minutes later I had worked over her lips, eyelids, cheeks, jawline, and the left side of her neck, and it was getting me nowhere except closer to a sexual-deprivation induced coma. "Damn, you are good," I panted. "I think this is something we need to work through first before we can constructively move on," she related patiently. She was trying to break me with her highly developed self-control. I had to figure out what the hell I was doing wrong. Overt sexual contact, breasts, buttocks, pubic area, was off-limits, or was it? Lingerie; why did Scarlett wear racy lingerie? I slipped my arms around Victoria's waist and pulled her off the desk and into me. I caught a slight, over-confident smirk on her lips. We started kissing again, Scarlett somewhat passively, as always, and me out to disguise my intentions. She didn't protest when my fingers wandered below the beltline or when I traced out the very risqu lines of her panties. Fighting the urge to yank them up and make her squirm, I languidly let my fingers dig into her skirt and hook the bottom elastic of her panties, then slowly wiggled the fabric gently. She gave me a few uninterrupted seconds before I sensed her inner struggle begin; did she stop me and give me this round in the struggle, a psychological edge over her, or did she see if she could tough it out. She went with the spiritual resistance. Once I had my fingers inside, I could move freely forward and back. I avoided the cunt and the bottom of her ass. I was able to make the bottom of her panties a very tight fit, allowing the thrumming of my tugs to vibrate along her most sensitive spots. Victoria's nostrils flared, her breath caught, and after a daring but futile attempt to distract me with her tongue, she broke our lip embrace and put her head on my shoulder. I immediately stopped what I was doing and waited for her to speak. "Oh, this is not good," she muttered to herself. Then after a pause, "Thank you for stopping. How did you know what to do?" "Where to begin," I answered. "You are beautiful, passionate, and a woman who appreciates fine fabrics on your skin. I stopped because I'll fight you with every tool I can, but I won't violate you," I added. Victoria looked up into my eyes. "You see me as Kahina?" she changed the subject. "You have this tragic, fervent yet noble character that charges with a burning blade into the face of adversity," I waxed romantic. "The last Christian Queen of the Berbers who, when faced with the inevitability of her defeat, sent her sons to the enemy for their protection while she sought death in battle against the Islamic invaders." "I'm not very martial," she countered. "Ah, but in the Greco-Roman culture our faith grew up in, you would be considered a Patrician's daughter, versed in Socrates and Virgil as well as St. Augustine," I made my argument. "Besides, martial valor is in the job of the tribesmen; it is the job of the Queen to provide leadership, hopefully in the right direction. You are a smart damn cookie so the comparison is apt." "Thank you." She then pursued her agenda. "What have you been up to?" "I'm creating a democratic system with your tribal leaders as the parliament, a selected group of girls to become judges, and another group to become enforcers of the rule of law," I responded. "Technically, I remain the guy at the top of the pyramid, so that's a victory for you." Her look told me I hadn't made an end-run around her Grand Plan, which was pretty unsettling. I was missing something. "Why do you let me put my hands on you?" I questioned. "I can't take pleasure in the mannerisms of a proficient young man?" she countered. "Care to prove that?" I challenged. I had her in a minor trap of her own connivance. "Very well," she bowed with a smile on her lips. "Turn around and lean over your desk, if you dare?" I directed. She accepted my orders and did as requested. I knelt down behind her and placed my hands on her ankles before rubbing upward in slow but strong finger-furrows. I teased my way up to her stocking line, grinding the silk hose into her skin, making her flesh shiver from the stimulation. I had her trembling by the time I migrated upwards to the elastic at the top of the stocking, past the garter, and onto her pliant warm thigh. As I brushed against the tuck of her butt-cheek and thigh, Victoria moaned. "Stop," she whispered. "Do you really want me to stop," I inquired, "or do you want me to stop before you reveal something?" I ceased my activities, waiting on her reply. "You know the answer," she panted briefly. I moved off and up, placing my hands on her shoulders and pulling her back up to my chest. "Can you promise me to consider the possibility that a woman wants something outside the realm of motherhood and spiritual purity?" I suggested. Doctor Scarlett turned around while remaining in my grasp. "The body may feel a certain way but you must resist those impulses from the Devil," she told me. "Fortunately, you are the only one on campus that can elicit such response." "Huh? Seriously, I can only imagine the kind of sexual trouble the women on campus can get into, unless you don't believe in Sapphic impulses either," I grinned. "Homosexuality is a myth," Victoria stated firmly. "There are misdirected desires and abnormal passions, but men don't lie with men and women don't lie with women, except as a perversion of the normal, natural order of things." Oh, here we go again, I groaned. "I hate that you would think that way. It stands in opposition to God's Love in my eyes and portrays you as a weak creature given over to the Devil's lure of fearing, hating, and even denying what is mostly a good thing, namely, compassion for one another," I sighed. "How can you have compassion for instincts you can hardly understand?" she posed. "I've been with men before," I informed her; "on more than one occasion." "What?" Victoria was stunned. She struggled to get away from my arms and I let her. "You have such a strong ardor for so many female students. How can you be tricked into perverse practices?" On the bright side, I'd finally gotten under her cool exterior; on the downside, I had shaken her faith in me. "Can I incite a rational moment, please?" I said calmly. She was halfway around the desk when she stopped and nodded. "Okay," the Vice-Chancellor responded with a careful edge. "How am I any different than the man you thought me to be two minutes ago?" I led off. "I certainly liked your body and you appeared to appreciate the touches I gave you. How does anything I did with anyone else before touching you matter? You are very attractive to me. Am I now repulsive to you?" "Those are multiple questions," Victoria seemed suddenly weary. "You are the same person you were a minute ago, but I had forgotten that you are a boy, not a man, and boys have infatuations with unusual, rebellious ideas. With your Father dead, it seems you were rudderless. You are definitely not repulsive to me. I admire you, but you also reveal yourself to be immature. Would you please leave? I need to reconsider some things." "No," I replied. "No? No, you won't leave, or no, I've committed some grievous error?" she inquired. "You believe I'm a boy, you don't believe in homosexuality," I answered, though I fondly day-dreamed of Victoria and Barbie Lynn, or Hudson Lane, the school lawyer, in a lesbian tryst, "but I don't want your newfound doubts in me making you change, specifically how you treat yourself." "You want me to keep wearing lingerie," she sliced to the heart of the matter. "It is a simple pleasure you allow yourself, the only one I can detect. I will certainly be a source of displeasure for you in the future; don't let me do you harm over my careless confession," I pleaded. "My indulgence is a form of weakness," she argued. "Wrong," I fought back. "It is a 'fuck you' to temptation. It makes you stronger. Doctor Scarlett, I have never had a woman hold out as long as you did this afternoon. If you change the way you dress, then I win and you lose because I've proven you don't have faith in your own convictions." Victoria was contemplative for a moment, frowning, then slowly letting a smile win out. "Come here," she beckoned. I came up and she kissed me, not a fevered rush but a smooth, subtle thing, driven by curiosity more than passion. "You are going to require more work than I imagined," she eventually commented. "Have you forgiven me?" I asked. "Have I returned to being a good boy?" "Yes and yes." "Does this mean I can cop a feel? Ya know, a freebie?" I hoped. She kept looking up at me as she studied my features. "You are going to be a whole lot of work, Zane," she answered, "and no, no free fondling of my private parts." I growled up at the ceiling. "Damn it, woman," I snarled. "Stop trying to break me to your will." "Mr. Braxton," she patted me on the cheek, "I have no idea what you are talking about." Yeah, right. We ve Come So Far The Festivities Committee broke up once more. I was helping Mrs. Jaspers to her car since she'd taken a tumble in her home and her ankle was a bit sore. I had to return to the conference room to find my usual crowd of women overstaying the meeting, Mrs. Sahara Penny, Kendra Bainbridge, and Rochelle Wellington. "Hello, Kendra. Those frills around your collar are very enticing to the eye," I jibed. "Did you come tonight with some ulterior motive?" "No!" she snapped. "I am not that kind of woman." "Technically, if you've had children, you are that kind of woman," Sahara chimed in. "I am not a fornicator," Kendra defended herself. "No one said you were," Rochelle smiled at her rival's discomfort. "All Zane did was give you a compliment and a gentle teasing." "After his 'date' with the Reverend's wife, I am not sure any of us can be considered safe from Mr. Braxton's intentions," Kendra spat. Sahara's laugh was musical. "Yes, Kendra, I was positively scandalized that Zane would approach me with such blasphemous intentions as the Gospel of Judas, Pistis Sophia, and the origins of God's true word," Sahara grinned too sweetly. "I am sure that is what was on his mind," Kendra insinuated. She was probably coming to regret being tricked into talking to the Preacher's wife. "What would that be?" Rochelle prodded. Kendra's mouth gaped. "Well, we all know what Mr. Braxton is up to at school," she rebounded snootily. "Oh, so you have seen his website," Sahara pointed out. Kendra turned a deep shade of red. "Well, I, with everything going on," she sputtered, "we need to know how to keep our daughters safe." "Oh, Kendra, I agree," Rochelle smiled my way. "I think we can all agree that young Ms. Masters (Barbie Lynn) was lucky to escape Zane's clutches." "Yes," Sahara added sternly, "apparently she's been lucky on a nightly basis." Hey, now! Why is everybody picking on me? Half the time she's on top. "You make it sound like she enjoys, that, what he does to her," Kendra fought back. "Yes," sighed Sahara, "I can understand how horrible it must be to be crying out God's name while having sex." "Several times a night," Rochelle added. "I have such sympathy for the poor girl." "You do know that it is plausible Ms. Masters seeks me out for our mutual enjoyment," I groused. "After all, it's my bedroom and my shower we are seen in." "The Devil is known to be a great seducer," Kendra countered. "You've lured her into debauched behavior." "Oh, well, Kendra, you are on to me. I guess my deep-seated lust for you will remain unquenched," I groaned. "That's not fair," Rochelle chided me. "You are neither a tool of the Devil nor prone to give up on anything you desire, so apologize to Kendra for the sarcasm." "I apologize for making light of your concerns, Mrs. Bainbridge," I nodded toward Kendra. "Very well," Kendra snorted. "Perhaps counseling with Pastor William would do you some good." Oh, like that was going to happen; I was right in ol' Bill's preferred age range and gender. Added to that, I had sort of threatened to have him murdered for threatening Sahara Monday night. "I would prefer to be guided by someone I didn't have a desire to toss out of a fast moving aircraft," I allowed myself to say. Kendra gasped, Sahara became very still, and Rochelle choked. "Wha-, what makes you say that?" Sahara asked cautiously. "He insulted my Uncle Tim within the hearing of Aunt Jill," I answered. "I really couldn't stand Uncle Tim but would rather put my hand in a garbage disposal than let someone cause her pain. He apologized at that time but I have not forgotten." "Have you ever worried about being a bit too bloody?" Rochelle cautioned me. "I ask a lot out of life; I risk more than most and I accept that the price I pay may be higher," I replied. "I believe in the Rule of Law and I believe in punishing the wicked who attempt to abuse the rules for their own agenda. If the price is blood, then blood it shall be; if I can get a heartfelt repentance instead, so much the better." "Aren't you simply forcing your world view on everyone else?" Rochelle questioned me. "Absolutely," I admitted. "My world view is relatively easy to understand; keep to your word, accept that others will be different, and live and let live. I would prefer that my friends and I be left alone. If I have to use physical force to protect my views, I can live with that." "What of the Christian virtues of forgiveness and 'do no harm'?" Sahara countered. "I make a lousy Christian at times," I looked embarrassed. "You seem to have very little time for Christ in your life," Kendra responded snidely. "Really?" I muse. "I go to church six days a week, I get quizzed on some sort of Bible lore at least twice a day, and I come to this meeting once a week. I know sin is not a balancing act but I think I do some good." "Maybe if you gave less energy to carnal pursuits and more to Christian righteousness, you wouldn't have so many sins to balance," Kendra pronounced. "And here we are, three women of relatively good looks, discussing righteousness and virtue, Kendra," Sahara smiled. Kendra gawked at her. "Yes, I imagine I looked something like you look now when I saw Zane's devious trap Monday night." "What do you mean? We are talking about Zane's sexual lifestyle," Kendra rebutted. "No. You are talking about Zane's sex life; the rest of us are talking about sin, forgiveness, and virtue," Rochelle smiled in a superior manner. "But, but you, both, Kendra stammered. "I asked Zane about his world view," Rochelle corrected. "And I asked him about Christian forgiveness and 'do no harm', as I recall," Sahara smiled sedately. Kendra gaped like a fish out of water. "Yes, but now that I know about Mrs. Bainbridge's obsession with my bedroom antics, I'll make sure to show her more attention," I nodded. "I mean, there is an attraction that mature women possess that girls cannot equal. There was a long silence that followed that statement. "Zane, you wouldn't dare do, all, all of those lewd acts to one of us, would you?" Kendra stuttered. "I can't imagine what would make me refuse consensual sex with anyone in this room," I grinned at her. "But we are married women," Rochelle teased me. "Thus consensual, I don't want to break up a happily married couple but I don't like seeing a woman trapped in a relationship solely because she thinks there are no other options," I explained. "Women deserve to be free, and quite frankly, unhappily married women have built up an exciting reservoir of carnal energy." "Zane, I find it difficult to believe that a young man as kind to this committee as you have been would make us disrobe one article of clothing, run your rough hands over every inch of our bodies, and then force us to perform all kinds of vile sexual acts on and for you," Rochelle kept taunting me. My guess was that she was really pissed on learning her husband was having an affair with one of his employees in the Mayor's office. "You wouldn't do that to Kendra, would you, Zane?" Sahara quizzed me. "What do you mean?" I seemed confused. "She's one of the hottest MILF's in the parish; all the guys in Bible Study say so." "Wha, what?" Kendra gulped. "Milf, Mothers I'd Like to Fornicate with," I told her. "I know that!" Kendra snapped, clearly disoriented and unsure of herself. "Certainly you've noticed the men's eyes follow you around the church every Sunday after service?&

Hello, friend. Thank you for joining me for another Encouraging Word. It can be difficult to tune out the negative voices around us. It can be difficult to tune out the negative voices in our own heads! If you've been listening to the podcast for a while, you know we just did a bunch of episodes about that. But thankfully, God has given us his Word, just as he gave Joshua and the Israelites, to help us know and heed his voice. 

How can you go from just being a leader to being a truly inspirational leader? To transition from merely being a leader to one who truly inspires, it is necessary to understand the dynamics of influence and impact. Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, a luminary in the realm of leadership and executive coaching, discusses key principles that can facilitate this transformation. It starts with recognizing the power of intentionality in communication and decision-making. Inspirational leaders, as Marshall highlights, pause to consider whether their actions align with the goal of making a positive difference. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Marshall to delve into the nuances of effective leadership. Through insightful anecdotes and practical wisdom, Marshall elucidates the importance of making a positive difference, fostering trust, and embracing self-awareness on the journey toward greatness in leadership. Topics include: Influencing decisions through understanding and addressing the needs of others Making positive difference rather than proving oneself right The crucial role of honoring other people's perspectives Embracing the uncertainties in business and being open to other possibilities Being ready to adapt and willing to acknowledge mistakes Being cautious about out-of-hours emails or messages The importance of purposeful communication Recognizing and de-stigmatizing self-interest in business Encouraging long-term planning but understanding the practical challenges And other topics… Sponsored by:  Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Standard Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DARIUS. Connect with Marshall: Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/ Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.ai/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshallgoldsmith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachgoldsmith/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachgoldsmith/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A mental health advocacy group wants you to add a new contact to your phone: your county or tribal mobile crisis response team. These are mental health professionals who go to homes and other places in communities to help people in crisis. They also respond to some calls to 911 and 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. But Minnesota's chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, says few people know these teams exist.Marcus Schmit is the new executive director of NAMI Minnesota. He's a week into the role. Minnesota Now host Nina Moini spoke to Schmit about the resource of mobile response teams. If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis, you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also find the number for your local crisis team here.

Hello, friend. Thank you for joining me for another Encouraging Word. It can be difficult to tune out the negative voices around us. It can be difficult to tune out the negative voices in our own heads! If you've been listening to the podcast for a while, you know we just did a bunch of episodes about that. But thankfully, God has given us his Word, just as he gave Joshua and the Israelites, to help us know and heed his voice. 

What makes a truly high-performing team, and why do so many fail to reach that level? In this episode of The Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Warren Munson sits down with Nick Fewings, founder of Ngagement Works and author of Team Lead Succeed. Known as a "Teamologist," Nick shares insights from over three decades of experience helping leaders and teams reach their potential. From his early leadership struggles at Barclays to coaching global organisations, Nick explores the psychology of teamwork, covering trust, purpose, accountability and the fine balance between empathy and strategy. He also reveals why only 10% of teams are truly high-performing and how leaders can cultivate consistency, communication and psychological safety within their organisations. Packed with practical advice and relatable stories, this episode is a masterclass in leading people, fostering collaboration and creating teams that thrive together. If you enjoy the conversation, please subscribe, share and leave a review! It really helps more people discover the show.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… + How failure led Nick to study team dynamics + Why most teams are only "average" performers + The difference between leadership and management + Building psychological safety and trust + Balancing empathy with strategic leadership + Aligning personal and organisational purpose + Handling misaligned team members + Encouraging open, candid communication + Embedding accountability across a team Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – How failure sparked a passion for teamwork 04:45 – What makes a team dysfunctional? 06:50 – Leadership vs. Management 09:10 – Building trust and psychological safety 13:50 – Managing stress and self-awareness as leaders 15:40 – The art of strategic empathy 17:15 – Purpose, alignment and shared values 22:30 – Communication, honesty and feedback 32:10 – Accountability within teams 39:00 – The myth of KPIs 43:20 – Advice to your younger leadership self 46:00 – Outro and Reflections   If you enjoy the conversation, please subscribe, share and leave a review! It really helps more people discover the show.

This article and podcast episode with Dr Dan Wuori, author of The Daycare Myth, challenge outdated perceptions of early childhood education, highlighting the need for policy reform, professional respect, and fair pay. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr Wuori calls for a reimagining of early learning as essential, complex, and deserving of greater societal value.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-daycare-myth-shifting-the-narrative-on-early-childhood-education/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – The Daycare Myth 07:00 – How the profession is viewed 14:00 – A journey into the profession 21:45 – Encouraging more men into the profession 26:00 – Inconsistency for young children 29:00 – A stagnant level of men in early childhood 31:00 – The joy of working in early childhood 33:00 – We need to do a better job working with policy makers 35:00 – Further information For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The Stroom Network presents an interesting proposition: staking your bitcoin on the Lightning network, and earning yield from the transaction fees that routing nodes are collecting. To better explain how this system works, Slava and Ros join the show! Time stamps: 00:01:17 - Introduction to Bitcoin Takeover Podcast Season 16 Episode 54 00:01:23 - Welcoming Slava Zhygulin and Ros from Stroom Network 00:01:52 - Overview of Stroom Network: Liquid staking on Lightning Network 00:02:38 - How Stroom works: Depositing BTC for yield via transaction routing 00:03:55 - Liquid token as receipt for deposited BTC 00:04:21 - Addressing Bitcoin purists' concerns about staking and yield 00:05:32 - Token issuance on Ethereum, redeemable 1:1 with BTC 00:06:37 - Custodian role: Fortuna Custody for secure setup 00:06:49 - User process: Staking BTC, receiving ST BTC token 00:09:06 - Stroom's Lightning node on 1ml.com: 180 BTC capacity, top rankings 00:10:06 - Background: Work with Lightning since 2016, ex-Bitfury team 00:11:15 - Lightning Network capacity: ~5,000 BTC total 00:12:18 - Bullish on Lightning: 4x payment volume growth per River Finance reports 00:14:33 - Lightning's infinite scalability vs. blockchains like Solana 00:16:20 - Node metrics: 127 BTC routed, 65,000 transactions in two months 00:18:00 - Yield source: Real economic activity from routing fees 00:19:06 - Unique BTC yield without proof-of-stake risks 00:19:48 - Comparison to other Bitcoin L2s like Citrea and Alpen Labs 00:22:57 - Custodian details: Fortuna, EU-compliant in Ireland 00:23:37 - Fee structure: 5-10% retained, rest to stakers (bootstrapped at 20%) 00:24:53 - Revenue share model based on routed volumes 00:25:43 - Timeline: Two years of development, challenges with Taproot channels 00:29:04 - Bitcoin covenants: Unlikely to eliminate custodians 00:30:36 - Competitors: Kraken (1% yield), Starkware (2%), Babylon 00:33:06 - Stroom's edge: Yield from real Lightning activity, no token incentives 00:35:24 - Node stats: 65,000 transactions, ~$15M volume 00:36:59 - Average fees: ~0.1%, varies by channel and size 00:38:15 - Profitability estimates: $7,000/month example calculation 00:41:35 - Block (Jack Dorsey's company): 10% APY on $10M node 00:43:32 - Node age impact: Older nodes like Alex Bosworth's attract more traffic 00:45:33 - Encouraging channels: Reliability and high liquidity 00:46:53 - Boosting Lightning adoption: Stablecoins via Taproot Assets, RGB, Lightspark 00:50:27 - Sponsors: Layer 2 Labs, Sideshift.ai, NoOnes.com, Bitcoin.com News 00:53:13 - Node connections: NiceHash, OKX, Kraken, Binance, Wallet of Satoshi 00:56:45 - Fee policy: Dynamic algorithms, 0.1-2 basis points 00:59:36 - Future if Lightning replaced: Bitcoin L2s, BTVM, crosschain swaps 01:00:07 - Long-term vision: Proof-of-stake L2s like Botanics, BTM operators 01:03:07 - Team: Nick Sterningard as advisor 01:03:54 - Challenges in Lightning businesses: LSPs like Phoenix, Breez 01:05:43 - Lightning quirks: Buggy experience, on-chain alternatives 01:08:07 - Personal Lightning nodes: Rings of fire, Tor issues 01:09:58 - Stablecoins vs. Bitcoin: Tether article in Bitcoin Magazine 01:11:28 - Dollar dominance: 85% global payments, slow shift to Bitcoin 01:13:14 - Adoption decline: Past merchants like Dell, Microsoft vs. today 01:15:43 - Yield transparency: Real activity vs. BlockFi/Celsius rehypothecation 01:17:36 - Decentralized future: Federation for BTC management 01:18:53 - Ultimate purpose: Support Bitcoin economy beyond holding 01:19:59 - Community: 10,000 followers, 8-person tech team, 50/50 retail/funds 01:22:17 - 10-year vision: Largest BTC liquidity management community 01:23:53 - Personal payments: Bitcoin/Lightning preferred, stablecoins common 01:25:31 - Magic wand: Faster Bitcoin blocks (1-minute intervals) 01:27:54 - Tokenizing BTC: WBTC on Ethereum (100k+ BTC) vs. Lightning 01:29:43 - Paths forward: Improve Bitcoin or bridge to other networks like drivechains 01:30:59 - Learn more: Stroom.net, Twitter, Telegram, Discord 01:32:51 - Closing thoughts: Bright Bitcoin future, open financial inclusion 01:36:07 - Thanks and sign-off

In this conversation, Dan discusses the importance of commitment and resilience in youth sports, particularly wrestling. He shares a personal story about his son's initial reluctance to participate and emphasizes the need for children to learn responsibility and the value of teamwork. Dan believes that allowing kids to quit can lead to a lifelong habit of giving up, and he stresses the significance of showing up for teammates. Takeaways; Teaching kids commitment is crucial for their development. Resilience is a skill that can be nurtured from a young age. The act of quitting can become a habit if not addressed early. Team sports teach children about responsibility to others. Wrestling requires not just individual effort but also teamwork. Parents play a vital role in instilling a sense of duty in their children. Conversations about commitment can help shape a child's mindset. Encouraging kids to push through challenges builds character. The importance of showing up extends beyond sports to life. Setting expectations can help children understand the value of perseverance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whitney tackles an increasingly persistent narrative about family estrangement: therapists are encouraging people to cut ties from their families. Drawing from hundreds of responses from her audience—including adult children and estranged parents—she examines what actually happens in therapy rooms and whether the notion of a "secret underground movement" of therapists pushing estrangement holds up to scrutiny. She also answers a listener question about breaking cycles of reconciliation and abuse with a verbally abusive parent. Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles. Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466Join the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠ Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhit Follow Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft ⁠⁠Order Whitney's book, Toxic Positivity Learn more about ad choices. Visit podcast.choices.com/adchoices This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. 00:00 Are therapists encouraging estrangement? 02:22 The origins of this question and why it matters 05:58 What actually happens in therapy rooms 14:45 The difference between support and persuasion 29:19 Criticisms of therapists 39:31 Listener question: Breaking the cycle with a verbally abusive parent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leadership isn't about titles, it's about purpose. This week on the Glow Up, Gyrl Podcast, Kyra sits down with Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs, a respected public servant, advocate, and community leader serving the City of South Fulton, Georgia. With over a decade of leadership experience, Carmalitha has dedicated her career to empowering women, strengthening small businesses, and creating equitable opportunities for all. In this inspiring episode, she opens up about her journey into public service, what it means to lead with authenticity, and how she's working to shape a thriving, inclusive community. In this episode:

What are the compelling "whys" for teachers to invest their time and vulnerability in professional learning communities?  How do professional learning communities differ from professional working communities? When are teachers meeting as a franchise vs meeting as a team with shared accountability? Shared goals and accountability for success are keys to effective PLCs. Read "Professional learning vs. PD: The distinction matters" here. Subscribe to the Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud podcast on iTunes or visit BarkleyPD.com to find new episodes!

Rescue Dogs Trained To Be PTSD Service Animals For Vets: From Shelter to Service. In a powerful Special Episode Podcast of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show, listeners are introduced to an inspiring story of second chances, for both people and dogs. Brett Simon from Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Palm Beach County, Florida, joins host Jay Wiley to share how rescue dogs are being trained to become PTSD service animals for veterans. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, is available for free on their website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and many other podcast platforms. “Every dog deserves a chance, and every veteran deserves help,” says Simon, a former Police K9 Handler and Military Combat Contractor who spent years working with canines in high-stress combat zones. “When we connect the two, a rescue dog needing purpose and a veteran needing healing, something extraordinary happens.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. From the Shelter to Service At Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR), the largest cage-free, no-kill rescue in the United States, dogs once abandoned in shelters are given new lives through their Veteran Service Dog Training Program. The initiative not only transforms the lives of veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but also saves the lives of the dogs themselves. Look for supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . The program's mission is simple yet profound: give rescue dogs a second chance by training them to become PTSD service dogs for veterans and active-duty military personnel. “We're giving hope twice,” Simon explains. “To the veteran who's struggling and to the dog who was once unwanted.” Rescue Dogs Trained To Be PTSD Service Animals For Vets: From Shelter to Service. The Healing Power of the Human-Animal Bond PTSD service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that help alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning for individuals living with post-traumatic stress. These dogs offer comfort, protection, and companionship, often becoming an essential part of a veteran's healing journey. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Some of the trained tasks include: Interrupting flashbacks or anxiety attacks: by nudging or placing their head on their handler's lap. Providing comfort: through deep pressure therapy by leaning or lying against the veteran. Blocking and covering: positioning themselves in front or behind the veteran to create a sense of security. Waking from nightmares: recognizing distress and gently waking the veteran. Encouraging social interaction: helping veterans reconnect and feel more at ease in public spaces. “PTSD doesn't go away overnight,” Simon says. “But when you have a loyal companion who senses your anxiety and helps ground you, it changes everything. These dogs are trained not just to obey, they're trained to care.” Rescue Dogs Trained To Be PTSD Service Animals For Vets: From Shelter to Service. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Backed by the Veterans Administration The Veterans Administration recognizes Big Dog Ranch Rescue's program as a “Non-Traditional and Innovative” form of therapy. Through this recognition, BDRR works closely with the VA to ensure veterans receive comprehensive support while integrating their new service dogs into their daily lives. Training is provided entirely free of charge for veterans, although those from out of state are required to complete a 21-day on-site training session at the ranch in Florida (which may be spread over several months). Sponsorship opportunities are often available to help offset travel expenses. Each veteran-dog partnership is unique. BDRR's professional trainers use positive reinforcement techniques, tailoring each dog's training to match the veteran's individual needs and lifestyle. The dogs receive full vaccinations, microchipping, and access to reduced-cost veterinary care during their first year through BDRR's veterinary healing center. The full podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Brett Simon's Personal Journey Brett Simon's credibility in this mission comes not only from his professional background but from his personal experience. As a Police K9 handler, Military K9 contractor, and combat veteran, Simon has lived through the trauma many of these veterans face. Rescue Dogs Trained To Be PTSD Service Animals For Vets: From Shelter to Service. “After my deployments, I struggled,” Simon admits in the podcast. “PTSD isn't something you can see on the outside. But working with dogs again helped me reconnect, with myself, with others, and with purpose.” His story of PTSD recovery resonates with countless veterans who find traditional therapy incomplete or inaccessible. Simon emphasizes that service dogs are a complement to, not a replacement for, existing mental health treatment plans. “A dog isn't the cure,” he says, “but they're part of the healing.” You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. Science Supports the Bond Research has shown that PTSD service dogs help reduce anxiety and depression, improve emotional stability, and foster social connection. One study noted that veterans paired with service dogs reported a significant decrease in symptom severity and an improved quality of life. The unique human-animal bond offers veterans structure, companionship, and unconditional support — qualities often difficult to find after leaving the military. “Every partnership is different,” Simon explains. “Just like people, every dog has its own strengths. We simply find the right match.” A Mission of Hope and Second Chances At its core, Big Dog Ranch Rescue's Veteran Service Dog Training Program is about rescuing dogs from shelters and rescuing veterans from isolation. Rescue Dogs Trained To Be PTSD Service Animals For Vets: From Shelter to Service. Don't miss this episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast.  “Our mission is to end dog homelessness,” Simon says. “But in doing that, we're also ending hopelessness for so many of our nation's heroes.” Veterans interested in the program can apply through Big Dog Ranch Rescue's website or reach out via their Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn pages. Listen to the Full Story To hear Brett Simon's full conversation about transforming Rescue Dogs into PTSD Service Animals for Veterans, tune in to the Special Episode Podcast of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show available now on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and most major podcast platforms. Rescue Dogs Trained To Be PTSD Service Animals For Vets: From Shelter to Service. This special episode of the Law Enforcement Today Radio Show and Podcast is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and LinkedIn Audio, with featured content and discussion clips shared across Facebook, Instagram, and other social platforms. Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won't touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Get the latest news articles, without all the bias and spin, from the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Medium , which is free. “If you enjoy the show,” John Jay Wiley adds, “please share it with a friend or two, or three. And if you're able to leave an honest rating or review, it would be deeply appreciated.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast is available for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and LETRadio.com, among many other platforms. Rescue Dogs Trained To Be PTSD Service Animals For Vets: From Shelter to Service. Attributions Big Dog Ranch Rescue Service Dogs of America Psychiatry.org Veterans Administration Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this playful and eye-opening episode, John and Jackie dive into the world of fantasy roleplay — a powerful tool for connection, communication, and confidence within relationships. Whether you're new to consensual non-monogamy or simply looking to spice up your intimacy, roleplay offers a safe, creative space to explore fantasies together. From costumes and card games to themed nights at clubs like colette, John and Jackie reveal how fantasy roleplay can break routine, build trust, and help couples express their desires without judgment. They share real-life stories, tips for easing into roleplay, and how to use it as a gentle "test drive" for exploring new boundaries before trying them in real life. With their signature warmth and honesty, they remind listeners that fantasy isn't just about fun — it's about freedom, growth, and shared discovery.     

In this episode of The Open Bedroom Podcast, I welcome Dr. Alison Ash, a trauma-informed intimacy coach, to discuss navigating mismatched libidos in relationships. We explore how libido fluctuates due to life circumstances, the shift from spontaneous to responsive desire, and the impact of stress and aging. Dr. Ash offers practical strategies like scheduling connection time, building an “intimacy bank,” and embracing non-sexual touch. Our conversation also covers self-pleasure, embodiment, and open relationships as options. I encourage listeners to communicate openly, release shame, and cultivate intimacy through compassion and intentionality.Dr. Alison Ash shares personal updates, including new offerings for neurodivergent folks and her fertility journey.Fertility, Hormones, and Intimacy (00:03:16)Discussion on how fertility journeys, hormones, and aging impact intimacy and libido in relationships.Introducing the Topic: Differing Libido (00:06:00)Jen introduces the main topic: navigating differences in libido within relationships, with personal anecdotes.Understanding Libido Fluctuations (00:06:57)Dr. Ash explains that libido is not static, affected by physiological, situational, and contextual factors.New Relationship Energy & Responsive Desire (00:08:34)Exploration of how new relationship energy impacts desire, and the shift from spontaneous to responsive desire over time.Cultivating Responsive Desire (00:10:30)Discussion on tools and practices to cultivate responsive desire, especially in long-term relationships.Aging, Attraction, and Sexuality (00:12:23)Challenging cultural narratives about aging and sexual attractiveness, especially for women.Creating Spaciousness for Intimacy (00:14:23)Strategies for making time and space for intimacy, including rituals and sensory-based pleasure.Scheduling Intimacy & The Intimacy Bank (00:18:22)Advice on scheduling connection time and introducing the "intimacy bank" concept to build emotional and sexual connection.Self-Responsibility & Erotic Blueprints (00:22:11)The importance of self-care, understanding erotic blueprints, and meeting your own needs in relationships.Sexual Scripts, Resentment, and Pleasure (00:24:36)How societal scripts and having unwanted sex can lead to resentment and disconnection from pleasure.Asexuality & Pleasure Spectrum (00:28:04)Clarifying asexuality as an orientation and discussing the spectrum of sexual and sensory pleasure.Erotic Blueprints & Love Languages (00:30:09)Exploring different frameworks for understanding what turns people on and how to communicate desires.Embodiment: What It Is and How to Practice (00:33:45)Defining embodiment, its benefits, and practical exercises to become more embodied.Medicines, Drugs, and Embodiment (00:38:07)Discussion on the use of cannabis and other substances for embodiment, and their pros and cons.Advice for Higher Libido Partners (00:41:09)Tools and mindset shifts for higher libido partners, including self-pleasure and breaking the pressure/rejection cycle.Physical Affection & Creativity in Intimacy (00:44:58)Encouraging non-penetrative intimacy, rebuilding physical affection, and creative connection strategies.Masturbation, Boundaries, and Inclusion (00:47:42)Navigating boundaries around self-pleasure, reducing shame, and ways to include partners in the process.Non-Monogamy as an Option (00:49:59)Considering open relationships or non-monogamy for couples with mismatched libido, and the potential benefits.Dr. Alison Ash's Website:www.TurnON.love Couples Retreat:Sustainable Intimacy: Refuel Passion for Lasting Love Online Course: Sexual and Emotional Intimacy Skills*Super early bird tickets are available now for $200-$400 offFollow The Open Bedroom Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/theopenbedroompodcast

Did you know soil microorganisms of all sizes and shapes need water, air, shelter, and care to function and thrive? Dr. Ashley Jernigan, assistant professor and director of Virginia Tech's Sustainable and Organic Vegetable Crops Production Lab, returns to talk with Jeff and Mary about what farmers and gardeners can do to encourage a hospitable habitat for soil microorganisms.As a soil ecologist, Ashley recommends keeping track of your soil organic matter level and its aggregate stability, and how these soil health indicators compare to native biological systems. Soils, like people, need quality food in diverse and complex forms (compost, green manures, plant roots, etc.). Similarly, farmers and gardeners should avoid leaving the soil naked and bare. Being gentle and reducing the intensity of tillage is also key to maintaining a comfortable environment for soil critters and not disrupting the structures and networks that soil organisms establish.   We would encourage our listeners to visit Andy Murray's A Chaos of Delight: Exploring Life in the Soil website and tour the gallery of photos of different soil microorganisms. As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning and to follow the four core soil health principles: 1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid bare fallows;2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden ;3) Maximize living roots year-round -- to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil; and4) Energize with diversity -- through crop rotation, high-quality food, farm enterprises,  and livestock integration. To enjoy recent 4 The Soil blog posts and additional soil health resources, please visit https://www.4thesoil.org/blog and https://www.virginiasoilhealth.org/. For questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

The surprising twist of Christian living is that when we pursue the things that we think will make our lives richer, better, longer, or fuller, they slip through our grasp. But when we give our lives away, we gain more than we can ask, think, or imagine. Find out more about this beautiful truth by watching today’s episdoe of the Jack Hibbs Podcast.(00:00) Encouraging and Good Life(16:54) David's Downfall and RedemptionCONNECT WITH PASTOR JACK Get Updates via Text:  https://text.whisp.io/jack-hibbs-podcastWebsite: https://jackhibbs.com/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/2FCyXpO Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WZBWV0 YouTube:  https://bit.ly/437xMHn DAZE OF DECEPTION BOOK:https://jackhibbs.com/daze-of-deception/ Did you know we have a Real Life Network? Sign up for free for more exclusive content:https://bit.ly/3CIP3M99

Hi, friend. I sure hope you're doing well. Last week I told a story about getting a gift from my dad. I have another story about my dad this week. You probably know by now that I love to tell stories about my dad. This story isn't about getting a car. It's about something he did for me when I was young that our Heavenly Father does for us now – he fights for us.

Xenu is the anti-moonboy: someone who is deeply dedicated to promoting digital money as something that you use to purchase goods & services, and a black market connoisseur. In this episode, we talk about Bitcoin & tackle the Moreno vs Zcash debate. Time stamps: 00:01:46 - Welcome to Bitcoin Takeover podcast 00:01:52 - Vlad introduces himself and Xenu 00:02:06 - Debating Zcash vs Monero 00:02:44 - Xenu thanks Vlad 00:03:36 - AI and aesthetics discussion 00:03:41 - Vlad sold XMR for ZEC and Zano 00:04:31 - Zano as CryptoNote fork 00:05:18 - Bitcoin as speculative asset 00:06:55 - Satoshi white paper vs Michael Saylor 00:09:24 - Ordinals and blockchain data 00:10:11 - Filters war and Simpsons meme 00:11:36 - Bitcoin Knots vs Samurai Wallet 00:12:18 - Privacy as key to censorship resistance 00:13:01 - Op_Return and Samourai conflicts 00:14:04 - Luke Dash Jr critiques 00:15:50 - Paul Sztorc and drivechains 00:18:03 - Bitcoin Core devs like Ava Chow, Gloria Zhao 00:20:13 - Potential Bitcoin fork 00:21:45 - Government attacks on privacy 00:23:12 - Adam Back's profile 00:24:15 - Lightning Network failures 00:25:53 - Citrea ceremony and L2 scaling 00:26:36 - Mining sustainability concerns 00:28:44 - Bitcoin Strategic Reserve meme 00:30:30 - Gold vs Bitcoin flipping 00:32:00 - Regulations like MiCA in Europe 00:35:37 - Visa network irony for Bitcoin 00:36:59 - Subverted counterculture 00:39:05 - Rise and Rise of Bitcoin doc 00:41:19 - Coinbase and custodians 00:42:31 - Samourai Wallet plea 00:43:10 - Bitcoin cultural issues 00:45:23 - Tornado Cash devs as heroes 00:46:05 - Ethereum as better cypherpunks 00:48:03 - Ethereum underrated 00:49:19 - Privacy laws outdated 00:50:19 - Roman Storm t-shirt in trial 00:53:44 - Zashi wallet and Near integration 00:55:01 - Zcash culture elitism 00:58:05 - Inflation bug concerns 01:00:25 - Zcash as company token 01:02:01 - Dev fund and delivery 01:03:02 - Dandelion++ from Bitcoin 01:04:15 - Bitcoin rejects privacy tech 01:05:02 - Demand Z-to-Z transactions 01:06:55 - Timing analysis attacks 01:08:14 - Zcash avoiding "smoke" 01:09:29 - Academics funding challenges 01:10:31 - Monero devs like Luke Parker 01:12:04 - Zcash tech in Bitcoin/Ethereum 01:14:11 - Stablecoins using ZK proofs 01:15:04 - Monero quality over quantity 01:17:03 - Memecoins as political statement 01:18:51 - Declining Lightning adoption 01:20:24 - Shielded pool growth 01:21:50 - Zcash self-defeating history 01:22:54 - Zcash vs Monero transactions 01:24:06 - NGPT and merchant usage 01:25:02 - Passion for spending Monero 01:26:27 - Free market dynamics 01:27:06 - Zcash pump as bubble sign 02:27:20 - Zcash progress and integrations 02:27:59 - Project persistence 02:28:24 - Zcash traceable statements 02:28:53 - Forking debate 02:29:53 - Blockstream in Monero 02:30:17 - Liquid network ghost town 02:31:03 - Zcash usage comparison 02:31:50 - Zcash explorer check 02:32:30 - Shielded stats 02:34:05 - Shielded pool growth 02:35:39 - 100% shielded demand 02:36:04 - Pirate Chain issues 02:37:04 - Forks treatment: Zcash vs Monero 02:38:52 - Encouraging tech experiments 02:40:06 - Xenu name origin 02:41:47 - Scientology lore 02:42:05 - Community forks response 02:43:16 - Zcash-Monero tensions 02:43:34 - Monerotopia invite decline 02:44:13 - Discouraging forks 02:44:47 - XMR toxicity towards Zano 02:45:30 - Monero stablecoins? 02:46:29 - Chat: X accounts recommendations 02:47:44 - Hit on Joel Valenzuela 02:48:04 - Community toxicity 02:49:24 - Calling out behavior 02:50:00 - Luke Parker quit incident 02:51:02 - Proof of work work 02:53:16 - Nation state attacks 02:54:48 - Dev attitudes 02:55:47 - Broader adversaries 02:56:53 - Privacy incentives 02:57:34 - Personal privacy motivations 02:59:00 - Darknet experiences 03:00:07 - Zashi wallet node connect 03:01:20 - Post-cap mining 03:02:08 - Monero dev count 03:02:43 - Talent replacement 03:03:52 - Multi-coin world 03:04:13 - DAG tech 03:04:20 - Tornado Cash, Samourai 03:04:39 - Wasabi differences 03:06:56 - Closing thoughts 03:07:18 - Dark Market Maximalism 03:08:39 - Xenu's reaction when ZEC flips XMR 03:10:08 - Anti-Moonboy content 03:11:02 - Cheap shots 03:11:56 - Closing remarks 03:12:19 - Rematch idea 03:13:07 - Chat comments 03:14:23 - Zano conference 03:15:00 - Wownero follow 03:15:32 - Feedback request 03:16:06 - Proxy names 03:17:32 - Is Vlad the Peter Schiff of Monero? 03:18:13 - Schiff family 03:19:16 - Final thanks

Servants Meeting @ St. Simon The Tanner Coptic Orthodox Church - Sarasota, FL ~ October 26, 2025

Show Notes: Socrates in the EOCEpisode Summary:In this episode of The Emergency Management Network, hosts Todd DeVoe and Dan Scott explore Socrates's timeless philosophy and how his method of inquiry, humility, and pursuit of wisdom apply to today's emergency operations centers (EOCs). Through the Socratic lens, we examine leadership under pressure, decision-making amidst uncertainty, and the value of questioning assumptions in complex incident management.Socrates taught that wisdom begins with recognizing ignorance — a deeply rooted principle in emergency management, where the unknown is ever-present. In this episode, Todd discusses how the “Socratic Method” can be used as a leadership tool to build trust, strengthen collaboration, and uncover blind spots in EOC decision-making.From ancient Athens to modern-day crisis coordination, Socrates in the EOC challenges us to think critically, communicate honestly, and lead with humility.Host: Todd T. DeVoe, CEM and Dan Scott, CEMProduced by: EMN MediaDuration: ~30 minutesTopics Covered:* What Socrates can teach modern leaders about uncertainty and truth.* Applying the Socratic Method to EOC decision-making and briefings.* The importance of intellectual humility in leadership.* Why “I don't know” is a strength, not a weakness.* Encouraging curiosity and dissent as tools for better outcomes.* Lessons for building resilient teams that think, not just react.Quotable Moment:“Socrates wasn't afraid of being wrong — he was afraid of being unexamined. In the EOC, that mindset can mean the difference between rigidity and resilience.”If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Emergency Management Network wherever you get your podcasts. Use # SocratesInTheEOC to share your thoughts on how philosophy can improve leadership in emergency management.Follow: Todd T DeVoe and Daniel Scott for future discussions on leadership, resilience, and crisis philosophy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Send us a textThe New Orleans Pelicans are 0-2 after two crunch-time losses to division rivals… but there are real signs of optimism. While early closing struggles and defensive inconsistency remain concerns, Zion Williamson is playing at an elite level, rookies Jeremiah Fears & Derik Queen are already closing games, and the Pelicans rank near the top of the league in multiple offensive categories.In this episode, we break down what's working, what needs fixing, and whether this team is closer than their record suggests — before previewing a big home game vs Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics.

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Tyler Lafferty, executive director and founder of Slingshot. Tyler shares his mission to help young people discover purposeful career paths by aligning their unique skills and personalities with fulfilling jobs. The conversation explores the IDEAS framework—Introspection, Design, Exploration, Adaptability, and Service—and offers practical advice for educators and students to dream big, build social capital, and find meaning in both work and community service.Purposeful directionDream big about their futureShow kids how to connect the dots Multi-faceted human being – many different paths that you could find fulfillment in.Be open to the winding path.No losing just learningTyler's book, “Be More Like You”The path of least resistance.IDEAS FrameworkIntrospection, Design, Exploration, Adaptability, ServiceDreaming too small.Meaningful conversation about the work.Encouraging teachers to get out and find someone to speak in their classroom. Building a pipeline. That's not for me, and that's ok. How do you give back, and what does that look like? How can you plan for that for your whole life?How to get access: Taking over advisory, curriculum, group coaching for individuals, the academy, online course. About Tyler:The Executive Director and Founder of Slingshot, Tyler Lafferty, a longtime entrepreneur, has built five successful companies in digital marketing, advertising media, and health and fitness. This investment over 20 years, has produced services purchased by multi-billion dollar companies and clients across the nation including AT&T, Amazon, Nike, Nintendo, MTV, Tiktok, Disney and many others.At Slingshot, we exist to inspire and coach young people with purposeful direction for work and life. Our coaching framework helps them uncover the industries and job types they're passionate about, provides pathways to making meaningful industry connections and builds a resiliency mindset for being their own guide. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments