Podcasts about engaging

If you look at movies that you love, and you think about them, and you remember how they made you feel. Today we talk about three things you can have in your tool belt to use in your show to not just have something to listen to, but to have content that moves your audience. We also answer the question what do Sportcasters, Movie Reviewers, and Christians all have in common?Pull Some Emotion Into Your ShowMost podcasters focus on information—tips, tactics, and how‑tos. But your audience doesn't connect to information first; they connect to emotion first.Three Tools To Boost ConnectionNostalgiaStorytellingVulnerabilityAs the old saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility," so how do we use these ingredients in our show without sounding like we starting the sympathy engine just to grab attention?What Do Christians, Movie Reviewer, and Sportscasters all have in common?They are all working with the same source material. The same bible (more or less), the same movies, the same games. In this episode we talk about how to make your show stand out?The Best Book on StoryTellingI've read MANY books on storytelling, but Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks is the best - period. The audiobook is so good you will want to listen with a pad and pencil to take notes (or if you're loving in 2026, take notes on your phone).Mentioned in this episode:Live AppearancesI love to meet people when I'm on the road. I'm going to be at Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC Podcast Movement in NYC Podindy in Indianapolis In. For more information and links, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/where To have me speak at your event, reach out at schoolofpodcasting.com/contacntWhere Will I Be?Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of DownloadsWe all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)School of PodcastingTake Live Classes at the School of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks is BACK! (and this time it's free!) We are continuing to experiment with marketing, and we had so much fun helping people launch their show that we are going it again (and dropped the fee). If you don't have a show but want to start one this is THE place to get going in the right direction. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks Growing Your Podcast Live Course For members of the School of Podcasting we are all banding together to go through the steps of growing your show (so sign up now!). This will including feedback and strategies to get your show growing faster. You will write down your typical downloads before you start, and compare it to the final numbers. Use the coupon code listener when singing up to become a member and receive a discount. These live classes start August 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions at schoolofpodcasting.com/contactSchool of Podcasting

Professor Ayelet Segal, Human-Computer Interaction and UX expert and Head of the "AI & I" Lab of Bar Ilan's Faculty. Drawing on decades of experience in cognitive psychology, user experience, and technology innovation, she explains how AI can amplify rather than replace human expertise. She discusses human-centred design working on AI digital twins, personality-informed avatars, and why context and trust influence the quality of human-AI interactions. Ayelet describes how LLMs are not search engines but simulate our world and expand human capabilities. She shares how new methodologies are accelerating scientific breakthroughs. Ayelet explains how she is preparing emerging leaders to effect change, combining AI with soft skills to transform industries.    KEY TAKEAWAYS  [00:31] Visual communication studies leads Ayelet toward interactive media and human technology.  [01:41] Her doctoral research explored touchscreen gestures for improved learning applications.  [05:12] Every technological revolution creates significant human behavioural change.  [05:45] Human-centred design combines cognitive psychology, design skills with emerging technology.  [06:40] Effective innovation begins with human needs, expert input, and iterative testing.  [09:14] Tech advances now enable more natural, human-centred interactions.  [09:59] Video avatars can provide accessible, conversational expertise across many professional fields.  [11:35] Digital twins use someone's knowledge base as well as their appearance and voice.  [12:14] AI companions sustain 'natural' conversations by answering, encouraging, and remembering.  [13:25] Video mentors generate longer, richer, more accurate interactions than text-based chatbots.  [14:14] Natural conversation and proactive prompting can strengthen users' trust and engagement.  [17:02] LLMs are not search engines. They simulate our world, including its strengths and biases.  [17:40] Effective AI companions benefit from personalities appropriate to the specific professions.  [18:36] Touchcast's avatars incorporate five personality traits as well as other parameters.  [19:11] AI communication – to/from humans – should adapt language according to the audience.  [21:21] Clear, defined context helps LLMs deliver more accurate answers.  [22:30] LLMs gradually learn about the user, creating important foundation context about them.  [23:55] Human-AI interaction is two-way, making individual accounts important for accuracy.  [25:57] AI should become a cognitive partner that amplifies professional capabilities.  [26:30] Professionals must creatively develop methodologies that expand their abilities with AI.  [27:00] AI is transforming UX research, enabling greater scale, depth, and analysis.  [27:30] AI-generated synthetic personas support research when human participants are unavailable.  [29:01] Integrating AI throughout scientific research can enable new breakthroughs.  [30:00] AI can help researchers rethink questions, not simply accelerate solutions.  [33:21] New AI implementation roles require leaders who bridge technology and industry.  [34:00] Students can become change makers using AI to identify transformative approaches.  [34:57] AI implementation skills can accelerate graduates into meaningful management roles.  [37:15] Successful change makers need skills in leadership, creativity, collaboration, and conflict mitigation.  [38:00] Leading AI change requires gathering supporters and navigating organizational resistance.  [39:00] Engaging deeply with AI now creates competitive edge for future leaders.  [42:10] Even experienced AI experts feel overwhelmed by the technology's rapid growth.  [43:13] People should focus on AI tools and developing solutions relevant to their profession.  [44:27] Treat AI as a superpower extending your mind, capabilities, and professional impact.  [44:48] Exploring real workplace needs can quickly inspire useful AI applications.  [45:58] Despite genuine risks, AI can solve previously intractable global problems.  [48:11] AI can advance sustainability, healthcare, education, and other critical domains.  [48:40] Everyone can use AI's superpower to create positive global impact.  [49:00] IMMEDIATE ACTION TIP: Explore one professional challenge and develop an AI-supported solution this week.    QUOTES   "We've experienced a few technological revolutions….Each time, for example, when we started to create the applications for mobiles, there was also a big behavioural change."    "We have now a technology that could be finally much more natural and human-centred."  Re LLMs "It's a simulation of our world and it comes with everything that we know about it. With the good things and the bad things and we need to treat it this way."  "It's about the context that you feed it, and then it's learning you through time and it's adjusting the answer based on that. So you really want to be cognisant about that….the interaction is two-way."  "We really need to be creative about how to use it [AI] and develop our own methodologies."  "In order to be a change maker and lead, you really need to learn how to deal with people who are against change."  "Every one of us has a [AI] superpower, and we should use it to do good in the world." 

In today's episode, Janice talks about the importance of both talking about our experiences and learning to regulate our emotions.-- This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Engaging with this content does not create a therapist-client relationship. Please consult a qualified professional for personal health concerns.If you are in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 or contact emergency services at 9-1-1

What actually gets physicians engaged in documentation quality, not just compliant? That's the question Solventum's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Travis Bias asks Dr. Paul Richardson, CMO and VP of medical education at Conway Medical Center. Together, they explore how honesty, transparency and a little healthy competition can transform the way clinicians think about clinical documentation. Hear how inaccurate documentation quietly harms patients and reimbursement and how generational differences shape technology adoption. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Tim St. John about his book, After Church Hurt: Healing in the Care of the Good Shepherd. During the conversation, Tim discusses the complex issue of church hurt, how to identify it, and how helpers can compassionately support those affected. He shares practical insights from his book and biblical perspectives to guide counselors and discipleship leaders. View the full show notes & links for this episode: ibcd.org/church-hurt-tim-st-john The Hope + Help Podcast offers biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. The podcast accomplishes this by offering a mix of interviews with seasoned biblical counseling professionals and ministry leaders on a variety of topics. Hosted by Christine Chappell. To learn more about the show and to access helpful resources, visit ibcd.org/hopeandhelp. Connect with host Christine Chappell at https://christinemchappell.com. IBCD's Hope + Help Podcast is available on most podcast streaming platforms, so please don't keep the show a secret! If you know someone walking through a challenging season of life, please share the Hope + Help Podcast with them.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Annie Yatch. A leadership and performance coach specializing in helping high-achieving entrepreneurs balance business growth with personal fulfillment. The discussion focused on leadership, relationships, and overcoming subconscious barriers to success.

In this episode we have a historic lecture from New Testament scholar Herman Ridderbos on the Christology of the Gospel of John. Engaging the influential interpretations of Rudolf Bultmann and Ernst Käsemann, Ridderbos argues that John's Gospel presents neither a merely symbolic Christ nor a diminished humanity, but the eternal Son of God who truly became flesh. Rooted in careful exegesis and biblical theology, Ridderbos offers a compelling defense of the Fourth Gospel's historical reliability and its unmistakable witness to the glory of Jesus Christ. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!

In this special ‘pop up' episode of The Pastor's Heart we talk with New Testament Professor Darrell Bock about how best might Christians might engage culturally to reach Australians for Jesus. Plus his love of Sydney, Sydney Swans Australian football team and why he would move here if he didn't have grandchildren. Bock is known for getting up at 2am in Dallas to watch the Swans play live on TV. He will see three Swans games during his current visit to Australia. Darrell Bock is executive director of Cultural Engagement at The Hendricks Center and Senior Research Professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.To watch or listen to Bible Teaching from Dominic Steele at Village Church Annandale Sydney goto this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm talking about why self-blame becomes almost automatic when you've been in an emotionally abusive or coercively controlling relationship, and why it feels like relief even when it's actually costing you.I get into the nervous system science behind it, specifically how fawning works, how your brain gets wired to connect calm with compliance, and why that wiring doesn't just disappear when the relationship ends. If you have ever cried the whole drive home because you didn't apologize, this one is for you. I also walk through some concrete ways to start interrupting the pattern, because healing from this is not about flipping a switch. It is about catching yourself in small moments, again and again, until a different kind of calm starts to feel possible.Support the show*Please Note: there is a long intro that explains my services. If you do not want to listen, just fast-forward 5 mins past. This intro will be changed in future recordings to be shorter. I am not paid to record this podcast and it is a free offering. Offering my work is the only way I can sustain the podcast*Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/Youarenotcrazy*New Course*: Unhooked: Map the Cycle of Abuse in your RelationshipWebsite: Emotional Abuse Coach and high-conflictdivorcecoaching.comInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Substack} Blog About Recovering from Abuse{E-Book} How to Break Up with a Narcissist{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Connecting Strategy to Results with Simon NorieJames and Roger explore how organisations can align their purpose, strategy, and customer experience to drive meaningful results. Simon Norie of Custerian shares insights on navigating organisational change, fostering alignment, and the role of leadership in achieving sustainable success.Key TopicsThe importance of understanding and articulating your organization's unique value propositionHow clear purpose and strategy enable effective alignment across teamsThe critical role of leadership in setting conditions for successful changeTechniques for engaging detractors and building organizational buy-inThe impact of technology, including AI, on strategic alignment and decision-makingPractical frameworks like journey mapping, force field analysis, and process mappingEarly signs of organizational transformation and metrics that indicate progressThe necessity of doing change with organizations, not to themCultivating curiosity and creating an enduring business for long-term sustainabilityTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to connecting strategy with results00:31 - Simon Norrie's background and organizational interest01:28 - Using data to understand and influence customer behavior02:13 - Translating propositions into customer value and the role of purpose03:34 - The importance of clarity in organizational strategy and customer experience04:27 - Building alignment through purpose and leadership05:20 - The chain of strategy to customer experience and the baton analogy06:12 - The significance of understanding roles and value in the organizational chain07:43 - Engaging detractors as a strategy for organizational health08:52 - The role of strategic understanding in customer journey transitions09:45 - How different strategies enable or hinder operational effectiveness11:11 - Leadership's responsibility in setting organizational purpose12:26 - Recognizing symptoms of misalignment and strategies for recovery13:52 - Early indicators of organizational change and success metrics16:31 - Common misconceptions about buy-in and leadership confidence18:39 - The importance of engagement, ownership, and shared solutions19:48 - Managing change resistance through genuine involvement21:18 - Tools like force field analysis and process mapping for change management22:58 - Human motivation drivers and understanding "why" in change initiatives23:37 - The potential and limits of AI in strategy and alignment25:09 - Risks of over-reliance on AI for strategic objectives26:33 - The necessity of human judgment and leadership in AI-enhanced processes29:17 - The first steps in organizational assessment and understanding30:44 - Techniques for deconstructing problems and fostering ownership32:28 - Ensuring sustainability and self-reliance post-engagement34:21 - When organizations face problems worth diagnosing and fixing36:50 - Scaling challenges in high-growth businesses38:15 - The power of clarity in purpose and simple value propositions40:01 - Reflecting on lessons learned and organizational curiosity42:48 - Connecting with Simon and key takeawaysResources & LinksCusterian WebsiteSimon Norie - LinkedIn

A lot of podcast episodes lose listeners at the very beginning and again near the end because the intros and outros aren't compelling enough. Thankfully, there's a better way to approach both! In this episode, Alex Sanfilippo and Alban Brooke share practical ideas for creating podcast intros and outros that keep listeners engaged, boosting your podcast consumption/completion rates. Get ready to make simple changes that help your episodes hold attention from start to finish!MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/394Takeaways00:00 Creating Podcast Intros and Outros That Keep Listeners Engaged01:16 Why Podcast Intros and Outros Affect Listener Retention02:17 Check Your Podcast Completion Rate Before Changing Anything04:06 Treat Your Podcast Intro Like a Promise to the Listener05:18 Avoid Long Music and Host Anxiety in Podcast Intros08:15 Keep Podcast Guest Bios Short and Relevant10:19 Make Every Intro and Outro Serve the Listener11:08 Use Cold Opens to Hook Podcast Listeners Early15:22 Keep Your Show Promise Clear and Brief16:36 Match Your Podcast Intro Audio and Energy18:15 Record Better Guest Intros With Shorter Bios22:40 Create Podcast Outros With One Clear Call to Action25:41 End Podcast Episodes Before They Drag27:11 Improve Podcast Completion Rates From Start to FinishMORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/394

Are you bringing home more than just your briefcase at the end of a long workday? For many, the hidden toll of workplace stress doesn't stay behind at the office—it seeps into our most intimate relationships, silently undermining connection, emotional safety, and even physical closeness. It's a problem so common and subtle that many don't realize work is affecting their love life until the damage is already done. In this episode, listeners are invited to uncover the overlooked ways that work stress spills over into the home, affecting both partners' emotional well-being and the overall health of their relationship. The conversation explores how chronic pressure at work can disrupt intimacy, communication, and even one's sex drive, while providing practical strategies and ritual ideas to help couples reclaim their connection. Through actionable tips on communication, intentional transitions, and building emotional resilience, this episode offers a roadmap for transforming work-induced disconnect into renewed connection and support. Dr. Guy Winch is an internationally renowned psychologist and bestselling author who advocates for integrating the science of emotional health into our daily lives. His 3 TED Talks have garnered over 35 million views, and his science-based self-help books have been translated into 30 languages: Emotional First Aid, How to Fix a Broken Heart, and The Squeaky Wheel. His newest book is Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life (Simon & Schuster).   Episode Highlights 05:52 How work stress and burnout manifest in relationships. 09:40 The emotional ripple effect: How one partner's stress impacts the other. 12:13 Negative cycles: Perceptions, attachment, and relational downward spirals. 14:55 Naming stress and practical communication tools. 18:39 Micro-expressions, tone, and the subtle cues we send. 20:32 Regression under stress and the impact on coping skills. 24:22 The power of ritual: Transitioning from work life to home life. 27:59 Engaging the senses: Tools and traditions for mindset shifts. 31:16 Intentionality, agency, and the value of compartmentalization. 33:50 Boundaries around work talk and rekindling couple connection. 38:45 Empathy, understanding bids for connection, and reframing relationship challenges.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Establish a Daily Transition Ritual: Create a routine that signals the shift from work to home life, such as listening to calming music, changing clothes, or lighting a specific candle to help your brain shift gears. Name Your Emotional State: Verbally acknowledge your mood or stress level to your partner when you arrive home, reducing uncertainty and fostering understanding. Communicate Your Needs: Clearly state if you need time to decompress before interacting, setting expectations, and providing your partner with context. Use Venting and Problem-Solving Time: Divide post-work conversations into venting and solution-focused segments, aiming to wrap up with action steps or reframing to avoid lingering stress. Compartmentalize Work Worries: Write down concerns and physically or psychologically "put them away," or schedule "worry time" later, allowing you to be more present at home. Limit Work Talk Boundaries: Set aside a defined period to talk about your day with your partner, then intentionally shift focus to non-work connection and relaxation. Foster Quick Emotional Connection: Engage in brief but meaningful actions such as holding hands, reminiscing over old photos, or talking about a shared show to nurture emotional intimacy even when tired. Practice Mutual Empathy: Intentionally try to imagine your partner's day and emotional needs, using empathy as a tool to bridge gaps and prevent misinterpretations caused by stress or depletion.   Mentioned Mind Over Grind (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) How to Fix a Broken Heart (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Emotional First Aid (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The Squeaky Wheel (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free relationship guide) Connect with Dr. Guy Winch Website: guywinch.com Facebook: facebook.com/guywinchauthor X: twitter.com/guywinch YouTube: youtube.com/@GuyWinch Instagram: instagram.com/guywinch LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/guywinch  

Robby Gallety challenges listeners to put Jesus' disciple-making mandate into practice, arguing believers cannot expect the blessings of Jesus' ministry while ignoring his method. He outlines two core problems—many churchgoers don't know the Great Commission and don't know where to begin—and presents a practical model rooted in Scripture: worship, life groups, D‑groups, and mission. Research on Bible engagement and group discipleship supports the approach. The episode ends with a call to equip everyday believers to make disciples who make disciples, following Jesus' inspired method and empowering lasting spiritual growth. Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org: -- What Is Church? And How Important Is It?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/ -- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women's Ministry in Your Church https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

What makes scenic photographs perfect for premium jigsaw puzzles and why assembling them benefits your brain. From visual texture to mental flexibility, learn the science and art behind photography-based puzzles. More info at https://sadkowskiphotography.com/landscape-photography-jigsaw-puzzles/ Sadkowski Photography City: Windham Address: 78 Brookview Road Website: https://sadkowskiphotography.com

How do we faithfully engage a culture that doesn't share our assumptions about God? In Acts 17, Paul finds himself conversing with the thoughtful gatekeepers of Athens. Rather than retreating from this cultural moment or simply condemning what others believe, Paul listens to them and offers insights that point them to Jesus. We find ourselves needing similar wisdom today. This message continues our series through the book of Acts with a message from guest speaker, pastor and author, Domenic Ruso. We explore how to engage our changing culture with godly wisdom rooted in our love for Jesus and our neighbors. Scripture Referenced: Acts 17:16-34

Live from the GEOINT 2026 Symposium in Denver, Colorado, Project Geospatial's Adam Simmons welcomes back Jackie Barbieri, Founder and CEO of Whitespace.With a background spanning foreign language red-teaming and counter-IED all-source intelligence, Jackie spent nearly a decade instructing Activity-Based Intelligence (ABI) courses at the NGA College. Realizing that human analyst pipelines could never scale to keep pace with the sheer volume of modern remote sensing data, Whitespace embarked on an aggressive mission to codify human tradecraft directly into scalable software.Watch this interview to learn how Whitespace successfully bootstrapped its transition from a boutique services firm into an elite product company. Jackie introduces their game-changing AI agent that integrates an LLM with ABI tools, allowing non-expert edge operators to autonomously self-serve and map out hidden "pattern of life" connections between people, places, and events in just clicks.Key Highlights in this Video:00:00:43 – Meet Jackie Barbieri and trace her journey from military intelligence linguist to CEO.00:01:20 – Defining Activity-Based Intelligence (ABI): Uncovering hidden networks using remote sensing telemetry.00:01:56 – Writing the NGA College Curriculum: Recognizing the bottleneck of human analytical limits.00:02:20 – Merging ABI Tools with LLMs: Building intelligent AI agents for non-expert field operators.00:03:09 – The Reality of Bootstrapping: Navigating the high-overhead pivot from consulting services to scalable product software.00:03:53 – Managing Corporate Growth: Scaling up internal development loops while maintaining a flat org structure.00:05:51 – Engaging at the Edge: Participating in upcoming multi-service military exercises to iterate product roadmaps.00:06:32 – Main Stage Insights: Jackie's takeaways from MC'ing the GEOINT international partner panels (UK, Australia, Canada, NATO).Learn More About Whitespace:

1. His Remarkable Spiritual Qualities 2. Engaging in Parental Intercession 3. With Noteworthy Persistence The sermon examines Job as a model of godly parenthood, emphasizing his spiritual maturity and consistent integrity before God. It highlights the critical role of parental intercession, where Job persistently offered sacrifices for his children to ensure their standing with the Lord. The preacher defines true godliness as fearing God and eschewing evil, urging believers to prioritize divine approval over social acceptance. By analyzing Job's character and actions, the text illustrates how faithful instruction and prayer safeguard the spiritual legacy of future generations. Ultimately, the message encourages parents to emulate Job's dedication in raising children who walk in truth and reverence for God.

In this episode of Engaging in the Next, hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada welcome Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO of Vista Cova, for a conversation about why strategy and governance often drift apart, and how boards can better position their organizations for long-term success. Lowell explains why strategic planning should be treated as a living framework rather than a static document, explores the board's role in setting direction and allocating resources, and discusses how associations can foster innovation through stronger governance practices. The conversation also covers shorter strategic planning horizons, future-focused board meetings, objective governance health checks, clear board-staff authority boundaries, and the critical partnership between the CEO and board chair in navigating change.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy delves into the impact of smartphone use on children's mental health, particularly those under the age of 13. Citing a significant study published in the Journal for Human Development and Capabilities, she discusses how early smartphone exposure is linked to suicidal thoughts, emotional regulation issues, and lower self-worth, especially in girls. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 2 million individuals across 163 countries, highlights the detrimental effects of social media, sleep disruptions, cyberbullying, and strained family relationships associated with early smartphone use. Dr. Kathy emphasizes the importance of observing children's behaviors and interests to guide their development, advocating for mindful engagement and opportunities for discovery away from screens.

Bravery is easy to admire when we see someone do something extraordinary. Lately, though, I have been noticing it in much quieter moments. It shows up when someone learns new skills because their career is changing. It is there when a friend tries online dating again or takes on an adventure that feels a little beyond their comfort zone. They may still feel nervous or unsure. They are simply choosing to move forward anyway. Life on the farm has given me plenty of chances to practice this myself. Driving the tractor and learning to use the zero-turn lawn mower were both intimidating at first. I did not automatically feel confident just because other people told me they were easy. After a while, the tractor stopped feeling strange. The zero-turn is taking a little longer, but I am getting better at that too. None of it became easier because I suddenly knew exactly what I was doing. It became easier because I kept trying. On this Wise Walk, we talk about the many ways bravery can show up in our lives. Sometimes it means making a major change. Other times, it is getting back on the mower, signing up for a class or taking one step toward something we have been putting off. It may not go exactly as planned, but there is still something to gain from doing it. We learn what works, what does not, and what we may do differently next time. That experience makes the unknown feel a little more manageable. Where can you appreciate the ways you are taking action despite your fear of the unknown? When discomfort rises, how can you tap into your bravery and do it anyway? How can you give yourself credit for bravely moving forward into the unknown? Where do you see bravery showing up in the people around you? How can you acknowledge someone who is pursuing what matters to them despite their fear of the unknown? Is there a career unknown you are struggling with right now? How can you recognize the courage it takes to embrace that discomfort and keep moving forward? Are you facing uncertainty in a relationship or in dating? How can you show up authentically, move through the discomfort and become braver through the experience? Is there an adventure or experience that has been calling to you? What small step can you take to move closer to it? Where in your life are you feeling challenged or uncomfortable with the unknown? How can you draw on the bravery you have shown at other times in your life? Once you take a small step in the direction you want to go, how can you celebrate it? Who can you invite to recognize and celebrate your bravery with you? How can you admire and encourage the bravery you see in others? How can you remind one another of the bravery that exists within you and all around you? Where can you set an intention to be brave without becoming too focused on the outcome? How can you appreciate yourself for entering unfamiliar territory with courage? How can you prepare through education, research, or practice and then show up with your best effort? Do your best to prepare, show up with bravery, and move through the unknown with self-care and love. I would love to hear what helps you feel brave and how you are putting yourself out there. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk. In this episode: [02:37] I have a friend whose job has been impacted by the world of AI. She's learning and getting certifications, so she can continue to do the work she loves. [04:09] Instead of being paralyzed by fear, she decided to dive into the world of AI and learn how to understand it better. She's taking action despite the fear of the unknown. [05:01] I have another brave friend who is dating online. She's putting herself out there. There is risk and a fear of the unknown. [06:01] Every time we do brave things, we exercise that bravery muscle. I'm proud of my friends for taking action and being brave. [08:46] I grew up in a small town and a sheltered environment. I went to college and moved to Manhattan during a time when crime was at an all time high.  [09:08] My transition to Manhattan and my new transition to living on a farm are both equally brave. [11:02] Whatever we are grappling with is about consistently showing up for ourselves and knowing that we have bravery within us. [14:30] We can step in and flex our bravery muscles, and show up for ourselves and embrace the discomfort and take action to pass the fear.  [15:40] Each time I push through and take action I grow and get stronger and more confident. [16:40] Each time we step in with intentions of bravery, we get stronger. Memorable Quotes: "Bravery is the act of doing something despite the fear of the unknown." - Mary Tess "Each time we embrace bravery, whatever we do next that is scary or unknown works that bravery muscle and makes the next time less intimidating." - Mary Tess "You have already been brave in more ways than you remember. That strength is still there when you need it." - Mary Tess "Courage becomes easier to find when we take the time to recognize how far we have already come." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

What actually gets physicians engaged in documentation quality, not just compliant? That's the question Solventum's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Travis Bias asks Dr. Paul Richardson, CMO and VP of medical education at Conway Medical Center. 

In many schools, it isn't common to find teachers exploring possibilities and reflecting on observations with instructional coaches early in the school year. Perhaps there is a view that coaching is problem-solving and the idea that coaching around designing is being missed. Hear an example of what that coaching around a teacher's early planning might sound like. Find Dan Steele's post here. Subscribe to the Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud podcast on iTunes or visit BarkleyPD.com to find new episodes!  

If you have ever walked away from a relationship, or a parent, or a childhood, and still found yourself waiting for the person who hurt you to finally acknowledge what they did, this episode is going to reach something in you.Najwa Zebian is a writer, speaker, and the host of the podcast Beyond Words. Her work has reached millions of people around the world, and her new book is called The One Who Broke You Can't Heal You. I have been following her for years. A client sent me one of her videos at a time when I was carrying my own version of what my client was going through, and I have gone back to that video more times than I can count.In this conversation, we talk about the childhood wounds that quietly run the show in your adult relationships, why you keep finding yourself in rooms that feel familiar in all the wrong ways, and why the person who broke you is quite literally not the one who can put you back together. We get into inner child work in a way that I think will reach even the people who have always resisted it, including what happens the first time you try to show up for your younger self and she doesn't even look at you. We talk about the difference between compromise and self-sacrifice, what it means when they get worse after you start setting limits, and why healing is hard in a completely different way than staying is hard.Website: https://najwazebian.comBooks: https://najwazebian.com/booksPodcast (Beyond Words): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-words-with-najwa-zebian/id1827674653Instagram / TikTok / Facebook / YouTube: @najwazebianPre-order / order The One Who Broke You Can't Heal You: https://amzn.to/4v4rgitSupport the show*Please Note: there is a long intro that explains my services. If you do not want to listen, just fast-forward 5 mins past. This intro will be changed in future recordings to be shorter. I am not paid to record this podcast and it is a free offering. Offering my work is the only way I can sustain the podcast*Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/Youarenotcrazy*New Course*: Unhooked: Map the Cycle of Abuse in your RelationshipWebsite: Emotional Abuse Coach and high-conflictdivorcecoaching.comInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Substack} Blog About Recovering from Abuse{E-Book} How to Break Up with a Narcissist{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

AI DATA CENTERS UNDER FIRE: KANSAS COMMUNITY FIGHTS BACK A massive AI data center could change everything for one small Kansas town — and the people there aren't backing down. Trent Loos sits down with Jay Vehige, a Kansas resident who helped launch "Emporia Neighbors United," a grassroots movement…

Grab the Secondary Teacher Systems Toolkit here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/systemstoolkit/?ref=pod Too many preps and not enough time? Let's make your planning period actually work for you. Reserve your spot in the Unit Planning Lab here: https://khristenmassic.thrivecart.com/unit/?ref=podcastPlanning for the next school year? If your day is organized by class period, your planning calendar should be too. Grab my Editable Class Period Calendar here: https://khristenmassic.com/secondarycalendarpodGet the Planning Period Reset Toolkit—a free set of quick-start tools to help you protect your time, focus faster, and finally finish something… even during chaotic school days. https://khristenmassic.com/resetShop my Teachers Pay Teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Khristen-Massic-Cte-Teacher-CoachWhat students learn in the first week of school sets the tone for the entire year, and the way classroom culture is built during those opening days matters more than any syllabus recitation or cutesy icebreaker. In this episode of The Secondary Teacher Podcast, host Khristen Massic dives into the nuts and bolts of engaging lessons to build classroom culture in week one, unraveling the common mistake secondary teachers make—thinking building relationships and teaching content are competing priorities.Let's get real: teachers feel the pressure to make that first day memorable. Should you go all-in on the syllabus? Bust out a quick icebreaker? Jump right into curriculum? The truth is, most of us default to those classic get-to-know-you activities—not because they're great, but because we're desperate to fill the awkward silence with something, anything. Khristen shares how she used to do everything from bingo to Play-Doh sculptures, only to realize that these one-size-fits-all activities had nothing to do with her engineering class. She found herself recycling ideas that weren't built for her context, and it showed.The key insight Khristen offers is this: classroom culture isn't built when you stop teaching for icebreakers. It's forged in the learning itself. The strongest first week lessons actually do double duty, showing students what learning in your classroom feels like, how they communicate, how they collaborate, and what kind of thinking you value. If your first day is all about Play-Doh, that's what students will think your class is about—no matter what you actually teach.Khristen drops a concrete anecdote about the “Lego hotel challenge,” an activity that was both content-adjacent and engaging. It surfaced how students approached engineering problems, which was a gold mine for understanding their strengths right away. But even great activities have their limits in the secondary classroom. Students talk. Word travels fast. By B day, or worse, the next year, kids already knew the tricks. Multi-prep teachers know the pain—it's impossible to keep recycling the same activity when your students overlap classes and grade levels.So how do you build classroom culture in a way that matters and lasts? Khristen challenges you to shift your focus away from “what's a good icebreaker?” to “what kind of first learning experience do I want my students to have?” She shares three filter questions every teacher should ask before choosing an activity: Does this help me learn something meaningful about my students? Does it foster meaningful connections among them? And could I use this structure again later in the year? The best opening activities, she argues, are repeatable—structures that can reappear in September, March, or anytime students need to reconnect and refocus on learning.For teachers swamped with multiple preps—or just tired of August panic—this episode is a game changer. It's especially for secondary classroom educators who are sick of activities with a shelf life less than a week. If you want classroom routines that support work life balance and build real community, you won't get it from canned icebreakers or activities designed for other people's classrooms.If you're looking for secondary teacher tips that prioritize meaningful learning experiences without sacrificing precious instructional time, this episode is your new playbook. Khristen leaves you with a charge: after the first day, what do you actually want students to know about being a learner in your room? Don't settle for fun; aim for connection, context, and community—values that will carry your class all year.Get ready to toss those tired icebreakers and start building the kind of classroom culture that keeps students coming back for more—because in the secondary classroom, culture is everything, and it starts on day one.

Welcome to In Reality, the podcast about truth, disinformation andthe media with host Eric Schurenberg, long time journalist,now the founder of the Alliance for Trust in Media.Over the years, he's interviewed a number of people from the so-called bridge-building community. They've been researchers likeMatt Levendusky of University of Pennsylvania, Journalists likeAmanda Ripley, bridge builders like Monica Guzman, allconvinced that things would be better if Americans could just stopdemonizing their neighbors. Let's stipulate that's a worthy goal.Still, all of these movements face a similar problem: How do youscale listening skills? How long do the effects of civilconversations across political divides actually last?I'll put those questions to today's guests, Malka Kopell and PalmaStrand, the founders of 13-year old Civity.org. Kopell describesher background as a community organizer, but she's also been aprogram officer at the Hewlett Foundation and founding managingdirector of the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society atStanford. Strand came to Civity after a career it law, teaching lawat Creighton University and the University of Marland andclerking for, among others, Supreme Court justice Byron White.The Civity insight is that relationships are key to building trust andtrust is fundamental to getting things done in a diverse society.Civity's recipe is to train local leaders—from mayors to citycouncils and nonprofit directors —to build relationships beforetackling contentious issues.It sounds great, but perhaps still subject to the issues of scale andpersistence facing all bridge builders. But let's let Civity'sfounders explain themselves why they believe their approachworks.Now, here's Malka Kopell and Palma Strand.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:03 Main Questions About Civil Conversations02:16 Introducing Civity and Its Work03:21 Types of Leaders Trained by Civity04:40 Founders' Backgrounds and Epiphanies08:31 What Makes Civity Different from Other Approaches10:00 The 'Conversation Before the Conversation'12:46 Relationship Building in Civic and Business Spheres15:02 Addressing Scale and Reach Challenges17:39 Engaging the Middle and Open-minded Communities21:34 Storytelling Guidelines and Listening Skills23:47 Media's Role in Societal Divides26:44 Media Narratives and Real-Life Community Stories29:23 Journalistic Approaches to Divisiveness31:20 AI's Impact on Society and Connection33:49 A Simple Civic Workshop for Neighborhoods35:45 Focusing on Differences and Complexity in Conversations36:20 Micro Interactions and Building Trust in Daily Life38:36 The Power of One-on-One Conversations39:28 Optimism vs. Pessimism About Society's Future40:39 Closing Remarks and Final ThoughtsWebsite - free episode transcriptswww.in-reality.fmAlliance for Trust in Mediaalliancefortrust.comProduced by Tom Platts at Sound Sapiensoundsapien.com

In this engaging episode of the MSP Business School podcast, host Brian Doyle welcomes Paul Knittle, CEO of MTMG Inc., to discuss leveraging community building and niche events to invigorate MSP marketing strategies. Paul steps in as a guest at a pivotal moment, highlighting the essence of community responsiveness, a core theme threaded throughout their discussion. As the dialogue unravels, Paul shares insights into his journey from operations director to MSP specialist, with a unique focus on mobile device management—a realm often avoided by traditional MSPs. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on embracing technological evolution and reevaluating conventional MSP roles in the wake of cybersecurity and AI advancements. Delving deeper, Paul unveils MTMG's unique event-driven strategies poised to revolutionize customer engagement for MSPs and tech startups. He underlines the transformative power of personal connections in an industry drowning in digital noise. Paul's strategic shift from mobile-centric solutions to holistic community-driven models underscores his belief that true connection fosters growth and opportunity. This episode is a well of knowledge for tech leaders keen on distinguishing themselves through innovative approaches and authentic engagement. Key Takeaways: Building community is crucial for MSPs to distinguish themselves amid a sea of sameness and growing digital noise. Personal connections and strategic networking can amplify an MSP's reach and trustworthiness in their industry. Engaging in niche events and podcasts can present authentic platforms for MSPs to showcase their expertise and differentiate their offerings. Cybersecurity and AI are emerging as vital areas where MSPs must evolve and lead to meet the ever-changing demands of tech-savvy customers. Partnering with trusted resources can bolster an MSP's service offerings, allowing them to manage modern technological challenges effectively. Guest Name: Paul Knittle LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulknittle/ Company: MTMG Inc. Website: https://mtmginc.com/ Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/ Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Opening statement, direct and cross-examination, and closing argument are the most basic elements of advocacy that a trial lawyer must know. To announce that May the Record Reflect can now be heard on YouTube, we revisited the “Core Four” from our archives. NITA faculty members share their best insights and tips on these four critical competencies. Topics4:00  Creating your opening statement6:23  Workshopping the opening8:38  Struggling with the right story10:12  Engaging jurors' imagination during opening13:26  Using visual aids16:47  Objections on openings19:10  Making your case in direct examination20:16  The challenges of direct23:56  How to keep direct interesting26:34  Humanizing a despicable witness33:52  Fundamentals of a zinger on cross-examination40:28  Preparation versus spur-of-the-moment43:08  The challenges of cross48:28  Women and cross53:42  Your advantage in closing argument55:54  When to start thinking about your closing56:47  Using visual aids57:45  Jury instructions1:00:11 Closings for plaintiff versus defendantQuote“Something I always do is I talk to jurors like they are a friend that I'm having a martini with and I'm sitting across the table from. And I'm just talking to that friend about something that's a very serious, very important issue — and I'm keeping it simple, I'm keeping it concise — so it's a serious tone, but it's casual.” Brooke LattaResourcesMay the Record Reflect on YouTube (link)The Secrets of Opening Statements, with Brooke Latta (podcast episode)Direct Hit, with Mike Beckwith (podcast episode)The Tense Trio, with Hon. Amy Hanley and Cheryl Brown Wattley (podcast episode)Closing Time, with Luke Cass (podcast episode)NITA Women in Trial (program)

It takes time to get comfortable in unfamiliar frequencies, but once you do, you may find yourself more comfortable than you imagined you could be.Success is a compounding byproduct of motion in the direction of your dreams.Engaging in behaviors you admire will protect you from the feelings you're avoiding.Core questions to ask yourself:What's going on? What are you trying to address? is there something specific you'd like to accomplish? or integrate more or less of into your life? Is there anything you know you need to change but have been resisting or avoiding? What is a recurring (core) issue that pops up in your life?What does my current daily life look like? If it's inconsistent or your daily routine varies from time to time, outline a few "typical" days. Set alarms for every 15-60 minutes to check ins to see where your time is actually goes.What brings you happiness or makes you feel alive or connected to humanity? Brain dump. Include minor things.BRAIN DUMP:Skills (you have currently): What am I good at?Resources (you have currently): What are some of the good things in my life?Problems (you have currently): What are the not so good things in my life?Can any of the resources or skills you currently posses help you solve or cope with the problems?What would you say to a loved one with the same problem?How would an optimist approach this situation?Read Julie's Medium Blog.Support JULIE (and the show!)Support + get some bonus stuff over on PATREON.Get an occasional personal email from me: www.makeyourdamnbedpodcast.comTune in on INSTAGRAM AND YOUTUBE or TIKTOK.Info on War Tax Resistance.Donate to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund and the Sudan Relief FundThe opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AurallaurA has just released a new record The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue. Thirteen songs, mostly originals, exploring themes of culture, relationship, and community. Laura Chu Wiens has been making music for much of her life.  This is her second record, sharing her own compositions, invoking the cabaret of 1930s Shanghai.  These songs offer a juxtaposition of past and present that is engaging and thoughtful, while being musically exciting and culturally relevant. • AurallaurA on YouTube Music by: AurallaurA The post AurallaurA – “The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue” appeared first on Paradigms Podcast.

Success is a compounding byproduct of motion in the direction of your dreams.Engaging in behaviors you admire will protect you from the feelings you're avoiding.How to (convince yourself to) get anything you want:Identify your goal. (ideally experience based)Identify your current state: values, feelings you'd like to cultivate more of, current habits, current questions.Identify actions that would point you in the direction you'd like to move towards.Consider YOUR pitfalls + interests to make it impossible to not do. Get comfortable with friction and reduce it when possible.Curate your life around the most optimistic outcome working out perfectly.Give yourself enough time to properly adjust to a new version of "comfortable". Build tolerance for patience and change.Success is a compounding byproduct of motion in the direction of your dreams.Engaging in behaviors you admire will protect you from the feelings you're avoiding.Read Julie's Medium Blog.Support JULIE (and the show!)Support + get some bonus stuff over on PATREON.Get an occasional personal email from me: www.makeyourdamnbedpodcast.comTune in on INSTAGRAM AND YOUTUBE or TIKTOK.Info on War Tax Resistance.Donate to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund and the Sudan Relief FundThe opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to (convince yourself to) get anything you wantPREVIEW:Identify your goal. (ideally experience based)Identify your current state: values, feelings you'd like to cultivate more of, current habits, current questions.Identify actions that would point you in the direction you'd like to move towards.Consider YOUR pitfalls + interests to make it impossible to not do. Get comfortable with friction and reduce it when possible.Curate your life around the most optimistic outcome working out perfectly.Give yourself enough time to properly adjust to a new version of "comfortable". Build tolerance for patience and change.Success is a compounding byproduct of motion in the direction of your dreams.Engaging in behaviors you admire will protect you from the feelings you're avoiding.Read Julie's Medium Blog.Support JULIE (and the show!)Support + get some bonus stuff over on PATREON.Get an occasional personal email from me: www.makeyourdamnbedpodcast.comTune in on INSTAGRAM AND YOUTUBE or TIKTOK.Info on War Tax Resistance.Donate to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund and the Sudan Relief FundThe opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the Herbal Radio team is away on summer break, we're opening up the vault to share a special excerpt from our very first Free Herbalism Project! Originally recorded all the way back in 2013, this episode features the one-and-only "Godmother of American Herbalism," author, and educator, Rosemary Gladstar. This is part one of a two part presentation by Rosemary, so make sure to tune in next week for part two! Join us as Rosemary shares wisdom from her presentation on: Passing on the knowledge of plants to future generations Engaging with herbalism through diverse learning styles The power we all have to make a difference in ourselves, others, and herbalism Importance of validating the diverse ways of studying and practicing herbalism Polarization of herbalism in modern medicine throughout history The need to reexamine legislature surrounding practicing herbalism As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are so honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are an invaluable piece to our podcast. Email us at podcast@mountainroseherbs.com or reach out on Instagram @herbal.radio to let us know what topics we should explore next within the vast world of herbalism.

When was the last time your family had a meal together? John and Danny reflect on when their kids were younger and they ate with them. Plus, Ted Cunningham speaks with Jim Daly on how meal-times changed when his children reached the teen phase. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Adventures in Odyssey: Whit's End Mealtime DevotionsTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentEnjoying Mealtime as a Family (Digital Download)50 Questions to Ask Your Kids at the Dinner TableListen to Focus Live on Godcaster

Virtual presentations are here to stay and as presenters we must keep our audiences interested and engaged, sometimes for multi-day programs.  Mark and Darren have conducted virtual programs for several years and today they are joined by Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis as they share proven techniques for keeping virtual audiences engaged.   SNIPPETS: • Have a co-host or co-presenter • Be prepared for technical difficulties   • Dress professionally on camera   • Avoid eating/drinking on camera unless it is germane   • Be aware that your audience faces multiple distractions   • It is our responsibility as experts to provide relevant content.   • Practice and record your presentation   • Watch as an audience member   • Address potential distractions in your background   • Master PACE ELEMENTS   • Own your platform   Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Lindsey Patrick Wright shares her inspiring journey from career librarian to Tennessee State Senate candidate. She discusses why public libraries are essential to strong communities, the power of grassroots activism, and her commitment to protecting human rights in a challenging political landscape. The conversation explores civic engagement, public service, and the importance of standing up for equitable policies that strengthen communities across Tennessee and beyond.What We're Talking About...Lindsey Patrick Wright's journey from librarian to Tennessee State Senate candidateThe vital role of public libraries in strengthening communities and protecting democracyThe impact of book banning, censorship, and intellectual freedom in schoolsGrassroots campaigning strategies that increase voter engagement and civic participationHow social media shapes political campaigns, public discourse, and electionsWhy community representation matters in state and local governmentStrategies for flipping political seats and building momentum in Tennessee electionsHow national political issues influence local races and voter prioritiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Lindsey Patrick Wright and her background02:00 Lindsey's journey from theater to librarianship03:52 The multifaceted role of public libraries09:03 Community activism and fighting book bans12:50 The rise of Moms for Liberty and their impact16:11 Lindsay's personal story and coming out as LGBTQ+19:50 Deciding to run for office and the low bar for candidates26:00 Gerrymandering and the fight to flip Tennessee seats28:59 Engaging young voters and grassroots efforts33:01 The role of social media in modern campaigning36:10 How to support Lindsey's campaign and get involvedLinks MentionedLindsey Patrick Wright's campaign website: https://www.lindseyfortn.comInstagram: @‌lindseypatrickwright

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley shares his predictions for the future of e-commerce over the next decade. Drawing from his experience scaling a brand to eight figures, he analyzes Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopify, and AI-driven commerce. Josh advises entrepreneurs to master one platform before expanding, build creator relationships through TikTok Shop, leverage Shopify for brand ownership, and prepare for AI-powered shopping experiences. He emphasizes that rising competition, increasing ad costs, and the growing importance of brand trust will define the future landscape of e-commerce.Bullet Points:Current landscape and future predictions of e-commerce platformsDominance and evolving competition on AmazonChallenges and opportunities presented by TikTok ShopGrowth and significance of Shopify for independent e-commerceImpact of AI and agent commerce on shopping experiencesImportance of building a strong foundation on one platform before expandingStrategies for managing Amazon operations and team buildingRole of creator partnerships in driving sales and brand loyaltySequential approach to scaling e-commerce businessesEmphasis on content distribution for brand visibility and engagementTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction to E-commerce PlatformsThe speaker introduces the main topics of the episode: Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopify, and the future of AI in e-commerce.00:00:55 The Current Noisy E-commerce LandscapeA discussion on how the e-commerce world has become noisier, with Amazon's dominance being challenged by new platforms and strategies.00:02:56 Amazon's Future: Dominance and ChallengesPrediction that Amazon will maintain its dominance with faster shipping but will see increased ad costs and competition from overseas sellers.00:05:03 The Evolution of Amazon's AlgorithmThe speaker predicts Amazon's keyword-driven ranking algorithm will be replaced by a more conversational, AI-driven search, eliminating traditional page rankings.00:06:00 Predictions for TikTok ShopTikTok Shop is predicted to be a challenging platform for profitability, with rising fees and a shift towards paid reach.00:08:17 The Enduring Importance of CreatorsWorking with content creators will become even more crucial for building brand trust in an increasingly AI-driven world.00:08:17 Shopify's Continued DominanceShopify is expected to become the undisputed king for independent e-commerce websites, integrating with AI and social commerce platforms.00:11:17 The Future of AI and Agent E-commerceAI will transform shopping with personal assistants, making brand integrity and trust more important than ever for consumer purchasing decisions.00:14:08 Where to Focus Your EffortsThe speaker outlines his business strategy, recommending entrepreneurs master one platform, like Amazon, before expanding to others.00:16:01 The Sequential Approach to GrowthA step-by-step guide: master a platform, build a team, then focus on TikTok Shop to build creator relationships.00:18:02 Unlocking Shopify and Driving TrafficAfter mastering creator relationships, entrepreneurs can effectively unlock Shopify's potential by knowing how to drive traffic through affiliates and paid ads.00:20:04 Integrating Agent Commerce and ContentAgent commerce is the final step, focusing on content distribution and building brand trust to rank in large language models.00:22:25 A Roadmap for EntrepreneursAdvice for entrepreneurs to focus on one sales channel until reaching $5 million, build a team, and then expand sequentially.00:24:19 Conclusion: Focus and Proper SequencingFinal advice to avoid distractions by focusing on one initiative at a time to achieve faster and more sustainable growth.Links and Mentions:Tools and Platforms  "Amazon": "00:00:00"  "TikTok Shop": "00:00:00"  "Shopify": "00:00:00"  "AI and Agent eCommerce": "00:00:00"  Key Predictions and Insights  "Amazon's Future": "00:02:56"  "TikTok Shop's Profitability Challenges": "00:07:20"  "Shopify's Dominance": "00:09:17"  "AI's Impact on Shopping": "00:11:17"  Recommendations  "Focus on Amazon until you have a solid team": "00:15:08"  "Building relationships with creators": "00:16:57"  "Unlocking Shopify after establishing creator relationships": "00:19:04"  "Engaging with consumers through content distribution": "00:21:13"  Additional Notes  "Creator Gold Rush": "00:16:57"  "Affiliate Management": "00:19:04"  "Content Distribution and Engagement": "00:22:25"Transcript:Josh Hadley 00:00:00  Amazon, TikTok shop, Shopify, and even AI and agent eCommerce. These are all of the many topics that are surfacing to the top right now in all of the mastermind groups that I'm a part of. So if you're listening to this, which of these platforms should you actually be investing the majority of your time into? Which of these platforms actually deserve your attention? In today's episode, I'm going to be sharing my perspective, the platforms that I am actively focused on and why, and what my predictions are for e-commerce over the next decade. Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast. I'm Josh Hadley. I've scaled my own ecommerce brand from 0 to 8 figures, and I'm actively building towards nine figures in sales. This podcast is where I document that journey and share the systems, the strategies, and the lessons learned in real time so that you can learn what actually matters and scale your own business. My name is Josh Hadley. First and foremost, I'm a man of faith. I'm a husband to a beautiful wife, and I'm also the father of four children.Josh Hadley 00:00:55  I've been selling in the e-commerce space for over a decade, doing over $20 million annually and doing multi millions in revenue on TikTok. Shop, Shopify and Amazon. And I am also the host of the number one business strategy podcast for ecommerce entrepreneurs, Ecomm Breakthrough. There is so much noise going on right now in the world of e-commerce, and frankly speaking, I feel like it's noisier over the last couple of years than it ever has been in the past. To be honest with you, from about 2015 to maybe about 2023, the only thing you would hear from people is Amazon and Amazon. Amazon. And then we would always wish that Walmart would actually be a serious player in the e-commerce space. But frankly speaking, Walmart never really got their act together. There are some people that are doing well on Walmart. But you know, from my perspective, in any test that we've continued to run, is that like the market just simply is not worth the time investment over there. So with that being said, right now, we are living in just like an extremely noisy period of time for e-commerce.Josh Hadley 00:01:54  And what we heard was many people succeeding on Amazon from about 2015 to about 2023. But then like there has been a massive shift and I believe that it started around the year 2023. This is where the Amazon algorithm really started to break down. For a lot of the brands that were early adopters to Amazon, and it's not that Amazon magically changed their algorithm or things like that, but Amazon has been heavily recruiting overseas sellers ...

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we're joined by Alvin Sanders, President and CEO of World Impact, an organization committed to equipping leaders to build healthy churches in every community experiencing poverty. After decades in pastoral ministry and leadership development, Alvin has become passionate about helping ministry leaders avoid one of the greatest threats to long-term effectiveness: burnout. Are you serving faithfully but feeling increasingly exhausted? Wondering how to sustain ministry for the long haul without sacrificing your health, family, or relationship with God? In this conversation, Alvin shares the personal lessons that transformed his own leadership after experiencing burnout. Tune in as he offers a practical framework for building a ministry that lasts. When work becomes worship. // Ministry itself can quietly become an idol. He didn’t intentionally choose work over God, but somewhere along the way, serving Christ replaced walking with Christ. Spiritual disciplines gave way to ministry responsibilities. Prayer, Sabbath, retreat, fasting, and personal communion with God slowly disappeared beneath endless demands. The result was a ministry that looked productive on the outside while becoming spiritually unsustainable on the inside. Return to the basics of spiritual formation. // Rather than searching for complicated solutions, Alvin returned to the foundational practices Christians have embraced for centuries. Prayer, engaging Scripture, fasting, Sabbath, retreat, generosity, commitment to the Church body, and intentional spiritual rhythms are not optional extras for ministry leaders. They are essential practices that sustain healthy leadership. Just as championship football teams return to blocking and tackling when they lose, pastors must continually return to the spiritual basics that anchor their lives. Pay attention to the warning signs. // In hindsight, Alvin sees numerous warning lights he ignored. His daughter once looked at him during dinner and innocently asked, “Daddy, why are you here?” because she had grown so accustomed to his absence. He gained significant weight, neglected his physical health, ignored emotional exhaustion, and consistently placed ministry ahead of family. None of these issues appeared overnight, but together they revealed a leader drifting toward collapse. Burnout is often less about one dramatic event and more about a thousand small compromises over time. Healthy leaders steward their whole person. // Pastors often underestimate the importance of caring for their physical and emotional health. Exercise is no longer something he squeezes into his schedule. Now, it is part of his workday because caring for his body directly affects his ministry. Likewise, emotional health is not separate from spiritual maturity. Leaders who fail to process stress, trauma, criticism, and disappointment eventually carry those burdens into every aspect of ministry. Healthy ministry begins with healthy people. A three-legged stool for sustainable ministry. // At World Impact, staff health is built around three interconnected priorities: spiritual formation, engaging stressors, and leadership development. Spiritual formation keeps leaders rooted in Christ. Engaging stressors helps them process trauma, maintain healthy boundaries, and avoid adopting a “savior mentality.” Skill development—including emotional intelligence, leadership growth, and contextual ministry effectiveness—equips leaders to serve wisely. Remove any one of these three “legs,” and long-term ministry becomes unstable. If you’re approaching burnout, don’t ignore it. // Alvin closes with practical encouragement for leaders who recognize themselves in his story. First, honestly acknowledge where you are instead of pretending everything is fine. Second, intentionally rest by embracing Sabbath, vacations, and healthy rhythms. Finally, if the burden runs deeper, don’t hesitate to seek help from a trusted counselor. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor—it is a warning that something needs attention. To learn more about Alvin or World Impact, visit worldimpact.org or connect with Alvin on LinkedIn. You can find his expanded book Redemptive Poverty Work on Amazon and his recent webinar on redemptive poverty work here. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: TouchPoint As your church reaches more people, one of the biggest challenges is making sure no one slips through the cracks along the way.TouchPoint Church Management Software is an all-in-one ecosystem built for churches that want to elevate discipleship by providing clear data, strong engagement tools, and dependable workflows that scale as you grow. TouchPoint is trusted by some of the fastest-growing and largest churches in the country because it helps teams stay aligned, understand who they're reaching, and make confident ministry decisions week after week. If you've been wondering whether your current system can carry your next season of growth, it may be time to explore what TouchPoint can do for you. You can evaluate TouchPoint during a free, no-pressure one-hour demo at TouchPointSoftware.com/demo. Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey, friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. So glad that you have decided to tune in. Listen, I know you’ve got a million things going on this week. In fact, if you’ve got a lot of things going on, you really need to set aside the next half an hour or so to lean in on this conversation because I really think this is going to be helpful for you. I know it’s the kind of thing that you and your team is wrestling with plus we have a return guest on the podcast which what that indicates to you is this a person I want you to hear from. Honored to have Reverend Dr. Alvin Sanders with us he is the president and CEO of World Impact which empowers leaders to build healthy churches in communities of diversity and poverty. When urban leaders so when urban leaders are empowered that to own and lead their own ministry, individuals, families, and neighborhoods ultimately flourish. Super excited to have him with us. Enjoyed his episode from maybe a couple years ago and honored to have you back today. Alvin, welcome to the show. So glad you’re here.Alvin Sanders — Glad to be here, Rich, and thanks for having me back.Rich Birch — Oh, it’s great to connect a little bit. Why don’t you bring us up to speed? Tell us a little bit about yourself, about World Impact. Give us some context if people don’t remember.Alvin Sanders — Yeah, so President, CEO World Impact – our vision is a healthy church in every community experiencing poverty. We’re working to solve the problem that 95% of the world’s pastors have no formal ministry training whatsoever.Alvin Sanders — So we we try to bring that training to them and make it affordable and accessible. I don’t know if you’re paying attention to what’s going on in the Christian educational world right now in terms of universities, but it’s ugly out there. Rich Birch — Yes.Alvin Sanders — So we are really trying to make sure that people are equipped and they can be able to do ministry in the in the context that they’re called to do it.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s cool. Yeah. And I really, friends, I would commend you to to, if you don’t know World Impact, you should get to know them. You know, all them and the team do such good good work here. Well, we I want us I want you to take us back to 2007, so almost 20 years ago, which is insane to say that that’s 20 years ago, because it doesn’t feel like 20 years ago. It feels like just yesterday.Rich Birch — What was going on in your ministry and life? Yeah, kind of bring us into that part of the story. Let’s start there.Alvin Sanders — Yeah. So in 2007, I was wrapping up a 10-year project of planting and starting a church in inner city Cincinnati. And the denomination that I was a part of, the Evangelical Free Church of America, had offered me a position to leave the pastorate and to come work for them and run what’s called our “all people initiative”.Alvin Sanders — So me and my wife prayed, thought about it and said, yep, you know what? It’s time to make a good transition. And we made that transition. Yet for the first six months after that transition, we were, it was really a weird dynamic in the fact that when we would run into other people, people would say, hey, you guys look so much better than…, I mean, they didn’t say it this directly… Rich Birch — Right. Alvin Sanders — …but essentially what they were saying is you look so much better now that you’re out of the pastorate.Rich Birch — Right. What happened? You look great.Alvin Sanders — Yeah. What happened? You look good. Did you, did you lose weight? Did you, you know, glasses, whatever, you know?Rich Birch — Oh, no. You’re like, thank you, I think.Alvin Sanders — Yeah, and Rich, this wasn’t like a small amount of people. It was like every time we ran into people. So after about six months of this, we were like, okay, so what’s going on? And then we when we looked back in hindsight, felt like the last year or so of being in the pastorate, we had burned out.Alvin Sanders — And up until that point, I really didn’t know what burnout was. You kind of sort of hear about it, but you don’t really think about it. Why? Because you’re too busy, right? So you don’t sit back and think about ordering the chaos of ministry or anything of that nature.Alvin Sanders — And so we vowed that going forward, never again would this happen to us. So essentially I divide my ministry life in the two halves. Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — The first half is pre-2007. It’s kind of like how people look at the pandemic, right? Rich Birch — Yes.Alvin Sanders — So it’s like pre-2007 and then post 2007. And so we began to implement a series of things that helped us to be able to do ministry in a sustainable way and not experience burnout because you do not have to burn out doing ministry. That’s what I’ve learned since 2007.Rich Birch — Yeah, when you so when you think about that time, yeah, I love that. Like, hey, friends, thanks for telling me I look great. Or you look terrible a year ago. Okay, thanks.Rich Birch — When you look back on at that moment, you’re like, hey, I think we were burnt out. What were some of those those patterns, habits, evidence, signs that you look at and were like, oh, that is what was going on there? You know, what what was it that, you know, got you, yeah, that you kind of saw it yourself in that moment as you looked back?Alvin Sanders — In hindsight, what I looked at is we were basically on autopilot. When I first started that ministry project, I felt a call. I felt like I was walking with the Lord. I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence. You know it was like hindsight, it’s like the book of Acts stuff. You know it was kind of like God was right there. I was energized. I was excited. I truly wanted to make a difference in the lives and the hearts of the people who were there. I wanted to make a difference in the community. Alvin Sanders — But that last year or so, I look back at it. It was just 60, 70 hours a week, flip the switch, doing what I need to do. Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — Very jaded, cynical all the time, low energy, you know, vacation didn’t matter because I had to go back to work. You know, these are, you know, it was sort of like a call of duty, so to speak. It was this is my duty to do it.Rich Birch — Right, right, right. Interesting.Alvin Sanders — Right.Rich Birch — So now you made a few decisions to, you know, in the words you use was, we do a series of things. We changed the way that we work. What were those things that you changed? What were some of those things when you look back, now that you’re on the other side of that, what were some of those decisions you made to say, hey, we’re going to live in a different way? And what was what was that? You know, what is that? What were some of those?Alvin Sanders — Well, one of the big things that I realized, and it’s going to sound elementary when I say it, but I think as pastors and people in ministry, we forget about the basic things.Alvin Sanders — You know, I’m a big football fan, Ohio State Buckeyes to be exact, right? And so I remember, I can’t remember which one of those coaches, but I remember one of those coaches, I was listening to an interview one day and they said, hey, you know, when we lose, our first practice back is we go back to the basics.Alvin Sanders — Just basic stuff. That’s all we do. Blocking, tackling, you know, simple things. And one of the things we did was we went back to the basics of what it means to be a Christian. You know, over the years, they call that spiritual formation.Rich Birch — Yep.Alvin Sanders — So the basic things of are you praying? Are you fasting? Rich Birch — That’s good. Alvin Sanders — You know, you know, just if you type in spiritual formation in Google, you’re going to get a gazillion things that pop up. Right?Rich Birch — Right. Yes.Alvin Sanders — Well, we should be doing many of those things. Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — You know, retreating. You should not be accessible all the time. Sabbath. You know, it’s Hebrews 11 tells us that, you know, we’re among a great cloud of witnesses and that great cloud of witnesses are our people who, any and everybody who has ever been Christian ever in in in the entire history of the world. And Rich, hate to break it to you, but it’s not rocket science of how to be a good Christian.Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — We just ignore it. Rich Birch — Yes. Right. True. Alvin Sanders — Because there have been people before us who have worked out, hey, these are the rhythms. These are the things that you do…Rich Birch — Yes.Alvin Sanders — …you know, to be Christian. Rich Birch — Yes. Alvin Sanders — And what had suddenly happened is I made work my worship.Rich Birch — Oh, that’s painful.Alvin Sanders — The job became what I worship. Now, I didn’t intentionally set out to do that, but I had so much passion and I had so much zeal to want to make a difference in the world that suddenly the rhythms of what made you a Christian took a backseat to the work that I was doing.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. I want to come back to that. I want to put a bookmark in you made work your worship. I think that’s a powerful idea. I want to come back to that. But just before we leave this idea, you know, I love that the football analogy. I had and a nephew that was a receiver, college ball receiver. And I remember talking to him, you know, once as well. Rich Birch — And I was like, like, tell me, what you know, kind of what is your practice look like? And how are you, how do you keep on top of that? And he said, he said, well, you know, I’ve got these three formations, these three patterns that we run. And he’s like, I just run those formations all day long. Alvin Sanders — Yes. Rich Birch — It’s like, you just, you know, it’s like the same, you know, four steps this way, three steps that way, you know, turn, you know, it’s like, I’m just do that for four years. We’re just going to run that, which stuck with me similarly that, you know, I think oftentimes, you we can complicate this and we can say, hey, that you know we can complicate staying connected to praying, fasting, Sabbath, reading scripture, these kinds of things. We can drop them. Rich Birch — Were there any other warning signs looking back now that you missed? Again, in hindsight, you look back and say, oh, there were some some things on the dashboard that were blinking and I didn’t notice that you were leading up to this breaking point.Rich Birch — Were there other things in your life besides these dropping off that you know, that you, again, in in hindsight noticed and maybe are looking for now?Alvin Sanders — There was zero what they call work/life balance. Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — Zero. Rich Birch — Right. Alvin Sanders — At that time, I was working on my PhD. I was pastoring a church full time. Rich Birch — Right. Alvin Sanders — And I was running the church’s Christian Community Development Corporation that was attached to it.Rich Birch — Yep.Alvin Sanders — And oh, by the way, I was also teaching classes at the local Bible college.Rich Birch — Right. Yes. Alvin Sanders — And had a wife and I had two kids.Rich Birch —Yep.Alvin Sanders — And so I remember during that period, a huge red flag that in hindsight, I’m ashamed to say, I did not pay attention to. One Friday night I was sitting down and I was eating dinner with my family and my youngest, Gabby, she looked up in her little toddler face and she said, Daddy, why are you here?Alvin Sanders — And I said, what do you mean? I’m I’m sitting here. I’m I’m eating dinner. You know I’m here. You know she’s and she and she was so confused that I was home.Rich Birch — Oh my goodness.Alvin Sanders — So that’s so that was a neglect of family. Right. Rich Birch — Yes. Alvin Sanders — That was a huge red flag. Rich Birch — Yep.Alvin Sanders — Gained a ton of weight because I was not taking care of myself physically. I think that’s something we underestimate in ministry. Rich Birch — I agree. Alvin Sanders — You know, to the point now that I even I count when I go work out, that’s part of my work day.Rich Birch — Right. Interesting.Alvin Sanders — Because I said I can’t be a successful minister if if I am not in shape. So I see that as a you know, I don’t have this sort of dichotomy of the physical and the spiritual, all that. No, I it’s all one. You know, it’s going to hurt me spiritually if I’m out of shape, if I’m not eating right, I’m not properly fit and all those types of things.Alvin Sanders — So I wasn’t taking care of myself physically. I clearly was not taking care of myself emotionally.Rich Birch — Yeah.Alvin Sanders — We are emotional beings. We are emotional. I have come to believe, and this is maybe a controversial point, but I don’t know. It’s my belief. I have come to believe, Rich, that we are emotional beings that rationalize our lives with facts.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s true.Alvin Sanders — But there’s a lot of research out there that says we can think we’re rational all we want, but what we really do, we have never made a rational decision that does not agree with our emotions.Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — So we must take care of ourselves.Rich Birch — Yeah.Alvin Sanders — I was not taking care of myself emotionally.Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — Therefore, out of shape physically, neglecting family, which by the way, God says that’s the first ministry, you’re supposed to lead well. So if you’re not leading your family well, it really doesn’t matter what else you’re doing, you know. And just an emotional, just not emotionally regulated is the easiest way that I can say it. Didn’t know I wasn’t emotionally regulated, but I wasn’t.Rich Birch — Yeah. Yeah, that’s good. You know, the Carey Nieuwhof, friend of mine, ah you know, he says around this whole that topic, he says, you know, if you’re an alcoholic and you stumble into work one day drunk, you know, you get fired, or you or there’s a consequence, right? If you are a gambler and you’re addicted to gambling and you know you lose your house, that’s gonna show up and you know you’re gonna lose your house, there’s consequence to that. And you know one of those might be you lose your job. Rich Birch — But this area of like overworking, if we overwork even in good things, you’re rewarded for it. Like, you’re like, way to go. You’re a good soldier.Alvin Sanders — Yeah. Yeah.Rich Birch — You know, there’s, it’s almost like a badge of honor in ministry to be exhausted for Jesus. When you said, man, I made work my worship, that stung because I was like, ooh, I think I’ve done that before.Alvin Sanders — Yeah. I mean…Rich Birch — So take us inside, you know, ah other leaders’, you know, heads. How does that mindset quietly quietly set us up for this crash? How do we, you know, kind of unpack that even more for us?Alvin Sanders — Yeah, I mean, I say all the time I’m a recovering work workaholic.Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — You know, that’s the way I put it.Alvin Sanders — And then a big thing that really set me up for this that I didn’t realize is that I come from a family of workaholics. You know, my father, who is my hero, other people have heroes outside of the household. My father is my hero. He’s 87 now, that’s my guy.Rich Birch — It’s so good. Yeah.Alvin Sanders — He, I grew up in a household, my father grew up in Jim Crow, Alabama. And he overcame so much. Rich Birch — Right. Incredible.Alvin Sanders — He went to when he joined the military, military was was sort of like a saving grace. He was in the military for 30 years. Rich Birch — Wow. Alvin Sanders — And he went to night school and he got two degrees in night school while working during the day.Rich Birch — Wow.Alvin Sanders — You know, my mom was an old farm was a was a farm girl, you know. Protestant work ethic. You know, you want she would say, son, you want to kill time, work it to death. You know, idle hands is the devil’s workshop. You know I grew up on all these idioms.Rich Birch — Yes, yes, yes.Alvin Sanders — And, and so that was in my DNA. And just by the fact that we live in United States of America, where busyness is a badge of honor, I believe you said, and we all are under the Protestant work ethic, you know, you know, who, what, what, what bum works only 40 hours.Alvin Sanders — I mean, you want to get ahead.Rich Birch — It’s true.Alvin Sanders — The minimum is 50.Rich Birch — Yeah. Right. Right.Alvin Sanders — You know, when I was pastoring, how many people in my congregation, you know, in terms of the white collar crew, you know, I had ah I had all spectrums in the church that I was in, I pastored. It was no big deal for them to just be gone all the time.Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — If you get offered a promotion, who would tell you don’t accept it for the sake of your family?Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — Of course I’m going to accept it. It’s more money… Rich Birch — Right. Alvin Sanders — …because more money puts us in a better position…or doesn’t it? Rich Birch — Right. Alvin Sanders — It might, or might not. So counterintuitive thinking is something that we have to do. I mean, I’m in a place now where um God has blessed me that I have a lot of opportunities and I limit my opportunities. Because I say if if I’m gone all the time again, guess what I’m on the road to? Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — You know, and we may have a little bit more money, but then, you know, I’m in the I’m in the empty nesthood stage of season of life and I’d be missing valuable time with my wife. So it’s a reordering of the priorities, you know? Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Alvin Sanders — Yeah.Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s so good. And this is one of those areas where I see hope in you know next generation. You know i see hope in Gen Z leaders. There there is, like I think, a healthy pushback on on some of this area, which is I think is positive. I know sometimes, you know, I’m Gen X, classic Gen X, born 1974, the lowest birth rate year of the 20th century.Alvin Sanders — Yes. Yeah.Rich Birch — And, you know, and I think sometimes, you know, my peers and particularly the folks older than me, that generation, they they really did, they handed down this idea. And you know, there’s good change happening, I think, on this front. Rich Birch — But so how do you think about this now? So, you know, as you’re thinking about the future, or maybe you’re coaching your team, people you’re interacting with, you know, how do you kind of articulate this, maybe with a framework or thinking around this, so that we don’t just pass on more burnt out organizations?Rich Birch — How how are you helping, you know, lead an organization? Because I think there’s the reason why asked that question is I think it can be easy for us folks that are in charge. I run my own organization. I like often joke, like my boss is a bit of a taskmaster because it’s me, you know. But you know, when, but when we’re the people in charge, we get to set the pace. We get to lead in a way. How are you leading different now? How are you helping your people understand this different now? What are, how are you, what’s that look like for you?Alvin Sanders — Yes. So we, we have baked in in the cake at World Impact. Um, three things, three areas. We talked, we touched on it before spiritual formation, you know, that’s a big deal here at World Impact.Alvin Sanders — You know, we, we really want to make sure that people understand your work is not your worship. You know, part of our sustainable strategy is, you know, we care more about who you are than what you do. And we mean that. Alvin Sanders — And it’s funny because when you first say that to some people, they go, oh well, you don’t want me to work. It’s like, no we didn’t say that. What we said is we understand you are a human being. And we care about you and we’re going to invest deeply in you as you invest deeply into our our our vision. And so um making sure that work’s not to worship, make sure that people understand our identity is in Christ. Alvin Sanders — Understanding also the the spiritual disciplines. We incorporate eight particular spiritual disciplines. I probably should know them the my head, but I don’t. But let me see, I mean, I can roll off the top of my head.Alvin Sanders — Let’s see, you got church membership. You know, we, we, and It’s not cool, you know, to be a church member and people love to kill the church and criticize the church and this that the other. But I leave that to the accuser of the brethren to use the KJV version and use that to the devil.Rich Birch — Nice.Alvin Sanders — Jesus came to establish the church. Period. End of discussion. So you ought to be part of one. So, you know, we encourage our folks to be part of churches, to fast, to pray.Alvin Sanders — We have three times a year we’ve shut everything down and we have prayer days. You know, we we encourage people to be generous with their money. We encourage people to empower others. You know, so there’s we we we encourage we have a personal retreat days that we offer people for for, it’s a work day, but it’s a different kind of structured work day. We say we’ll give you one day a month where you go off and you examine yourself. You do a spiritual examen off basically, you know, off the old St. Ignatius type of spiritual examen. And then you also look at your professional development. You go off and we do that and we’ll pay you for that.Rich Birch — Right. That’s great.Alvin Sanders — You know, so there are a number of things that we do in terms of developing a rhythm. We call, you know, having a rhythm. Rich Birch — That’s good.Alvin Sanders — You know, so a lot of spiritual formation. And then the other s is we look at the, you could think of these S’s as three S’s or a three-legged stool that serves the foundation and they’re all intertwined.Alvin Sanders — So besides spiritual formation, we also encourage people to engage stressors, right? We there’s there’s a way that you work in the world. There’s I got this from my friends at Praxis that there’s three ways that you can engage the world. You can engage the world um exploitatively, ethically or redemptively. Rich Birch — That’s good.Alvin Sanders — So we want people to we want our staff to engage the world, and engage their jobs in a redemptive manner, which is, you know, sacrificing our lives in the pattern of Jesus Christ. Right. That’s we follow the pattern of Jesus Christ, that that we are doing this in order to make the world a better place.Alvin Sanders — We also have a posture of that we’re not the saviors. Many people who are in ministry, we get in it for the right reasons, but then we think that we’re the king and not a subject of the kingdom. Right. And so we think that whatever ministry we’re in, whether it’s urban, suburban, whatever it may be, that we’re the saviors. It’s like, no no, no, no, that’s not the right posture. The right posture is that to be utilized by God, you know.Alvin Sanders — And then also anybody who’s been in ministry any any time in their life, any, you know, they are going to experience a lot of what’s called secondary trauma.Alvin Sanders — You know, like mine was very intense being in a very violent neighborhood and ministering there. But even in suburban context, there’s a lot of things. Now, Rich, don’t know if you ever experienced this, but, you know, people, the sheep bite. Rich Birch — True.Alvin Sanders — They talk about the pastor. Rich Birch — Yeah.Alvin Sanders — They do a lot of things. You know, you’re misinterpreted all the time. There’s a lot of hurtful things that happen to you… Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s true. Alvin Sanders — …from an emotional perspective. And if you if you try to blow them off or roll them under, you know, let them it’s water under the bridge. No, no, no. Those things need to be engaged. Alvin Sanders — So that’s keeping the right posture, making sure we keep the right pace in ministry. So we have one school of spiritual formation, one one one leg stool of engaging stressors. And then the third leg stool is is skill set development. Alvin Sanders — And we have to understand that developing the right skills will not save us from burnout. That’s a false dichotomy. People think, oh, well, if I just develop X, Y, and z well, then, you know, I won’t burn out. No. um There are three primary skill sets that I think people need to understand when it comes to any type of ministry or wherever they’re doing it. A big one is emotional intelligence.Alvin Sanders — It’s there’s a guy by name of Daniel Goldman who really popularized the concept. He wrote this book years and years ago called “Primal Leadership”. And that book makes the case that therere there are things that you can develop to emotionally regulate yourself.Alvin Sanders — There’s a book they they don’t call it emotional intelligence, but it’s another classic called “Leadership and Self-Deception”. It’s a classic book which teaches you how you can engage the workplace and and by emotionally regulating yourself, which I think is directly correlated to spiritual maturity.Rich Birch — True.Alvin Sanders — There’s also the skill set of leadership development. I believe that everybody is a leader, right? We don’t all have the same responsibilities as leaders, but there are things that we can do to develop ourselves to become better leaders in the situations that we find ourselves in. Alvin Sanders — And then there’s also a a skill set that we can develop where we engage our ministry context in a dignified manner. So that’s sort of like our three-legged stool at World Impact, you know, spiritual formation, engaging stressors and skill set. And you can’t, just like a stool, if you remove one of the legs…Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — …the stool will not work. So all three have to be intertwined and working together to give you that strong foundation. And if you do those things, I have found that, you know, you won’t touch burnout. Because… Rich Birch — Right. It’s so good. Alvin Sanders — Yeah. So I’m very, very focused on that. And we have interwoven all of those things within the DNA of World Impact.Rich Birch — Yeah, I love that.Alvin Sanders — Yeah, I love…Rich Birch — There’s there’s so much to unpack there, friends. And there’s, you know, in six minutes there, you gave us what a great picture of how we should be thinking and leading in our environments. I love, particularly, you know, you talked you touched on the emotional quotient, the eq issue.Rich Birch — And, um you know, I’ve had a a friend of mine say, you know, it’s it’s impossible to be spiritually mature if you’re emotionally immature. And I think…Alvin Sanders — One hundred percent.Rich Birch — I think that’s true. And there are, we all know these people who they they walk around like they’re spiritually mature, but they’re they’re, you know, emotionally immature and it comes off. It’s like they’re bleeding. It’s like the internet’s made for these people.Rich Birch — Like they are, those people get good followings, which is terrible. And you know, they get people around them who are just like, yes, sir. Yes, sir. It’s usually sirs. Unfortunately, it’s a lot of guys… Alvin Sanders — Yes. Rich Birch — …you know, we’ve got to fight that. And I love that you’re, you’re attempting to do that, you know, at, you know, in the organization you lead at World Impact, I think is, is incredible. And one of the things, you know, calling this out, I’m not directly engaged in urban ministry, but the thing I, I think is, like, I think every ministry has its stressors to it. Alvin Sanders — Yes.Rich Birch — I think every ministry has trauma related to it. And I think what you’ve outlined here, we can apply really in any context. Alvin Sanders — Yes.Rich Birch — But I do want to underline for our listeners, the fact that this has come out of a context where, again, I don’t want to stigmatize or create stereotypes around urban ministry, but there is a lot of trauma. There is a lot of stress in the ministry.Alvin Sanders — Yes. Rich Birch — You know When you’re dealing in communities that are experiencing homelessness and poverty and you know, you know at the conflict, at the you know the epicenter of racial conflict, and you know all ah all of that creates the context that makes it next to impossible to serve in. And the fact that you’re leading there, I just want to commend you you know on that. Alvin Sanders — Yes. Rich Birch — And so this is actually a part of, well, talk to me about the expanded second edition of “Redemptive Poverty Work” and how does that tie into what we’re talking about today? Because I want to move people even towards that call to action out of today’s conversation.Alvin Sanders — Yeah. So the the things that I’ve talked about that I just talked about that we instilled at World Impact, it definitely works in in any context, no doubt about it. What I tell my suburban colleagues is that whatever you experience in the suburbs, 10x it. And that’s in the urban context.Rich Birch — That makes sense. Okay, that’s good.Alvin Sanders — Just 10x it. It’s not that you don’t experience these things.Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — It’s that it’s much more intense…Rich Birch — Yeah.Alvin Sanders — …within the urban context.Rich Birch — Yeah.Alvin Sanders — So the expanded edition of “Redemptive Poverty Work” is is my attempt to really have our vision at World Impact come to fruition. Because at World Impact, if our vision is a healthy church in every community experiencing poverty, we cannot not talk about burnout.Alvin Sanders — Because the burnout rate within the urban context, because of the 10X that happens down there in in this in the urban community—but increasingly in suburban communities, to be quite honest with you. The same dynamics are happening in certain suburban communities—is that you have to be able to deal with it. And the big way that you deal with it is that you are intentionally engaging those things that can cause you to burn out.Rich Birch — That’s good. Alvin Sanders — Cause you cannot have a healthy church unless you have spiritually formed pastors who are engaging stressors and who are developing the skillset to make the community a better place.Alvin Sanders — So, It was basically by doing things in the field and spending a lot of time with our partners that I said, you know what, these folk need an expansion. Because when I wrote “Redemptive Poverty Work” a couple of years ago that we talked about, it was a little booklet and it was more academic.Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — But what I realized is, hey, these folk need to know how to implement this in a practical sense. So that’s what the expanded version is about. It’s not only teaching you the principle, it’s like, here here’s how you can apply this to your life. It’s sort of like a field handbook, so to speak.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s fantastic. I think it’d be great for people to pick up, you know, a copy of this. And, you know, I think it could be really helpful for them as they’re thinking about, you know, ministry in any context. Even to help if there are folks that are listening in, you know, that serve in a suburban context and they’re trying to gain, you know, a bit more understanding of there are urban, but you know, brothers and sisters as they’re, you know, leading there. I think this could be a helpful resource.Rich Birch — For folks that picked up the first edition, you know, should they pick pick up a second? I know you’re not just trying to sell books, but like, help me understand, you know, obviously you’ve added a lot to it. For folks that are familiar with your work, what would your, you know, kind of what’s your recommendation that, you know, for them?Alvin Sanders — Yes, because the the first Redemptive Poverty Work booklet is really only one chapter in the expanded edition. It’s, as I said earlier, it’s really about how to apply and how not to burn out.Rich Birch — That’s great.Alvin Sanders — The whole thing is it assumes that there’s a point in your walk in doing your work of the ministry that you’re going you’re going to hit a wallRich Birch — Yep.Alvin Sanders — I don’t know anyone in ministry, let alone urban ministry, who hasn’t at some point hit a wall.Rich Birch — Right.Alvin Sanders — Right. To go back to sports analogy. Right. Talk about how if you’re a rookie and you’re coming into the and NBA, you only play like 40 or some college games. NBA has 82 games. No matter how skilled you are, no matter how much you play, about game 50, you’re going to hit a wall because you’ve never really played at that intense level for that long.Rich Birch — Yep.Alvin Sanders — Same thing with ministry.Alvin Sanders — At some point, you’re going to hit a wall. So within this urban context, you know when you hit that wall or hopefully before you hit the wall, read this book and begin to implement it in your life. It’s a failure for you just to buy the book and read it. Rich Birch — Yes.Alvin Sanders — A lot of books you just write, you buy it and you read it and you go, oh, I got the knowledge. I’m good. No, this book is like, read it and apply it. And I can tell you, it’ll work if you do so.Rich Birch — That’s so good. Where do we want to send people to pick up copies of the book? Where online? you know how how can they How can they get their hands on it?Alvin Sanders — Yeah, just go to Amazon. you can get it off of Amazon. Redemptive Poverty Work Expanded Edition. Rich Birch — That’s great.Alvin Sanders — You type that in or you can type in Alvin Sanders and I’m sure it’ll pop up. Rich Birch — That’s great. Alvin Sanders — Yeah, we’d we’d love for you to get it. You know, got paperback and hardback versions that are there. Rich Birch — Nice.Alvin Sanders — And then you can also go on YouTube. We just had it. We launched it last week. We had a webinar… Rich Birch — Great. Alvin Sanders — …around the topic of redemptive poverty work. It was about an hour long. So if you’re really interested in this topic, you can check that webinar out as well.Rich Birch — Nice. Yeah, we’ll link to that in the show notes to make it even easier for folks to to find that. We’d love for for people to track with you, Alvin. You’re doing such a great, great work. So let’s take us back to 2007.Rich Birch — Let’s say there’s a leader who’s listening into, well, I know that there’s a leader who’s listening in today. There’s at least one… Alvin Sanders — Yeah. Rich Birch — …in the couple thousand people that are listening in who are heading towards where you were in 2007. Not the new part, not the new job part, but the like, oh, I’m burnt out.Alvin Sanders — Yes.Rich Birch — This is not good. Maybe today they’ve been listening in and they realize, oh, wait a second. Maybe they had a similar thing with their kid. Hey, dad. Hey, mom. Why are you here? What’s one thing you’d want them to do this week? What’s one action step that they could take coming out of today’s conversation? Alvin Sanders — Well, I would say, I’m going to cheat. I’m going to give you more than one. But first is to admit where you’re at.Rich Birch — That’s good.Alvin Sanders — Because there are so I hate to say it. There are some faith traditions where it’s downright almost sinful to admit that you might be burned out. What? You don’t you don’t pray enough. You don’t do this. You don’t do that. Say, you know what? I’m tired. I’m still committed, but I’m tired. I’m jaded. I’m whatever. So the first thing is to embrace that. Alvin Sanders — The second thing is, you know, get some rest. You might it might just be an Elijah situation. You know, Elijah wanted to die and God said, no, man, just just go lay down.Rich Birch — Yeah, have a nap.Alvin Sanders — You know, you just had a really, really intense situation. Go lay down. Take some time. Go take a nap. Get some refreshment. Get some food. Look at your schedule and say, am I actually taking at least one day a week off? You know, are what’s your rhythm of rest, right? Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Alvin Sanders — Are you resting as hard as you’re working?Rich Birch — That’s good.Alvin Sanders — Are you taking vacation? You know, or is vacation for the weak, right? Are you taking your paid holidays off? Do, actually really start to take the commandment of Sabbath seriously… Rich Birch — That’s good. Alvin Sanders — …and actually start to rest?Alvin Sanders — And then there are some of us, and, you know, and there’s nothing wrong with this either. We may be too far gone, and we may need to take some time to go see a counselor, and to unpack things. Rich Birch — That’s good. Alvin Sanders — And to unpack some emotional wounds and things of that nature. So I would say, you know, first, acknowledge where you’re at. Second, actually start to rest. And then third, if these things aren’t really working, don’t be prideful. Go see a mental health counselor.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Alvin, you’ve been a gift again to our audience. Thank you so much for for being here today, for helping us think through these issues and take some steps. If people want to track with you or with World Impact, where do we want to send them online?Alvin Sanders — Well, if you want to track with me, you know, as a good Gen Xer like you, I’m on LinkedIn. So you just place to find me.Rich Birch — Love it. Love it.Alvin Sanders — It’s LinkedIn. Find me on LinkedIn. I have an Instagram account. I ain’t been on that Instagram account in forever. So, you know, that’s just not me. But you can find me on LinkedIn.Rich Birch — Love it.Alvin Sanders — If you want to personally interact, talk, whatever. Great thing to do on LinkedIn. And then the other thing is go to worldimpact.org and you can learn a lot more about World Impact and what we do.Alvin Sanders — We’d love to serve you.Rich Birch — That’s great. Thanks so much for being here today. I really appreciate you taking some time to be with us.Alvin Sanders — All right. Thanks for having me. 

Finding and keeping great employees has become one of the biggest challenges facing business owners today. Recruiting is more competitive, turnover is more costly, and leading a multigenerational workforce requires a different approach than it did just a decade ago. While much has been written about Generation Z, the real opportunity isn't simply understanding a generation—it's understanding how the workplace is changing and what that means for building stronger, more valuable businesses.In this episode, Pat Ennis and Walter Deyhle welcome Danielle Verderosa, Founder and President of HR Allies, for a practical conversation about recruiting, retaining, and engaging Generation Z employees. Drawing on more than 25 years of executive Human Resources leadership, Danielle explains why effective people strategies are not simply HR initiatives—they're competitive advantages that strengthen leadership, improve organizational performance, and increase business value. Whether you're struggling to attract younger talent, reduce turnover, or build a leadership team that allows your business to thrive without you, this episode offers practical insights every business owner can apply.Guest: Danielle Verderosa | Founder & President, HR Allies Danielle Verderosa is the Founder and President of HR Allies, where she serves as a trusted Executive HR Advisor to owners of growing privately held businesses across the United States. With more than 25 years of executive Human Resources leadership experience, she helps founder-led companies become more operationally effective, profitable, and less dependent on the owner by strengthening recruiting, leadership, employee retention, workplace culture, compliance, and organizational structure.Connect with Danielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemverderosa/ | https://hrallies.com/ ─────────────────────────────────────────Ready to assess your own exit readiness? Take the free ExitReadiness® DIY™ Assessment at exitreadiness.com Learn more about working with Pat and Walter at ennislp.com Connect with Pat: linkedin.com/in/pat-ennis-25b4a111/ Connect with Walter: linkedin.com/in/walter-deyhle-cpa-abv-cff-maff-cexp-cepa-57386614/ ─────────────────────────────────────────Building your exit plan at your own pace? Explore ExitReadiness® DIY™ at exitreadiness.com. The platform combines proven frameworks, practical tools, assessments, and educational resources designed to help business owners make better decisions, build more valuable and transferable businesses, and create more options for the future. And when judgment and experience matter most, credentialed exit planning professionals are available to help. ───────────────────────────────────────── DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast is provided for educational purposes only. Neither the presenters nor ENNIS Legacy Partners are engaged to render legal, accounting, tax, or other professional services. Consult a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances. ENNIS Legacy Partners assumes no legal liability for any loss related to information contained in this presentation. ───────────────────────────────────────── Ready to assess your own exit readiness? Take the free ExitReadiness® DIY™ Assessment at exitreadiness.com  ───────────────────────────────────────── Building your exit plan at your own pace? Explore ExitReadiness® DIY™ at exitreadiness.com. The platform combines proven frameworks, practical tools, assessments, and educational resources designed to help business owners make better decisions, build more valuable and transferable businesses, and create more options for the future. And when judgment and experience matter most, credentialed exit planning professionals are available to help. Conversations that move you closer to a regret-proof exit. Subscribe To The Channel By Clicking HERE!Learn more about working with Pat and Walter at ennislp.com Connect with Pat: linkedin.com/in/pat-ennis-25b4a111/Connect with Walter: linkedin.com/in/walter-deyhle-cpa-abv-cff-maff-cexp-cepa-57386614/#PatEnnis #WalterDeyhle #ExitReadinessDISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. ENNIS Legacy Partners assumes no legal liability for any loss related to information contained in this presentation.

Music community gatherer, producer, and drummer extraordinaire Ethan McKibben shares about the life and times behind the drum kit, pathways of learning, and his brand new co-created instrumental keys, drums and groove project, Rotary Crew.Follow along with Rotary Crew on Instagram.Check out Ethan's unique music community building project here.To see the Fix You video with behind the scenes in real time, watch here.Check out Apollo Suns on Spotify.Share your thoughts on this episode in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Write Songs You Love Facebook Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ group.To join the Write Songs You Love Member calls, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://writesongsyoulove.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ to expand and nurture your creativity!

(Barre Center for Buddhist Studies)

Episode Summary:The culture may feel like it's unraveling, but what if God's call isn't to panic, retreat, or attack, but to cultivate? In this thought-provoking conversation, theologian Owen Strachan joins us to discuss his new book, Call to Cultivate, and why Jeremiah 29 provides a compelling biblical blueprint for faithful Christian cultural engagement.Together, we explore how followers of Christ can engage today's culture without giving in to fear, political idolatry, or end-times obsession. Owen challenges believers to plant gardens, build strong families, disciple their communities, and pursue the long-term work of cultivating culture rather than simply reacting to it. Along the way, we also have several honest, iron-sharpening-iron moments of disagreement that push the conversation deeper and challenge us all to think more carefully.If you've felt anxious about the direction of our culture or wondered how Christians should respond to today's challenges, this conversation offers a biblical vision rooted in hope, faithfulness, and the lordship of Christ.If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope and a biblical vision for engaging today's world.Who is Disciple Nations Alliance (DNA)? Since 1997, DNA's mission has been to equip followers of Jesus around the globe with a biblical worldview, empowering them to build flourishing families, communities, and nations.

This week, our practice tip comes from Alyna Bloecher a parent, Suzuki teacher, and former Suzuki kid. She shares what her family is doing this summer to keep practice engaging and motivating for her family - both adults and kids alike. Enjoy!   Connect with Alyna Bloecher on Instagram Find Alyna's website HERE  Leslie Thackeray (the Practice Shoppe) on the Time To Practice podcast - episode 57  Sign up for the Time to Practice Monthly Newsletter: SuzukiTriangle.com/Newsletter  Resources at SuzukiTriangle.com Connect with Christine on Instagram Email: Christine@SuzukiTriangle.com  TRANSCRIPT   

(Barre Center for Buddhist Studies)

Norense just returned from Dallas, where he held a memorial marking one year since his sister passed. This episode is the raw, unfiltered download of what that weekend taught him — about grief, about faith, and about what it actually takes to do the hardest thing you've ever done.He built the memorial video himself. Two hours of sleep. A pounding headache. Weeks of avoiding the footage because every time he opened it, he broke down. But he finished it — and standing on that stage, running on empty, he learned something that changed how he sees his own capacity: when you can engage the hardest thing in your life, you realize you can attack anything.This one moves between grief, Scripture, and real talk on identity, calling, and why so many people dim their own light trying to serve everyone else.In this episode:Why grief changes your entire construct of life — and how faith reframes mourning without erasing the painThe story of Luke 5 and the miraculous catch — and what it teaches about shifting your strategy when you've "toiled all night" with nothing to showWhy engaging hard, emotional things builds a confidence that comfort never canHow caring too much about serving others can cause you to dim your own light and abandon who God made you to beWhy your gift needs monetary value attached to it — and the danger of letting your talents be used without honorThe difference between cultural Christianity and a rooted relationship with Christ — and why only one holds up under real lossWhy every person breathing should create and express — and how your obedience might be the thing that saves someone's lifeKey Truth: "Your feelings matter — but the call of God on your life is more important than how you feel in the moment. Feelings fade. Purpose remains."Key Verse: Luke 5:5 — Master, we have toiled all night and taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

Opening Question: What's your good news? Scripture: Nehemiah 8:9-11 Closing Question: How can you practice joy this week? New Abbey is a Jesus community telling a bigger story of God.  You can support us at https://www.newabbey.org/generosity

What does Blackness look like? In Forms of Blackness: Race and Visibility in the French-Speaking World (Duke University Press, 2026), Cécile Bishop argues that this seemingly simple question has no straightforward answer. Instead of treating race as something immediately visible, she explores how Blackness emerges through the interplay of perception, language, and history. A central theme of the book is that visibility is never neutral. Through examples ranging from photographs of the Liberation of Paris to works of art such as Portrait of a Black Woman, Bishop shows that Blackness cannot be reduced to what is seen. Instead, she introduces the idea of Blackness as form, emphasizing the importance of representation, opacity, and aesthetic experience. Engaging with thinkers such as Édouard Glissant and Frantz Fanon, Bishop invites readers to rethink the assumption that seeing is the same as knowing. Forms of Blackness offers a thoughtful and original account of how race is shaped not simply by appearance, but by the ways we learn to see. Amisah Bakuri (PhD) is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her work explores the intersections of religion, sexuality, gender, and migration, especially within African diasporic communities in the Netherlands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

They are back from a different lens! This bonus episode features our hosts other podcast series, A Mental Health Break.Carlos Garcia and Supna Doshi discussing their journey in creating a podcast focused on the human experience and mental health. They share insights on authentic conversations, podcast growth, and personal stories of resilience and connection."Everything is temporary, it will pass."Chapters00:00 Navigating Life's Hard Moments02:53 The Birth of a Podcast05:25 The Evolution of Conversations08:39 The Unique Podcast Experience11:20 Engaging with the Audience14:39 Personal Insights and Advice"You're not alone in the world." Other Takeaways*Keep going through tough times; you're not alone.*Authentic conversations create deep connections.*Engage with your audience for better impact.*Podcasting is a tool for healing and connection.*Stay true to your unique voice and mission.Follow their progress and journey after the show here:Carlos Last Episode on A Mental Health BreakSupna Last Episode on A Mental Health BreakSend us Fan MailSupport the showRemember to subscribe for the next episode. Show Sponsor: ComingAlive PodcastProduction.com (Download your Podcast Launch Checklist for only $1 here)Music Credits: Copyright Free Music from Adventure by MusicbyAden.

In this captivating episode of the Transform Your Mind podcast, host Myrna Young is joined by the extraordinary Sarah Marks, who shares her harrowing journey from childhood trauma to spiritual and personal awakening. The conversation delves deep into Sarah's experiences with childhood abuse, human trafficking, and her struggle with PTSD, which eventually led her to profound insights into human consciousness and the power of DNA as a biological internet. This episode explores the intersection of science and spirituality and encourages listeners to connect with their higher selves to foster healing and transformation.The discussion highlights how Sarah's near-death experience and tumultuous life events catalyzed a unique spiritual awakening, prompting her to explore holistic healing practices such as somatic therapy and kinesiology. With Myrna's guidance, the episode investigates how individuals can begin to trust their intuition again after trauma by gently working through somatic practices and reconnecting with their bodies. By drawing connections between spirituality, science, and personal development, this episode offers listeners transformative insights and practical steps towards healing.Key Takeaways:Harnessing DNA's Healing Power: Sarah posits that DNA operates like a biological internet, responding to positive intentions and frequencies, facilitating healing.Existing Beyond Trauma: Trauma does not define us; by reconnecting with our innate intuition and higher selves, profound healing can occur.Engaging with Somatic Practices: Somatic work is key to healing trauma. It involves gently reengaging the nervous system to process blocked experiences safely and effectively.Trusting Intuition Post-Trauma: Differentiating between fear originating from trauma and reality is critical to regaining self-trust and intuitive clarity.The Journey to Awakening: Sarah's own near-death experience served as a catalyst for her spiritual awakening, demonstrating the power of critical life moments in personal transformation.Notable Quotes:"DNA responds to intention. The intent of love can lead DNA to actually start healing itself." – Sarah Marks"Trust the basic gut instincts; trauma distorts reality, but the intuition remains intact beneath." – Sarah Marks"Trauma may distort your perception of reality, making it look like a cracked mirror of fragmented pieces." – Sarah Marks"The sharpness of presence is needed to reach God and become aware of our full spectrum of abilities." – Sarah Marks"You're carrying so much that's not yours, but coming back home to yourself is to reweave that brokenness into oneness." – Sarah MarksSee Transcript of the episode https://www.buzzsprout.com/1761155/19430588-beyond-survival-reclaiming-your-life-after-childhood-trauma/transcriptSee this video on The Transform Your Mind YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MyhelpsUs/videosTo see a transcripts of this audio as well as links to all the advertisers on the show page https://myhelps.us/Follow Transform Your Mind on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/myrnamyoung/Follow Transform Your mind on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738390977Please leave a rating and review on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transform-your-mind/id1144973094Feedspot Top 100 Mental Health Podcast For sponsored Brand interviews and sponsorship inquires please visit Partner With The Transform Your Mind Podcast | Myrna Young Life Coach