Podcasts about Enthusiasm

How do you keep a group of teenagers engaged or turn a repetitive boot drill into the highlight of a student's day? In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas talks with Keith Rodney—Chair of the National Children's Task Force and US Telemark Team member—about his 32 Degrees article, "The Fun Starts with You." Keith challenges the traditional idea of "forcing" fun for students, suggesting instead that instructors should focus on making the environment enjoyable for themselves first. Keith explains how this shift in perspective leads to authentic enthusiasm that students can sense immediately. We dive into the CAP (Cognitive, Affective, Physical) model as a developmental lens, the "Empathy Pivot" for managing fear vs. exhilaration, and why "Professional Competency" is at the heart of purposeful play. Whether you are a new instructor or a seasoned pro, this conversation provides a roadmap for using your own passion to build trust and deeper connections on the snow. In this episode, we discuss: - Why forcing a fun environment often falls flat with students. - Using the CAP model to adjust your approach based on individual development. - The "Empathy Pivot": Distinguishing between exhilarating excitement and paralyzing fear. - Why teenagers and kids can see right through a "fake" teaching persona. - Managing the emotional environment to build lasting trust with your group. Read the full article in the Winter 2026 issue of 32 Degrees magazine.

Episode Title: Midwest Meltdown: 80-Degree Dew Points and the Ring of Fire!  Slightly more humid than classic St Louis Missouri. 00:03 - 01:04: Introduction to the heat wave and high dew points for next week, focusing on the Midwest and the consistent heat dome.01:04 - 02:07: Explanation of heat dome decameter readings and how dew points are the "hidden heat" despite seemingly moderate temperatures.02:07 - 03:08: Forecasting extreme heat indices (105-110°F) for next week, highlighting the unusual widespread 80-81°F dew points.03:08 - 04:14: Discussion of how wind affects perceived temperature in low vs. mid 90s, and the continued high humidity in the Midwest.04:14 - 05:22: Mention of Illinois tornado record and detailed forecast of an 81°F dew point around July 1st in western Illinois/eastern Missouri.05:22 - 06:47: Specific cities and their forecast temperatures and dew points around July 1st-2nd, with emphasis on central Illinois, Indiana, and the Iowa-Missouri corridor.06:47 - 07:51: List of cities most likely to hit 80°F dew points, and the periphery status of Chicago and St. Louis.07:51 - 08:52: Detailed tracking of the 589 decameter line and Chicago's position on the edge of the heat dome, intensifying to 594 decameters by July 2-3.08:52 - 09:55: Chicago falling out of the heat dome by Thursday night as the dome shifts southwest and a trough of low pressure approaches.09:55 - 10:43: The pattern breakdown for Chicago, with the dome shifting west and a cold front approaching by July 3rd-4th.10:43 - 11:46: Introduction of the "Ring of Fire" phenomenon: severe storms forming on the northern and western edges of the heat dome's 588 decameter boundary.11:46 - 12:49: Regions expected to experience repeated severe storms (Northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana) while Chicago may sit on the ring.12:49 - 13:17: Final summary of the Ring of Fire, explaining how the dome suppresses storms internally but pushes moisture to explode into storms on its periphery, affecting Chicago by July 2-4.20 Hashtags: #MidwestHeatwave #DewPointDanger #HeatDome2020 #ExtremeHumidity #RingOfFireStorms #WeatherEnthusiast #EuropeanModel #IllinoisWeather #IndianaHeat #MissouriClimate #IowaForecast #SevereWeatherRisk #SummerHeat #HeatIndexAlert #DecametersExplained #MidwestWeather #ClimateWatch #JulyForecast #WeatherNerds #StayCoolStaySafeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

HT2659 - Perfection or Enthusiasm Deep in the heart of an artist is the pursuit of perfection. It goes with the territory. Creating artwork is the one thing we do in our life without regard to time, expense, or even effort. We pursue perfection because we have faith that achieving perfection is a possibility with each creation we make. Is it? I'm not sure pursuit of perfection is the healthiest option. What if we change the measurement of success? What happens if we pursue enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion rather than perfection? This RSS feed includes only the most recent seven Here's a Thought episodes. All of them — over 2500 and counting! — are available to members of LensWork Online. Try a 30-day membership for only $10 and discover the literally terabytes of content about photography and the creative process.

Fort Yukon Alaska is a town of just 580 people. Some say that there is no road to civilization in that a person needs an airplane or a boat to be able to get to main civilization. I've never been there so I can't say if that's true or not. Regardless however temperatures are forecasted to reach heat advisory criteria for the next few days. That's something that we speak about in this episode. We do touch upon climate change because heat in the Arctic is something which impacts the global temperature more significantly than any other part of the world. We briefly explain that. But the main focus is on the weather the heat in Alaska and then a very significant thunderstorm complex as forecast is a develop in the Midwest tomorrow night.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

New Poll Reveals America 250 Enthusiasm | Mundo Clip 6-18-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin interviews Marya Propis about her career in retail brokerage, wholesale distribution, and executive leadership. Marya speaks of leaders who influenced her, how her leadership skills have changed in 30 years, and how emotional intelligence guides her as she helps young insurance professionals at RT Specialty. She also shares the importance of physical fitness and self-care in showing up at her best each day. Marya discusses the wholesale Excess and Surplus Lines marketplace in the U.S. She talks about her involvement in industry associations and the enthusiasm she has for helping students and new risk professionals. She shares information about the Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future 2026 Gala, where she will be one of two honorees. She serves as a Director of Distinction, acting as an ambassador for the Spencer Educational Foundation.   Listen for Marya's enthusiastic approach to persuasive leadership.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be rejoined by our friend Marya Propis, President of Retail Distribution at RT Specialty and honoree at this year's Spencer's Funding Their Future Gala in New York City on September 17th. There is a lot to catch up on. But first… [:47] RIMS Virtual Workshops. The next RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep with AFERM will be held on June 16th and 17th. The next RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA will be held virtually on July 21st and 22nd. Links to registration are in this episode's notes. [:58] We have a summertime webinar. On July 16th, Zurich will present "Too Hot to Ignore: Heat-Related Injuries and Workers' Compensation." Register at RIMS.org/webinars and via the link in this episode's show notes. [1:13] You can enroll now in the RIMS CRO Certificate Program in Advanced Enterprise Risk Management hosted by the famous James Lam. Beginning July 15th, workshops will be held bi-weekly from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The registration link is in the show notes. [1:34] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. We want to hear from you. Submit a session proposal by June 19th to reach engaged practitioners, innovators, and leaders looking for guidance they can utilize right away. [1:52] Help define what's next for Enterprise Risk Management. Submit a session proposal by Friday, June 19th. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2026. [2:02] Folks, through the generosity of its industry partners, RIMS has launched The Foundation for Risk Management™, which provides scholarships for early-career professionals to attend RIMS events like RIMS Texas Regional Conference, RIMS Canada Conference, and RISKWORLD. [2:21] The Foundation also helps beneficiaries earn their RIMS-CRMP and fund research projects. To learn more or contribute to the Foundation, visit RIMS.org/FRM and visit the link in this episode's show notes. [2:36] RIMS is back on YouTube. Our handle is @RIMSOfficialChannel. We've got plenty of videos there, including RIMScast, RIMScast Canada video podcasts, and other informative and entertaining content from RIMS. Subscribe to the channel today! [2:56] On with the Show! Marya Propis is rejoining us on RIMScast. She is the President of Retail Distribution at RT Specialty, and she will be honored this year at the Spencer Funding their Future Gala at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on September 17th. [3:17] We'll learn about Marya's career, her risk management philosophy, how her physical wellness fuels her progress as a risk and insurance professional, and why she feels it is critical to continue her support for women in the profession. We're going to have fun. Let's get to it! [3:39] Interview! Marya Propis, Welcome Back to RIMScast! [3:49] Since the last time Justin and Marya spoke, Marya has joined RT Specialty. She is coming up on her 6th anniversary with RT Specialty. It has been the most enjoyable and successful career chapter she has been fortunate to enjoy. [4:04] Marya says there are so many great things to talk about in terms of what's going on in the marketplace and at RT Specialty and how that pertains to Spencer. [4:20] Marya is President of Retail Distribution. She was promoted to that role several months ago. A dedicated group under her leadership is keeping a finger on the pulse of what's going on in the ultra-dynamic U.S. retail landscape. [4:47] They are always thinking of ways to be more client-centric, partner more fully with their retail clients, and think of all the places that their clients need RT to be as the top wholesale partner in the U.S. [5:08] Marya has six people on her team for a wholesaler that placed $32 billion of premium last year. But, actually, her team is the entirety of all the brokers and underwriters that work for RT Specialty. That's 1,500 people. [5:28] Marya's job is to make the brokers and underwriters who work for the team more successful every day. Her stakeholders are the market-facing, talented brokers and underwriters. They are her team. [5:46] Marya sets best practices and standards around compensation, conferences, and the way they engage. Client-centricity is very important, so Marya extends direction for it. [6:00] Marya explains how leadership style has evolved. In the first half of her career, it was all about command and control, from the top down. Telling everyone what to do has evolved positively. [6:19] Marya prides herself on having very good influence and leadership skills. She says people want to follow her direction. She had to learn a lot to go from telling people what to do to creating a path people want to follow. Being a command-and-control leader doesn't feel good. [7:00] Marya says that when we started talking about emotional intelligence as an important part of leadership, she realized she had it. She just hadn't been using it in any of her management or leadership roles. [7:11] It became more acceptable to use emotional intelligence to get your team aligned and get people thinking around the direction you need to go as a team or a firm. That's been very positive for Marya, but she couldn't flip that switch overnight. [7:30] Marya had to learn a lot to change her leadership style so people want to follow and feel that she is creating the right direction, so they can be more successful, not leading them down a path to doom and demise. [7:52] Marya says that an emphasis on emotional intelligence came hand in hand with the industry starting to pay attention to women in insurance and the lack of representation of female leadership in insurance. [8:09] Marya says that a decade ago the insurance industry started to be deliberate about realizing they didn't have many women in leadership and that there were obstacles in the industry to women being promoted and compensated at the same rate as their male colleagues. [8:31] Emotional intelligence came along with the recognition that women have a distinct and unique skill set. Emotional intelligence is a prevalent part of a woman's skill set. Women bring real value as leaders. The traits that come with that include emotional intelligence. [9:07] Justin says we have such a great group of rising risk professionals, particularly females, in the profession and the RIMScast listenership, so this is a great way to kick off this dialog.  [9:25] Marya says she has worked for a lot of great leaders. She was fortunate to work closely with many executives. You can watch a leader and learn a technique or a trait that you can add to the skill set you already have. Marya says she gets her best material from others. [10:14] Marya says Pat Ryan, who founded RT Specialty, is the absolute Superman of insurance. Any time she hears Pat Ryan talk, she leaves with a gem that she commits to do or think about, going forward. He uses an expression: "Do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do." [10:47] If you use that as a guiding principle for how you set your priorities and make decisions, based on what your retail clients need, then it's very obvious what you need to do. It has become a guiding principle for her in the way she makes decisions every day. [11:47] Marya says her scope of responsibility is just retail clients. Her colleague Leah Ohodnicki oversees carrier management. They talk all the time. There are so many of the same principles that they apply, just to different channels in the marketplace. [12:07] Marya has been a career salesperson. For her whole insurance career, she has sold stuff. She has sold capabilities and products. She sells and represents wholesale brokerage services. [12:27] Marya says no client is like another. You must see every client with fresh, objective eyes. Every client has something unique, or a competitive advantage, or something special about the way they've built their firm. Sometimes you have to look carefully to find it, but it's always there. [13:06] You have to be willing to put yourself in their shoes. How do they see the world? How is that retailer creating visibility and driving success? [13:26] Marya prides herself on being a student of who the retail client is and thinking about how to better frame partnership strategies to work with them as effectively as possible, rather than thinking about herself, RT Specialty, and all the stuff she can throw at any retail client. [13:48] In Marya's mind, the way to do it is to start by asking what they need. Where is the place that they will need RT Specialty to be more successful? Then she constructs an engagement approach around that. That's different from how she thought about it 20 years ago. [14:15] In any industry, Marya doesn't want to be a vendor. She wants to be a partner. There's a big difference in the way you have to think to be a trusted business partner. That's a very important part of Marya's personal and professional philosophy in creating partnerships. [15:13] Marya says she's very committed to the digital distribution model. It's been one of the more exciting and dynamic components of the retail channel. Marya doesn't use AI interchangeably with digital distribution. Digital distribution is where we sell things online. [15:41] Marya says AI is a technology enabler that helps us be more efficient in sales. RT Specialty has an online portal called RT Connector that has been trading E&S Specialty, Micro and Small Commercial P&C products for eight years on the digital distribution platform. [16:09] Marya says there's a newish type of retail agent in the U.S. marketplace called digital agencies. They want to trade as efficiently as possible. They want API connectivity. They're focused on a specific segment and industry, in terms of where they feel they can sell and trade. [16:31] Marya says even the way they acquire leads is very different than a traditional retail model. Marya says we're certainly not going to sell RT the same way to a digital agency as we do to a big Alpha house. They're very different. [16:51] Understand the model. Understand how that retail agent or broker is structured, and meet them where they are. With digital retail agents, it's a completely different type of retail partnership that they can build with them vs. other models they've worked successfully with. [17:18] Marya says our retail clients are always evolving and changing and buying lots of stuff, in mergers and acquisitions. They restructure. How they choose to go to market. How they're winning business. Marya loves all the learning that comes as the market and her clients evolve. [17:45] Marya says they're a wholesaler. Their digital platform will reflect the appetite and eligibility of the technology-enabled carriers that are represented on the RT Specialty platform as trading partners. [18:10] Marya says they have 130 talented binding authority teams across their U.S. platform. They know what their appetite is; they have the binding authority. That's human interaction. [18:28] Marya says RT Specialty mimics that same process with some of the same carrier partners by putting their product-specific appetite on their digital platform. [18:38] The same agent can either go to the RT binding authority underwriter or go through RT Connector. If it fits the appetite of the products on RT Connector, in five minutes, the agent can rate quote, bind, issue, e-deliver policies, surplus lines taxes, and finance premium. [19:02] Marya says she can ask agents how they want to trade the E&S specialty marketplace. There are a lot of paths they can follow that get them to the same place where they win. RT Specialty can put the right resources around that. [19:35] Marya says if a retail client brings a franchise opportunity to RT Specialty, if it's a franchise operation that's insured, RT Specialty will write it. They write lots of them in the U.S. Marya participates in risks her retail clients bring to RT. [19:52] Marya doesn't sell directly to franchises, but RT has a lot of franchises and programs in chains in their book of business. RT has the largest sports and entertainment practice in the wholesale segment in the U.S. It's a tough segment of the marketplace. [20:20] RT Specialty has invested a lot in terms of talent. RT Specialty owns the largest MGU in the marketplace. The sports are professional, amateur, and everything in between. It's a very successful market segment for RT Specialty. [20:41] Marya explains that an MGU is a Managing General Underwriter, which is different from an MGA (a Managing General Agency), which is different from a Program. Marya says this has been one of the fastest-growing segments of the specialty market in the United States. [21:09] Marya says you create a homogeneous appetite for a certain bulk of business, find a carrier partner, set up a Program, and open your storefront and either distribute through retailers or wholesalers. Some are direct-to-insureds [21:30] Managing General Underwriter means that we would create the appetite and the guidelines. Managing General Agent means that the carrier has already defined that, and they're allowing us to put a storefront in front of that. [21:54] That's different from some of the traditional carriers that RT Specialty works with, like Lexington Insurance Company or Westchester Insurance Company. Those are carriers. That is a different solution than when RT Specialty approaches an MGU on behalf of their retail client. [22:18] Marya says anytime you have a lot of people in one place at an event, there are lots of risks associated with that: gun violence, political violence, and means of evacuation response. We have seen that time and again. [22:43] When you have a lot of people congregating for a sporting event, a demonstration, a commemoration, or other event, it's gotten much riskier when you put a lot of humans in one place. That has made that segment of the marketplace much more challenging than ever. [23:10] Marya mentions boxing matches in Vegas or the number of active shooter incidents in Vegas. Marya believes the Excess and Surplus Lines market segment is the permanent home for high-hazard risks in the U.S. It's not an escape valve. [23:42] Marya says that in her lifetime, those types of risks will never swing back to the direct admitted standard carrier side. As a wholesale broker, RT Specialty is looking to partner with carriers that have the right type of appetite to support those risks. [23:59] RT Specialty builds products, so they own MGUs, MGAs, and Programs. They invest and build products when segments of the marketplace become very tough, so they have solutions available through their brokers and underwriters to write any risk in any class of business. [24:19] A Quick Break! There are so many other wonderful RIMS events coming up in 2026. The Annual Florida RIMS Educational Conference will be held from July 28th through August 1st at the lovely Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. A link to the event is in this episode's show notes. [24:37] Register now for the Second Annual RIMS Texas Regional Conference, which will be held from August 10th through 12th at the Grand Hyatt on the San Antonio River Walk. [24:48] The 11th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum will return to the Old Post Office on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, in Chicago. Visit ChicagolandRiskForum.org for more information. [24:59] The RIMS Western Regional Conference will be held from October 4th through the 7th in Seattle, Washington. Registration is open, and you can also submit a session. Visit RIMSWesternRegional.com and the link in this episode's show notes for more information. [25:16] Save the dates October 18th through the 21st. We will be in Quebec City to celebrate the 50th Live RIMS Canada Conference. Booth sales are already open. Earlybird registration is open now. [25:31] Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca for more information. Also, remember to check out RIMS.org/Canada for our spinoff show, RIMScast Canada, hosted by National Conference Committee Chair, Aaron Lukoni. [25:45] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. The deadline for educational content submissions is Friday, June 19th. Get submissions in now. The link is in this episode's show notes. Registration opens in July. [26:08] Let's Return to Our Interview with Marya Propis! [26:32] Justin asks about Marya incorporating workouts into her life so she can perform better as a risk and insurance professional. Justin also feels that he has missed out if he has not exercised or worked out for a certain time each week. [27:03] Mary has 35 years in the business. She travels every week. She flies a lot. She is very focused on her wellness routine. She has been an athlete her whole life, so working out is important to her. So is self-care. [27:34] Having gone through menopause and figuring out what was going sideways, physically and mentally, Marya feels good about where she is today, in her commitment to herself, supplements she takes, and understanding healthy brain function and the effects of hormones. [28:09] Marya says we know hormones have a significant impact on our ability to function, both for men and women. Marya says her lifestyle is not perfect. She eats at restaurants 80% of the time, and entertaining clients involves alcohol. [28:40] Marya loves the relationship-building, social, and personal connection side of the business. She's not going to skip drinks or dinner with anyone. But it's a place where there can be a lot of pitfalls. She doesn't subscribe to an austerity lifestyle. But she has to pick her spots, now. [29:10] Marya says she can't be dragging on Thursday morning. She still has two big days ahead of her to deliver. Marya talks about sleep quality, not just how much you get, which gets tough when you're sleeping in different hotel rooms. [29:35] Marya says, This is the way it is with the career I have chosen, and I love. She has to be much more deliberate and mindful and remind herself that in June, she is traveling 18 days. On the days she's not traveling, she knows what to do for working out and for her wellness routine. [30:24] Marya says she is open and willing to learn. She is open to trying and learning new things. She believes in supplements and vitamins. She takes different ones now than she would have taken a decade ago. You have to be a student of that, like everything else in life. [30:43] Marya says The second you start to lose the desire to learn, what's next? It's not really fun when people's mindsets change. [30:54] Marya has been a Yoga practitioner for 30 years. She does Power Vinyasa in an infrared studio. Marya says the benefits of infrared are scientifically not debatable. She says infrared is great for joints, skin, and healthy brain functioning. It amped up her Yoga routine. [31:15] Marya does TRX bodyweight exercises. Most of the hotel gyms today have a TRX setup. She loves that, since she spends a lot of time in hotels and hotel gyms. Marya does circuit training. She works with heavy weights three times a week to maintain skeletal strength. [31:53] Marya says it sounds like a lot. As an athlete, when you have to perform and deliver, it's part of the way you have to think. It's how Marya thinks. She has to show up and be her best self when she's representing RT Specialty in the marketplace. [32:14] Marya has a lot of people relying on her to be crisp and present with a great level of energy. You can't do that if you're dragging all the time. [32:40] Marya grew up in Buffalo, New York, so she's a skier. It was the first sport for her family. She played tennis in high school and college. She ran track as a sprinter. Her favorite sport is Yoga. A couple of genres of Yoga have world competitions. Mary likes vigorous, athletic Yoga. [33:34] Another Quick Break! The Spencer Educational Foundation's Risk Manager on Campus application period is now open, and it will close on June 30th. Grant awardees, colleges, and universities are typically notified in September. [34:05] General Grant applications are open, and the application deadline is July 30th. Internship Grant applications open on August 15th and close on October 15th. [34:16] Links to each of these grants are in this episode's show notes. Visit SpencerEd.org for more information. [34:24] Let's Conclude Our Interview with One of the Two Honorees of the Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future Gala 2026, Marya Propis! [34:48] Justin asks about associations Marya is plugged into that support empowering women in the risk and insurance industry, such as APIW and WISE. [35:01] Marya represents RT Specialty on two boards. One is CIAB (The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers), an international organization known for its regulatory and lobbying efforts. [35:25] Marya spent a week in London last month with CIAB. There is so much going on in the London marketplace. That has been a lot of fun and a place to continue to learn. [34:47] The second board is WSIA (Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association), representing the wholesale specialty segment. There are specialty markets around the world, but the E&S lines market segment only exists in the United States. WSIA is a wonderful organization. [36:14] Marya says that what's great about both CIAB and WSIA is what they do to support young and developing insurance and risk management professionals. It's consistent with and complementary to the work, scope, and mission of the Spencer Educational Foundation. [36:32] Marya loves the way all of that comes together. Marya has been in the space developing, recruiting, and supporting emerging leaders and talent in the insurance and risk management marketplace for a long time. It's a space she loves to be in. [35:56] It all comes together nicely with Marya's board service and her commitments to foundations and causes. [37:10] Justin says the Spencer Funding Their Future Gala will be on Thursday, September 17th, at the world-famous Waldorf Astoria. Marya is one of the two honorees this year. Justin asks what this honor means to Marya. [37:35] Marya can't remember a time when she looked forward to something so much. First, she was surprised, and she feels really humbled. Marya had been a Spencer Board member and Chair of the Board, thinking about whom they would honor, every year for a decade. [38:05] It's really humbling to be considered, let alone this year, going back to the Waldorf Astoria. Marya remembers the Spencer Gala there, at which she spoke as Chair of the Fundraising Committee. [38:22] Marya just about passed out before going on stage, as she had never talked before so many people. She was hyperventilating. She didn't fall off the stage. She enjoyed herself a little bit. The Waldorf Astoria is one of the most storied hotels in the history of New York City. [39:06] Marya says Sierra Signorelli is the other honoree for the Gala. Sierra and Marya worked together early in their careers at AIG. They got a significant start to their careers then. They've known each other for a long time. Marya praises Sierra and is so happy to be doing this with her. [39:32] Justin notes that Sierra is the Zurich U.S. CEO and the Zurich Commercial Insurance CEO. Those are not easy titles to achieve. Zurich is a global insurance carrier. Marya admires Sierra's career trajectory and the leadership influence she has had on so many. [39:51] This is the first time there have been two female honorees in the history of the Spencer Gala. Marya says sharing that honor with Sierra, someone she knows, trusts, and respects so highly, makes it even more special and a night to look forward to. She can't wait! [40:17] Marya is now a Director of Distinction on the Spencer Board. Her RT Specialty colleague, Michael VanAcker, is on the Spencer Board today. Marya mentions that Pat Ryan was honored by Spencer at one of the first Galas. Tim Turner, RT Specialty CEO, introduced Pat that year. [40:53] RT Specialty has had a seat on the Spencer Board for years. Marya is a Director of Distinction as she is a former Board Chair. They ask her to be an advocate where Megan Miller needs her, and to be conversant on where Spencer continues to support and drive results. [41:18] Marya stays in touch and makes sure she knows what is going on with the programs and schools they are partnering with. Her role is to be informed, be an ambassador, and jump in at any place that Megan and the Spencer team would need her to influence, help, and support. [41:41] Marya spoke at the E&S Insurer conference. At the end of the conference, she brought Megan Miller in and introduced her to the writers' folks and asked if they could get a five-minute spotlight on Spencer next year. That is an example of where Marya can try to help. [42:15] Marya says Spencer scholars are so excited about their insurance career. There is nothing more infectious than their enthusiasm for the career path they have chosen. To talk to a young person who has their whole life in front of them is super energizing for Marya. [42:57] Marya says that when a young person wants to talk to her and spend time with her, she thinks it is great. Enthusiasm is infectious. [43:05] At the end of the day, Marya wants to leave the insurance industry in a much better place than it was when she came into the business. Spending time with young people who will be the leaders of our industry in the future, there's no better feeling. [43:30] Marya says that anything she can do to have influence, set an example, or help them think through something helps her to continue to feel wildly enthusiastic about her career. She loves when she gets to spend time with the young brokers and underwriters at RT Specialty. [43:52] Justin says that the scholarship recipients he has seen on stage at the Gala have been so impressive. They're in school, and they're so involved. They're a shining example of what we want the future of this profession to be. [44:10] Marya says that there was no way, when she was 22 years old, that she could have gotten up in front of a room of 800 people in her profession and spoken like that. She would never have been able to do that. Their ability to get up in front of that audience and talk is huge! [44:37] Marya is impressed by what they talk about, in terms of their careers, and what they've learned. [44:42] Marya is delighted that Spencer has basically kept the Gala format consistent. The focus is on the students and the benefits that Spencer funding drives for the industry. [44:56] It's a place where you can see real impact on real lives because of the fundraising dollars that the risk management and insurance industry has stepped up and invested. That's the focus. Then they have dinner. There are two honorees, and they wrap it up. [45:12] Marya loves that they have never complicated the program for Gala. It has kept the focus in the right place, which is what they are doing to fund the future leaders of the insurance and risk management industry. She's excited to meet the Spencer scholars who will speak at the Gala. [45:35] Marya says that lots of times the speakers bring their families. She says her Mom and Dad will be there. That will round out what's going to be a terrific and exciting evening. [45:47] Jason says, We look forward to seeing you there on September 17th at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Marya will be there with her old friend Sierra Signorelli. It's going to be a fantastic, tremendous time! The link to the Funding Their Future Gala is in this episode's notes. [46:08] Marya, we're very happy for you. Congratulations again! I can't wait to see you again in September. Marya looks forward to seeing Justin again and the team from RIMS, another long-standing, awesome, successful partnership between Spencer and RIMS. [46:27] Special thanks again to Marya Propis for rejoining us here on RIMScast! We congratulate her again in advance of her receiving the honor at the Spencer Educational Foundation's 2026 Funding Their Future Gala, which will be held on September 17th at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. [46:47] Visit SpencerEd.org for more information and to purchase your ticket and for sponsorship opportunities. Join us next week, as we will be joined by Spencer Board Chair Johnell Holley. We will learn all about his career journey and risk philosophies. [47:03] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [47:32] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [47:50] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [48:08] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [48:24] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [48:37] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [48:49] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continued support!   Links: Spencer Educational Foundation's 2026 Funding Their Future Gala | Sept. 17, 2026 RIMS ERM Conference 2026 | November 19‒20 in Columbus, Ohio | Session Submission Deadline: Friday, June 19 RIMS Canada Conference — Oct. 18‒21, 2026 | Quebec City | www.rimscanadaconference.ca | Advance Registration Open | Sponsorship Opportunities Available RIMScast on YouTube! Spencer Educational Foundation — Scholarships and Grants | Open Calls and Timelines. RIMS-CRO Certificate Program In Advanced Enterprise Risk Management | July‒Sept. 2026 Cohort | Led by James Lam | Register Now! 2026 Florida RIMS Educational Conference | July 28‒Aug. 1 | Register Now RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 | Aug. 10‒12 in San Antonio | Register Now! ChicagoLand Risk Forum | Sept. 24, 2026 RIMS Western Regional Conference — Oct. 4‒7, 2026 | Seattle, WA | Register Today and Submit an Educational Session! RIMS Risk Management Magazine | Contribute | Look for the Awards Edition in "Digital Issues"! RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) | Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! RIMS, the Foundation for Risk Management The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Stories RIMScast Canada — Episodes Now Live RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | July 21‒22, 2026 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops   Upcoming RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars "Too Hot To Ignore: Heat-Related Injuries and Workers' Compensation" | July 16 | Presented by Zurich   Related RIMScast Episodes: "Spencer Day 2026 | The Future of Strategic Risk Management" "Risk Management Momentum with Tim Ryan" (2025 Spencer Honoree) "The Strengths of DE&I Initiatives with Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray of Alliant Insurance Services" (2024 Spencer Honoree) "RIMS Honor Roll Inductee Emily Buckley" "RIMS Rising Risk Professional Award Winner Tyler Vaughan"   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "48 Hours From a Storm: What to Do Before A Hurricane Strikes" (New!) | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "AI-Scale, Risk Ready: Engineering Controls for the New Data Center Boom" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Facing Into Risk: Navigating the New Risk Landscape" (New!) | Sponsored by AXA XL "Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges" | Sponsored by AXA XL "The ART of Risk: Rethinking Risk Through Insight, Design, and Innovation" | Sponsored by Alliant "Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors" | Sponsored by Diligent "Cyberrisk: Preparing Beyond 2025" | Sponsored by Alliant "The New Reality of Risk Engineering: From Code Compliance to Resilience" | Sponsored by AXA XL "Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs" | Sponsored by Zurich "Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding" | Sponsored by Zurich "What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping" | Sponsored by Medcor "How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips" | Sponsored by Alliant   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Marya J. Propis, RT Specialty, President, Retail Distribution   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Do you think you have grit?

Morning Briefing — Saturday Night, June 13, 2026West Rogers Park, Chicago (ZIP 60645)Motzei Shabbos Edition═══════════════════════════════════════HEBREW DATE & PARSHA═══════════════════════════════════════28 Sivan 5786Parashat Sh'lachShabbos Mevarchim Chodesh TamuzMolad Tamuz: Monday, 6:46 AM and 16 chalakim═══════════════════════════════════════ZMANIM — JUNE 13, 2026═══════════════════════════════════════Alos HaShachar: 3:21 AMEarliest Talis & Tefillin: 4:00 AMNetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:14:36 AMSof Zman Krias Shma: 9:02:48 AMSof Zman Tefila: 10:18:52 AMChatzos: 12:51 PMEarliest Mincha: 1:29 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:27:24 PMHavdalah (50 min): 9:17 PM═══════════════════════════════════════NWS CHICAGO FORECAST DISCUSSION SUMMARY═══════════════════════════════════════Issued: 8:37 PM CDT Saturday June 13, 2026 — Forecaster Ratzer (update); 3:24 PM by KJB (discussion)A cold front is sweeping through the Chicago area tonight, bringing isolated to scattered thunderstorms through midnight. Convection struggled this afternoon due to lack of low-level convergence and a cold pool from an upstream MCS. A DVN 00Z radiosonde showed 3,200 J/kg MUCAPE and 30 kts effective shear — supporting organized storms capable of wind/hail. Any severe threat ends from west to east with the front: Rockford first, Chicago near/after midnight. Post-frontal showers linger through daybreak Sunday.Sunday: Much cooler, breezy NW winds gusting 25-30 mph, highs in the low to mid 70s. Beach Hazard Statement for NW Indiana Lake Michigan beaches Sunday (3-5 ft waves). Monday: Tranquil. Tuesday-Wednesday: Active pattern returns; Wednesday is a day to watch for another significant severe weather event.═══════════════════════════════════════GLOBAL TEMPERATURE ROUNDUP═══════════════════════════════════════US High (Fri June 12): Death Valley, CA — 119°F (48.3°C) [WPC]US Low (Sat June 13): 25°F at Mackay ID, Foxpark WY, Stanley ID, Redfeather Lakes CO [WPC]World Airport High (June 13): Las Vegas McCarran — 108°FJerusalem: 33°C / 91°F (sunny)Tel Aviv: 26°C / 79°FTehran, Iran: ~98°F / 37°C (low humidity 24%)═══════════════════════════════════════WEATHER HISTORY — JUNE 13═══════════════════════════════════════On June 13, 1907, Tamarack, California recorded a temperature of just 2°F — the coldest June day in recorded US history. The high that day only reached 30°F, and the area was buried under 130 inches of snowpack after receiving 42 inches of snow between June 10-13.═══════════════════════════════════════FAMILY ACTIVITIES — WEEKEND JUNE 13-14═══════════════════════════════════════1. 51st Annual Wells Street Art Festival — Old Town Chicago, Sun June 14, free2. Riverside Arts Weekend (RAW) — Guthrie Park, Riverside, free, June 13-143. Old Orchard Vintage & Artisan Market — Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie, June 13-144. Shimmering Summer with Laura Doherty & Little Miss Ann — 11 AM & 12:30 PM, June 13-14═══════════════════════════════════════TOMORROW'S ZMANIM — SUNDAY JUNE 14, 2026═══════════════════════════════════════29 Sivan 5786Alos HaShachar: 3:20 AMEarliest Talis & Tefillin: 3:59 AMNetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:14:34 AMSof Zman Krias Shma: 9:02:53 AMSof Zman Tefila: 10:19:00 AMChatzos: 12:51 PMEarliest Mincha: 1:29 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:27:50 PM═══════════════════════════════════════FOOTER═══════════════════════════════════════Weather With Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily — morning forecasts at 7 AM every day on Spreaker, plus a historical weather deep-dive every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM CDT. Most podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music) typically receive new episodes within 1–3 hours of release.Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can correct it as quickly as possible.Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $5/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Global Heat Report — Sunday, June 14, 2026Weather With Enthusiasm | Kol Simcha ProductionsToday's global temperature extremes and a deep dive into what is making this one of the most remarkable heat events on record — across multiple continents simultaneously.WORLD HIGH (as of 15:00 UTC June 14): Sibi, Pakistan — 47°C / 116.6°FALSO: Adrar (Algeria) & Qarn Alam (Oman) — 46.9°C / 116.4°FKuwait International Airport — 46.5°C / 115.7°FUS HOTTEST: Death Valley, California — ~119°FFull NWS Las Vegas Forecast Discussion (forecaster Soulat, 2:35 AM PDT June 14):8-12°F above normal through Wednesday. Major to Extreme heat risk (Levels 3-4 of 4) Tuesday-Wednesday. Overnight lows in the mid-to-upper 80s in desert valleys. Dry lightning and gusty outflow winds also possible in higher terrain.ARCTIC ALERT: NWS Fairbanks issued its FIRST-EVER Heat Advisory (June 12-15) for temperatures up to 86°F in the Fairbanks metro area — nearly 20°F above normal. Flood watch for Arctic river basins due to rapid snowmelt. Greenland station at 70°N tied its all-time June temperature record at 18.7°C / 65.7°F.HISTORIC PAKISTAN/IRAN/ARABIAN PENINSULA SIEGE: Nawabshah, Pakistan tied its June record at 51°C / 123.8°F. Five stations in the region hit 50°C+ in a single day. Record overnight lows breaking across coastal South Asia.Sources: NWS Las Vegas AFD, WPC National High/Low, El Dorado Weather (Ogimet data), Arctic News Blog, Extreme Temps, Gizmodo/Alaska Climate Research Center.Weather With Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily — morning forecasts at 7 AM every day on Spreaker, plus a historical weather deep-dive every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM CDT.Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comSupport the show for just $5/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Morning Briefing — Sunday, June 14, 2026West Rogers Park, Chicago (ZIP 60645)═══════════════════════════════════════HEBREW DATE & PARSHA═══════════════════════════════════════29 Sivan 5786 — Erev Rosh Chodesh TamuzParashat KorachRosh Chodesh Tamuz: June 15 (30 Sivan) and June 16 (1 Tamuz) — two-day Rosh Chodesh═══════════════════════════════════════ZMANIM — JUNE 14, 2026═══════════════════════════════════════Alos HaShachar: 3:20 AMEarliest Talis & Tefillin: 3:59 AMNetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:14:34 AMSof Zman Krias Shma: 9:02:53 AMSof Zman Tefila: 10:19:00 AMChatzos: 12:51 PMEarliest Mincha: 1:29 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:27:50 PM═══════════════════════════════════════NWS CHICAGO FORECAST SUMMARY═══════════════════════════════════════Issued: 6:38 AM CDT Sunday June 14, 2026 — Forecasters CMS/Izzi, NWS Chicago/RomeovilleScattered showers and isolated thunderstorms through mid-morning as cold front sweeps through. Ending west to east by late morning. Northwest winds gusting to 30 mph through sunset. Highs mainly in the low to mid 70s. Afternoon: Partly cloudy, quieter. Beach Hazard Statement in effect for NW Indiana Lake Michigan beaches (Lake and Porter County, IN) through this evening — dangerous swimming conditions.Tuesday: SPC Level 1 severe threat, mainly afternoon, eastern forecast area.Wednesday: Potential significant severe weather event. PWAT 1.5-2 inches. Torrential rain and flooding also possible. Wednesday night/Thursday: possible repeat dangerous swimming conditions at Indiana beaches if gradient strengthens.═══════════════════════════════════════WEATHER HISTORY — JUNE 14═══════════════════════════════════════June 14, 1903 — The Heppner Disaster, Heppner, Oregon. A cloudburst in the hills sent a flash flood roaring down Willow Creek. A 20-foot wall of water swept away a third of the town in minutes, killing 236 residents. One of the deadliest flash floods in American history.═══════════════════════════════════════FAMILY ACTIVITIES — SUNDAY JUNE 14═══════════════════════════════════════1. jBaby Chicago Bagels in the Park — 10 AM–12 PM, parks across Chicagoland, Free (JUF)2. Andersonville Midsommarfest (final day) — Andersonville neighborhood, Free3. Cops & Bobbers Fishing Derby — 9 AM, Eldridge Park, Elmhurst, Free4. Wells Street Art Festival (final day) — Old Town Chicago, Free5. Pro Rodeo & Stampede — Sonny Acres Farm, West Chicago═══════════════════════════════════════TOMORROW'S ZMANIM — MONDAY JUNE 15 (ROSH CHODESH TAMUZ)═══════════════════════════════════════30 Sivan 5786 — First Day Rosh Chodesh TamuzAlos HaShachar: 3:20 AMEarliest Talis & Tefillin: 3:59 AMNetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:14:35 AMSof Zman Krias Shma: 9:03:00 AMSof Zman Tefila: 10:19:08 AMChatzos: 12:51 PMEarliest Mincha: 1:29 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:28:14 PM═══════════════════════════════════════FOOTER═══════════════════════════════════════Weather With Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily — morning forecasts at 7 AM every day on Spreaker, plus a historical weather deep-dive every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM CDT. Most podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music) typically receive new episodes within 1–3 hours of release.Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comNot affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $5/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Title: Severe Weather Outbreak Alert: Double-Digit Tornado Threat Timestamp Breakdown:00:00 - 00:17: Introduction to Weather with Enthusiasm and today's severe weather outlook.00:17 - 01:24: Overview of two storm rounds expected today (11 AM-3 PM & 4 PM-8 PM) and the "powerhouse" storm system.01:24 - 02:27: Discussion on extraordinary dew points (upper 70s-low 80s) fueling the system.02:27 - 03:30: Explanation of contrasting air masses, hot temperatures, and the triple point for tornado development.03:30 - 04:34: Forecasted tornado threat areas, particularly Wisconsin/Illinois state line and north of Chicago.04:34 - 05:37: Detailed explanation of "storm relative helicity" (high values indicate high tornado potential).05:37 - 06:40: Discussion on "effective shear," "upper level flow," and the "significant tornado parameter" (double-digit value indicating extreme risk).06:40 - 07:45: Recap of impressive storm characteristics and potential for a squall line later, including Chicago's tornado risk.07:45 - 08:46: Storm Prediction Center's assessment (Level 3, EF2/EF3+ tornado potential).08:46 - 09:48: Tornado safety tips: NOAA radios, Storm Shield app, Red Cross app, sturdy buildings, interior rooms, avoiding windows, mobile home safety.09:48 - 10:58: Further safety advice: avoid highway overpasses, find low ground, have multiple warning sources, and storm speed.10:58 - 11:42: Final wishes for safety, mention of heat and humidity, and the squall line.11:42 - 12:45: Outro, podcast details, and call to subscribe.Hashtags: #SevereWeather #TornadoOutbreak #WeatherAlert #MidwestWeather #StormSafety #TornadoWarning #ExtremeWeather #WeatherForecast #JuneStorms #WeatherEnthusiast #ChicagoWeather #IowaWeather #WisconsinWeather #WeatherUpdates #StormPredictionCenter #DewPoints #BarometricPressure #Supercells #WeatherPreparedness #StaySafeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

The Armistice Day Blizzard of 1940: The Storm That Killed the Duck HuntersWeather With Enthusiasm — Episode 8 | Kol Simcha Productions===========================================EPISODE SUMMARY===========================================On the morning of November 11, 1940 — Armistice Day — thousands of duck hunters across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois headed to the Mississippi River. The temperature was in the mid-50s. The sky was blue. The birds were flying. By nightfall, 154 people were dead.A rapidly deepening low-pressure system — one of the most intense ever recorded in the Midwest — exploded out of the Texas Panhandle and roared northeast. Temperatures plunged 30°F in hours. Winds reached 80 mph. The Mississippi ran 5-foot waves. Duck hunters stranded on river islands froze to death overnight. Three freighters sank on Lake Michigan. It remains one of the deadliest winter storms in American history.===========================================KEY FACTS===========================================Date: November 11–12, 1940Region: Texas Panhandle northeast through Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Lake MichiganTotal deaths: 154 (some estimates up to 210) - ~85 duck hunters (Mississippi River valley) - 66 sailors (Lake Michigan — SS Anna C. Minch, SS William B. Davock, SS Novadoc) - Remaining: motorists, train passengers, farmersMeteorological details: - Bombogenesis: pressure deepened explosively from Texas Panhandle on Nov 10 - Record low pressures: Charles City IA 28.92 inHg · La Crosse WI 28.72 inHg · Duluth MN 28.66 inHg - Wind gusts to 80 mph - Temperature swing: mid-50s °F → single digits overnight (30°F+ drop) - Snow totals: up to 26.6 inches in Collegeville, MN - Snowdrifts: up to 20 feetOther damage: - ~1.5 million turkeys killed (Minnesota and Iowa) - Tens of thousands of cattle lost - Thanksgiving turkey shortage — birds sold for 25 cents eachEyewitness (Dale Engler, hunting Mississippi River, MN):"At two o'clock the rain turned into wind-driven sleet and snow, and within the next two hours I saw more waterfowl than I've seen in my life."===========================================LEGACY===========================================The disaster exposed the failure of centralized Midwest forecasting (one Chicago office for the entire region). In the aftermath:- Regional Weather Bureau offices were established, including La Crosse, WI for the Upper Mississippi valley- Winter storm warning procedures were formalized- The modern network of local NWS forecast offices traces its origins in part to this storm===========================================SOURCES===========================================- NOAA/NWS La Crosse: https://www.weather.gov/arx/nov111940- NOAA/NWS Chicago: https://www.weather.gov/lot/1940Nov11_armisticeday- Ducks Unlimited: https://www.ducks.org/hunting/duck-hunting-stories/the-great-armistice-day-storm-of-1940- MeatEater: https://www.themeateater.com/hunt/waterfowl/bar-room-banter-armistice-day-the-day-85-duck-hunters-died- EBSCO Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/earth-and-atmospheric-sciences/armistice-day-blizzard===========================================New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.Weather With Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily — morning forecasts at 7 AM every day on Spreaker, plus a historical weather deep-dive every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM CDT. Most podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music) typically receive new episodes within 1–3 hours of release.Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can correct it as quickly as possible.Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $5/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha.#weather #history #blizzard #ArmisticeDayBlizzard #1940 #duckHunters #Minnesota #Wisconsin #LakeMichigan #WeatherWithEnthusiasm #KolSimchaProductions #extremeweather #podcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

THE NEW ENGLAND HURRICANE OF 1938 — THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWeather With Enthusiasm | Episode 7On September 21, 1938, a Category 3 hurricane moving at nearly 50 miles per hour slammed into Long Island and tore through New England — leaving at least 682 people dead and destroying tens of thousands of homes. No hurricane warning was ever issued. The United States Weather Bureau had downgraded the storm to a tropical storm just hours before it made landfall.This episode tells the full story: how the storm formed, why forecasters failed to see it coming, the catastrophic storm surges that submerged downtown Providence, and the young junior forecaster named Charles Pierce who predicted the disaster — and was overruled.New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.─────────────────────────────────────────────KEY FACTS─────────────────────────────────────────────DATE OF LANDFALL: September 21, 1938FIRST LANDFALL: Near Bellport, Long Island, NY — approximately 2:10–2:40 PM ESTSECOND LANDFALL: Between Bridgeport and New Haven, CT — approximately 4:00 PM ESTSTORM CATEGORY: Category 3 at landfallCENTRAL PRESSURE: 27.94 in (946.2 mb) at Bellport, NYFORWARD SPEED: ~47–50 mph (more than twice normal hurricane forward speed)ORIGIN: Tropical disturbance near Cape Verde Islands, early September 1938DEATH TOLL: 682–800 (direct fatalities) - Rhode Island/Connecticut/Long Island combined: ~600 - Massachusetts: 99 - New Hampshire: 13 - Vermont: 5 - Long Island: ~60 - Westhampton Beach, NY: 29INJURIES: At least 1,700HOMELESS: Approximately 63,000WIND SPEEDS: - Blue Hill Observatory (Milton, MA): sustained 121 mph; peak gust 186 mph - Providence, RI: sustained 100 mph; gust to 125 mph - Block Island, RI: sustained 91 mph; gust to 121 mph - Long Island landfall sustained: 120 mphSTORM SURGE: - Connecticut coast: 14–18 feet above normal - New London, CT to Cape Cod (including all of Rhode Island): 18–25 feet - Narragansett Bay / Providence: 15.8 feet above normal spring tides; over 13 feet of water in downtown Providence streets - Sandy Point, Prudence Island: 17 feet 5 inchesDAMAGE: - Homes/buildings destroyed: ~8,900 - Homes/buildings damaged: >15,000 - Trees destroyed: approximately 2 billion - Boats destroyed: ~3,300 - Cost: $620 million (1938 dollars); estimated ~$41 billion in 2010 dollarsMETEOROLOGICAL NOTES: - Storm tracked up the Gulf Stream, maintaining intensity due to extreme forward speed - Struck at autumnal equinox — astronomically high tides amplified the storm surge - Junior forecaster Charles Pierce correctly predicted New England landfall and was overruled - Weather Bureau had downgraded storm to "tropical storm" at 10 AM on the day of landfall - No hurricane warning was ever issued for Long Island or New England - Radio broadcaster E.B. Rideout (WEEI) independently warned listeners a hurricane was comingSPECIFIC TRAGEDIES: - Seven children killed when their school bus was blown into Mackerel Cove, Jamestown, RI - Whale Rock Lighthouse swept off its base; keeper Walter Eberle killed - Napatree Point (Westerly, RI) completely obliterated by surge - Actress Katharine Hepburn barely escaped her Old Saybrook, CT beach home; 95% of belongings lost - Brown University's original 1764 charter washed clean in a flooded Providence bank vaultLEGACY: - The Weather Bureau's forecast failure catalyzed major reforms in hurricane tracking and communication - Aircraft reconnaissance of Atlantic storms was developed in subsequent years - Providence's Fox Point Hurricane Barrier completed 1966, prompted by 1938 flooding (and Hurricane Carol 1954) - Remains the deadliest and most powerful hurricane ever to strike New York State and New England─────────────────────────────────────────────SOURCES─────────────────────────────────────────────- NOAA / National Weather Service Boston: https://www.weather.gov/box/1938hurricane- NOAA / National Weather Service New York: https://www.weather.gov/okx/1938hurricanehome- Wikipedia — 1938 New England hurricane: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1938_New_England_hurricane- PBS American Experience — The Hurricane of 1938: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/hurricane-path/- NY Sea Grant / Dr. Louis Uccellini interview: https://seagrant.sunysb.edu/articles/12902/nysg-coastal-processes-hazards-news-a-forecasting-fulcrum-insights-from-dr-louis-w-uccellini-on-the-1938-hurricane-nov-18- Lourdes B. Avilés, Taken by Storm 1938 (AMS Books, 2013)─────────────────────────────────────────────HASHTAGS─────────────────────────────────────────────#WeatherWithEnthusiasm #Hurricane1938 #NewEnglandHurricane #LongIslandExpress #WeatherHistory #ExtremeWeather #Hurricane #NewEngland #1938 #WeatherPodcast #KolSimchaProductions #HistoricalWeather #Providence #StormSurge─────────────────────────────────────────────Weather With Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions. New episodes drop daily — morning forecasts at 7 AM every day on Spreaker, plus a historical weather deep-dive every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM CDT. Most podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music) typically receive new episodes within 1–3 hours of release. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com. Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $5/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Morning Briefing — Thursday, June 11, 2026West Rogers Park, Chicago (ZIP 60645)Weather With Enthusiasm | Kol Simcha Productions═══════════════════════════════════════════HEBREW DATE & PARSHA═══════════════════════════════════════════Today: 26 Sivan 5786Parsha: Sh'lachThis Shabbos: Shabbos Mevarchim Chodesh TamuzMolad Tamuz: Monday, 6:46 AM + 16 chalakimRosh Chodesh Tamuz: Monday June 15 & Tuesday June 16═══════════════════════════════════════════TODAY'S ZMANIM — June 11, 2026 / 26 Sivan 5786(Per Agudath Israel of West Rogers Park, N42°0'14")═══════════════════════════════════════════Alos HaShachar: 3:21 AMEarliest Talis & Tefillin: 4:00 AMNetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:14 AMLatest Krias Shma: 9:02 AMLatest Tefila: 10:18 AMChatzos: 12:50 PMEarliest Mincha: 1:28 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:26 PM═══════════════════════════════════════════WEATHER SUMMARY═══════════════════════════════════════════HIGH-IMPACT SEVERE WEATHER DAY. NWS Chicago (forecaster Borchardt, issued 6:59 AM CDT) warns of multiple rounds of severe storms. Greatest threat: 4–11 PM. All hazards possible — tornadoes, destructive winds (70+ mph), destructive hail (2"+ diameter). Specific concern for strong to intense tornadoes (EF-3+) along and north of I-88, especially 4–8 PM. Surface low expected to deepen to lower-mid 990s mb (~29.23–29.29 inHg) lifting into central Wisconsin. MLCAPE locally 3,500 J/kg in warm sectorBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Lakewood Morning Briefing — Thursday, June 11, 2026Lakewood, New Jersey (ZIP 08701)Produced by Kol Simcha Productions━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━HEBREW DATE & PARSHA━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━26 Sivan 5786 | Parshas Sh'lachShabbos Mevarchim Chodesh TamuzMolad Tamuz: Monday, 6:46 AM + 16 chalakimRosh Chodesh Tamuz: Monday June 15 & Tuesday June 16 (two days)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TODAY'S ZMANIM — Thursday, June 11, 2026 | Lakewood NJ 08701━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Alos HaShachar (Dawn): 3:41 AMEarliest Talis & Tefillin: 4:16 AMNetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:27 AMLatest Krias Shma (GRA): 9:11 AMLatest Tefila (GRA): 10:26 AMChatzos (Midday): 12:56 PMMincha Gedola: 1:34 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:25 PMSource: HebCal.com — https://www.hebcal.com/zmanim?cfg=json&zip=08701&sec=1━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER SUMMARY━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━DANGEROUS HEAT DAY. Highs in the low to mid 90s with heat index values of 95–105°F across most of the area. Heat Advisory in effect through Friday. Severe thunderstorm risk this afternoon and evening (mainly 5–11 PM)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Borough Park Morning Briefing — Thursday, June 11, 2026 | Zmanim, NWS New York and MoreBorough Park, Brooklyn, New York | Weather With Enthusiasm — Kol Simcha Productions===========================================HEBREW DATE & PARSHA===========================================Hebrew Date: 26 Sivan 5786Parsha: Sh'lachShabbos Mevarchim Chodesh Tamuz: June 13, 2026Molad Tamuz: Monday, 6:46 AM and 16 chalakimRosh Chodesh Tamuz: June 15–16, 2026===========================================TODAY'S ZMANIM — Borough Park, Brooklyn (ZIP 11219)40.633°N 73.997°W | Elevation: 58m===========================================Alot HaShachar: 3:36:40 AMMisheyakir: 4:13:01 AMMisheyakir Machmir: 4:22:29 AMSunrise (Netz HaChama): 5:24:37 AMSof Zman Shma (GRA): 9:10:13 AMSof Zman Tefila (GRA): 10:25:24 AMChatzos: 12:55:48 PMMincha Gedola: 1:33:24 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:26:59 PM===========================================WEATHER SUMMARY — NWS UPTON (OKX)===========================================Issued: 3:13 AM EDT, Thursday June 11, 2026Forecasters: DW / MWToday: Hot and humid. Highs upper 80s to lower 90s. Heat Index mid-90s to lower 100s.Heat Advisory in effect: Noon today through 8 PM Friday for NYC metro.Air Quality Alert: 11 AM–11 PM today for NYC area.Thunderstorm Risk: Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms late afternoon/evening (approximately 4–9 PM). Main threats: damaging wind gusts, large hail, localized flash flooding. SPC: Slight Risk for severe storms.Weekend: Still hot (lower 90s), less humid after cold front. Periodic shower chances next week.Key Technical Notes:- 850 mb (~25.10 inHg) temps near 20°C → surface upper 80s/lower 90s- Dew points upper 60s–lower 70s → heat index mid-90s to 100+- High CAPE + marginal shear → pulse severe possible- PW ~2" → heavy downpours, max hourly rainfall up to 2"/hr- Record high June 11 at KNYC: 95°F (1973)===========================================WEATHER HISTORY — JUNE 11===========================================June 11, 2008 — EF3 Tornado Strikes Boy Scout Camp, Little Sioux, IowaAn EF3 tornado with 145 mph winds struck a Boy Scout camp near Little Sioux, Iowa, killing 4 teenage Scouts and injuring 48 others. Campers had sought shelter in a cabin when the tornado collapsed the chimney, sending concrete blocks onto them. The 1,800-acre camp had no in-ground shelter. It was the deadliest of dozens of severe weather reports across the northern Plains that day.Source: NWS, verified===========================================FAMILY ACTIVITIES — BROOKLYN/NYC, JUNE 11===========================================1. Lincoln Center's Summer for the City — Starts today, runs June 11–Aug 9 | FREE/pay-what-you-can | Lincoln Center, Upper West Side | 200+ events including kids musical storytimes, jazz, dance2. Photoville Photography Festival — Through June 22 | FREE | Brooklyn Bridge Park, Emily Warren Roebling Plaza | 80+ exhibits, free kid activity packs at info tent3. FIFA World Cup Watch Party — Today 2–7 PM | FREE | Brooklyn Army Terminal, Sunset Park4. Shakespeare in the Park: Julius Caesar — Through July 5 | FREE | Delacorte Theater, Central Park5. Prospect Park Carousel — Open daily | Small fee | Prospect Park, Brooklyn | The beloved 1912 carouselNOTE: Brooklyn Children's Museum is CLOSED Thursday June 11.===========================================TOMORROW'S ZMANIM — Friday June 12 (Erev Shabbos)===========================================Alot HaShachar: 3:36:23 AMMisheyakir: 4:12:49 AMMisheyakir Machmir: 4:22:19 AMSunrise (Netz HaChama): 5:24:32 AMSof Zman Shma (GRA): 9:10:16 AMSof Zman Tefila (GRA): 10:25:31 AMChatzos: 12:56:00 PMMincha Gedola: 1:33:37 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:27:27 PM===========================================SHABBOS TIMES — Shabbos Sh'lach / Mevarchim Chodesh TamuzFri June 12 – Sat June 13, 2026 | 27–28 Sivan 5786===========================================Hadlakas Neiros (Candle Lighting): 8:09 PM Friday, June 12 (18 minutes before Shkiah — Borough Park minhag)Havdalah: 9:18 PM Saturday, June 13 (50 minutes after sunset — local custom)Gut Shabbos and Gut Chodesh!===========================================Weather With Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily — morning forecasts at 7 AM every day on Spreaker, plus a historical weather deep-dive every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM CDT. Most podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music) typically receive new episodes within 1–3 hours of release.Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can correct it as quickly as possible.Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $5/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha.===========================================#weather #zmanim #BoroughPark #Brooklyn #NWS #morningbriefing #Shlach #Shabbos #MevarchimTamuz #NewYork #WeatherWithEnthusiasm #KolSimchaProductionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Jerusalem Morning Briefing — Thursday, June 11, 2026 | Zmanim, IMS Israel and MoreJerusalem, Israel | Weather With Enthusiasm — Kol Simcha Productions═══════════════════════════════════════════HEBREW DATE & PARSHA (ISRAEL CYCLE)═══════════════════════════════════════════Hebrew Date: 26 Sivan 5786Parsha (Israel cycle): Korach Israel is one parsha ahead of the diaspora this week. Israel reads Korach this Shabbos (June 13, 28 Sivan). Diaspora reads Sh'lach June 13.Shabbos Mevarchim Chodesh Tamuz: June 13, 2026 Molad Tamuz: Monday, 6:46 AM and 16 chalakimRosh Chodesh Tamuz: June 15–16, 2026Daf Yomi: Chullin 42═══════════════════════════════════════════TODAY'S ZMANIM — Jerusalem (31.769°N 35.216°E, elev. 786m)═══════════════════════════════════════════Alot HaShachar (16.1°): 4:05:56 AMMisheyakir (Lenient 11.5°): 4:33:44 AMMisheyakir (Machmir 10.2°): 4:41:18 AMHanetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:33:06 AMSof Zman Shma (GRA): 9:05:59 AMSof Zman Tefila (GRA): 10:16:56 AMChatzos (Solar Noon): 12:38:51 PMMincha Gedola: 1:14:20 PMMincha Ketana: 4:47:12 PMPlag HaMincha: 6:15:54 PMShkiah (Sunset): 7:44:36 PMTzeit HaKochavim (42 min): 8:26:36 PM═══════════════════════════════════════════WEATHER SUMMARY — IMS ISRAEL═══════════════════════════════════════════Issued: Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 4:12 AM IDTSource: Israel Meteorological Service (ims.gov.il)Today — Jerusalem: Conditions: Partly cloudy to clear; early morning mountain obscuration clearing by 10 AM High: 28°C (82°F) | Low: 16°C (61°F) Wind: 3 km/h east (gusts to 10 km/h) Humidity: 83% (early morning, drops significantly by midday) UV Index: 11 — EXTREME (sun protection essential 10 AM–4 PM)Active IMS Warnings:

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Baltimore Morning Briefing — Thursday, June 11, 2026 | Zmanim, NWS Baltimore and MoreWeather With Enthusiasm | Kol Simcha Productions━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━HEBREW DATE & PARSHA━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Today: 26 Sivan 5786Parsha: Sh'lachShabbos Mevarchim Chodesh TamuzMolad Tamuz: Monday, 6:46 AM + 16 chalakimRosh Chodesh Tamuz: Monday–Tuesday, June 15–16━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TODAY'S ZMANIM — Thursday, June 11, 2026Baltimore, MD 21215━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Alos HaShachar (Dawn): 3:55 AMEarliest Talis & Tefillin: 4:30 AMNetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:39 AMLatest Krias Shma (GRA): 9:23 AMLatest Tefila (GRA): 10:37 AMChatzos (Halachic Midday): 1:06 PMEarliest Mincha (Mincha Gedola): 1:43 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:33 PMSource: https://www.hebcal.com/zmanim?cfg=json&zip=21215&sec=1━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER SUMMARY — NWS Sterling, VA (Baltimore/Washington)Issued: 3:11 AM EDT, Thu Jun 11, 2026 | Forecasters: LFR/BRO/KLW/DHOF━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━HEAT ADVISORY in effect 11 AM–8 PM EDT for Baltimore and areas near/east of I-95.- Highs: lower to mid 90s°F- Heat Index: near 105°F near Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay- Strong to severe thunderstorms likely late afternoon/evening- Damaging wind gusts and isolated large hail possible- Friday: More heat and humidity, higher storm threat with approaching cold front- Saturday: Cold frontal passage brings relief — lower humidity, more sunshine, highs in lower 80s- Late Sunday into Monday: Another round of showers/thunderstorms with cold frontSource: https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=LWX&issuedby=LWX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=0━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━KIDS & FAMILY ACTIVITIES — Baltimore, June 11, 2026━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━1. Port Discovery Children's Museum — 10 AM–5 PM | 35 Market Place, Baltimore | $25.95/person2. Fratino and Matisse: To See This Light Again (opens today) — Baltimore Museum of Art, N. Charles St.3. Baltimore Children & Youth Fund Community Exhibition 2026 — Baltimore (today only)4. Inner Harbor Paddle & Flow — Begins today, runs through Aug 27 | Baltimore Inner Harbor5. Homeschool Day — Baltimore museum venue (details at visitmaryland.org)Sources: https://www.visitmaryland.org/baltimore-events-exciting-happenings-charm-city | https://www.portdiscovery.org━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER HISTORY — June 11━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━On June 11, 1972, meteorologists first observed banded convection in the northwest Caribbean Sea — the earliest traceable origin of what would become Hurricane Agnes. Agnes made landfall in Florida on June 19, then combined with an extratropical system to dump catastrophic rainfall across the Mid-Atlantic. Maryland's Patapsco River valley saw water rise 40 feet above normalBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Thank you for all those that support this podcast  If you benefit from these episodes and are able to provide support- your help is greatly appreciated. Morning Briefing — Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | Zmanim, NWS Chicago and MoreWest Rogers Park, Chicago (ZIP 60645) | Weather With Enthusiasm — Kol Simcha Productions═══════════════════════════════════════════HEBREW DATE & PARSHA═══════════════════════════════════════════Hebrew Date: 25 Sivan 5786Parsha: Shelach — The story of the Meraglim (spies). Kalev and Yehoshua stood firm with faith: "We are surely able to go up and take the land."Shabbos Mevarchim Chodesh Tamuz: June 13, 2026 (28 Sivan 5786)Rosh Chodesh Tamuz: June 15–16, 2026Daf Yomi: Chullin 41═══════════════════════════════════════════TODAY'S ZMANIM — ZIP 60645 (West Rogers Park)═══════════════════════════════════════════Alot HaShachar (Dawn, 16.1°): 3:22:08 AMMisheyakir (Lenient 11.5°): 4:00:38 AMMisheyakir (Machmir 10.2°): 4:10:33 AMHanetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:14:54 AMSof Zman Shma (GRA): 9:02:39 AMSof Zman Shma (Magen Avraham): 8:26:39 AMSof Zman Tefila (GRA): 10:18:35 AMSof Zman Tefila (Magen Avraham): 9:54:34 AMChatzos (Halachic Midday): 12:50:25 PMMincha Gedola (Earliest Mincha): 1:28:22 PMMincha Ketana (Preferred Mincha): 5:16:08 PMPlag HaMincha: 6:51:02 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:25:55 PMTzeit HaKochavim (42 min): 9:07:55 PM═══════════════════════════════════════════WEATHER SUMMARY — NWS CHICAGO (LOT)═══════════════════════════════════════════Issued: 2:42 AM CDT Wednesday June 10, 2026 | Forecaster: Borchardt⚠ KEY MESSAGE: Today and Thursday will be hot and humid with multiple rounds of severe storms. Thursday is the day of greatest concern.TODAY:• Morning: Dense fog near Lake Michigan shoreline (Dense Fog Advisory thru 7 AM near I-94). Marine fog clearing.• Midday: Heat index 95–100°F by noon. Mid-upper 80s.• Storm Window 1 (1–6 PM): Upper-level shortwave from central Plains. MLCAPE >3,000 J/kg, PWAT near 2", deep-layer shear 30–35kt. Outflow-dominant storm clusters, damaging to destructive winds 60–80 mph possible, mainly along/north of I-80.• Storm Window 2 (6–10 PM): Secondary shortwave. Possible QLCS tornadoes if bowing segment intersects outflow-reinforced warm front. Coverage decreases NW to SE evening.• Small Craft Advisory: 2 PM–9 PM, IL/IN nearshore waters.THURSDAY (Greater Concern):• Surface low deepens to lower 990s mb (~29.24 inHg), lifts into central Wisconsin.• Morning Window (11 AM–2 PM): Possible gravity-wave supercells from NE Iowa/NW Illinois. Damaging hail up to 2", destructive winds.• Afternoon/Evening Window (3–9 PM): MLCAPE >2,500 J/kg, effective shear >50kt. ALL HAZARDS: tornadoes (EF-2+ possible), damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding.• 0–1km SRH >300 J/kg — significant tornado parameter.• QPF: 3–7 inch widespread, pockets up to 8 inches. Flood Watch possible.FRIDAY–SATURDAY: Surface high. Upper 70s–80°F. Dry and pleasant. Relief.NEXT WEEK: Cool, expansive troughing, periodic rain chances, nothing severe.═══════════════════════════════════════════WEATHER HISTORY — JUNE 10═══════════════════════════════════════════El Dorado, Kansas F4 Tornado — June 10, 1958At 5:45 PM, an F4 (possibly F5) tornado tore through El Dorado, Butler County, Kansas. In approximately two minutes, it destroyed ~200 homes across a 45-block area, killed 15 people, and injured 50+. A car was thrown 100 yards into the air, crashing through a roof. A survivor found a broken record beside her after being flung 60 feet from her home — the record was titled "Stormy Weather."Sources: NOAA NWS Wichita; Grazulis, Significant Tornadoes 1680–1991═══════════════════════════════════════════FAMILY ACTIVITIES — CHICAGO METRO, JUNE 10═══════════════════════════════════════════1. Toyota Movie Night at Gallagher Way — Zootopia 2 | FREE | Gates 6 PM, Movie 7:30 PM | N Clark St, Chicago IL 60613 (check storm timing before heading out)2. Movies in the Parks — Bartelme Park | Zootopia 2 | FREE | 8:45 PM | Chicago Park District3. Lincoln Park Zoo | 2400 N Cannon Dr | FREE | Open daily4. Brookfield Zoo — Dinos Exhibit | 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield | Fee applies5. Kids Bowl Free Summer Program | FREE daily for kids | kidsbowlfree.com═══════════════════════════════════════════TOMORROW'S ZMANIM — ZIP 60645 (June 11, 2026)═══════════════════════════════════════════Alot HaShachar: 3:21:46 AMMisheyakir (Lenient): 4:00:22 AMMisheyakir (Machmir): 4:10:19 AMHanetz HaChama: 5:14:46 AMSof Zman Shma (GRA): 9:02:41 AMSof Zman Tefila (GRA): 10:18:40 AMChatzos: 12:50:36 PMMincha Gedola: 1:28:36 PMShkiah: 8:26:27 PMNote: Tomorrow is Thursday — Shabbos times for Parshas Shelach will be in Thursday's briefing.═══════════════════════════════════════════Sources for this episode:Jewish Calendar & Zmanim- Hebrew date, Parsha, and Rosh Chodesh info: Hebcal.com (hebcal.com) and Chabad.org (chabad.org/calendar)- Zmanim with exact seconds for zip 60645: MyZmanim.com (myzmanim.com) | Also available at: OU Zmanim (ou.org/zmanim) and Chabad Zmanim (chabad.org/calendar/zmanim)- GRA & Magen Avraham opinions explained: chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/134527Daf Yomi- Today's daf confirmed: Dafyomi Advancement Forum (dafyomi.co.il)Weather Forecast- All forecast data sourced directly from the NWS Chicago/Romeoville Area Forecast Discussion (AFD), issued 2:42 AM CDT, June 10, 2026, authored by forecaster Borchardt: forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=LOT&product=AFD&site=lot- GOES-19 satellite information: NOAA GOES-R Program (goes-r.gov)- NWS Chicago Decision Support Briefing: weather.gov/lotWeather History — El Dorado, KS Tornado (June 10, 1958)- Grazulis, Thomas P.  Significant Tornadoes 1680–1991. Environmental Films, 1993.- TornadoTalk.com summary: tornadotalk.com/el-dorado-ks-f4-tornado-june-10-1958/- NOAA Climatological Data National Summary (CDNS), June 1958Zmanim & Map ReferenceLocation coordinates (N42°0′10″, W87°42′0″) verified via Windy appAgudath Israel of West Rogers Park: 2801 W. Pratt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60645 | aywrp.orgWeather With Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— morning forecasts at 7 AM every day on Spreaker (except Shabnos, Saturday)plus a historical weather deep-dive every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM CDT.  Most podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music) typically receive new episodes within 1–3 hours of release.Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. When it is actually verified it will usually say so in the episode description. The Youtube and 24/6 platforms are difficult to update should there be a mistake. The most up-to-date podcast could be found on speaker.comShould you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $5/month atspreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha.#weather #zmanim #Chicago #NWS #morningbriefing #severeweather #Shelach #WestRogersPark #WeatherWithEnthusiasm #KolSimchaProductionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simchaThis episode includes AI-generated content.

(Cloud Mountain Retreat Center)

(Cloud Mountain Retreat Center)

 Fact-Checked: Weather with Enthusiasm – (June 9, 2026)This episode has been independently fact-checked. Here's what held up — and what didn't.**✅ Confirmed Accurate**- St. Louis heat advisory (noon–10 PM CDT) and heat index values for the metro area- Cape Girardeau, MO dew points in the upper 70s and heat index near 108°F- Scott City, MO heat index up to 115°F (consistent with 83°F dew point + 91°F temp); 115°F = 46°C conversion is correct- SPC Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for the Northern Plains, including Bismarck, Fargo, Minot, Mandan, Jamestown, Devils Lake, and Sioux Falls- 10% hatched tornado risk (EF2+ possible) and 45% damaging wind probability for the Northern Plains- Elevated Mixed Layer (EML), triple point, and CAPE/shear explanations are meteorologically accurate- Portugal's Mora reaching 40.3°C (104.5°F) — confirmed as a national May record by IPMA- Kew Gardens, London hitting 35.1°C on May 26 — confirmed as UK's hottest May day on record- WHO formally flagged extreme heat as a permanent public health crisis in Europe (June 2, 2026)- Heat is the #1 U.S. weather-related killer on a 30-year average — confirmed by NOAA data Minor Notes**- In the intro, "590 decimeters" should be "590 **decameters**" (dam) — the correct unit for 500 mb geopotential heights. The AI-voiced segment uses the right term.- Seville and Córdoba temperatures were forecast at ~36°C; 37°C is at the very top of the range. "Fito, France, 39°C" during the late-May European heat wave could not be confirmed. France's documented peak for that event was ~37.8°C (Angoulême-La Couronne).Podcast Title: Weather with Enthusiasm: Midwest Inferno & Global Heatwave Timestamp Breakdown:00:00 - 00:15: Introduction and current date/time.00:16 - 01:22: Overview of the powerful summer air mass, high dew points, and severe weather outbreak in the Midwest. Specific mentions of high dew points in Texas and Missouri.01:23 - 02:22: Detailed breakdown of specific locations in Missouri and Illinois with extreme temperatures, dew points, and heat indexes (St. Louis, University City, Maconda, Eden Park, Cape Girardeau, Scott City).02:23 - 03:25: Continued extreme heat data for Scott City, Paducah (brief mention), Chicago, and the presence of a heat dome to the south suppressing thunderstorms.03:26 - 04:18: Discussion of the heat dome's impact on thunderstorm development and a transition to the AI-voiced segment covering global heat.04:19 - 05:21: AI voice introduces the dynamic atmospheric setup, brutal Midwest humidity, multi-day severe weather threat, and European heatwave. Explanation of the heat dome and its impact on bringing tropical air north.05:22 - 06:25: Deep dive into the danger of high dew points, specifically in Cape Girardeau and Scott City, Missouri, with heat indexes pushing life-threatening levels. Mentions of model verification.06:26 - 07:26: Official heat advisories and major heat risk levels from NWS Paducah, emphasizing the likelihood of heat illness.07:27 - 08:31: NWS St. Louis and Chicago forecast discussions, including heat advisories, heat index predictions, and the potential extension of advisories.08:32 - 09:32: Explanation of the Elevated Mixed Layer (EML) and its role as a "secret ingredient" for severe weather, capping the atmosphere and providing steep lapse rates for thunderstorm fuel.09:33 - 10:34: Severe weather environment details, including high CAPE values and shear. Discussion of the Storm Prediction Center's outlook for the Northern Plains (enhanced risk, widespread damage, tornado risk).10:35 - 11:48: Location of the "triple point" for severe weather in the Dakotas, dry line, and warm front interaction. Looking ahead to Wednesday's enhanced risk in Northern Illinois (damaging winds, hail, tornado).11:49 - 12:50: NWS St. Louis and Chicago forecasts for Wednesday and Thursday, detailing the evolution of severe weather from supercells to quasi-linear convective systems (QLCF) with various hazards.12:51 - 13:28: Crucial safety reminders for tornado watches and warnings, including seeking shelter and avoiding vehicles/mobile homes. Heat safety advice (hydration, checking on others).13:29 - 14:00: International weather update: Spain's split temperatures with sizzling heat in the south and an upcoming heatwave forecast.14:01 - 15:03: Broader European heat pattern, historic events in May, and the World Health Organization's classification of heat as a public health crisis. UK's upcoming humid heatwave.15:04 - 15:39: US heat dome shifting westward into the desert Southwest.15:40 - 16:16: Relief for the Midwest expected by Friday, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. A recap of extreme heat index numbers from earlier.16:17 - 17:19: Conclusion: Summary of active weather stretch, brutal humidity, multi-day severe weather, and the persistent heat dome. Call to action for listeners to stay alert, hydrated, and check on loved ones. Podcast outro and supporter club mention.17:20 - 18:33: Bonus segment on extreme heat in the Arctic, including high temperatures, rapid warming, and a heat dome interacting with an atmospheric river. Promotion of another podcast.20 Hashtags:#WeatherWithEnthusiasm#MidwestHeatwave#SevereWeather#HeatDome#DewPointDanger#HeatAdvisory#TornadoRisk#EML#GlobalWarming#EuropeanHeat#ClimateChange#StormPrediction#Meteorology#WeatherPodcast#ClimateCrisis#HeatIndex#StayHydrated#WeatherSafety#ArcticHeat#ExtremeWeatherBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

The Dust Bowl: America's Decade of Darkness | 1930sWeather With Enthusiasm | Kol Simcha ProductionsEpisode 6 | Tuesday, June 9, 2026EPISODE SUMMARYThe story of the Dust Bowl — the greatest human-caused ecological disaster in American history. This episode covers the decade of drought and dust storms that devastated the Great Plains from 1930 to 1939, with a focus on Black Sunday, April 14, 1935, when a wall of blackness one thousand feet tall and moving at sixty miles per hour swallowed the southern Plains in total darkness in the middle of the afternoon.KEY FACTSDates: 1930–1939 (drought waves: 1930-31, 1934, 1936, 1939-40)Geographic core: Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, southwestern Kansas, southeastern Colorado, northeastern New MexicoAffected area: 100 million acres of Great Plains farmlandTopsoil loss: More than 75% of topsoil lost in most severely affected countiesBLACK SUNDAY — April 14, 1935 (Palm Sunday)- Dust wall: 500–1,000 feet tall, moving at 60 mph- Coverage: 800 miles long, 300–500 miles wide (central Nebraska to Mexican border)- Topsoil displaced: An estimated 300,000 tons- Visibility: Zero for 12–20 minutes across panhandle citiesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Morning Briefing — Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | Zmanim, NWS Chicago and MoreWest Rogers Park, Chicago (ZIP 60645) | Weather With Enthusiasm — Kol Simcha Productions═══════════════════════════════════════════HEBREW DATE & PARSHA═══════════════════════════════════════════Hebrew Date: 24 Sivan 5786Parsha: Beha'alotcha• Aharon HaKohen kindles the Menorah• Journeys of the Jewish people in the wilderness• Laws of Pesach Sheni — the second Passover opportunity═══════════════════════════════════════════TODAY'S ZMANIM — ZIP 60645 (West Rogers Park)═══════════════════════════════════════════Alos HaShachar (Dawn): 3:22 AMMisheyakir (Earliest Talis/Tefillin): 4:00 AM (lenient) / 4:10 AM (machmir)Netz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:15 AMSof Zman Shma (GRA): 9:02 AMSof Zman Tefila: 10:18 AMChatzos (Halachic Midday): 12:50 PMMincha Gedola (Earliest Mincha): 1:28 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:25 PM═══════════════════════════════════════════WEATHER SUMMARY — NWS CHICAGO (LOT)═══════════════════════════════════════════Issued: 3:12 AM CDT Tuesday June 9, 2026 | Forecaster: BorchardtToday: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy, mid-upper 80s. Isolated afternoon showers possible, mainly south. PWATs near 2" (tropical moisture). Generally manageable.Tonight: MUCAPE >3,000 J/kg, shear >30kt — Level 1 of 5 severe storm risk. Isolated storms possible as convective cap weakens. 30-40% PoP.Wednesday (BIG CONCERN): Two storm windows: - 2–6 PM: EML breaks, possible supercells north of I-88. MUCAPE >5,000 J/kg, shear 25-30kt. SPC Level 2-3 of 5. - 6 PM–midnight: Cold front squall line, training/flash flood risk, tornado risk possible. Heat indices approaching/locally exceeding 100°F. Upper 80s–low 90s.Thursday: SPC Level 3 of 5. MUCAPE >3,000 J/kg, 0-3km SRH >300 J/kg. All-hazard threat: tornadoes, destructive winds, hail, flash flooding. Hottest day south of I-80.Friday–Saturday: Relief. Surface high, upper 70s–80°F.Next week: Expansive troughing, cool, periodic storm chances.═══════════════════════════════════════════WEATHER HISTORY — JUNE 9═══════════════════════════════════════════1972 Black Hills / Rapid City Flood — June 9, 1972Nearly stationary thunderstorms dumped up to 15 inches of rain in 6 hours over the Black Hills of South Dakota. Canyon Lake Dam failed at 10:45 PM, sending a wall of water through Rapid City. 238 killed, 3,057 injured, 1,335 homes destroyed, $165 million in damage (~$1.23 billion today).Source: NOAA NWS Rapid City | USGS═══════════════════════════════════════════FAMILY ACTIVITIES — CHICAGO METRO, JUNE 9═══════════════════════════════════════════1. Brookfield Zoo — Dinos Exhibit | 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield | Open today | Admission required | brookfieldzoo.org2. Kids Bowl Free Summer Program | Participating bowling centers | FREE for kids daily | kidsbowlfree.com3. Lincoln Park Zoo | 2400 N Cannon Dr, Chicago | Open daily | FREE admission4. Chicago Cultural Center | 78 E Washington St | Open daily | FREE5. TOMORROW (June 10): Gallagher Way Outdoor Movie — Zootopia 2 | Next to Wrigley Field═══════════════════════════════════════════TOMORROW'S ZMANIM — ZIP 60645 (June 10, 2026)═══════════════════════════════════════════Alos HaShachar: 3:22 AMMisheyakir: 4:00 AM (lenient) / 4:10 AM (machmir)Netz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:14 AMSof Zman Shma (GRA): 9:02 AMSof Zman Tefila: 10:18 AMChatzos: 12:50 PMMincha Gedola: 1:28 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:25 PM═══════════════════════════════════════════NOTE: No Shabbos times today — this is a Tuesday episode.Next Shabbos: June 13, 2026 | Parshas Sh'lach | Mevarchim Chodesh TamuzRosh Chodesh Tamuz: June 15–16, 2026═══════════════════════════════════════════Weather With Enthusiasm is ranked #10 on FeedSpot's "20 Best Weather Podcasts" list (updated June 3, 2026).New morning briefings every day at 7 AM local time. Historical weather episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.Produced by Kol Simcha Productions | Chicago, Illinois#weather #zmanim #Chicago #NWS #morningbriefing #forecast #Jewishtimes #WestRogersPark #WeatherWithEnthusiasmBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Title:Elevate Your Broadcast with an Unforgettable Weather Segment Summary:This audio promotes a meteorological broadcaster who offers accurate, engaging, and enthusiastic weather forecasts. He explains storm systems, delivers temperature trends with passion, and issues severe weather alerts that captivate audiences. Listeners are encouraged to contact "kolsimcha productionsoutlook.com" or "weatherwithenthusiasmmail.com" to bring this dynamic weather delivery to their show.Hashtags: #WeatherBroadcaster #Meteorology #BroadcastTalent #EngagingWeather #ForecastExpert #Weathercaster #PodcastGuest #MediaOpportunity #UnforgettableBroadcast #WeatherEnthusiastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

 Title: Weather with Enthusiasm: Flash Flood Risk, Tropical Rain & Historic Tornado Timestamp Breakdown:00:00 Welcome & Today's Overview (June 8, 2026)01:02 West Rogers Park Zmanim (GRA & Baal Hatanya Nets Hama)02:13 Chicago Forecast: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, Flash Flooding & Funnel Clouds03:14 NWS Deep Dive: Low Pressure Systems, Warm Fronts & Atmospheric Instability04:15 Technical Weather Explained: Lapse Rates, Freezing Levels & PWATs05:19 Tropical Rain Rates, Flash Flood Risk & Slow-Moving Supercells06:25 Tonight's Fog & Tomorrow's Heatwave Outlook07:28 Severe Weather Threat for the Week Ahead (Supercells & All Hazards)07:54 On This Date in Weather History: The 1953 Flint-Beecher Tornado08:32 Impact of the Flint-Worcester Outbreak on Weather Forecasting09:03 Rainy Day Activities for Families in Chicago (Indoor Options)11:43 Tomorrow's Zmanim (June 9, 2026) & Tuesday's Forecast12:47 Closing Remarks, Supporter Club & FarewellZmanim (Halachic Times) - West Rogers Park, IL (Zip 60645) - GRA & Baal Hatanya Nets Hama Monday, June 8, 2026 (23rd of Sivan 5786)Nets Hama: 5:15:24 AMLatest Kriat Shema: 9:02:44 AMLatest Tefillah (Morning Prayers): 10:18:31 AMHazot: 12:50:04 PMMincha Gedola (Earliest Mincha): 1:27:57 PMShkiya: 8:24:45 PMTuesday, June 9, 2026 (24th of Sivan 5786)Alos Hashachar: 3:22:40 AMMisha Akir (Earliest Tallis & Tefillin): 4:10:55 AMNets Hama: 5:15:12 AMLatest Kriat Shema: 9:02:44 AMLatest Tefillah (Morning Prayers): 10:18:34 AMKhatsot: 12:50:16 PMMincha Gedola (Earliest Mincha): 1:28:11 PMShkiya: 8:25:20 PMHashtags: #WeatherWithEnthusiasm #ChicagoWeather #FlashFloodRisk #TropicalRain #SevereWeather #NWS #Zmanim #Halacha #WestRogersPark #WeatherHistory #FlintBeecherTornado #IndoorActivities #FamilyFun #ChicagoKids #June8th #MondayMotivation #WeatherForecast #StormSafety #HeatwaveBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Weather with EnthusiasmZmanim, Chicago Storm Physics, and What the Sky Means for Your Day Show NotesToday's episode explores the intersection of halachic prayer times, atmospheric science, and severe weather across Chicago, Baltimore, Lakewood, Brooklyn, and St. Louis. We break down today's Zmanim for June 8, 2026, including dawn, sunrise, latest Shema, chatzo, sunset, and nightfall for each city, showing how geography and season shift the day. The weather discussion focuses on a very active setup in Chicago, where a stationary front, high theta-e, steep lapse rates, high precipitable water, CAPE, weak shear, and ambient vorticity create a serious flash-flood and wet microburst risk. The episode also explains key National Weather Service terms in plain English, including hydro concern, theta-e gradient, lapse rates, P-WAT, shear, vorticity, and shortwave troughs. A historical segment revisits the devastating Beecher, Michigan F5 tornado of June 8, 1953, and explains how that tragedy helped change U.S. tornado warning policy, expand radar use, and build the modern spotter network. The episode closes with practical indoor ideas for Chicago families on a stormy day, including the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and the Field Museum. ## Hashtags#WeatherWithEnthusiasm #Zmanim #ChicagoWeather #SevereWeather #StormPhysics #FlashFlooding #Meteorology #NationalWeatherService #Halacha #TornadoHistory #ChicagoFamilyActivities #WeatherBriefing [1]Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Episode Title: St. Louis Sizzles: Extreme Heat Advisory & Tropical Dew Points Timestamp Breakdown:0:00 - 1:04: Introduction: Intense St. Louis Heatwave, Unusual Upper 70s Dew Points Expected1:04 - 2:12: Dew Points Rising in Afternoon, NWS Heat Advisory Issued, Mid-90s on Wednesday/Thursday with Ozark Winds2:12 - 3:14: St. Louis Summer Forecast, Chicago Heat, East Coast Warmth, Potential Gulf Tropical Development3:14 - 4:14: Podcast Intro, Current St. Louis Conditions: 84F, 75F Dew Point - The Story of the Day4:14 - 5:15: Explaining Oppressive Humidity (75F Dew Point), Heat Index 92F, NWS St. Louis Key Message 1: Showers/Storms Continue5:15 - 6:21: NWS Key Message 2: Flash Flood Threat & Flood Watch, NWS Key Message 3: Damaging Winds/Tornado Threat in SE MO/SW IL6:21 - 7:21: NWS Key Message 4: Multi-Day Heat Event (90s through Thursday), NWS Key Message 5: Heat Index 105F+ on Tuesday7:21 - 8:28: Heat Advisory Details (St. Louis & Illinois Counties), What a Heat Advisory Means (100-109F Heat Index)8:28 - 9:37: Explaining Upper 70s Dew Points (Tropical Air), Why Sweat Doesn't Work, Upper-Level Ridge Effect9:37 - 10:29: Wednesday/Thursday Forecast: Hotter but Slightly Lower Dew Points, Cold Front Relief by Thursday Night10:29 - 11:08: Essential Heat Safety Tips: Hydration, A/C, Checking on Vulnerable, Never Leave Kids/Pets in Cars11:08 - 13:58: Zmanim for St. Louis (June 8, 2026): Detailed Halachic Times13:58 - 14:52: Weekly Outlook: Tonight's Storms, Tuesday's Extreme Heat, Wednesday/Thursday Heat, Weekend Relief & Closing Remarks20 Hashtags: #StLouisWeather #HeatAdvisory #ExtremeHeat #DewPoint #TropicalHumidity #FlashFloodWarning #SevereWeather #WeatherForecast #StLouis #MissouriWeather #WeatherEnthusiasm #SummerHeat #HeatWave #HeatSafety #NWSSTL #Zmanim #HalachicTimes #WeatherPodcast #CommunityCare #StaySafeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Morning Briefing — Sunday, June 7, 2026West Rogers Park, Chicago (ZIP 60645)Weather With Enthusiasm | Kol Simcha ProductionsHEBREW DATE & PARSHA22 Sivan 5786 | Parashas Beha'alotchaParsha highlights: Aaron kindles the menorahBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

National Synoptic Briefing — Heat Dome WeekWeather With Enthusiasm | Kol Simcha ProductionsSaturday, June 6, 2026EPISODE SUMMARYA full national synoptic weather briefing covering the atmospheric setup across the continental United States for the week of June 6, 2026. This episode covers the heat dome building across the South and Plains, the Bermuda High's grip on the eastern US, Gulf of Mexico sea surface temperatures and their role in extreme humidity, surface high and low pressure systems with barometric readings, upper-level ridge and trough positions, dew points, and city-by-city temperature forecasts both short-term and extended.KEY SYNOPTIC FEATURES- Heat Dome / Subtropical Ridge: Centered over East Texas. 500mb heights of 590 dam. 850mb temps 17–20°C. Heat indices 100–107°F across Texas and Gulf Coast next week.- Bermuda High: Locked over western Atlantic, pumping tropical moisture northward via SSW flow. PWATs above 2" across Georgia and South Florida.- Gulf of Mexico SSTs: Running 1–2°F above historical averages, approximately 80–84°F (27–29°C). PWATs of 2.0–2.2" over southeast Texas (Houston).- Upper-Level Ridge/Trough: Classic omega block — western trough (Pacific Coast) vs. eastern ridge (South/Midwest). Ridge building over Midwest and Great Lakes next week.- Surface Pressure: Canadian high ~1020–1024 mb (29.92–30.22 inHg) providing brief relief to Northeast. Surface low over northwest Texas driving North Texas flood threat.CITY FORECASTSDallas-Fort Worth: Sat 91°F / Sun 94°F / Mon–Fri next week: upper 90s with heat indices 100–107°F. Dewpoints low–mid 70s. Flood Watch through Sunday.Houston: Highs upper 80s–low 90s, heat indices 100–108°F. PWATs 2.0–2.2". Heat Risk moderate to major late next week.Miami: Highs upper 80s–low 90s. Heat indices low 100s–105°F Sunday/Monday. Bermuda High driving tropical moisture.Atlanta: Sat 83°F (dry/pleasant), Sun–Mon 80–85°F with heavy rain chances. PWATs >2". Tropical watch on Gulf developments end of next week.New York City: Sat low–mid 80s with severe storm threat (cold front). Sun–Mon 80–84°F (pleasant). Fri next week: heat indices approaching 100°F.Chicago: Weekend 80–83°F with active storm threat, MUCAPE 2,000–3,000 J/kg. Next week: upper 80s–low 90s as ridge builds.DEW POINTS & HUMIDITY HOTSPOTS- Dallas/North Texas: 70–75°F dewpoints next week- Houston: Implied mid-70s dewpoints (tropical air mass)- Miami/South Florida: Consistently mid-70s- Chicago this weekend: Upper 60s–low 70s- NYC this weekend: 50s–low 60s (lower humidity with front)TECHNICAL TERMS EXPLAINED- 500mb heights: Measurement of the mid-atmosphere warmthBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Title: Global Heat Domes & Borderline Advisories Time Stamp Breakdown:00:00 - 01:09: Intense Heat Domes & Moisture01:09 - 02:19: The Phenomenon of Heat Domes02:19 - 03:29: Compressional Warming & East Coast Heat 03:29 - 04:30: Global Heatwaves & Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures 04:30 - 05:40: Regional Forecasts & AI Weather Debates05:40 - 06:44: AccuWeather Forecasts & Arctic Snowstorms 06:44 - 07:48: Heat Advisories & Healthy Heat20 Hashtags: #HeatDome2024 #GlobalHeatwave #MidwestWeather #EastCoastHeat #RecordTemperatures #CompressionalWarming #RingOfFireStorms #WetBulbGlobe #OklahomaHeat #ChicagoWeather #StLouisHeat #AccuWeatherDebate #AIWeather #SummerAdvisory #HighHumidity #WeatherPhenomenon #ArcticSnow #HeatSafety #ClimateChange #WeatherEnthusiastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

TitleWeather With Enthusiasm — June 7, 2026: Heat Dome Alert — 591 DAMTimestamp Breakdown00:00 — Thrilling season trailer — summer heat arrives with a vengeance01:00 — Station ID01:04 — Host intro: Simcha Lefton sets the stage for a historic heat episode01:55 — Segment 1: Heat Dome Nation — the 591 dam ridge building into the Mid-South, what pressure ridges mean, and why meteorologists watch the 588/594 dam benchmarks09:00 — Segment 2: Arctic Contrast — a 505 dam low over Fairbanks, AK; 5–10" of snow in the Brooks Range while the Lower 48 bakes17:00 — Segment 3: Extreme Edge — Rio Grande Village, Big Bend NP hits 110–111°F Monday; the hottest inhabited corner of America24:00 — Segment 4: The Bermuda High Explained — how the mid-Atlantic high is stacking heat across Baltimore and the Mid-Atlantic, straight from Baltimore NWS31:00 — Segment 5: Tropical Watch — GFS and ECMWF both signal development in the southern Gulf; what to watch this week37:00 — Segment 6: Global Burn — India and Pakistan at 46°C+, and Shushtar, Iran forecast for 127°F on June 14; approaching the 35°C wet-bulb survivability limit42:00 — Segment 7: Listener City Forecasts — Chicago, St. Louis, Lakewood NJ, Baltimore, NYC, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Atlanta47:30 — Segment 8B: International Cities — Tel Aviv heat, Dubai's oppressive 65–71°F dewpoints vs. Phoenix's bone-dry 20–30°F, and Shushtar revisited50:00 — Subscribe encouragement — how to never miss an episode50:45 — Supporter Club message — join the Weather With Enthusiasm community51:01 — Station ID with ending music51:16 — Summer ending trailer / sign-offShow NotesSummer 2026 is not waiting [1]. In this episode— a 591 dam pressure ridge pressing down on the Mid-South, a nearly simultaneous Arctic outbreak in Alaska, triple-digit readings at the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, a restless tropical Gulf, and heat in Iran that is pushing the boundaries of human survivability [1]. This is the kind of week that makes weather enthusiasts lean forward [1].What You'll LearnHow to read a pressure ridge — what 500 mb heights like 588, 591, and 594 dam actually mean for surface temperatures, and why meteorologists treat these thresholds as mental benchmarks rather than hard rules [2].Why Fairbanks and Big Bend are living in different seasons simultaneously — a 505 dam Arctic low is dropping late-season snow in the Brooks Range while Rio Grande Village, TX hits 110–111°F [2].The Bermuda High's role in Mid-Atlantic heat — how a semi-permanent subtropical high is funneling heat and humidity toward Baltimore, Washington, and the I-95 corridor [2].Two major models agree on Gulf tropical development — what GFS and ECMWF are showing and why it matters even before any tropical cyclone forms [3].The global heat context — India and Pakistan surpassing 46°C, Houston heat indices in the mid-to-upper 100s, and Shushtar, Iran forecast to reach 127°F on June 14, with AccuWeather confirming dangerous multi-day extreme heat [3]. The University of Sydney's 35°C wet-bulb threshold for human survivability is not a distant theoretical concern this week [3].The humidity divide — Dubai's suffocating 65–71°F dewpoints versus Phoenix's 20–30°F dewpoints, and why that difference matters more than raw temperature when assessing heat danger [3].Listener City Forecasts CoveredChicago, St. Louis, Lakewood NJ, Baltimore, New York City, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Atlanta [4].International Cities FeaturedTel Aviv, Dubai, and Shushtar, Iran [4].Voice Cast- AIBrian — lead male voice [4]Sarah — female voice [5]Adam — male voice [5]Rachel — female voice [5]Matilda — female voice [5]Weather With Enthusiasm uses a multi-voice AI-assisted format for select episodes. This is one of several production styles you'll hear on the show [5].Subscribe & SupportNever miss a forecast — subscribe on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Want to go deeper? Join the Weather With Enthusiasm Supporter Club for early access, bonus content, and a direct line to the show [5]. Weather With Enthusiasm is a production of Kol Simcha Productions [6].Tagsweatherwithenthusiasm heatdome extremeheat summerheat2026 meteorology weather heatwave tropicaldevelopment bermudahigh 500mbheights weatherpodcast podcastweather heatindex globalwarming climateandweather phoenixheat bigbendnationalpark weathernerds kolsimchaproductions weatherforecastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simchaThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Mazel Tov!!! This week's episode marks the begining of the 5th cycle of the Practical Parsha Podcast. In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn reflects on 4 years of podcasting. He also ties the lessons of the Parsha into this anniversary episode. He talks about the Parsha's lesson on keeping the enthusiasm, how regular people can do great things, and the importance of not letting detractors hold us back on spreading Torah. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email RabbiShlomoKohn@gmail.com. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Chapters (00:00:00) - The Practical Parsha Podcast(00:05:42) - Parshas Baha Loskha(00:08:02) - The Praise of Aaron(00:14:50) - Parsha 4, Moshe Rabbeinu(00:22:06) - Parsha 10th Anniversary Message

St. Louis Morning Briefing — Friday, June 5, 2026Kol Simcha Productions | Weather With Enthusiasm━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━HEBREW DATE & PARSHA━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━20 Sivan 5786 | Erev Shabbos | Parshas Beha'alotcha━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ZMANIM — University City, MO (ZIP 63132)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Alos HaShachar: 3:57 AMMisheyakir (standard): 4:30 AM | Misheyakir (machmir): 4:39 AMNetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:37 AMLatest Krias Shma (GRA): 9:19 AMLatest Tefila (GRA): 10:33 AMChatzos: 1:00 PMMincha Gedola: 1:37 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:23 PMZMANIM — Chesterfield, MO (ZIP 63017)Sunrise: 5:38 AM | Sunset: 8:24 PM (approx. 1 min later than Univ. City)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SHABBOS TIMES━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Hadlakas Neiros (Candle Lighting): Tonight at 8:05 PM (18 min before sunset)Havdalah — Young Israel of St. Louis: 9:06 PM (42 min after sunset — Chesterfield sunset used)Havdalah — Agudah of St. Louis: 9:09 PM (45 min after sunset — Chesterfield sunset used)Please follow your rav's minhag.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER SUMMARY — NWS St. Louis (LSX)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Issued: 3:10 AM CDT Fri Jun 5, 2026 | Forecaster: JajaSub-severe morning storms clearing by afternoon, strong cap suppresses development through the day. Saturday: isolated storms, highs 85-90°F, heat index low-to-mid 90s. Oppressive heat and humidity building midweek — 90s+ by Wednesday with dew points near 75°F.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━KIDS ACTIVITIES — St. Louis, June 5━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• Mermaids on the Mississippi — St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station (free with admission)• The Blue Whale Story — Saint Louis Science Center, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM, $8–$16• Family Fun Series Fridays — Missouri History Museum, 10 AM–1 PM, FREE• St. Louis Riverfront Cruises — Riverboats at Gateway Arch, from 10:30 AM, $free–$26• Summer Nights at Grant's Farm — Tonight 5–10 PM, $14━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TOMORROW'S ZMANIM — Shabbos June 6 (63132)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Alos HaShachar: 3:56 AM | Misheyakir: 4:30 AM / machmir 4:38 AMSunrise: 5:37 AM | Latest Shma: 9:19 AM | Latest Tefila: 10:33 AMChatzos: 1:00 PM | Mincha Gedola: 1:37 PM | Sunset: 8:24 PM━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER HISTORY — June 5━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━1916: Tornado outbreak kills 125 across MO and AR (83 in Warren, AR alone)1917: Disk-shaped hailstones 6–10 inches diameter reported near Topeka, KSTags: weather,zmanim,St. Louis,Missouri,NWS,morning briefing,forecast,Jewish times,University City,Chesterfield,Shabbos,OrthodoxProduced by Kol Simcha Productions | Weather With EnthusiasmBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Chicago Morning Briefing — Friday, June 5, 2026Kol Simcha Productions | Weather With Enthusiasm━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━HEBREW DATE & PARSHA━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━20 Sivan 5786 | Erev Shabbos | Parshas Beha'alotcha━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ZMANIM — West Rogers Park, Chicago (ZIP 60645)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Alos HaShachar: 3:24 AMMisheyakir (standard): 4:02 AM | Misheyakir (machmir): 4:12 AMNetz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:16 AMLatest Krias Shma (GRA): 9:02 AMLatest Tefila (GRA): 10:18 AMChatzos: 12:49 PMMincha Gedola: 1:27 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:22 PM━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SHABBOS TIMES━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Hadlakas Neiros (Candle Lighting): Tonight at 8:04 PM (20 min before shkiah — Chicago minhag)Havdalah: Saturday, June 6 at 9:15 PM (50 min after shkiah — Chicago minhag)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER SUMMARY — NWS Chicago (LOT)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Issued: 6:51 AM CDT Fri Jun 5, 2026 | Forecaster: BorchardtA complex storm system brings waves of showers and thunderstorms today through Sunday, with a few storms potentially severe this afternoon — especially north of Interstate 80. An MCV (Mesoscale Convective Vortex) approaching from Iowa may produce supercell structures, and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out N of I-80 early this afternoon. Areas south of I-80 will see warm, breezy conditions with highs in the low-mid 80s. Dew points rise toward 70°F by this evening — very humid. Tonight brings another round of storms with MUCAPE 2000-3000 J/kg and flash flood risk. Saturday: clearing by afternoon, mid-upper 80s. Heat builds toward mid-upper 90s next week.Key pressure conversions: 925 mb = 27.3 inHg | 700 mb = 20.7 inHg━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER HISTORY — June 5━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━June 5, 1916: Devastating tornado outbreak strikes Missouri and Arkansas — 125 lives lost in a single day, including 83 in Warren, AR alone.June 5, 1917: Extraordinary disk-shaped hailstones 6–10 inches in diameter reported near Topeka, KS, accompanied by a tornado.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━KIDS ACTIVITIES — Chicago Metro, June 5━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• FAME Center Day Off School Camps — 9 AM, 1319 S State St, Chicago• Lincoln Park Zoo — Free, 10 AM–5 PM• Shedd Aquarium — 9 AM (great indoor option if storms arrive)• Chicago Cultural Center — Free, open today• Museum of Science and Industry — Hyde Park, open today━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TOMORROW'S ZMANIM — Shabbos, June 6 (ZIP 60645)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Alos HaShachar: 3:24 AMMisheyakir: 4:02 AM (standard) | 4:11 AM (machmir)Netz HaChama: 5:15 AMLatest Krias Shma: 9:02 AMLatest Tefila: 10:18 AMChatzos: 12:49 PMMincha Gedola: 1:27 PMShkiah: 8:23 PM━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Tags: weather, zmanim, Chicago, NWS, morning briefing, forecast, Jewish times, West Rogers Park, Shabbos, Erev ShabbosProduced by Kol Simcha Productions | Weather With EnthusiasmNew episodes daily for Chicago | Thursdays for Baltimore, Lakewood NJ, Borough Park, JerusalemBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Chicago Community Morning Briefing — Thursday, June 4, 2026Kol Simcha Productions | Weather With Enthusiasm━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ZMANIM — West Rogers Park, Chicago (ZIP 60645)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Hebrew Date: 19 Sivan 5786 | Parshas Beha'alotchaAlos HaShachar: 3:25 AMMisheyakir: 4:03 AM (standard) | 4:09 AM (machmir/stricter — fulfills all opinions)Netz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:16 AMLatest Krias Shma (GRA): 9:02 AMLatest Tefila (GRA): 10:18 AMChatzos (Halachic Midday): 12:49 PMMincha Gedola: 1:27 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:22 PM━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SHABBOS TIMES━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Hadlakas Neiros (Candle Lighting): Friday, June 5 at 8:04 PM (20 min before shkiah — Chicago minhag)Havdalah: Saturday, June 6 at 9:15 PM (50 min after shkiah — Chicago minhag)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER SUMMARY — NWS Chicago (LOT)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Hot and humid conditions dominate Chicago and the region through this week and weekend, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s to low 90s. A cold front is expected to bring thunderstorm chances late weekend. High heat indices possible Friday and Saturday.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━MULTI-CITY FORECASTS━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Lakewood, NJ: Fri 91°F | Sat 95°F | Sun 89°F (storms after 2 PM, 30% chance)Newark Airport: Fri 93°F | Sat 95°F | Sun 87°F (storms after 2 PM, 30% chance)New York City: Fri 83°F | Sat 85°F | Sun 84°F (storms after 2 PM, 40% chance)Baltimore, MD: Fri 93°F | Sat 96°F | Sun 91°F (storms possible)Death Valley, CA: Fri 115°F / 46°C — tonight's LOW: 88°F!━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━COMMUNITY — MAZEL TOV━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• Cheryl & Bruce Leon — new granddaughter born to Ilana & Rabbi Shimon Langer• Ami Gavant — recipient of the Ida Crown Yehudi HaTov Award• Penina Benjamin (Class of 2026) — 1st Place, National Chidon HaTanach• William Moscovitch — completing a Daf Yomi siyum• David & Tikva Levitt — Bar Mitzvah of son Moshe• Lois Lefton — birthday blessings• Simcha & Sarit Lefton — warm wishes from the community━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━COMMUNITY — BD"E (CONDOLENCES)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• Sorah Shoshana bas Avrohom a"h — passed May 29, 2026• Dr. Harold Heyman z"l — passed May 25, 2026• Jonathan Wolf z"l — passed May 5, 2026• Bob Corin z"l — passed May 4, 2026• Avis Lee Neiman a"h — passed May 17, 2026 (age 83)• Laura Hope Weisbach a"h — passed March 13, 2026• Roger B. Perry (age 83) — yahrtzeit June 4• Gerald Lehrfeld — yahrtzeit June 5• Gerald Abrams (age 81) — yahrtzeit June 5━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SCHOOL NEWS━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• Arie Crown Hebrew Day School — 8th Grade Graduation: THIS SUNDAY, June 7• Skokie Yeshiva (HTC) — Final exams June 5Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

St. Louis Morning Briefing — Thursday, June 4, 2026Weather With Enthusiasm | Kol Simcha ProductionsA special edition morning briefing for the Jewish communities of University City and Chesterfield, Missouri — covering zmanim, NWS St. Louis forecast discussion, and in-depth meteorology for the St. Louis area.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━HEBREW DATE & PARSHA━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━19 Sivan 5786 — Parshas Beha'alotchaThis Shabbos: Parashat Beha'alotcha (21 Sivan 5786)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TODAY'S ZMANIM — St. Louis, MO (ZIP 63103 / University City 63132)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Alos HaShachar (Alot HaShachar): 3:56 AMEarliest Talis & Tefillin (Misheyakir): 4:29 AM— Stricter opinion (machmir): 4:38 AM (fulfills mitzvah according to all opinions)Netz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:37 AMLatest Krias Shma (GRA): 9:18 AMLatest Tefila (GRA): 10:31 AMChatzos: 12:59 PMMincha Gedola (Earliest Mincha): 1:36 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:21 PMNote: University City (63132) and Chesterfield (63017) listeners — times may differ by 1-2 minutes from downtown ZIP. Check hebcal.com with your ZIP for precise local times.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SHABBOS TIMES — Parshas Beha'alotcha━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Hadlakas Neiros (Candle Lighting): Friday, June 5 at 8:04 PM(18 minutes before shkiah — standard minhag)Havdalah:• Young Israel of St. Louis: Saturday, June 6 at 9:02 PM (42 minutes after sunset)• Agudath Israel of St. Louis: Saturday, June 6 at 9:05 PM (45 minutes after sunset)Follow your shul's minhag.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER SUMMARY━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━NWS St. Louis (LSX) — Forecaster: Pfahler — Issued: 2:56 PM CDT June 4, 2026Today's high: ~83–85°F | Tonight's low: 69°FCurrent conditions (2:51 PM CDT): 83°F, dew point 62°F, S winds 8 mph, pressure 30.08 inHg (1017.5 mb)Outlook:• Friday: High 90°F — Mostly sunny, then slight chance of thunderstorms• Saturday: High 92°F — Mostly sunny, then slight chance of thunderstorms• Sunday: High 89°F — Chance of thunderstorms• Monday: High 87°F — Showers and thunderstorms━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SPECIAL WEATHER TOPICS━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━DEW POINT FORECASTCurrent dew point: 62°F (noticeable humidity — 55–65°F range). Rising toward the 70s by next week (oppressive/tropical). NWS notes precipitable water approaching 2 inches — 99th climatological percentile.BERMUDA HIGHThe Bermuda-Azores High is actively pumping warm, humid Gulf of Mexico air northward into the Mississippi Valley. The clockwise circulation around this semi-permanent high pressure system (center ~1020–1025 mb over the western Atlantic) is the primary driver of southerly flow into St. Louis.HOTTEST MIDWEST AREAS TODAYSouthern Plains states (Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska) are seeing the highest temperatures today. St. Louis (mid-80s today) is on the warmer side but the big heat builds Friday–Saturday with highs of 90–92°F and heat index values near 100°F.CORN BELT HUMIDITY (Corn Sweat)Early-season evapotranspiration from corn crops across Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and northeastern Missouri is contributing to regional humidity. Peak corn sweat occurs July–August at tasseling, but crop transpiration is already adding moisture to the regional atmosphere. Combined with Gulf moisture transport, this is driving dew points toward the 70s by next week.LOW-LEVEL JET STREAM (Nocturnal Acceleration)Surface winds will calm tonight as the boundary layer decouples after sunset, but the Low-Level Jet at 1,000–3,000 feet above the ground will accelerate — potentially reaching 30–60 mph overnight while the surface remains calm. The LLJ is pumping Gulf moisture northward and fueling the MCS (mesoscale convective system) tracking northeast from Kansas/Nebraska overnight toward St. Louis.OZARK PLATEAU DOWNSLOPE WINDSWinds descending off the Ozark Plateau (1,000–2,000 ft elevation across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas) undergo adiabatic warming as they sink toward the Mississippi River valley — adding warmth to the St. Louis area. The Missouri and Mississippi River valleys, the Missouri Bootheel, and southwestern Illinois are most impacted by this effect.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━KIDS ACTIVITIES — St. Louis Metro, June 4━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Check the episode for today's family-friendly activities in the St. Louis metro area including the Saint Louis Zoo, City Museum, Missouri Botanical Garden, and more.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━COMMUNITY━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Shoutout to Epstein Hebrew Academy and the Orthodox Jewish communities of University City and Chesterfield. Mazel tov to all celebrating simchos this week!━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WEATHER HISTORY — June 4━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━On June 4, 1860, a catastrophic tornado struck Comanche, Iowa — one of the most violent storms encountered by early settlers in the region, with damage estimated near one million dollars in 1860 currency. And on June 4, 1877, an F4 tornado tore through Mt. Carmel, Illinois — a reminder that violent weather has long shaped life in the Midwest.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TOMORROW'S ZMANIM — Friday, June 5, 2026━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Alos HaShachar: 3:56 AMEarliest Talis & Tefillin: 4:29 AM (machmir: 4:38 AM)Netz HaChama (Sunrise): 5:36 AMLatest Krias Shma: 9:18 AMLatest Tefila: 10:32 AMChatzos: 12:59 PMMincha Gedola: 1:36 PMShkiah (Sunset): 8:22 PM━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Tags: weather, zmanim, St. Louis, Missouri, NWS, morning briefing, forecast, Jewish times, Midwest, University City, Chesterfield, Bermuda High, Low-Level Jet, Corn Belt, Ozark Plateau, dew pointBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

Fresh tensions in the Middle East send oil prices higher. Plus: Taylor Morrison stock surges after Berkshire Hathaway agrees to buy the home builder for nearly $7 billion in cash. Alexis Green hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. An artificial-intelligence tool assisted in the making of this episode by creating summaries that were based on Wall Street Journal reporting and reviewed and adapted by an editor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We kick off the month of June with an episode devoted to quotes from my gift book for graduates called "Inspiration for the Graduate." I wrote it as a gift book for me to give to my graduating senior athletes whom I coached. Pretty soon after I wrote it, though, I had other coaches wanting to give it to their graduates, too, so I turned it into a book to sell. It has been my bestselling book by far.The book focuses on 10 team themes, each one being focused on in its own chapter. The chapters are then filled with quotes about those themes. Today's episode features the first 5 themes - Work Ethic, Discipline, Poise, Enthusiasm, and Confidence. Next week, I will focus on the other 5 themes.If you are interested in purchasing the book, go to the Shop page of my website, slamdunksuccess.com, or you can purchase it on Amazon.As always, I am so grateful to all of you who support the podcast! I do this show because of you. While I enjoy the quotes myself, I do this podcast because many of you who are looking for inspiration and impact from these quotes come back and listen to it on a consistent basis. Thanks to all of you for being a huge part of this journey! In order to help me keep this journey going, please consider becoming a supporter of the show. You can donate to the show by clicking on the link below.Support the showFor more information to help you on your road to becoming your best, check us out at SlamDunkSuccess.com or email me at scott@slamdunksuccess.com.Our new background music, starting with Episode 300, is "Pulse of Time - Corporate Rock" by TunePocket.Our background music for the first 5 years of the podcast was "Dance in the Sun" by Krisztian Vass.

Do you know you can learn a secret power from dogs that will change your life? It is called extending loving energy without expectation. On this week's episode of Love University, we explore how dogs offer a simple but profound lesson in elevated human connection. They give affection freely, stay emotionally present, and express warmth without constantly calculating what they will receive in return. You can benefit greatly when you apply this kind of unconditional loving energy in your relationships, work, and everyday interactions. Here are three ways to utilize the dog love secret in your own life: Show Genuine Interest in Other People Dogs pay close attention to humans. They follow them, observe them, and stay emotionally engaged. Human beings often do the opposite, becoming trapped in self-consciousness and constantly thinking about their own worries, appearance, or needs. One of the most attractive qualities you can develop is the ability to display sincere interest in others. Ask people about their goals, passions, struggles, and dreams. Listen carefully instead of waiting for your turn to speak. When you focus on others with curiosity and empathy, people feel seen and appreciated. That emotional connection naturally draws them closer to you. Bring More Enthusiasm Into Daily Life Dogs greet life with enthusiasm. They play, explore, run, jump, and approach ordinary moments with excitement. Adults often lose that spirit through routine, stress, and emotional heaviness. Enthusiasm changes your emotional presence. This week, aim to be more playful and laugh more freely. Enjoy spontaneous moments and approach life with greater openness and less rigidity. People will be drawn to you when you radiate energy, warmth, and humor. Do Nice Things Without Keeping Score Dogs show affection naturally. They comfort people, stay close during difficult moments, and offer companionship without worrying about what they will receive back. Your relationships become more loving and joyful when you give in a similar spirit. You can have a tremendous emotional impact on others when you offer a kind word, listen empathetically without judgement, and help someone through a hard time. When you give from your genuine goodwill rather than hidden expectations, you strengthen both yourself and those you help. This creates more rewarding relationships, greater emotional peace, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Start today. Apply the loving energy of the dog and learn the secrets of authentic connection.  Love without expectation and your world will be transformed

Investors remain optimistic despite an uncertain backdrop in the Middle East. Plus: Shares of quantum-computing companies climb further after the Commerce Department announces $2 billion in grants. IMAX shares jump after the WSJ reports sales talks. Alexis Green hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. An artificial-intelligence tool assisted in the making of this episode by creating summaries that were based on Wall Street Journal reporting and reviewed and adapted by an editor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Michele Pouliot. Michele is best known as a dog trainer, but she also has a strong horse background. , Since 1974 Michele has been a professional guide dog instructor with the largest US guide dog school serving the blind. Before entering the guide dog field, she was a professional in the field of horse training, mentoring under Linda Tellington Jones and Wentworth Tellington. Michele retired from Guide Dogs for the Blind after 42 years of service. During her last 16 years, she held the position of Director of Research and Development for programs at Guide Dogs. In that position Michele was responsible for bringing science based Clicker Training to guide dog training and promoting the expansion of Clicker Training internationally within the guide dog field. In her "hobby world", Michele has actively competed in both horse and dog sports since 1970. After successfully competing in dog obedience for 20 years, she moved into the new sport of agility in 1992. In 2006, Michele became fascinated with the sport of canine musical freestyle and began a dog sport journey she continues to love. She has competed in canine musical freestyle with her English Springer spaniel, Cabo, Australian Shepherd, Listo and her young Springer spaniel Deja Vu. Michele thoroughly enjoys this artistic sport that combines the precision of obedience with trick behaviors and challenges her creative side through music and choreography. Michele has won numerous international competitions and Championship Titles. She thoroughly enjoys the ongoing challenges in the sport of canine freestyle and the use of Clicker Training to achieve innovative and entertaining routines. In 2007, Karen Pryor invited Michele to join the faculty of Clicker Expo Conferences. Her presentations are for me always one of the highlights of the Expo. In this episode Michele shares strategies she uses for developing her freestyle routines where she can't click and treat during the performances. Maintaining her dog's enthusiasm for the behaviors she asks for is essential if they are to succeed in competition. So the question is how do you go from clicking and treating every small effort to long sequences in which you can not include a click and treat mid-way through a performance.

Fanbase already imagining who could be the next Wizard come draft time Junkies split on who they would draft and/or trading the pick NBA cracking down on tanking but Wizards get lucky with number 1

How can upgrading your verbs transform flat writing into vivid, page-turning prose? Why do so many writing problems turn out to be verb problems — and how can you fix yours? Sarah Kaufman explores the art of the verb and shares practical tips for making your writing stronger, clearer, and more alive. In the intro, writing as a caregiver and grief [Stark Reflections; The Creative Penn episode]; Beyond Bookshops — Bulk Sales, Gifting and Alternative Distribution [Self-Publishing Advice]; list of money books; London walk along SouthBank; Bones of the Deep: AI-Assisted Artisan Author webinars. Today's show is sponsored by ProWritingAid, writing and editing software that goes way beyond just grammar and typo checking. With its detailed reports on how to improve your writing and integration with writing software, ProWritingAid will help you improve your book before you send it to an editor, agent or publisher. Check it out for free or get 15% off the premium edition at www.ProWritingAid.com/joanna This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Sarah Kaufman is a Pulitzer Prize–winning critic, an award-winning author, and a writing teacher. Her latest book is Verb Your Enthusiasm: How to Master the Art of the Verb and Transform Your Writing. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Why verbs are the most versatile and underrated tool in a writer's toolkit How to replace flat, explanatory sentences with vivid, action-driven prose The power of physical and metaphorical verbs to show emotion instead of telling it When passive voice works, and when it's hiding something Balancing beautiful language with the demands of storytelling and deadlines How to broaden your writing expertise into a sustainable portfolio career You can find Sarah at SarahLKaufman.com. Transcript of the interview with Sarah Kaufman Jo: Sarah Kaufman is a Pulitzer Prize–winning critic, an award-winning author, and a writing teacher. Her latest book is Verb Your Enthusiasm: How to Master the Art of the Verb and Transform Your Writing. Welcome to the show, Sarah. Sarah: Thank you so much. I'm delighted to be with you. Jo: This is such a great topic, but first up— Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing. Sarah: I got into writing in a backwards way, I guess. The romantic, wonderful thing about writing is the freedom that it gives you, right? That's what we all think about—this freedom to address the world. Then the practical, wonderful thing about writing is developing a focal point, which I had to do in order to write in the first place. I'll explain a little bit about that. I became a dance critic, which is what I did at the Washington Post for 27 years, to have something to write about. That was necessary because, though I've always known that I wanted to be a writer ever since earliest childhood, I just didn't really find things to write about when it came time to actually try to make a living at it. As I was approaching leaving college as an English major, I was getting very anxious about what I was actually going to do, and I didn't have this burning desire to write about any certain thing. I happened to be working as a full-time secretary at a ballet school because I had been a ballet nerd all through my youth. I knew quite a bit about doing ballet, about the steps and about the lingo, so I was a suitable candidate to work at a ballet school. I was learning so much from the teachers there—who had all been professional dancers—about the aesthetics of ballet and how you shape the steps into art and into a performance. I was getting more and more interested in dance. One day the director took me out to lunch and she said, “You should write about dance.” I had seriously never considered that before, but she knew that I was an English major, that I wanted to write. She said, “Look, you know so much,” and she really encouraged me. So I said, “Well, okay, I'll give it a go,” because I had been reading dance criticism. I just started picking it apart and seeing how critics put their reviews together, called up a local paper, took on some freelance assignments, and did a lot of freelancing for years and eventually landed at the Washington Post. So the point I want to make is that I had that thing to write about. Now I had a focal point, and my books grew out of that. The first book I wrote is The Art of Grace: On Moving Well Through Life. That was an exploration of aspects of grace stemming from physical grace, which I knew about from dancers, and looking at connections there with social grace and spiritual grace. Then this verbs book likewise grew out of my work as a dance writer because my goal in writing about dance was to capture the experience of it. I didn't want to be a scholarly type of critic, though I do love that kind of criticism and I read it and learn so much from it, but I knew that was not going to be my style. I wanted more to primarily recreate the experience for the reader, as well as then coming in with analysis of it. I was just so fascinated by the look and the feel of what I was seeing on the stage. I wanted to be able to share that with the reader. So I had to lean on verbs to capture the action, and people occasionally would say, “Oh, you're so good with verbs, Sarah,” which I thought was kind of interesting. It's like, oh, so this is a strength I had developed. I didn't really realise it. Then that, coupled with my teaching experience, is what led me to think I have some things to talk about regarding verbs. I'd like to share with the world because, as a teacher, I often see that writing issues my students have are actually verb issues. They get into a corner with a lot of explanation or clauses on top of clauses, and they get lost. Where is the point that you want to make here? What is the meaning? What is it you want me to take away from your work? Well, if we pare that back and look at the verbs and try to get some direction in the sentences, that often brings clarity. Suddenly the student will say, “I was thinking more about adjectives and nouns. I didn't realise that verbs were really something to focus on.” I thought that would be an interesting challenge to bring that out. Jo: It's so fascinating. I love how your career has emerged and that you've leaned into different things. It has a kind of dance to it itself. We're going to come back to your career, but let's start with that, because you mentioned that with many of your students you are reading their work and you think, “Oh, we can fix this with some verbs.” Let's get into that because you talk about weeding and this verb-first editing process. Most of the listeners will have some kind of writing already—either they've got a lot of books or they've got a draft in progress. This is the kind of thing we struggle with: how do we make our work stronger? Talk about why you are so obsessed with verbs some tips for making our work stronger. Sarah: Yes, I am obsessed with verbs. I will cop to that. They're so interesting and I felt like they were a little underrated as a writing tool. Verbs, as we learned in school, drive your sentence forward. They're the engine. Really, I feel like they are the secret soul of language, because they're so versatile, they're so essential. First of all, they hold it all together. They're the only part of speech that in itself is a full sentence. You can have a full sentence that's a verb. “Watch.” “Look.” “Continue.” You could go on and on. That is a full grammatical sentence. You can't do that with any other part of speech. They're so essential. The word “verb” itself comes from the Latin verbum, which means “a word.” So verbs became that name for all words. Our literary ancestors understood this—that they're really the beginning and the end as far as words go. They can add to your work when you start thinking about verbs in this way, and you start thinking about how can I elevate my writing—well, verbs are very efficient and very evocative. They can add not only clarity to your work, but a kind of elegance. They can say so much in such a little amount of space. For example, say you have something like this: “The cook was facing the dinner rush, and so she decided to put together something quick and easy so no one would know how nervous and unprepared she was.” In that sentence, I'm doing a lot of explaining and describing. I'm just explaining to you the situation, but I haven't really brought it to life much. A better way to do it might be something like this—and you can see it comes a little bit more active: “The dinner rush pressed upon her. To hide her nerves, she whisked eggs and milk into omelettes, shredded parsley with her bare hands and flung it all onto plates like Jackson Pollock splashing his canvas.” I show you what her nerves and the pressure resulted in. I show that manifesting. Or you could even shorten it and just say: “Dinner rush loomed. She whisked and whipped, chopped and dripped and masked her nerves with glistening omelettes.” There are stylistic differences there, but it's just to give an example of how you can take something that, on the face of it, sure, it makes sense—it's perfectly fine as a sentence—but it just lies there. It's flat. Maybe it's not very exciting. It doesn't really move the story forward. You can bring it to life by showing us. You show us with the action. Jo: You haven't really specifically said what a verb is in that sentence you just had around “whisked” and all of those things. Those sentences were actually quite different in a lot of the different words you used. You didn't just swap out for stronger verbs. Could you just point out what the verbs were, in case people are confused about which words are which? Sarah: Right. Great. In the first, inferior example I have: “The cook was facing the dinner rush.” So then I amended it to: “The dinner rush pressed upon her.” I'm giving the dinner rush itself a verb—”press.” It weighed on her, it pressed on her. Also, in the third example—”the dinner rush loomed”—so that's even shorter. “Loom” is a wonderful verb. I love it because it conveys a sense of threat. That's what I mean by verbs being so efficient and evocative in one word. “A storm loomed.” “The dinner rush loomed.” You convey the emotion around the whole event. “To hide her nerves, she whisked eggs and milk into omelettes, shredded parsley.” So “hide”—she's hiding her nerves rather than just saying she felt nervous. You give it a little bit more action, you give her a little bit more character by saying she's doing this to hide her nerves. Then whisking the eggs, shredding the parsley, flinging it onto plates—that shows how she's being creative and surmounting this problem, right? Instead of simply describing—”So she decided to use her expertise and create a nice dinner”—you show that in motion with things like whisking and shredding and flinging it onto plates. That's an example of how you can slide in upgraded verbs to lend a sense of energy and life. Jo: I think this idea of motion is so great, and you tie this in a lot to your work. You've written a lot about physical action, and in the book there is a chapter on physical action. I think this is so important because many authors will say, “Use the word ‘said'” without thinking about dialogue within a pattern of action. Your chef there could say something as she flung the parsley on the plate, rather than “the chef said this.” Get moving as she flung the stuff onto the plate. The action verbs are so important. Could you talk a bit more about [action verbs] and the physical action side of it? Sarah: Yes, and that's so right. When you have a scene really rolling, you don't need to do so much explaining about the way a person says something with those dialogue tags. It's very interesting. I feel like words are alive—they're living, breathing things—and the more that we let them come to life on the page, the more you can draw your reader into the story. The reader gets a sense of that life and wants to come into the story with you. You've really created a scene that your reader feels immersed in. And that's so exciting as a reader to discover. Writing about movement is part of that. Of course writing is very vast—it's hard to say, “Well, you should always write about movement.” That would be silly. If we think about movement and action and action verbs as being effective not only for the actions that we see around us, but for inner actions—the subtle feelings, thinking, non-action, but internally what's going on—that's also space for effective verbs. For churning emotions, for metaphors about fright and what that feels like in the body. Or despair. Or regret. I have a lot of examples of that in the book. It's another beautiful use of verbs where, instead of explaining what someone is feeling, you can show it through metaphorical verbs and actual physical changes—things roiling inside the body. Jo: For example, someone in their draft has “she was afraid”— How could they make that much stronger and use a lot of those things you were just talking about? Sarah: That's an excellent question. Instead of “she was afraid,” you might say something like: “She felt her chest fill with ice, freezing her lungs and choking her breath, and her heart bashed around as if to tear itself from her body.” We could get very dramatic about it, but you can play with that. What I like to encourage readers to do is open their minds and open their imaginations. When you have a pretty standard phrase like “she was afraid” or “she felt too frightened to move”—well, put yourself in that position. What does that feel like? What does that really feel like inside when you're too frightened to move? Is it an icy feeling or is it a burning? Is it a numbness? And what verbs might help with that? Is it thrashing? Is it raging? Is it paralysing? How can that type of expressiveness fill in the picture and make it palpable to the reader—what it's like to be in the room with this person? Jo: Do you recommend using a thesaurus? I try to do this myself, and I often use Power Thesaurus, which I just find so useful, because as writers, when we are writing novels or books in a similar genre, we often reach for the same words. Are you a big thesaurus user? Sarah: I am a huge thesaurus user. I have a stack of actual book-type thesauri, but I do like, as you mentioned, Power Thesaurus. I like OneLook, which is an interesting resource. I think it's OneLook.com and you can go in the other way—you can use it as a thesaurus, but you can also use it to find one verb that combines a couple of words. Like “walk clumsily,” for example. You could put that into OneLook and it would come up with lists and lists. And among them might be “hobble” and “limp” and other words to say what a weak verb plus an adverb can say. Online resources are wonderful. I like Merriam-Webster.com—that's what I rely on a lot. Cambridge too. A thesaurus is wonderful. Now, the caution with the thesaurus, however, is that I would like to urge people to be mindful about just swapping in one word for another, or one verb for another, because even though they may appear in the same groupings, there are going to be subtle differences among them. I find it fascinating to really investigate the subtle difference between, say, “limp” and “hobble” and “stumble.” Those all mean slightly different things. So the finishing tip is just to make sure the word you choose is going to be right for the context. Jo: And also perhaps the audience. I mean, you are a Pulitzer Prize–winning critic, which is amazing, and you were writing for an audience who wanted dance pieces. The audience for dancing in terms of the words you would use—I'm not really into it myself, but I would know the word “pirouette.” I imagine there's a ton of words that you would know and use in your writing that wouldn't be so relevant for a wider audience. So we have to think about the audience as well. Sarah: Yes, absolutely. We want to be very thoughtful in our choice of words. If you distilled my book down to one single message, it is to think carefully. Not in the first draft, perhaps, and certainly not when we're speaking, because we speak so spontaneously. But in writing, where you put your thoughts down and then—hopefully, if you're not under too much deadline pressure—you can come back, give it another look, shape it, refine it, and really make sure that you've chosen your words with care. I feel like that's really what writing is all about—communicating one mind to another through this magnificent medium of language. Language is intentional, and having that intention in mind about what you want to share and what you want to communicate and how you want your readers to approach your work—well, that's up to you. That's the freedom I hope to be able to present to people who check out my book: here are some ways, here are some suggestions, here are some techniques and tips for issues that can arise. Really, once you've taken these in, I hope to fire your imagination and inspire you with being able to communicate what it is that you really have inside that you want to share. Jo: I think it is a book for falling in love with the joy of words again. You did mention deadlines, though, and the pressure. Especially for those of us who write genre fiction series, which is a lot of people listening, sometimes we might feel that we don't have the time for that. Do our readers appreciate it, or do they want story first? Sometimes is it too much? Where do you come down on balancing getting story over words? How long can we spend on finding beautiful words when we are writing another 70,000-word book? Sarah: I think that's an excellent point. I think story comes first. That's probably what first drives you to your desk—telling a story. Although it may not. The realities of writing are so vast and unlimited that it's very hard to come out with rules, and I don't write about rules. I really want to give suggestions and examples and insights, but I do think that story is absolutely tops. And that's the power of verbs, in fact. They can help us tell the stories with clarity and with efficiency. I do want to make sure that I'm being clear. I'm not advocating that before you ever sit down and write, or you write one sentence, you then go back and check every single word, because that wouldn't make any sense at all. The idea is to free yourself, free your imagination. These are ways to open your imagination up that maybe you haven't thought about before. But storytelling is primary, and the way that you tell it is going to be individual to every writer. It's useful to bear in mind that there are a lot of avenues one can take in terms of creating a scene or building a character and even evoking the landscape and the atmosphere, and we can look at verbs to help us do that. Jo: One of the biggest problems, I think, especially for new writers, is the passive voice versus more active voice. Can you give some examples of passive voice? Often in editing we're told to get rid of passive voice, but of course you do need it sometimes. Sarah: Yes. There's understandably a lot of confusion about passive voice. Just to have a tiny tidbit of grammar nerdery here: the voice of a verb refers to a very specific construction. It doesn't simply mean that the writer is expressing something in a boring way or taking on a dull subject. The voice of the verb tells you how it relates to the subject of the sentence. When the subject does the action—when it's doing the verb—then you have a verb in the active voice. But when the subject of the sentence is receiving the action, then it needs a verb in the passive voice. Here's an example. If I said, “Hey, Jo, guess what? My grandmother walked on the moon.” That's active voice. “My grandmother walked on the moon”—it's interesting, right? But if I said, “Hey, Jo, guess what? The moon was walked on.” You might be left thinking, “What? What am I supposed to take away from that? Is there more to the story?” “The moon was walked on”—well, that's the passive voice construction. There's no subject who did the walking. I haven't told you, and yet the subject was actually pretty important. My grandmother was the one who walked on the moon. So that's the frustration that often comes when we read the passive voice. We don't know the full story, and we might suspect: are they hiding something? Do they not really know who did the thing? It brings up a lot of questions. Especially in official situations. The classic example is “mistakes were made.” Officials love to say that because it puts nobody on the hook. Nobody is responsible. “Mistakes were made.” Well, who were they made by? They're not telling us. I heard this just recently, by one of the representatives here. This phrase is still being used: “Mistakes were made.” I think most people understand there's a bit of obfuscation. There is something being hidden. Now, there are times when the passive voice is perfectly fine. It's not necessary to say who did the action. If you say, “Joe Blow was arrested and charged with murder,” you pretty much have the full thing there. You don't need to say, “The police arrested him. The prosecutor filed the paperwork.” It's kind of assumed. If you just want to get to the point—he was arrested and charged with murder—that's sufficient. Maybe further down in the story you'll explain the circumstances, but you don't need them right there. Or say, “Fires are still being reported throughout the region.” In a news story, that's perfectly fine. We just need to know that fires are still happening. We don't necessarily need to know who's reporting it. More details may come later in the story, but right then it's perfectly fine. In news reports, in historical situations when we're giving a history, in scientific data and scientific reports, you often see the passive voice. It can be a perfectly good and oftentimes even more efficient way to tell something, but you don't want to lean into it and overuse it because it becomes very dull. When you don't have someone doing an action, it becomes very dull. Jo: As you've mentioned the legal side of things, and I'm reading a lot of academic papers at the moment. I'm doing another master's degree, and goodness me, I feel like sometimes it's designed to turn you off. Sarah: You are exactly right. I've come to that feeling too, and especially in seeing student work, where I feel like there is so much of that in academic writing, which students are reading and digesting. It naturally comes out of them, and it's a kind of cycle that's hard to break. Jo: Do you think it's a form of hedging? “Mistakes were made”—or anything legal—you are hedging it so it can be ambiguous. Whereas a strong verb—and you mentioned “your grandmother walked on the moon”—you are really making it very clear. If you want to hedge things, then using passive voice might be more appropriate. If you want to make it stronger, the activeness is important. Sarah: Yes. And it makes such a difference. I discovered this in my own work. I would read other critics, for example, and I would think, “I feel like the piece I've just written is kind of flat. It doesn't really have the effect I want, doesn't have any zip.” I would go and read other critics—not just dance critics, but other critics. It's so useful to just read other people in any type of writing that you're doing. I advocate doing a lot of reading. I would see that the pieces that really touched me, that really inspired me, had a lot of active voice constructions. They're not turning things around passively, which I think, as a young critic, I may have been doing because I was a little bit afraid to take a stand. Jo: Mm. Sarah: I think I see that in student work, that sometimes we don't want to take a stand, and so we hedge. But writing is intentional, and readers can pick up on that hedging. If you don't intend to hedge—in many cases it can be perfectly appropriate to be fuzzy for an effect that you want, or something like that in the context—but if you are hedging and you're trying to get away with it, like you don't want anyone to notice that you don't really want to give an opinion on this matter, it's going to be very clear. So it's better to address something directly. Jo: And make it stronger. I also wanted to ask you more about the writing career, because I, perhaps like many people listening, was like, I didn't even know you could make a career as a dance critic. Now I know you are not at the Washington Post any more, and it's possible that that role no longer exists—like a lot of writing roles. How has your writing career changed over the years? Do you have these various aspects of a portfolio career? We often talk about multiple streams of income on this show and how, as writers, we can't necessarily rely on one thing. Sarah: Yes, exactly. It's true, there is no longer a dance critic at the Washington Post. The position was eliminated. It's a shame, and it's happening to critics in all fields, in all media organisations, sadly. That's where, for me at least, having that focal point was very key. A thing that I became comfortable writing about, that I could then spiral out and use the eyes and the brain that I had developed from writing about this certain focus for a while. Where can I take that? Oh, athletes. They also move. I began writing stories and pieces and essays about athletes that moved beautifully, beyond racking up statistics about winning. They were just gorgeous to look at, just so pleasurable to watch. I started writing about the body language of political candidates in debate situations and so forth. Using my focal point to then widen my lens, to mix a metaphor, I guess. Having that subject matter and then broadening it out beyond the limits of the actual subject matter, broadening it out imaginatively into where I could find other places to use this perspective. That was really key for me. Say you are writing historical fiction or you're writing thrillers. I would imagine that you would develop a kind of expertise in things that I would find very difficult. Suspense, maybe, or political or police procedure, or what exactly was the weaponry in seventeenth-century France. How can you take that expertise and use it either in an aesthetic way or an actual factual way to address other topics? I think there are so many people that would be interested in what writers who have knowledge and expertise in anything can then use to show us something that we've overlooked. Something we always thought we knew, but that really, when you look at it this way, is reminiscent of how the scabbard was used in seventeenth-century France—or whatever it is, in whatever way. People are craving a new perspective on something they've overlooked or taken for granted. And that's where writers who have a body of work, or are interested in pursuing a certain topic. That's the promise that they have. They can work towards being able to enlighten us on so many other things that maybe only have a tangential connection, but they can make that connection for us. Jo: Fantastic. Where can people find you and your books online? Sarah: I am at SarahLKaufman.com. That's my website. My books are available on any website or bookshop that you want to order them from. Verb Your Enthusiasm comes out April 28th. I am not much on social media at the moment, but I do enjoy hearing feedback from readers, and there are ways to do that on my website. Jo: Well, thanks so much for your time, Sarah. That was great. Sarah: Thank you very much. I've enjoyed it.The post Verb Your Enthusiasm: Transform Your Writing With Stronger Verbs With Sarah Kaufman first appeared on The Creative Penn.