Podcasts about Envision

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Best podcasts about Envision

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Latest podcast episodes about Envision

Ideas from CBC Radio (Highlights)
How hashish may have helped a philosopher envision our future

Ideas from CBC Radio (Highlights)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 54:08


What happens when original artworks become endless copies? German philosopher Walter Benjamin called it the death of "aura," and his concept predicted our digital age. He describes "aura" as the energy that encases an object. In the '20s, Benjamin experimented with hashish under medical supervision, and his thinking while on drugs evolved to a theory of art history.

iCantCU Podcast
Blindness Misconceptions: From Healthcare to Parenting Rights

iCantCU Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 41:40


In this episode of iCantCU, I catch you up on where I've been and dive into some pretty unbelievable questions I was asked by a healthcare professional—like how I get dressed, not what I wear, but literally how I put on clothes. It's troubling when educated people in healthcare still hold such misconceptions about blindness, and it reminded me of battles NFB members continue to face, including parents losing custody simply because they're blind. I also share lighter moments, like Ziggy's obsession with his giant Christmas pickle, a fun crab feast in Baltimore, and my trip to the Hiram G. Andrews Center in Johnstown. With the Pennsylvania state convention right around the corner, things have been hectic, but I'm still squeezing in events in Pittsburgh, New York, and the Lehigh Valley. Plus, I tested out some sunglasses while recording—let me know what you think! Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/290  Links Mentioned Product links are affiliate links so that I may earn a commission. Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, Wayfarer: https://amzn.to/42EU0Sy Another big dog toy that may be on Ziggy's Christmas list: https://amzn.to/4nWcib1 Learn more about the 2025 NFB of PA State Convention: https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention/ Listen to Lisa Bryan & my interview with EnVision CTO Karthik Kannan: https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/143/. Federation Focus on the NFB of PA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa I edit the show with Descript and love it!: https://www.iCantCU.com/descript/ Be My Eyes app (free): https://www.bemyeyes.com/  Seeing AI app (free): https://www.seeingai.com/  Index of That Real Blind Tech Show episodes: https://www.icantcu.com/trbts/  Watch iCantCU episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCU Support iCantCU When shopping at Amazon, I would appreciate it if you clicked on this link to make your purchases: https://www.iCantCU.com/amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associate Program and earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The best part is, you don't pay extra for doing this! White Canes Connect Podcast Episode 143 In episode 143 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and I welcome back Karthik Kannan, co-founder and CTO of Envision, for an exciting update on accessible technology. Karthik last joined the podcast four years ago to discuss Envision Glasses, then partnered with Google. Today, he returns to introduce the brand-new Ally Solos, a next-generation wearable that pushes accessibility to new heights. Find this episode at: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/envision-ally-solos-smartglasses-unveiled/id1592248709?i=1000722318206 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DOMSDicebFYMDK2ZpO4Ac YouTube https://youtu.be/bIcvmAzlk8k?si=IG3U_Ju-Tp2UPqOV White Canes Connect Website https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/143/ My Podcast Gear Here is all my gear and links to it on Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Zoom Podtrak P4: https://amzn.to/33Ymjkt Zoom ZDM Mic & Headphone Pack: https://amzn.to/33vLn2s Zoom H1n Recorder: https://amzn.to/3zBxJ9O  Gator Frameworks Desk Mounted Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3AjJuBK Shure SM58 S Mic: https://amzn.to/3JOzofg  Sony ZV-E10 camera : https://amzn.to/4fFBSxM  GoPro Hero 11 Black: https://amzn.to/3SKI7WX Rode Video Micro (used on GoPro): https://amzn.to/4kVMJWI Sennheiser Headset (1st 162 episodes): https://amzn.to/3fM0Hu0  Follow iCantCU on your favorite podcast directory! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icantcu-podcast/id1445801370/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5HgD9ckSaUQaWwW2  Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/iCantCU-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJM26BT  IHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-icantcu-podcast-31157111/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/davidbenj  Reach out on social media Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/davidbenj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbenj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidbenj LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbenj Are You or Do You Know A Blind Boss? If you or someone you know is crushing it in their field and is also blind, I want to hear from you! Call me at (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Please include your name and town, and tell me who the Blind Boss is and why I need to have them on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com.

Morning Meditation for Women
AD-FREE BONUS: An Invitation To Envision Confidence

Morning Meditation for Women

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 9:28


Feeling Stressed & Anxious? Get our FREE 3 Day Stress & Anxiety Detox here -> https://womensmeditationnetwork.com Hey, it's Katie and I want to welcome you to this special bonus episode. It'll be here for you completely ad-free for the next week so you can get a feel of what it's like to be a PREMIUM member. If you'd like an easy ad-free experience for all of our podcasts - that's over 200 episodes each month, then JOIN PREMIUM today at https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down.  Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, and exhale through your mouth.  PAUSE… Repeat this deep breathing for a few moments to help you relax. Focus on your breath, and let your mind and body become calm and still. LONG PAUSE… Imagine yourself standing in front of a mirror.  You see yourself standing tall, your head held high, and your shoulders back.  You look into your own eyes and you see confidence and strength. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life.  If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at hello@womensmeditationnetwork.com to make a request. We'd love to create what you want!  Namaste, Beautiful,

Double Tap Canada
From Braille to AI: Navigating Modern Accessibility

Double Tap Canada

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 57:01


Thanks to Turtleback Low Vision for sponsoring this episode of Double Tap. As a thank you to the Double Tap community, Turtleback is offering 12% off your entire order with promo code DT12. Visit https://www.turtlebacklv.com to shop the full lineup!Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a lively discussion on Braille, tech accessibility, voice control on iPhone, and the ongoing debate over digital media ownership. From journalling and gym confessions to exploring tools like braille.codes and voice control with VoiceOver, this episode blends humour with practical advice for blind and visually impaired tech users.This episode of Double Tap is a mix of entertainment and insight. Steven and Shaun kick things off with candid banter about journalling, gym routines, and the reality of podcasting when “there's nothing to say.” Listener emails take centre stage, covering: Braille vs. Screen Readers: Joel introduces braille.codes, a resource for learning UEB Grade 1 Braille, sparking a nuanced discussion on Braille's role today. Voice Control on iPhone: Harry shares tips on combining Voice Control with VoiceOver, and Shaun explains how he uses it daily—even while cooking. Accessible Devices: From Olympus DM recorders to Zoom recorders and Victor Reader Streams, the hosts debate changing tools for blind users. Digital Media Ownership: A listener raises concerns about buying movies online after Microsoft account horror stories, leading to a wider discussion of DRM and physical vs. digital media. Listener Insights: Messages from around the world explore tactile learning, Swell paper, STEM opportunities with Monarch displays, and using Envision and iPhone accessibility shortcuts.Relevant LinksBraille Codes: https://braille.codesTurtleback Cases: https://turtlebacklv.comEnvision: https://www.letsenvision.com Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michelle's Sanctuary
Fall Back To Sleep Meditation | Cozy Autumn Night | Bedtime Meditation To Help You Get Back To Sleep Fast

Michelle's Sanctuary

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 45:12


Should you awaken too soon, this deep sleep meditation is a tranquil journey back to slumber. Envision yourself nestled above a charming autumn landscape as unwanted thoughts take flight like leaves on the breeze, allowing the rich hues and crisp, nocturnal air to guide you to profound peace.Reset your sleep routine, as you find easier to get a full night of uninterrupted slumber. It's time to dream away.Original Script, Narration, Music, Sound Design, and Production by Michelle Hotaling, Dreamaway Visions LLC 2025 All Rights ReservedMentions: Storms, Nostalgia, Pets, Food, LGBTQ+, SwimmingYOUTUBE: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/michellessanctuary/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM: ⁠https://instagram.com/michellessanctuary/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FACEBOOK:⁠https://www.facebook.com/michellessanctuary/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Michelle: ⁠michellessanctuary@gmail.com⁠If you would like to support this channel:⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/michsanctuary⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.me/michellessanctuary⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.venmo.com/michellehotaling⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out my new podcast, Meditation Tides, for guided meditations and let the tides of your breath bring the tranquility you deserve. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/meditationtides/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michelle's Sanctuary is a place where you may enjoy high quality relaxing stories for sleep and guided sleep meditations completely FREE with a focus on mental vacations, sleep hypnosis, manifestations, and using your imagination to enjoy relaxing adventures before bedtime. Grown-ups deserve bedtime stories too!Having firsthand experience with anxiety, insomnia, and a strong desire to connect with my higher self and live my best life, I have tailored these recordings in ways that I have personally found helpful. This channel is not a replacement for consultations with a doctor or medical professional but can help you find more balance and a healing night's sleep. I always welcome comments, feedback & suggestions.

Be It Till You See It
580. How Your Comfort Zone Limits Your Growth

Be It Till You See It

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 37:24 Transcription Available


Lesley sits down with coach, author, and podcast host Wendy Valentine to explore radical self-transformation in midlife. Wendy shares how to shed limiting identities, align with your true self, and treat “energy” as a constant evolution. You will hear practical steps to envision who you're becoming, invite her in, and take bold action without waiting for perfect timing.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:Chiseling away identities that are not you to reveal your authentic self.Comfort zones vs. growth: why familiar isn't the same as aligned.Wendy's midlife pivot from breakdown to purpose-driven rebuilding.Her BE IT method: Become, Envision, Invite, Take action.Feeling your way through life instead of overthinking every move.Episode References/Links:Wendy Valentine Website - https://wendyvalentine.comWendy Valentine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_Free Access to FREEDOM Meditations - https://beitpod.com/freedommeditationsThe Midlife Makeover Show - https://wendyvalentine.com/podcastBook: Women Waking Up by Wendy Valentine - https://wendyvalentine.com/womenwakingupEp. 400: Gay Hendricks - https://beitpod.com/gayhendricksStephanie Gass on Cathy Heller's Podcast - https://beitpod.com/stephaniegassGuest Bio:Wendy Valentine is a speaker, certified professional life coach, and author of Women Waking Up—a midlife rebel with a mission to help women reignite their spark and embrace the magic of midlife. As the host of The Midlife Makeover Show podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally and #1 in midlife on iTunes and Spotify, Wendy inspires her listeners to embrace the magic of midlife and live with passion and purpose. Through her transformative group coaching program, F.R.E.E.D.O.M. at Midlife, and her in-person retreats, Wendy helps women kick fear to the curb, reclaim their joy, and live life on their terms. Whether she's soaking up the beauty of Madeira, Portugal, or cruising across the USA in her trusty motorhome, Felicia, Wendy lives for adventure and believes that life only gets better with age. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Wendy Valentine 0:00  So if you think about it, you should always have that chisel in your hand in the nicest of ways, but constantly and consciously be chiseling away at the things that are not you. And we, deep down, know what those things are, but sometimes we still cling to those things that we are not, right, because it feels comfortable.Lesley Logan 0:20  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 0:59  All right, Be It babe. I'm so obsessed. I'm so obsessed with today's guest. Like, there's times I'm like, oh, I love all these people. And then there's times I'm like, okay, this guest, I want to be friends with. I want to have coffee with. I want to have a weekly date with. When I enter her, I'd say, like, she is like, this beam of light. And I'm telling you, she's a beam of light, and she really, really, really creates this amazing space for you to step up into the woman that you are wanting to be it till you see it. So Wendy Valentine's, our guest, super, super fun. She's the host of the Midlife Makeover Show, and I was on her show. So if you want to go check out that show to get to know her more. And you know, that's a good episode to start with, because obviously you trust me, so there's that. And then you can, like, go through all of her catalog. She's just so amazing. So I'm gonna let us get into this episode so you can get all the good stuff coming from Wendy Valentine. Lesley Logan 1:45  All right, Be It babe, today's guest and I are already having too much fun. She's only in Sedona right now, so she's not too far off, but I feel like we should be hanging out in real life. Wendy Valentine, you're just, tell everyone why you're just such the magical like beam of light that we all want to be around and be your best friend.Wendy Valentine 2:16  How much time do we have?Lesley Logan 2:21  I mean at least 30 minutes of you telling us why you're so amazing.Wendy Valentine 2:27  There is one word that I hear all the time. It's a word that's used to describe me the most. No, it's not crazy. I do get that sometimes, but it's energy, energy, energy, energy. And I was thinking about this this morning, because, as we know, like, energy cannot be created or destroyed. Yeah, it's only transformed into something else, right? You had an ice cube on the pan back there in the RV, and then it melts into water, and then eventually it goes into steam. And I think that's like, I feel like, for myself right now in my life, like I am becoming that steam and moving into the universe. That sounds all so voodoo, but it's like that constant evolving, which I think is so magnificent, and just moving into the energy of it all.Lesley Logan 3:18  Yeah, I think that's so cool. So how did you become someone who is, like, known for energy? Like, how did this like, have like, were you born this way? Was this your job when you were in your 20s? Did this just happen?Wendy Valentine 3:30  Well, you know, I mean, good question. I mean, as you know, we're all energy, but I think it's when I really started to own, to own it, to own who I am and to create who I wanted to be, not to family and friends and society and all that other crap wanted me to be. It's when I finally stepped into my true self and my true calling. And I think you know what? Like that whole like, be your authentic self, be your true self, that's all like being thrown around a lot these days. We're like, what does that mean? What does it mean, really?Lesley Logan 4:04  I know, but tell me how, but tell me how. Because I was born like I was raised in like, follow these instructions. Do this work. If you do all these things, then everything works out, which is bullshit and so and then people go and then be your authentic self. And I'm like, okay, but how? Because I don't think I've ever been, I was never taught to be authentic. I was taught to follow the rules. Wendy Valentine 4:23  Yeah, you know what though? It's more about it's not learning who you are to become. It's learning who you are not. And I love the analogy of Michelangelo and the beautiful statue of David. Let's all picture him for a moment. Oh yes. But when they when they asked Michelangelo, how did you carve the statue of David? He's like, oh, that was easy. I just carved away everything that was not him. So if you think about it, you should always have that chisel in your hand in the nicest of ways, but constantly and consciously be chiseling away the things that are not you. And we, deep down, know what those things are, but sometimes we still cling to those things that we are not, right, because it feels comfortable. Even though it's uncomfortable, it's comfortable, it's like, but this is who I am. This is my identity, yeah.Lesley Logan 5:14  Well, and I think, like, I think a lot of people, you said it's my identity, it's their identity, to be always going through drama, to be always like, to always have a shit day at work. Like, can you believe it? Can you believe this happened? Like those, it's that's some people's identity. And, like, I get so annoyed with myself when I, like, hear myself repeating the same negative, bad thing that happened, and I'm like, is this becoming something that has, like, a growth on my shoulder, or like, like, is this becoming part of the of like, of the not the costume, but like, what is Lesley? Because it's like, I don't want to hear this anymore, so I definitely don't want to stick around. So I love the idea of a, I go a visual, physical chisel going no, no, no.Wendy Valentine 5:58  Part of you know that is not you. There's that quote from Marianne Williamson, it is my fave, and it's got me through the toughest of times, or gotten me to where I'm at now. And she says, our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us, because you think about it, if you were to step fully into your light, what does that mean? Like what does that look like? Right? Because that would require, possibly, just like myself, it would require maybe a divorce, maybe quitting a job you hate, maybe moving, maybe buying an RV like I did. Maybe, I mean, it's going to require you to actually move and do some shit in your life if you truly stepped into your light, but, or you could just stay right there in the dark because it's more comfortable, because it's predictable. The darkness is predictable, the the uncomfortable comfort zone is predictable, predictable, right? Yeah.Lesley Logan 7:03  Yeah, I mean, I don't know who said it, but, like, there is, like, that story of, like, why does a dog, like, not move off of sitting on that rock? It's like, well, the rock isn't uncomfortable enough, you know, and so a lot of people wait to, wait so long, and so they're so uncomfortable, and then they shed it all, and then they step into this light. And that, it can be scary. Like we interviewed Gay Hendricks on this podcast, and he is the, I know, I fucking love him, he's such a sweet man. He's just, he, like, every time I go to Cambodia, he's like, did you get some milk fruit? Like, he's just, he's like, it's the best fruit. And he is right. It is the best fruit. And it's only available half of the time, so I'm never there, but I got to have it. But at any rate, he talks about your big leap is, like, because, like, when you are in your comfort zone, you can even, like, he even called like, your your like, zone of genius, and you're like, okay, well, that's a good spot to be in. Like, that's like, amazing, but it's or zone of excellence, excuse me. Like, of course I would like to be there. Like, that sounds really good, but like, that's actually still uncomfortable, but like it's comfortable, like it's actually not where your light is, that you're talking about, it's like, it's like, there's another layer, there's an outer ring, there's that ring of light around Saturn, and you're supposed to be there. Wendy Valentine 7:03  That's just like, dipping your toe in the water. Lesley Logan 7:13  Yeah, but then he and he talks about, like, how, well, when you get to that zone of genius, when you get to that outer ring, you get to your light, then there's, like, a few things that we do to just fuck it all up and bring us back to that comfortable discomfort, you know, like that self-deprivation.Lesley Logan 7:13  And a comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.Lesley Logan 8:38  Oh, Wendy Valentine, say it one more time.Wendy Valentine 8:44  Soak it up. Soak it up. A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there. So if you want to grow, I know y'all do, you have got to get out of that damn comfort zone. You know, I want to say though, I was on the treadmill this morning, and I was thinking. Lesley Logan 8:58  Do you have a treadmill in your RV or do you go the gym? Wendy Valentine 9:04  No, I'm actually at this nice resort. I mean, RVing has come a long way, y'all, thank God.Lesley Logan 9:09  I mean, we live in our van like it's it's not so bad. Sometimes it's better than the hotel.Wendy Valentine 9:12  We got, we got hot tubs, we got swimming pools, we got food trucks. I mean, we don't mess around over here. But yeah, I was at the gym this morning and I was walking on the treadmill, and I was thinking, I love the name I have since the moment when I met you and I heard about your podcast. I love the name of your podcast. Be It Till You See It. And I got choked, people were probably like, why is that lady over there balling on the treadmill? And you know, right now, I'm reaping the benefits of what I sowed years ago and getting outside of my damn comfort zone. But you know, what's so cool? I might cry right now. I did not put on waterproof mascara, but I am seeing it in my life, all those seeds I planted years ago, and that amount of time. I watered and watered those damn seeds. It's like, I'm seeing it. It's like, it's so freaking cool when you get to that other side, and yes, you will, is so it is beautiful. It's much more beautiful. And, and yes, you will grow when you get to the other side of it. If you want, I can take y'all back to my breakdown to breakthrough. Lesley Logan 10:22  I was just gonna say, I think we need to go back to the seed planting days, or at least, like, the days before the RV, the day before the book, the days before the podcast. Like, what, what? Like, who were you? How did because we love you now. But like, we loved you then. But like, what? What was the reason for all what was the reason for all this, you know, seed reaping? Wendy Valentine 10:43  And we all love a good breakdown and a breakthrough story. Lesley Logan 10:46  Yeah, we do. Wendy Valentine 10:47  But make sure everyone grab your violin, (inaudible) sad song right now. So let's see. For about 45 years old, here I was. I was living in Virginia, going through a divorce, empty nest. I had chronic illness, black mold toxicity, Lyme disease. We'll toss in a little menopause, just, for fun.Lesley Logan 11:10  Yeah. I mean, for sure, probably, yeah.Wendy Valentine 11:13  Yeah, yeah. I was at least 150 grand in debt, unemployed. Let's see what else. Oh, within a six week period, I had to watch my dog die, my cat die, and my brother die. And then from all of that, I started experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, and needless to say, I went into a massive, deep, dark, awful depression. So here I was, 45 years old, and I was like, shit, now what? And, I mean, I kept thinking, I was like, I only turned 50. That's like, like, that, that halfway mark, if you're that lucky that it's an halfway mark, right? And I don't know if anything could have gotten worse for me in that moment. And let's, let's just all imagine the scene. I literally was laying on my bathroom floor, like laying there, bawling my eyes out, feeling sorry for myself, I'll admit, and I was thinking, What the hell am I going to do? And all of a sudden, like, and it was part of me like this, this vision popped in my head, and it was, it was a little bit of an escape, I'll admit, but it was a beautiful escape. And I was like, wouldn't be nice to just get the fuck out of here? You know, like, I just want to escape my my life that I was in. And I was like, I want to drive an RV across the country. And then I'm like, man. And then, of course, that nagging voice in my head was like, yeah, you're broke, you don't have a job. How that? How are you going to do that? And but then I was like, you know, I just want to sit here and think about this dream. It was the only thing that gave me hope. And so I thought, you know what? What the hell like my life. I was already down here. The only way was going up, right? I was like, let's just go for it. What's the worst that could happen? I'm gonna fucking go for it. So I got up and I started applying for jobs all the way across the country, like I was, I was so desperate. I was like, I'll take anything. Okay, I'll sell popsicles in Mexico. I don't care, whatever. So then I get a job offer a week later, selling, you'll probably, you're probably familiar with his name, Pulte, Pulte Del Webb, I got a job offer with Pulte to sell new construction homes in Chicago. And I was like, Chicago. Never been there. I didn't know how to sell homes, but what the hell. I pack off the U-Haul. I drive from Virginia to Chicago. I start my job on Monday. About a year later, I went from making $0 to a half a million dollars. Obviously, paid off all my debt, bought this RV that I'm sitting in right now. Now, mind you, okay, I love Pulte, and it was a great, beautiful company. But I am not a corporate girl. I am not. Like, that's a chisel where I was like, girl listen here, you're not you, you know. And I will have to say, that's a lesson in itself, right there. Don't be afraid to try something. That does not mean if you try something, you can't pivot, okay?Lesley Logan 14:33  Right and also, like, can I just, like, say, like, I mean, clearly, Pulte was, like, quite the bridge to show you what you're capable of, and it get was a one, the fact that in one year, you can make that much money, going from zero to that much money, and not become someone who doesn't like, take your dreams the next level. You actually like, used it to launch yourself. I think it's like, I think it's so cool. Wendy Valentine 14:57  Yes and how easy would it have been for me to stay there. Lesley Logan 15:00  Oh, yeah and so. Wendy Valentine 15:01  Everyone was like, why are you gonna leave this job that you're you're killing it, killing it. I was like, yeah, but this is not for me. The chisel.Lesley Logan 15:09  Well and also, yeah, the chisel, I love that. And also, like, we had a lot of people that are like, I want to do this thing. I'm just gonna go all in. And I'm like, honey, if you can't pay for your bills, you can't pay your food, you are going to put pressure on this dream you have. Go get a job at Starbucks, make sure your bills are paid, have health insurance, all the things, and then use every other minute to make this thing happen. So I actually think it's really cool that not only you did it in a year, but that you, at a year, were able to, like, evaluate and go, I gotta chisel this off, because this isn't me, and not listen to the family who's like, you should just stay and make all that money. Wendy Valentine 15:46  Yes and remind yourself, if you are in a job you don't love, you're you're in a relationship you don't love, you're living in a place you don't love, remind yourself this is temporary. Everything is temporary, right? I mean, all in all, everything is temporary. Just remind yourself like this is just for now. This is just for now. Like, every day when I'd be, like, driving in the snow in Chicago, heading to this job to, like, talk about granite countertops. I was like, It's okay. I can do this. I cant do this. But then, yeah, I was like, all right, well, what am I going to do? I don't want to work for corporate. I and I was like, you know, I've always, I want to be a writer. I always knew I would become a writer. I was like, I want to be a writer. How am I? How am I going to become a writer? And I always wanted to have my own show. So I was like, how am I going to do this? And I had to be able to work remotely. Obviously, because traveling in an RV, I had to be able to work remotely, right? So I was listening to Cathy Heller's podcast and she was interviewing Stephanie Gass. And something, you know, it's like, if you get that funny feeling in your tummy, that gut instinct of like, I need to move on this. I don't know what it is, just do not question it. Just go for it. I hired Stephanie Gass, and within 30 minutes, I knew exactly what my niche was going to be and what my podcast was going to be called. And I was like, that's it. I had I had it. I was like, I'm going to talk about midlife. I'm going to talk about not even just midlife, but transforming your life. Because I did it, like, I was the guinea pig, right? I'm like, I did, I know how to do it. So I kept my day job, and then at night, I started working on my dream business. I started working on the website and then the photography and the the podcast, all, all the stuff, you know, right? Started doing my research and just little by little, and then eventually, the RV, finally, I ordered it like eight months before, finally arrived and it was go time to quit my job and take off into the Sedona sunset.Lesley Logan 17:51  Okay but also, like, I think it's so, I wanted to say, like, I think sometimes we, like, underestimate what we can do in a short period of time, because you just celebrated 50. Am I correct?Wendy Valentine 18:01  Yeah, yeah. So it took me, well, actually, I'm 52. It took me from the moment, like when I moved to Chicago, to taking off in the RV, it took me approximately two and a half years, and then I've been on the road for three so, yes, it takes time. And is it easy? Hell no. Is it worth it? Hell yes.Lesley Logan 18:23  Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, there's, you know, like, I think things happen faster than we think, and some things are a little slower than we expected. Like, the time, we never get the timeline exactly right. But also, like, it would have been so like, could you imagine on the bathroom floor being like, well, it's gonna take a long time. I don't know. Like, I bet, you know what I mean, I think we just take, we talk ourselves out of things so and we also think, well, I'm at this age. I should be already. Like, I should be doing this program. I should have this already. I mean, like, I kind of think it's really cool that you were the guinea pig and you can actually, like, guide so many women who, for sure, are, I said, someone on the podcast, she's like, I'm a bird launcher. I'm not an empty nester. Like, I want I like, I launched some birds. And she's, you know, but you can take the.Wendy Valentine 18:24  That's what I did. I was like, shoo, shoo. Get out. Lesley Logan 19:05  Yeah, get out of the nest. It's mine now. But like, I think that there's a ton of people who work, not given the opportunity or encouraged when they were moms and wives and partners to be selfish and do their thing like I do believe that there's a ton of women who did and so, so if you're listening, yay for you, but I think a lot of people were not, and they had to wait, and then they waited, and then they're like, well, I don't even know who I am, and everyone says to be authentic. And so I feel like you asked to be you to help people so you're right and then you have this amazing podcast, which, I got to be honest, is amazing. And it's like, but it's mid it's called Midlife Makeover. Correct? Wendy Valentine 19:51  Yep, The Midlife Makeover Show.Lesley Logan 19:53  Yes. Okay, so let's talk about like, do you feel like you do what you do? Do you feel like you'll ever run out of topics to talk about when it comes to midlife? Like, what are you and then, and then also turn it into a book. So let's go into, like, how you've, like, really made this whole thing happen.Wendy Valentine 20:10  You know, what I love about my niche is that there's so much going on in midlife. I mean, like, if I had to talk about one topic every day, oh, my God, I could not stand it. I mean, yesterday I interviewed a lady where, like, it was about grief. She lost her daughter. Daughter was 17 years old when she died. The day before, I got to talk about hormones and menopause, and then the day before that, I got to talk about divorce, like there's so, because there is so much going on. And I love, I love being the catalyst to help other people make their dreams come true. I love that I can provide that hope, whether it's with me or with a guest, or whether it's just simply, I mean, right, the best way we can teach others is by example. Like I don't, I don't fluff anything like you, what you see is what you get. Like, I didn't just say I did it or say that I'm gonna do it. Like, here you go, you know. And you know, I, what was I going to tell you? Oh, I did create the acronym for you. I have four little lessons to teach you today.Lesley Logan 21:16  Do you want to teach us now or do you want to put in the Be It Action Items?Wendy Valentine 21:20  I'm gonna teach it to you really quick. Lesley Logan 21:21  Okay, let's do it. Wendy Valentine 21:22  It's, it's the Be It, right? And this is what I just told you, that story, these are four little guide posts that you can follow so that you, too, can actually, no matter if it's a little tweak in your life or a big tweak, a big change, you can make it happen. So the B in Be It is become your own BFF like you have got to be so nice to yourself, and you have got to listen to that ticker tape of thoughts running across in your mind. And you've got to stop that ticker tape of thoughts and replace it with some really good, friendly thoughts. Because this right here, I'm pointing to my head with my large head of hair, this will either be your best friend or your worst critic, and you are the one that decides, not Instagram, not your mom, not your dad, not your partner, not your kids, it's you like that is the one thing that you have, not one, but one of the many things you have control over. And actually starting there, it's a ripple effect of everything else in your life. If you can get that under control, and yes, you can, you change your thoughts, you change your beliefs. We've all heard it before, but do we really apply it and really try it? So, yes, become your own BFF, just love the shit out of yourself. The E is envision. You've got to envision who you want to become, not the what it's great to, to, like, dream about things and RVs and (inaudible) right, but who do you want to become? Journal about it. Think about it. Take a walk and just imagine the woman that you would want to become and without limitation, right? The I is invite her in. You have got to literally, every single day, and this is exactly what I did, because my Aunt Annie said to me, when I was like in the down, down in the dumps, in depression, and I'm sitting on the couch when she goes, darling, you have always wanted to be an actress, so why don't you just start acting like the woman you want to become? And I was like, oh, I can do that. And I thought about that, right? Like we're all we're all brainwashed. We're all brainwashed into whoever we are, but we can brainwash ourselves into becoming whoever the hell we want to be. Lesley Logan 23:39  Yes, yes. Wendy Valentine 23:41  Yep. So I did. I was like, you know what? How, like you, imagine a drone flying over your head and observing you all day long. How is this woman, this powerful, amazing, gorgeous woman? How does she walk? How does she walk into a room? How does she talk? How does she eat? How does she sleep? How does she, what did she do when she first gets out of bed? Like, is she like, oh my god, I think I'm so grateful I'm alive. Thank you. Thank you. Observe her like and and be her like, literally when you put your shoes on, you put your slippers on or whatever, imagine that those are her shoes and that, and literally act like her, even if someone else is like, why she acting so funny? Just keep doing it.Wendy Valentine 24:26  Yeah, no. I mean, let them, let them wonder why you're acting so funny. Wendy Valentine 24:27  Yes, yes, exactly. Lesley Logan 24:28  They'll just wonder. They get to wonder. And if you want to go talk about it to people like, I thank God for my time in L.A., where I learned, like, all publicity is good. Like, there's no such thing as bad, you know. Let them talk on how weird you are.Wendy Valentine 24:45  (inaudible) Yeah. Finally, T is take action. I think you even say that in your intro about taking action, right? You have to, like, how do you get courage? By taking action. Like if you, if you had a jar, an empty jar, and I have an empty jar, how do you fill up your jar of courage? And how do I fill up mine? We each have to do that on our own. I cannot hand courage. It would be great, right? If like, here, here you go, Lesley, let me give you some courage. You have to do that your own. And you do that by taking action, even if you fall on your face, even if you fall on your face. I didn't know how to even drive an RV. I was like, oh my god. So you figure shit out, right? Like, leap of the net will appear. Like, leap you will figure this stuff out. And that's how you become so resilient and strong. And then it's the tiniest of things I don't know about you, it's like the tiniest of little accomplishments. You're like, that's right. I did that. Like, that's right. I just actually figured out how to dump the dumper on the survey (inaudible) things. I'm like, I did that. (inaudible) So don't forget to celebrate yourself.Lesley Logan 25:53  I believe, all of a sudden, I think like, that is where confidence comes in. Like, people think like confidence comes like, you have to wait for you, once you're confident, then you can do the thing. It's like, no, actually, you get confident by doing the thing. Like, I remember we bought our van, which is not even as big as an RV, we don't need a special license for it. It actually fits in parking spaces. I mean, it's the it's the longest and the tallest of the vehicles that you don't need another license for. And the first time we took it on we took we drove it. I had no problems driving out of the gas station. I had no problems. Like, once we were like, pointing the right direction, like, I'm like, I got this. But one time we were needing to go, and Brad was asleep, and I'm like, I have to hit reverse. There's no rear view mirror. Like, I gotta do this with this tall vehicle. I'm super long. I got a white like, I and it has a camera. It's like, just follow the camera. I'm like, I can't even it's like, this big, just the camera? What, I'm like, I'm like, I'm like, I hope it beeps. If someone's wrong, I like, what if there's a pole, you know, like one of the, so I like, literally, get out of the car, got out of the car and I do a walk around. I'm like, okay, there's no poles. So the worst thing that happens is that someone or something drives behind me while I'm doing this, and it's supposed to beep, and I'm gonna trust that, and now I come back anytime I want, like, but you I had to, I could not, Brad's telling me you can do this. Like you used to drive jeeps, like, you know what you're doing. Like, he's like, you can none of that confidence and courage being told at me helped me get the confidence, like actually reversing the car and doing it myself.Wendy Valentine 27:32  And sometimes it's the tiniest of things that just gives you a little boost. It's a little reminder that, yes, you can do this and keep going and keep going. Yeah, yeah.Lesley Logan 27:41  Okay, you published a book. Now, can we talk about it? I mean, it says, Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play. Women waking up. Also, I love the colors. It's like every beautiful shade of pink lipstick, like, yes, yes, yes.Wendy Valentine 28:00  I know, isn't she? It's my little baby. This is actually, like, this is the advanced copy. So it's not even a real copy. But yes, I know. It just went into preorder this week. Lesley Logan 28:10  When is it publishing for reals? Wendy Valentine 28:12  Um, it publishes, it comes out on 9-9. Lesley Logan 28:15  Okay. Wendy Valentine 28:16  9-9 is the time, but and you know what? Before I got into writing books and things like that, I didn't know, I was like, why is everyone why don't they do the preorder? Why? Because I don't get the book. I'll give you $500 worth of reasons (inaudible). Literally, right now, pre-order the book. Because here's the thing, you could if you wanted to, you can literally start making changes today, just with the bonuses that you get with the book. Let me tell you what the bonuses are. Lesley Logan 28:44  Tell us, tell us because this is going to come out before 9-9 so you all can take advantage of this. Wendy Valentine 28:48  Oh yeah. You get the Women Waking Up Playbook. It's like 100 plus pages. You can download them. They are cute, colorful and cute and wonderful. You get the Freedom At Midlife Meditations that go along with the book, just to elevate your mind and help you become your own best friend, right? You get the Map At Your Midlife Dream Workshop, your customizable digital vision board. Thank you very much. I love that thing. Love it. I love it. Love it. What else? A $200 voucher to my Freedom At Midlife Program, and my fave, the Women Waking Up Spotify playlist. Yeah, so that's it. You literally get all of that. Lesley Logan 29:30  Before I even read the book. I can change my life before. And then when I read it, I mean, like, reminding me all these amazing other things. Wendy Valentine 29:37  Yeah, I know. And by the time the book arrives, then you'll get to read the rest of the story and then be like, Yeah, I already did that. Check, check, check. Lesley Logan 29:44  Yeah. So you're just putting all these little drops of confidence into your bucket as you read it, and then you get more, oh, I love this. Wendy, we need more time with you. I need, we need to hang out. I'm not, I'm not kidding. Like, is your RV heading my way before it's too hot? Like, I would just like to know.Wendy Valentine 30:01  You know what? I was gonna go to Nevada, because I'm starting this book tour now, but now I'm going up towards Denver. (inaudible) Maybe when I come back.Lesley Logan 30:07  On the way back, on your way back, you can do it. There's a great book shop called Writer's Block. There's some really cute bookstores in Vegas that are, like, great for doing some sort of tour of some kind, I agree, yes. Or you can go to one of my friends' amazing shops, and they'll, they'll host you. So just let me know, because I'll help make it happen. Because there's women here who need you. Oh, my God, we have to take a brief break, and then we'll get all your links and how we can, like, totally like, stalk you and like, the kids call you, stan you, you know, like stalker fan in one, one moment. Lesley Logan 30:34  All right, Wendy Valentine, favorite place to hang out on the internet, where's the links to pre-order the book, like, where, where's give us everything.Wendy Valentine 30:53  Do all the things. Okay. Instagram, it's got to be my fav. And I do share some cool, fun stuff, right? Lesley Logan 30:57  You do. I love watching your life. You carry a dog with in a bag. Wendy Valentine 30:58  I have some valuable content, with fun stuff too. So yes, Wendy Valentine on Instagram, and probably the best hub is wendyvalentine.com and from there, I know a lot of people have freebies, but my freebies really are awesome. Lesley Logan 31:16  Yeah there's 100 page freebie. I'm just gonna tell you right now, you, above and beyond, lady. Wendy Valentine 31:22  Yeah, yeah. So click, there's a freebies tab. You can even take a superhero quiz on there. That's my fav. There's a book tab on there that is where you can get all of your bonuses when you pre-order the book. And the book is everywhere, Women Waking Up, it's Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target. It's everywhere. And what else? Yeah, that's, that's it. And then, The Midlife Makeover Show, that's everywhere, where you listen to podcasts, even on YouTube, you can even watch the, you know, the playback of of me interviewing people in an RV.Lesley Logan 31:52  Yeah, yeah. You can listen. You can also watch the Be It Pod, you guys, we're on YouTube as well. You know, it's, I know, it's this fun thing. You do this thing for audio, and then people want the visual. So you we gotta do it all. Wendy Valentine 32:01  Give them the visual. Give them the visual. Lesley Logan 32:01  Okay, I love your acronym. So if you want that to be your Be It Action Item, we can replay that, that is totally fine. But if there's anything else we have to give these women that helps them ditch perfection, take that messy action, what bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted steps should they take, what else?Wendy Valentine 32:23  I would have to say, this is, I'm adopting this from Deepak Chopra, because I used to go to a lot of his retreats. And there was one thing he said to me, it's in his cute little accent, and he goes, you have to feel your way through life. I was like, what does that mean? I was like, feel my way through life, and we're so used to thinking everything through and probably overthinking, right? But ask yourself, no matter what it is that you're doing or thinking about doing, how does it feel to you? And most importantly, how does it feel to this new person, this new woman that you are creating in your life. How will it feel? Does that align with her? Does she like that? Does she not like it? And just enjoy. I mean, this, you get this tiny little we're like little blip of time on eternity in eternity, right? Like, just live it up in this little space and print in these parentheses. Just live it up and enjoy and stop overthinking. Just feel your way through life. Lesley Logan 33:25  I love that. And I actually really love him. He, I listened to him, remember, Oprah would actually release like, interviews on her like, podcast channel? And I listened to him talk about this time when he would go be a monk, right? Like his like, you know, go for like, I don't know, 30 days or something like that. And he the monk, his like, monk guide, was like, Oh, how was it walking through the jungle? And he's like, well, it hurt my feet. You know, it hurt my feet. And he and the guy goes, oh, well, when your foot is not on the ground, does it hurt? And he goes, No, I don't think so. He's like, well, then think about the other foot, right? Anyways, my husband is gonna love it. I have remembered that. Out of everything he said, I have remembered that so much because whenever my husband's like, oh, my knee hurts, I'm like, maybe you should think about your other knee. And I'm sure he's like.Wendy Valentine 33:26  Yeah or yeah, my arm hurts when I move it, like this, well stop moving it. Lesley Logan 33:35  What is your other arm, like, he like, heard something and I like, hit the other arm, and he's like, what are you do doing? I'm like, distracting you. It's from Dee it's from Deepak, fill the other one.Wendy Valentine 34:29  Refocusing, refocusing. You know? Lesley Logan 34:31  But I do agree. I think, like, you know, I know, I know the listeners, and I one of the reasons I want to have you on the show after I met you, is like, I know the women here will love listening to you, because we all came from this like time of overdoing overthinking. Have to map it all out. Has to has to feel like the right time, but not feel because we're not listening to our feelings, we're thinking our feelings and and so thank you for that. Be it actually, because I think we. Actually have to get into the feeling more, the actual feeling more, not the brain thinking feeling more. Wendy Valentine 35:04  Yeah, exactly. And especially since RVing, like, I'm on the no plan, plan like I don't. I used to plan everything in detail, and if I did not have that plan in place, I would not make a move. Now I'm like, I mean, 90 days is probably as much as I can plan, even though I like to dream and envision and things like that. Planning out too much does not leave room for miracles and spontaneity and the fun stuff. So don't forget to have fun and just enjoy, yeah.Lesley Logan 35:31  Yeah. Uh, I adore you. We'll have to run in, we'll run into each other someday, because I also love to get to we're gonna, we're gonna head down on our Summer Tour into Arizona, so maybe if you're still there, you know it's it's a little more than 90 days. So I'll ask you when it's closer, but you know, Wendy, thank you so much. Thank you for being you. Y'all go listen to her podcast. Go pre-order her book. Let us know. Tag Wendy. Tag the Be It Pod. Let us know what your favorite takeaway was. And by the way, I can't think of another episode you could send to like any woman over 40 right now that she will love. So do that, support the pod and until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 36:13  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 36:56  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 37:01  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 37:05  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 37:12   Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals. Brad Crowell 37:16  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Double Tap Canada

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 26:11


Meta is opening its smart glasses to developers with the new Meta Wearables Device Access Toolkit, and Microsoft Seeing AI is the first major partner. This breakthrough could transform accessibility by allowing apps to harness the glasses' cameras, microphones, and audio for real-world assistance. Expanded SummarySteven Scott and Shaun Preece break down Meta's game-changing announcement: the release of an SDK that finally gives developers access to core Meta smart glasses hardware. This means apps like Microsoft Seeing AI can use the glasses to deliver hands-free, real-time descriptions of surroundings, object recognition, and instant text reading—all without holding a phone. The hosts explore why this is massive for accessibility, particularly for blind and visually impaired users. They discuss the future potential for apps like Be My Eyes, Aira, and Envision, along with the limitations of the preview programme, privacy considerations, and how developers can integrate AI via cloud or local processing. They also touch on why this move positions Meta as a serious player before Apple and Google release their own smart glasses SDKs. Relevant LinksMeta Wearables Device Access Toolkit: https://www.meta.comMicrosoft Seeing AI: https://www.microsoft.com/seeing-aiBe My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sightviews
Sightnews September 2025 – JAWS-Lizenzen, iOS 26 und mehr

Sightviews

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 23:04


Willkommen zurück bei Sightviews nach der Sommerpause. Die SightCity 2025 war in diesem Jahr wieder ein großes Thema - und jetzt starten wir mit den Sightnews in den Herbst. In dieser Ausgabe hört ihr Meldungen zu folgenden Themen: • Änderungen bei den Lizenzen für JAWS, ZoomText und Fusion • iOS 26 bringt neue Barrierefreiheits-Funktionen • Neue Angebote der inklusivio UG • Der Deutsche Hilfsmittelvertrieb startet mit neuem Webshop und Einführungsangeboten für Ikonn-Produkte • Das Büro für barrierefreie Bildung arbeitet wieder eigenständig in Dortmund • Der neue SightCity Podcast • Neuer Abgleich bei Überweisungen: Verification of Payee • VisioBraille insolvent – LUCAS components führt die Marke fort • Die Ally Solos Glasses von Envision

McCauley's on Mission
Gerson & Ceci Envision Their Calling, & Two New Children Join Our Family!

McCauley's on Mission

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 9:33


Tech Touch
Envision’s Ally Solos Glasses: Een Nieuwe Visie op Toegankelijkheid

Tech Touch

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 38:27


In deze aflevering van Tech-Touch neemt Vanessa ons mee in het verhaal van Envision, een Nederlands bedrijf dat al sinds 2017 vooroploopt met hun AI-app en de bekende Envision Glasses. Ontdek hoe hun producten specifiek zijn ontwikkeld met en voor de community van slechtziende en blinde mensen. Centraal in dit gesprek staat hun nieuwste innovatie: […] Het bericht Envision's Ally Solos Glasses: Een Nieuwe Visie op Toegankelijkheid verscheen eerst op Tech Touch Podcast.

Special Chronicles Show Podcast
SUSO2025: Nicholas T from Envision Unlimited

Special Chronicles Show Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 8:05


In this fifth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Nicholas T from Envision Unlimited. We're excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities. You'll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let's Speak Up. Let's Speak Out. Let's Be Heard. Join The Conversation

Women's Meditation Network
An Invitation To Envision Compassion

Women's Meditation Network

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 12:17


Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Gently close your eyes,  Focusing on your breath,  Imagine a bright, warm light surrounding you.  PAUSE… As you inhale, imagine this light expanding to encompass all those you care about,  And send them love and compassion with each breath.  PAUSE… As you exhale, imagine this light reaching out to those who may be struggling,  Sending them love and compassion with each breath. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen  Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life.  If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want!  Namaste, Beautiful,

Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
Episode 372 Release, Align, Rise

Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 7:05


On this week's episode, I explain the triple nine portal of last Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The number nine invites us to close old cycles and prepare for a fresh start. Triple nine energy equals Release, Align, Rise.  It's not too late for you to focus on what you what to release, how you can forgive yourself and others with compassion and rise into a higher vibration.  Reflect on what no longer serves you. Envision how you can show up more consciously and confidently for yourself, your relationships, your work and the proactive work needed in our country now. Let these three words be your guide: RELEASE, ALIGN, RISE!   Enjoy the podcast! 

Special Chronicles Show Podcast
SUSO2025: Deanna E from Envision Unlimited

Special Chronicles Show Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 12:18


In this fourth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Deanna E from Envision Unlimited. We're excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities. You'll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let's Speak Up. Let's Speak Out. Let's Be Heard. Join The Conversation

Tek Talk
Tek Talk welcomes Kevin Chao, Chief Visionary and Evangelist of AGIGA, to discuss their EchoVision Smart Glasses. 08/11/2025

Tek Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 72:10


EchoVision is the first AI Smart glasses made by, with, and for the blind to provide audio description of the visual world, including: Scene description: all detailed of what things look like that a blind person would want to know and sighted people see People: height, width, color of skin, eyes, hair, facial expression, ethnicity, age, gender. Facial recognition: name + title based on taking a few perspective photos and adding custom name + title. Book reading mode: OCR text reading of printed text paper, mail, financial, medical, books. Flip pages and read. Live AI mode: Explore the world and it'll provide play-by-play audio description of what's in frame of camera. Transit: Using voice request to navigate or transit to any point of interest or address and get transit route schedule and preview, so one knows if they need to wait for next bus/train, walk to catch it, or run to make it in time, and build mental map of route. Remote visual interpreter: AIRA and Be My Eyes support. Feels like regular sun glasses: Front: square top, mostly straight and slightly curved on side lens, rounded at bottom and inside. Right side has 13MP wide-angle landscape camera. Left: LED indicator to let people know camera is active. 2x buttons on top edge of arms near lens: right for AI and left for camera and power. Speakers in arm that point towards ears USB-C port in back-right arm. Presenter Contact Info Bio: Kevin Chao has ben blind since 14 years old, has worked in digital accessibility as an evangelist and advocate for nearly two-decades at fortune 50 companies (Sendero Group, Georgia Institute of Technology,, JPMorgan Chase, US Bank, Google, Apple) making mobile apps and websites usable for people with disabilities, including blind people. Chao has been an early adopter, tech enthusiast, and beta tester of many blindness assistive technology, including wearable and glasses (owned or used: eSight, OrCam, Envision, Meta Ray-Bans, , Seleste)and have worked with many blindness companies to provide direct feedback. Chao is Chief Visionary and Evangelist at AGIGA.AI. Email: kevin.evangelist@agiga.ai Website: https://agiga.ai/

Derwood Alliance Church
Pause: Landon's Story of Sharing & Showing Jesus

Derwood Alliance Church

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 31:58


Landon recently returned from a three-month mission trip to Japan with Envision, a program of the Christian Missionary Alliance. In Sendai, he engaged in "friendship ministry," building relationships with Japanese students through English cafes and social gatherings, while also helping renovate a building for Freedom Life Church. Landon witnessed how God works through genuine connections to address Japan's loneliness epidemic, even across language barriers.#ShareJesus #ShowJesus #LaunchedOnMission #Japan #Sendai #ChristianAndMissionaryAlliance #Envision #GodAtWork

KQED’s Perspectives
Bridgette Corridan: Envision a Brighter Future

KQED’s Perspectives

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 3:58


Bridgette Corridan shares how she leaned in to a spiritual practice during California's wildfire season.

The Mindful FIRE Podcast
195 : Meditation : Practice Seeing How You Have What You Want

The Mindful FIRE Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 19:05


In this episode: Envision your ideal future in vivid detail.Thanks for joining me for today's guided meditation. We're going to explore something exciting—visualizing the life of our dreams.The foundation of this practice is simple: being present and mindful without judging our thoughts. Through mindfulness, we can fully experience the present moment rather than becoming entangled in past regrets or future anxieties.Once we settle into a relaxed state, we'll create a mental image of our ideal life. We'll make this visualization come alive by imagining the sensory details—what we see, hear, and feel in this dream life.Then, when we're deeply immersed in that visualization, I have a special surprise waiting for us.PS: Introducing the…

Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast
Before You Set 2026 Goals, Ask This One Question

Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 33:47


As planning season kicks into gear, I'm sharing one powerful question that every nonprofit leader should ask before setting next year's goals. It's a short episode, but it goes deep — because how you approach planning is just as important as what ends up in your plan. If you've been feeling stuck in survival mode, quietly absorbing the pressure of growth, or running on grit instead of clarity, this episode is for you.I walk through the subtle but critical difference between bracing and leading — and how that distinction can reshape your strategy, systems, and capacity going into the new year.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between “bracing” through growth and leading through itHow to spot signs of burnout-inducing systems (or lack thereof)Key mindset shifts for designing a sustainable organizationKey Takeaways:Bracing means absorbing pressure and defaulting to overwork; leading means designing systems to carry the weight.If you're bracing, your team is too — your operating style sets the tone.You can't grow beyond the strength of your organizational design.Reflection Prompts (Step-by-Step Planning Prep):Ask yourself these questions as you design your goals and work plan:What am I tolerating or carrying that a system could solve? → Identify where your energy is patching holes that systems should fix.Where am I overworking to compensate for a weak container? → Look for signs you're doing more because your structure does less.What did I ‘white-knuckle' this year? → Pinpoint where urgency, not strategy, drove your decision-making.What part of the organization feels fragile or heavy? → That's your signal for a design upgrade.If I stepped into the role of architect instead of operator, what would change? → Envision what would shift if you led through structure, not scramble.Now is the time to invest in smart, strategic redesign of what's blocking your org's growth. Set yourself up for a poweful 2026 - apply to join the Next Level Nonprofit. brookerichiebabbage.com/nextlevelnonprofitWant to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

The Revitalizing Doctor
Dr. Gillian Schmitz Part 2: Fighting for Doctors

The Revitalizing Doctor

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 29:29


What happens when insurance companies and emergency physicians clash over fair payment, leaving patients caught in the middle? In this Echo Episode, part two of a two-part series, Dr. Andrea Austin talks with Dr. Jillian Schmitz about the pressing challenges in emergency medicine today.Dr. Schmitz explains the intricacies of surprise billing, where out-of-network emergency care leads to unexpected patient costs, and the No Surprises Act's intent to protect patients by removing them from billing disputes. She highlights the implementation challenges, including insurance companies' failure to follow regulations, skyrocketing arbitration fees, and delays in payments that threaten small practices. The conversation also explores ACEP's advocacy efforts, the power of collective action, and an exciting initiative to accredit emergency departments to set standards for resources, staffing, and transparency.You'll hear how they:Break down surprise billing and its impact on patients and emergency physiciansExpose flaws in the No Surprises Act's implementation, including insurance companies' manipulation of dispute processesAdvocate for collective action through ACEP membership, Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions, and sharing real-world storiesPropose accrediting emergency departments to ensure proper resources and fair practice environmentsChallenge misconceptions about ACEP's ties to corporate medicine and emphasize its physician-led advocacyIf you're an emergency physician feeling the weight of systemic challenges or seeking ways to drive change, this episode offers practical insights, advocacy strategies, and a hopeful vision for the future of emergency medicine.About the Guest:“Emergency physicians are resilient—we adapt to challenging situations with little information and make the best of it.” – Dr. Gillian SchmitzDr. Gillian Schmitz is a professor at the Uniformed Services University and an emergency physician at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. As the  past president and a member of the Board of Directors of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), she has been a leading voice in addressing workforce challenges, burnout, and policy reform in emergency medicine. A civilian working in military medicine, Gillian's career blends clinical practice, academic teaching, and advocacy, inspired by her commitment to serving those who serve the country. Her work focuses on fostering resilience, improving team dynamics, and advocating for systemic changes to support emergency physicians.

The Man That Can Project
How to Envision Your Future When Life Feels Overwhelming #652

The Man That Can Project

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 10:16 Transcription Available


Message me your 'Takeaways'.When life feels overwhelming, clarity is the antidote. In this episode of Man That Can with Lachie Stuart, you'll learn how to create a vision that excites you, reset your focus, and build the habits that pull you toward the man you want to become. Take the scorecard to see where you're thriving and where you're drifting.Support the showTake the "MAN THAT CAN" Scorecard: HERE Follow Lachlan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lachlanstuart/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lachlanstuart91Website: https://themanthatcanproject.com/Newsletter: https://lachlan-stuart-tmtcp.ck.page/profileDo Something Today To Be Better For Tomorrow

Kedushah4life
Chassidus4Life Shiur 169 Envision

Kedushah4life

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 1:27


Do I Envision?

Assistive Technology Update with Josh Anderson
ATU745 – Ally Updates and More from Envision with Karthik Kannan

Assistive Technology Update with Josh Anderson

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 27:06


Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Karthik Kannan – Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder – Envision Ally Website: ally.me Ally Glasses Website: ally.me/glasses Find Ally on the app and play […]

Blind Guys Chat
#130: Stop drooling on me pants

Blind Guys Chat

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 37:14 Transcription Available


We're back after our summer break, and as we woke up to the sound of Autumn arriving, (it's lashing rain here!) we were discouraged to hear that the new Glide is not coming to Europe! What!?! As the characters on South Park might say "You Ba***rds! You killed Kenny!" But are we really surprised to hear this news? The Blind Guys discuss. Guess who's just pre-ordered a new pair of Envision Ally Solos Glasses even though he already has a pair of the original ones? Yes, it's the Stephen Scott of Blind Guys Chat; Mohammed. So why has he decided to throw his €3,500 Envision smart glasses out with the rubbish and pay out for a new pair? And will it help him get lucky with the women? Speaking of meeting up with women, Mohammed also tells us of his trials and tribulations when he recently travelled to Berlin on his very own, with nobody to mind him. BGC understands that the German police are advising people to be on the lookout for a blind man accosting tourists and locals, and demanding they bring him around museums. They are also looking for a blind man seen running around parks seeking a running partner, waving his cane wildly. Wonder who that could be? So, pick up those fallen leaves from the front doorstep, make yourself a nice cup of hot chocolate, and settle in for the number one podcast this side of a ham sandwich: Blind Guys Chat! 8 out of 10 museums prefer it to storing old stuff! Support Blind Guys Chat by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/blind-guys-chatRead transcript

Talks w/ Maria - Personal Development & Mommy Podcast

Business Coaching around having a strong vision of your success in business and life. How you speak about your life & business effects your results more than you know!

Sight and Sound Technology Podcast
Episode 100: Celebrating our 100th episode and Vanessa Vigar returns to talk all things Ally Solos

Sight and Sound Technology Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 36:08


In this milestone 100th episode of our podcast, Stuart celebrates seven years of the show by reminiscing about its origins and dipping into the very first episode from September 2018. Then its time to welcome back friend of the show Vanessa Viger, Chief Marketing Officer at Envision. Vanessa provides an overview of the new Ally Solos smart glasses, discussing their affordability, lighter design, and key features. The Ally Solos Glasses are designed to look like normal, lightweight everyday frames. They feature a camera on the left arm and battery-powered, removable stems that offer a 10-hour battery life with swappable arms for all-day use. They will be available in medium/large sizes and three colour options, complete with a folding case. The glasses are offered at an early bird price of £380, normally around £532. This price includes a 1-year Ally Pro subscription worth around £200. They connect via Bluetooth to a phone and can function as a headset for music and calls. They utilize existing Ally profiles/personalities across devices and employ multiple AI models for different tasks, focusing on accuracy over speed for safety. Unlike the hardware-focused Envision glasses, the Ally Solos adopt a software platform approach. Envision provides customer support, while Solos handles fulfilment. These glasses are built with an accessibility-first approach, distinguishing them from general market products like Meta Ray-Bans. Key scenarios include reading menus, food packaging and signs, getting real-time descriptions of what's around you, checking your calendar and even finding out what the weather forecast. They are also prescription and tinted lens compatible and aim to target a broader market, including the elderly, individuals with cognitive needs, and those seeking general convenience.  Ally and Ally Solos Glasses users have complete control over their privacy since all Envision products are GDPR compliant and you are opted out of data sharing by default.

Abide Sleep Channel
You've Got Character

Abide Sleep Channel

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 32:40


Sleep better and Stress Less— with Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. We hope this biblical sleep meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. Join Abide on a peaceful walk through beautiful gardens of righteous character. Envision the fruit of your salvation as healthy, vibrant, and abundant – as produced by the Holy Spirit. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for better sleep is right here: https://abide.com/peaceDiscover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us

iCantCU Podcast
Ally Solos Smartglasses vs. Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses

iCantCU Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2025 60:05


In this episode of iCantCU, I'm finally back after a month and diving into the Ally Solos—new smart glasses from Envision designed specifically for blind and low-vision users. Unlike Ray-Ban or Oakley Metas, these aren't built for social media first. They won't shoot video at launch, but they'll capture photos and focus on accessibility features that actually matter to us. The presale had me tempted, and even though I held off because of past bad experiences with uncomfortable frames from other brands, I may still give them a try with their 30-day return policy. I also share some of the frustrations I've had with my Ray-Ban Metas—like constant notifications interrupting conversations, calls bouncing between devices, and unpredictable dictation. While the glasses can be fantastic when they work (like helping me confirm my Harrisburg train at 30th Street Station), those quirks make me eager to see if the Ally Solos can do better. Beyond tech, I talk about what's been keeping me busy: prepping for the NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in November, handling a major website migration, attending the Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar, and even dealing with a broken cane. Plus, I fill you in on our upcoming scholarship raffle and ask your thoughts on whether sunglasses during video episodes would throw you off. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/289 Links Mentioned Product links are affiliate links so that I may earn a commission. Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, Wayfarer: https://amzn.to/42EU0Sy Learn more about the Ally Solos: https://www.ally.me Learn more about the 2025 NFB of PA State Convention: https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention/ Listen to Lisa Bryan & my interview with EnVision CTO Karthik Kannan: https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/143/. Federation Focus on the NFB of PA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa I edit the show with Descript and love it!: https://www.iCantCU.com/descript/ Be My Eyes app (free): https://www.bemyeyes.com/  Seeing AI app (free): https://www.seeingai.com/  Index of That Real Blind Tech Show episodes: https://www.icantcu.com/trbts/  Watch iCantCU episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCU Support iCantCU When shopping at Amazon, I would appreciate it if you clicked on this link to make your purchases: https://www.iCantCU.com/amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associate Program and earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The best part is, you don't pay extra for doing this! White Canes Connect Podcast Episode 143 In episode 143 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and I welcome back Karthik Kannan, co-founder and CTO of Envision, for an exciting update on accessible technology. Karthik last joined the podcast four years ago to discuss Envision Glasses, then partnered with Google. Today, he returns to introduce the brand-new Ally Solos, a next-generation wearable that pushes accessibility to new heights. Find this episode at: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/envision-ally-solos-smartglasses-unveiled/id1592248709?i=1000722318206 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DOMSDicebFYMDK2ZpO4Ac YouTube https://youtu.be/bIcvmAzlk8k?si=IG3U_Ju-Tp2UPqOV White Canes Connect Website https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/143/ My Podcast Gear Here is all my gear and links to it on Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Zoom Podtrak P4: https://amzn.to/33Ymjkt Zoom ZDM Mic & Headphone Pack: https://amzn.to/33vLn2s Zoom H1n Recorder: https://amzn.to/3zBxJ9O  Gator Frameworks Desk Mounted Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3AjJuBK Shure SM58 S Mic: https://amzn.to/3JOzofg  Sony ZV-E10 camera : https://amzn.to/4fFBSxM  GoPro Hero 11 Black: https://amzn.to/3SKI7WX Rode Video Micro (used on GoPro): https://amzn.to/4kVMJWI Sennheiser Headset (1st 162 episodes): https://amzn.to/3fM0Hu0  Follow iCantCU on your favorite podcast directory! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icantcu-podcast/id1445801370/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5HgD9ckSaUQaWwW2  Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/iCantCU-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJM26BT  IHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-icantcu-podcast-31157111/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/davidbenj  Reach out on social media Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/davidbenj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbenj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidbenj LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbenj Are You or Do You Know A Blind Boss? If you or someone you know is crushing it in their field and is also blind, I want to hear from you! Call me at (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Please include your name and town, and tell me who the Blind Boss is and why I need to have them on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com.

Eyes On Success with hosts Peter and Nancy Torpey
2535 Ally Solos Smart Glasses (Aug. 27, 2025)

Eyes On Success with hosts Peter and Nancy Torpey

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025


2535 Ally Solos Smart Glasses (Aug. 27, 2025) Show Notes Artificial Intelligence is opening new doors in accessibility. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Karthik Kannan, co-founder and CTO of Envision, about the new Ally Solos smart glasses and about using QR codes to bring detailed museum descriptions to blind visitors, showing how technology … Continue reading 2535 Ally Solos Smart Glasses (Aug. 27, 2025) →

cto qr envision solos smart glasses karthik kannan peter torpey
Sound Mind Set
Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Sound Mind Set

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 10:00


1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSGYou've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.Paul used runners in a race as a metaphor for the Christian life. Notice he never mentioned the prospect of losing, only what must be done to win. A major mental and emotional dynamic of serious athletes is to constantly envision winning. For you to set and attain your goals in life, try to take losing off the table. Run to win. Train hard. Give it everything you've got. Stay alert. Envision winning. Why? Because we tend fulfill the personal prophesies that we create in our minds.Listen again to Paul's inspirational speech: Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG) What do you need to let go of, or what do you need to start doing to race like you never have before?Let's declare Paul's words out loud: I run to win. I will give it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I will stay alert and in top condition. (from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG) Let's pray together: “Father, I desire to win any and everything that You intend for me to win in life. Teach me to think Your thoughts and live as one who desires to win and cross Your finish line. As above, so below.”

Sustainable Clinical Medicine with The Charting Coach
Episode 136: The Future of Physician Wellbeing, Advocating for Doctors & Rethinking Physician Support.

Sustainable Clinical Medicine with The Charting Coach

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 38:02


Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast! In this Episode, Dr. Sarah Smith sits down with Dr. Stefanie Simmons, an emergency medicine physician and the Chief Medical Officer of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. Together, they dive deep into the critical topic of healthcare workforce burnout and what it really takes to create healthier, more sustainable clinical environments—not just for physicians, but for all healthcare workers. Dr. Simmons shares her personal journey from residency, through struggles with peripartum depression, to pioneering new roles in clinician well-being and organizational support. They explore the stigma surrounding mental health in medicine, discuss the evolution of coaching and peer support, and look at the broader culture shift that's starting to reshape the medical landscape. Whether you're a healthcare professional searching for tools to thrive or an advocate for change in medicine, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hope for building a more supportive future in clinical practice. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Systemic Change is Essential: We need to move beyond just “building a stronger canary”—the focus must be on building better, more human-centered healthcare environments that support both patients and clinicians. Removing Mental Health Stigma Matters: Dr. Simmons spotlights the real harm from outdated licensing and credentialing questions about mental health. Progress is happening: more states and organizations are removing these barriers, making it safer for clinicians to seek help. Actionable Resources Exist: The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation provides toolkits, badges, and learning collaboratives to help organizations enhance clinician wellbeing, reduce administrative burden, and foster peer support. Meet Dr. Stefanie Simmons: Stefanie Simmons, MD is the Chief Medical Officer at the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation and a board-certified emergency medicine physician. She was the primary advisor to NIOSH for the Impact WellbeingTM guide for healthcare leaders, leads multi-state programs to improve the operational environment of care and remove barriers to mental health care, and serves as a national thought leader in healthcare worker well-being. Stefanie served as the Vice President of Patient and Clinician Experience for Envision over 7 years, serving 26,000 physicians and advanced practice providers with a focus on professional well-being, including translational research and programs designed to bring well-being best practices to clinical environments. She served as lead clinical faculty for the Clinician Experience Project Wellbeing program. Stefanie earned her Bachelor of Science and Medical Doctor degrees from University of Michigan and completed residency training at the University of Michigan/St. Joseph Mercy emergency medicine residency. She has completed additional training in medical education, research methods, coaching, and positive organizational psychology. Please pay special attention to this detailed list of mental health resources, tools and ways to access more information on Dr. Simmons work. ALL IN for Mental Health: https://drlornabreen.org/allinformentalhealth/ Specifically the ALL IN for Mental Health resource page: https://drlornabreen.org/allinformentalhealth/six-actions/accessible-affordable-mental-health-care/ ACEP wellbeing resource page: https://www.acep.org/life-as-a-physician/wellness Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation Licensing/Credentialing toolkit: https://drlornabreen.org/removebarriers/ Write your Representative to support Reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection act: https://drlornabreen.org/reauthorizelba/ Become an Ambassador: https://drlornabreen.org/become-an-ambassador/ Donate (and thank you!): https://drlornabreen.org/donate/ -------------- Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click Here **** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine. Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca **** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don't forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released. **** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life. **** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

Tek Talk
Tek Talk features a recorded interview with Karthik Kannan, Chief Technology Officer of Envision, discussing their Ally Solos  Smart Glasses. 08/18/2025

Tek Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 59:29


Ally Solos Glasses redefine how you connect with information and navigate your world. These featherweight, under 50g, splash-resistant smart glasses empower you to simply speak to Ally, just like you would a trusted friend. Your Ally listens discreetly through open-ear audio, providing helpful, instant responses, all while seamlessly connected to your phone via the Ally app. With Ally Solos Glasses, you can effortlessly: Read anything: From signs and menus to mail and screens. Understand your surroundings: Get descriptions of places, people, or scenes. Recognize what’s around you: Identify objects and familiar faces. Stay organized: Ask questions, set reminders, or check your calendar. And so much more – all hands-free, simply by speaking naturally. Presenter Contact Info Email: kk@letsenvision.com Website: https://www.ally.me/glasses

Building Utah
Speaking on Business: Envision Engineering

Building Utah

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 1:30


This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1994, Envision Engineering has been a trusted, award-winning team helping communities across Utah and internationally with smart, sustainable solutions in electrical engineering. Founder and senior principal, Jeff Owen, joins us with more. Jeff Owen: At Envision Engineering, we focus on the electrical side of building design, everything from lighting and power to security, audio visual, and communication systems. We work closely with architects and other engineers to design a wide range of projects including schools, airports, libraries, churches, offices, and more. You've probably seen some of our work around town, like the new airport terminal, the Rice-Eccles Stadium expansion, or the City Creek Center. One area we're really passionate about is sustainability. We designed the electrical systems for Utah's first zero-energy K–12 school, Odyssey Elementary, which produces more energy than it uses. At Envision Engineering, we're always looking for smart, efficient ways to reduce energy and integrate solar where it makes sense. We're a team of about 45 people, and we take pride in being responsive, thoughtful partners. For us, it's not just about construction drawings, we care about creating systems that work well for the people who use them every day. Derek Miller: Envision Engineering is shaping Utah's future by designing spaces that support learning, connection, and growth. Their behind-the-scenes expertise helps build stronger communities. To learn more about their work across the state, visit envisioneng.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 8/22/25

Blind Abilities
Level Up: Building Confidence, Skills, and Futures for Blind and Low Vision Students

Blind Abilities

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 23:40


Envision's Level Up program is more than a summer camp—it's a launching pad for blind and visually impaired students stepping into independence, college, and careers. Since 2006, Level Up has combined skill-building with hands-on experiences that prepare students for life beyond high school. From technology training to culinary arts, engineering, health careers, and team-building, every activity is designed to spark curiosity and confidence. Students live in college dorms, gaining valuable independence while connecting with peers who truly understand their journey. Parents and teachers see firsthand how the program strengthens self-advocacy, resilience, and readiness for the future. With mentorship from successful blind professionals and guidance on career and college pathways, students leave empowered to connect, engage, and act on their dreams. Whether it's their first year or a return visit, Level Up helps each student discover new strengths, friendships, and opportunities to thrive.   Be sure to check out the video mentioned in this episode and to find out more about Level Up and what Envision has to offer, check them out on the web at Envision Level Up.   Other Podcasts of interests:   From Confidence to Career: Explore Summer with the LEAP Program   Come Sail Away or Kick Into Confidence: Summer Camps That Empower at Lighthouse Center for Vital Living   From Classroom to Career: Vanward Consulting is Reshaping How Blind and Low Vision Youth Prepare for College, Careers, and Life   To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205.   Full Transcript  

RNIB Tech Talk
578: Tech Talk 578: Ally Solos Glasses, Beta Testing Safely, Ad Spiers

RNIB Tech Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 58:49


This week, we're speaking to Envision about the new ‘Ally Solos Glasses', Hubert tackles the question of if beta testing is a safe way to test new features before the general public, plus, we'll be tackling some of your emails. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at RNIB Connect Radio | RNIB , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Tuesday afternoon, so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode. We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at techtalk@rnib.org.uk

White Canes Connect
Envision Ally Solos Smartglasses Unveiled

White Canes Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 50:22


In episode 143 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome back Karthik Kannan, co-founder and CTO of Envision, for an exciting update on accessible technology. Karthik last joined the podcast four years ago to discuss Envision Glasses, then partnered with Google. Today, he returns to introduce the brand-new Ally Solos, a next-generation wearable that pushes accessibility to new heights. Karthik explains how Ally Solos builds upon the original concept of AI-powered glasses by combining sleek design, advanced performance, and affordability. Unlike many mainstream devices adapted after the fact, Ally Solos was created specifically for blind and low vision users, with features designed to improve independence and everyday life. From real-time text recognition and object description to seamless integration with a smartphone, Karthik highlights how the device's enhanced speed, voice output, and intuitive interface make it truly empowering. The conversation also touches on the importance of community feedback in shaping Envision's innovations, ensuring that products meet the real needs of blind users. With its accessible price point and thoughtful design, Ally Solos represents a major step forward in inclusive technology. Listen to discover how Envision continues to transform possibilities for the blind community. Preorder your Ally Solos at https://www.ally.me/glasses/.  Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/143     NFB of PA State Convention Registration is Open Registration is now open for the 2025 NFB of PA State Convention in Harrisburg from November 13 to November 16 at the Best Western Premier! Learn more at https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention/. Go directly to the registration form at https://www.nfbofpa.org/register/. An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect. Donate to the NFB of PA Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/. We Want to Hear Your Story Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com. Follow White Canes Connect Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked at #13 of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast  Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

Sunset Flip Radio
TRYING TO "ENVISION" THE FUTURE

Sunset Flip Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 65:20


WE ARE ON THE ROAD TO CLASH IN PARIS! WE BREAK DOWN WHERE THIS EVENT CAN GO, AND HOW THIS ALL REVOLVES AROUND JOHN CENA'S RETIREMENT TOUR. WE LOOK AHEAD AT WRESTLEMANIA 42, AND HOW SETH VS ROMAN WILL MAIN EVENT SUNDAY NIGHT. WHAT'S GOING ON NAOMI? ALL THAT AND MORE ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF SUNSET FLIP RADIO.

AppleVis Podcast
AppleVis Extra #110: Envision & the Ally Solos Smart Glasses

AppleVis Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025


In this episode of AppleVis Extra, hosts Dave Nason and Thomas Domville welcome back Karthik Kannan from Envision for his second appearance this year. The discussion centers around Envision's newest wearable: the Ally Solos Smart Glasses, developed in partnership with Solos. The conversation covers design, functionality, pricing, and how these glasses differ from Envision's previous offerings and other competing smart glasses.Key Topics CoveredBackground on EnvisionBrief history of the Envision AI app and original Envision glasses.Introduction of Ally, Envision's conversational AI assistant.The Ally Solos Smart GlassesLightweight design (approx. 42g) with two HD (2K-class) cameras.Directional stereo speakers with minimal sound leakage.Beamforming microphones for clear audio pickup in noisy environments.Touchpad controls for volume, Ally activation, and navigation.USB-C rechargeable stems with fast charging (14-hour battery life).Functionality & IntegrationFull Ally integration for text reading, object recognition, facial recognition, and conversational interaction.Can also function as standard Bluetooth headphones for calls, music, and voice assistants.Ability to take photos with auto-generated alt text.No built-in GPS — relies on paired phone for location-based services.Pricing & AvailabilityPre-order tiers from $399 to $599 USD (€ pricing equivalent).Post-launch price expected to be $699 USD.Worldwide availability.Pre-orders include one year of Ally Pro subscription (valued at $200).Accessibility & Language SupportDesigned specifically for blind and low-vision users, with accessibility in setup and daily use.Supports over 20 interface languages (planned to expand to ~40) and understands 100+ languages for input/output.Future Features & PartnershipsPlans for offline Ally functionality in future updates.Potential integration with Aira and Be My Eyes.Commitment to continue supporting original Envision Glasses alongside the new model.Links & ResourcesPre-order Ally Solos Glasses: ally.me/glassesTranscriptDisclaimer: This transcript was generated by AI Note Taker – VoicePen, an AI-powered transcription app. It is not edited or formatted, and it may not accurately capture the speakers' names, voices, or content.Dave: Hello there and welcome to another episode of the AppleVis Extra. This is episode number 110. I am your host, David Nason, and joined once again by Thomas Domville for AnonyMouse. Good to see you again, buddy. How are you?Thomas: Hey, it's good to see you too. Oh my gosh, we're going to be bringing them on for the second time this year, right? It seems like they're on a roll here.…

Women of Color Rise
108. Accelerate Your Liberation Journey with Jillian Juman, CEO, Envision Education

Women of Color Rise

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 25:56


In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Jillian Juman, CEO of Envision Education—a network of high-performing middle and high school charter schools in Oakland, CA.    Jillian shares her powerful journey toward liberation and what it means to lead as a Black woman who embraces curiosity, intuition, and spiritual connection.   Lean into curiosity and play: Jillian follows what sparks her interest—even if most things don't lead anywhere—and trusts that the few that do are exactly where she's meant to be. Notice when you don't fit: She's learned to recognize when something isn't the right environment and no longer sees that as a personal failure. Trust your intuition: Jillian makes space to listen inward and has come to trust that she already knows what's right for her. Create space for reflection: She schedules time to journal, reflect, and take retreats to stay grounded and lead with clarity. Jillian reminds us that liberation is a lifelong journey—and that we already have the answers when we allow ourselves the space to hear them.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-109-stay-and-lead-in-your-home-community-with-dr-nancy-b-gutirrez-president-lead-executive-officer

Double Tap Canada
Envision Launches Ally Solos — Accessibility Meets Style

Double Tap Canada

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 58:21


Envision has announced the Ally Solos smart glasses — a lightweight, phone-connected wearable offering AI-powered text reading, object and face recognition, and upcoming offline features. With early bird pricing at $399 and worldwide shipping, Ally Solos aims to bring advanced accessibility tools to blind, low-vision, and older users at a lower cost than previous Envision glasses.This episode is supported by Pneuma Solutions. Creators of accessible tools like Remote Incident Manager and Scribe. Get $20 off with code dt20 at https://pneumasolutions.com/ and enter to win a free subscription at doubletaponair.com/subscribe!Steven Scott and Shaun Preece speak with Envision co-founder Karthik Karnan about the launch of the Ally Solos glasses. These next-gen wearables feature dual HD cameras, up to 15 hours of battery life, and seamless Bluetooth pairing with smartphones to run Ally, Envision's AI assistant. Users can ask natural questions — such as finding vegan menu items — and Ally chooses the right tool automatically.Unlike standalone devices, Ally Solos leverage phone processing for extended battery life and reduced cost, while still supporting future offline capabilities like instant text reading and document scanning. The glasses double as Bluetooth headphones, support voice assistants like Siri or Gemini, and allow text/image export to other devices.A free Ally plan offers core functionality, while Ally Pro ($10/month or $100/year at launch) unlocks unlimited conversations, custom “Allies,” conversation history, shortcuts, larger file imports, and upcoming live video AI. Existing Envision glasses will remain supported for years, with updates continuing. Pre-orders are open worldwide, with prices rising to $599 after the campaign.Chapters00:00 – Introducing Karthik and Ally Solos launch01:00 – Specs and early bird pricing02:11 – Why phone pairing boosts battery life05:18 – Offline features planned for updates07:22 – Bluetooth connectivity and assistant support08:20 – Why Solos hardware was chosen11:20 – Why not Meta Ray-Bans?13:07 – Accessibility-first setup and onboarding16:36 – Frame styles, lenses, and prescription options18:08 – Key features: text reading, face recognition, exports22:06 – Ally vs Envision AI app24:05 – Ally free vs Pro subscription27:18 – Pro features: unlimited minutes, customisation, live video AI28:03 – Pricing and subscription offers31:17 – Trying Ally app before buying glasses32:30 – Support for existing Envision Glasses39:17 – Commitment to ongoing updates41:55 – Aira, Be My Eyes, and companion app plans44:22 – Worldwide availability and multilingual support45:19 – Post–early bird pricing Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

RNIB Connect
S2 Ep1296: Envision Unveil New Smart Glasses

RNIB Connect

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 9:33


Accessible technology company ‘Envision' launched their new ‘Ally Solos Glasses' on August the 14th. Tech Talk's Callum Stoneman spoke to the team behind the wearable, hands-free AI glasses. You can hear a longer version of Callum's conversation with Envision on next week's episode of Tech Talk.

The One-Person Business
218. Dream It Before You Build It: The Envision Stage For Solopreneurs Explained

The One-Person Business

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 11:59 Transcription Available


Ever wonder how to take that fuzzy “someday” business idea and turn it into something real, without locking yourself into a plan too soon? In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, we're diving into the Envision stage of the Solopreneur Success Cycle (episode 3 of The Solopreneur Success Cycle Series beginning with episode 216). We'll talk about dreaming big without overcomplicating, why your goals (not just a trendy framework) should guide your choices, and how to vet your ideas without fear of someone “stealing” them. Plus, we'll share why niching down is actually your best friend and how your so-called competition can become your biggest allies. Whether you have no idea what business to start or just want to make sure you're on the right track, this conversation will help you turn possibility into clarity. Okay, this might be the craziest offer we've ever made. We're giving away a solopreneur platform that normally costs five hundred dollars a year…For twenty-five bucks. And not for a month, not for a year… forever.All you have to do is pre-order our new book: Solopreneur Business for Dummies.When we first went solo, we thought we could just Google our way through it. But the advice out there? It was built for startups with teams and money, not someone trying to do it all themselves. We kept thinking: “There's gotta be a better way.”So we made one. LifeStarr Premier is the system we wish we had back then: the tools, the strategy, the community, all in one place.Go to book.lifestarr.com to lock it in.This deal goes away when the book drops, October 6, 2025, and it's not coming back.Pre-order the book. Upload your receipt. You're in. For good.

Double Tap Canada
Your Emails: Guide Dog Retirement, Brain Science & Blind Super Senses

Double Tap Canada

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 56:10


Can smart glasses help you play poker? Does AI give blind users superpowers? And what really happens when a guide dog retires? Steven and Shaun dig deep into the inbox to explore listener stories, smart tech, brain science, and blind pride—plus some laughs along the way.This episode of Double Tap opens with caffeine-fueled chaos and rolls into a lively, insightful discussion based entirely on listener emails. Dean from New Zealand kicks things off with high praise for the WeWALK Smart Cane and a surprising nod to Shaun's tip about using Copilot on mobile. The hosts then unpack the latest updates to the cane's obstacle detection and battery life, teasing a full review coming soon.Shaun explains why he prefers the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses over Envision despite Meta AI's limitations—hint: it's all about video calling and interface. Steven agrees, but raises concerns about battery life and the lack of display real estate. They also touch on upcoming AI-powered features like CoBrowse AI and agentic AIs, and the growing appeal (and privacy implications) of wearables.Listener Craig shares his emotional experience of retiring his guide dog Merlin, prompting a deep discussion about the lack of control blind users have in that process. Steven also opens up about his own hesitations around getting a guide dog, from access refusals to society's challenges.Amy writes in with thoughtful reflections on sensory substitution—especially the growing research around brain plasticity in blind people—and shares a story about resisting pressure to wear glasses as a child. This sparks a nuanced conversation about disability identity, assumptions from sighted people, and whether blind people really do develop “super senses.”Paul, a blind social worker, emails about using smart glasses to play cards or access online casinos. Steven and Shaun discuss current limitations, suggest tactile braille cards, and speculate about the future of AI-powered agents for gaming and kiosk access.The episode wraps with praise for Richer Sounds and a broader chat about how experiential retail could revive the high street—and why Amazon might ironically be leading the way.Chapters00:00 - Introduction02:44 - Listener Dean talks about the WeWalk smart cane and praises Shaun!16:06 - Listener Craig talks about retirement of his guide dog, Merlin29:37 - Get in touch with Double Tap30:01 - Listener Amy on blindness and better hearing44:36 - Listener Ian joins in on the praise of UK chain store Richer Sounds48:53 - Listener Paul on smart glasses and accessible gambling Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

The Robin Zander Show
How The Future Works with Brian Elliott

The Robin Zander Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2025 63:38


Welcome back to Snafu w/ Robin Zander.  In this episode, I'm joined by Brian Elliott, former Slack executive and co-founder of Future Forum. We discuss the common mistakes leaders make about AI and why trust and transparency are more crucial than ever. Brian shares lessons from building high-performing teams, what makes good leadership, and how to foster real collaboration. He also reflects on raising values-driven kids, the breakdown of institutional trust, and why purpose matters. We touch on the early research behind Future Forum and what he'd do differently today. Brian will also be joining us live at Responsive Conference 2025, and I'm excited to continue the conversation there. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, get them here. What Do Most People Get Wrong About AI? (1:53) “Senior leaders sit on polar ends of the spectrum on this stuff. Very, very infrequently, sit in the middle, which is kind of where I find myself too often.”  Robin notes Brian will be co-leading an active session on AI at Responsive Conference with longtime collaborator Helen Kupp. He tees up the conversation by saying Brian holds “a lot of controversial opinions” on AI, not that it's insignificant, but that there's a lot of “idealization.” Brian says most senior leaders fall into one of two camps: Camp A: “Oh my God, this changes everything.” These are the fear-mongers shouting: “If you don't adopt now, your career is over.” Camp B: “This will blow over.” They treat AI as just another productivity fad, like others before it. Brian positions himself somewhere in the middle but is frustrated by both ends of the spectrum. He points out that the loudest voices (Mark Benioff, Andy Jassy, Zuckerberg, Sam Altman) are “arms merchants” – they're pushing AI tools because they've invested billions. These tools are massively expensive to build and run, and unless they displace labor, it's unclear how they generate ROI. believe in AI's potential and  aggressively push adoption inside their companies. So, naturally, these execs have to: But “nothing ever changes that fast,” and both the hype and the dismissal are off-base. Why Playing with AI Matters More Than Training (3:29) AI is materially different from past tech, but what's missing is attention to how adoption happens. “The organizational craft of driving adoption is not about handing out tools. It's all emotional.” Adoption depends on whether people respond with fear or aspiration, not whether they have the software. Frontline managers are key: it's their job to create the time and space for teams to experiment with AI. Brian credits Helen Kupp for being great at facilitating this kind of low-stakes experimentation. Suggests teams should “play with AI tools” in a way totally unrelated to their actual job. Example: take a look at your fridge, list the ingredients you have, and have AI suggest a recipe. “Well, that's a sucky recipe, but it could do that, right?” The point isn't utility,  it's comfort and conversation: What's OK to use AI for? Is it acceptable to draft your self-assessment for performance reviews with AI? Should you tell your boss or hide it? The Purpose of Doing the Thing (5:30) Robin brings up Ezra Klein's podcast in The New York Times, where Ezra asks: “What's the purpose of writing an essay in college?” AI can now do better research than a student, faster and maybe more accurately. But Robin argues that the act of writing is what matters, not just the output. Says: “I'm much better at writing that letter than ChatGPT can ever be, because only Robin Zander can write that letter.” Example: Robin and his partner are in contract on a house and wrote a letter to the seller – the usual “sob story” to win favor. All the writing he's done over the past two years prepared him to write that one letter better. “The utility of doing the thing is not the thing itself – it's what it trains.” Learning How to Learn (6:35) Robin's fascinated by “skills that train skills” – a lifelong theme in both work and athletics. He brings up Josh Waitzkin (from Searching for Bobby Fischer), who went from chess prodigy to big wave surfer to foil board rider. Josh trained his surfing skills by riding a OneWheel through NYC, practicing balance in a different context. Robin is drawn to that kind of transfer learning and “meta-learning” – especially since it's so hard to measure or study. He asks: What might AI be training in us that isn't the thing itself? We don't yet know the cognitive effects of using generative AI daily, but we should be asking. Cognitive Risk vs. Capability Boost (8:00) Brian brings up early research suggesting AI could make us “dumber.” Outsourcing thinking to AI reduces sharpness over time. But also: the “10,000 repetitions” idea still holds weight – doing the thing builds skill. There's a tension between “performance mode” (getting the thing done) and “growth mode” (learning). He relates it to writing: Says he's a decent writer, not a great one, but wants to keep getting better. Has a “quad project” with an editor who helps refine tone and clarity but doesn't do the writing. The setup: he provides 80% drafts, guidelines, tone notes, and past writing samples. The AI/editor cleans things up, but Brian still reviews: “I want that colloquialism back in.” “I want that specific example back in.” “That's clunky, I don't want to keep it.” Writing is iterative, and tools can help, but shouldn't replace his voice. On Em Dashes & Detecting Human Writing (9:30) Robin shares a trick: he used em dashes long before ChatGPT and does them with a space on either side. He says that ChatGPT's em dashes are double-length and don't have spaces. If you want to prove ChatGPT didn't write something, “just add the space.” Brian agrees and jokes that his editors often remove the spaces, but he puts them back in. Reiterates that professional human editors like the ones he works with at Charter and Sloan are still better than AI. Closing the Gap Takes More Than Practice (10:31) Robin references The Gap by Ira Glass, a 2014 video that explores the disconnect between a creator's vision and their current ability to execute on that vision. He highlights Glass's core advice: the only way to close that gap is through consistent repetition – what Glass calls “the reps.” Brian agrees, noting that putting in the reps is exactly what creators must do, even when their output doesn't yet meet their standards. Brian also brings up his recent conversation with Nick Petrie, whose work focuses not only on what causes burnout but also on what actually resolves it. He notes research showing that people stuck in repetitive performance mode – like doctors doing the same task for decades – eventually see a decline in performance. Brian recommends mixing in growth opportunities alongside mastery work. “exploit” mode (doing what you're already good at) and  “explore” mode (trying something new that pushes you) He says doing things that stretch your boundaries builds muscle that strengthens your core skills and breaks stagnation. He emphasizes the value of alternating between  He adds that this applies just as much to personal growth, especially when people begin to question their deeper purpose and ask hard questions like, “Is this all there is to my life or career? Brian observes that stepping back for self-reflection is often necessary, either by choice or because burnout forces a hard stop. He suggests that sustainable performance requires not just consistency but also intentional space for growth, purpose, and honest self-evaluation. Why Taste And Soft Skills Now Matter More Than Ever (12:30) On AI, Brian argues that most people get it wrong. “I do think it's augmentation.” The tools are evolving rapidly, and so are the ways we use them. They view it as a way to speed up work, especially for engineers, but that's missing the bigger picture. Brian stresses that EQ is becoming more important than IQ. Companies still need people with developer mindsets – hypothesis-driven, structured thinkers. But now, communication, empathy, and adaptability are no longer optional; they are critical. “Human communication skills just went from ‘they kind of suck at it but it's okay' to ‘that's not acceptable.'” As AI takes over more specialist tasks, the value of generalists is rising. People who can generate ideas, anticipate consequences, and rally others around a vision will be most valuable. “Tools can handle the specialized knowledge – but only humans can connect it to purpose.” Brian warns that traditional job descriptions and org charts are becoming obsolete. Instead of looking for ways to rush employees into doing more work, “rethink the roles. What can a small group do when aligned around a common purpose?” The future lies in small, aligned teams with shared goals. Vision Is Not a Strategy (15:56) Robin reflects on durable human traits through Steve Jobs' bio by Isaac Walterson. Jobs succeeded not just with tech, but with taste, persuasion, charisma, and vision. “He was less technologist, more storyteller.” They discuss Sam Altman, the subject of Empire of AI. Whether or not the book is fully accurate, Robin argues that Altman's defining trait is deal-making. Robin shares his experience using ChatGPT in real estate. It changed how he researched topics like redwood root systems on foundational structure and mosquito mitigation. Despite the tech, both agree that human connection is more important than ever. “We need humans now more than ever.” Brian references data from Kelly Monahan showing AI power users are highly productive but deeply burned out. 40% more productive than their peers. 88% are completely burnt out. Many don't believe their company's AI strategy, even while using the tools daily. There's a growing disconnect between executive AI hype and on-the-ground experience. But internal tests by top engineers showed only 10% improvement, mostly in simple tasks. “You've got to get into the tools yourself to be fluent on this.” One CTO believed AI would produce 30% efficiency gains. Brian urges leaders to personally engage with the tools before making sweeping decisions. He warns against blindly accepting optimistic vendor promises or trends. Leaders pushing AI without firsthand experience risk overburdening their teams. “You're bringing the Kool-Aid and then you're shoving it down your team's throat.” This results in burnout, not productivity. “You're cranking up the demands. You're cranking up the burnout, too.” “That's not going to lead to what you want either.” If You Want Control, Just Say That (20:47) Robin raises the topic of returning to the office, which has been a long-standing area of interest for him. “I interviewed Joel Gascoyne on stage in 2016… the largest fully distributed company in the world at the time.” He's tracked distributed work since Responsive 2016. Also mentions Shelby Wolpa (ex-Envision), who scaled thousands remotely. Robin notes the shift post-COVID: companies are mandating returns without adjusting for today's realities.” Example: “Intel just did a mandatory 4 days a week return to office… and now people live hours away.” He acknowledges the benefits of in-person collaboration, especially in creative or physical industries. “There is an undeniable utility.”, especially as they met in Robin's Cafe to talk about Responsive, despite a commute, because it was worth it. But he challenges blanket return-to-office mandates, especially when the rationale is unclear. According to Brian, any company uses RTO as a veiled soft layoff tactic. Cites Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy openly stating RTO is meant to encourage attrition. He says policies without clarity are ineffective. “If you quit, I don't have to pay you severance.” Robin notes that the Responsive Manifesto isn't about providing answers but outlining tensions to balance. Before enforcing an RTO policy, leaders should ask: “What problem are we trying to solve – and do we have evidence of it?” Before You Mandate, Check the Data (24:50) Performance data should guide decisions, not executive assumptions. For instance, junior salespeople may benefit from in-person mentorship, but… That may only apply to certain teams, and doesn't justify full mandates. “I've seen situations where productivity has fallen – well-defined productivity.” The decision-making process should be decentralized and nuanced. Different teams have different needs — orgs must avoid one-size-fits-all policies, especially in large, distributed orgs. “Should your CEO be making that decision? Or should your head of sales?” Brian offers a two-part test for leaders to assess their RTO logic: Are you trying to attract and retain the best talent? Are your teams co-located or distributed? If the answer to #1 is yes: People will be less engaged, not more. High performers will quietly leave or disengage while staying. Forcing long commutes will hurt retention and morale. If the answer to #2 is “distributed”: Brian then tells a story about a JPMorgan IT manager who asks Jamie Dimon for flexibility. “It's freaking stupid… it actually made it harder to do their core work.” Instead, teams need to define shared norms and operating agreements. “Teams have to have norms to be effective.” RTO makes even less sense. His team spanned time zones and offices, forcing them into daily hurt collaboration. He argues most RTO mandates are driven by fear and a desire for control. More important than office days are questions like: What hours are we available for meetings? What tools do we use and why? How do we make decisions? Who owns which roles and responsibilities? The Bottom Line: The policy must match the structure. If teams are remote by design, dragging them into an office is counterproductive. How to Be a Leader in Chaotic Times (28:34) “We're living in a more chaotic time than any in my lifetime.” Robin asks how leaders should guide their organizations through uncertainty. He reflects on his early work years during the 2008 crash and the unpredictability he's seen since. Observes current instability like the UCSF and NIH funding and hiring freezes disrupting universities, rising political violence, and murders of public officials from the McKnight Foundation, and more may persist for years without relief. “I was bussing tables for two weeks, quit, became a personal trainer… my old client jumped out a window because he lost his fortune as a banker.” Brian says what's needed now is: Resilience – a mindset of positive realism: acknowledging the issues, while focusing on agency and possibility, and supporting one another. Trust – not just psychological safety, but deep belief in leadership clarity and honesty. His definition of resilience includes: “What options do we have?” “What can we do as a team?” “What's the opportunity in this?” What Builds Trust (and What Breaks It) (31:00) Brian recalls laying off more people than he hired during the dot-com bust – and what helped his team endure: “Here's what we need to do. If you're all in, we'll get through this together.” He believes trust is built when: Leaders communicate clearly and early. They acknowledge difficulty, without sugarcoating. They create clarity about what matters most right now. They involve their team in solutions. He critiques companies that delay communication until they're in PR cleanup mode: Like Target's CEO, who responded to backlash months too late – and with vague platitudes. “Of course, he got backlash,” Brian says. “He wasn't present.” According to him, “Trust isn't just psychological safety. It's also honesty.” Trust Makes Work Faster, Better, and More Fun (34:10) “When trust is there, the work is more fun, and the results are better.” Robin offers a Zander Media story: Longtime collaborator Jonathan Kofahl lives in Austin. Despite being remote, they prep for shoots with 3-minute calls instead of hour-long meetings. The relationship is fast, fluid, and joyful, and the end product reflects that. He explains the ripple effects of trust: Faster workflows Higher-quality output More fun and less burnout Better client experience Fewer miscommunications or dropped balls He also likens it to acrobatics: “If trust isn't there, you land on your head.” Seldom Wrong, Never in Doubt (35:45) “Seldom wrong, never in doubt – that bit me in the butt.” Brian reflects on a toxic early-career mantra: As a young consultant, he was taught to project confidence at all times. It was said that “if you show doubt, you lose credibility,” especially with older clients. Why that backfired: It made him arrogant. It discouraged honest questions or collaborative problem-solving. It modeled bad leadership for others. Brian critiques the startup world's hero culture: Tech glorifies mavericks and contrarians, people who bet against the grain and win. But we rarely see the 95% who bet big and failed, and the survivors become models, often with toxic effects. The real danger: Leaders try to imitate success without understanding the context. Contrarianism becomes a virtue in itself – even when it's wrong. Now, he models something else: “I can point to the mountain, but I don't know the exact path.” Leaders should admit they don't have all the answers. Inviting the team to figure it out together builds alignment and ownership. That's how you lead through uncertainty, by trusting your team to co-create. Slack, Remote Work, and the Birth of Future Forum (37:40) Brian recalls the early days of Future Forum: Slack was deeply office-centric pre-pandemic. He worked 5 days a week in SF, and even interns were expected to show up regularly. Slack's leadership, especially CTO Cal Henderson, was hesitant to go remote, not because they were anti-remote, but because they didn't know how. But when COVID hit, Slack, like everyone else, had to figure out remote work in real time. Brian had long-standing relationships with Slack's internal research team: He pitched Stewart Butterfield (Slack's CEO) on the idea of a think tank, where he was then joined by Helen Kupp and Sheela Subramanian, who became his co-founders in the venture. Thus, Future Forum was born. Christina Janzer, Lucas Puente, and others. Their research was excellent, but mostly internal-facing, used for product and marketing. Brian, self-described as a “data geek,” saw an opportunity: Remote Work Increased Belonging, But Not for Everyone (40:56) In mid-2020, Future Forum launched its first major study. Expected finding: employee belonging would drop due to isolation. Reality: it did, but not equally across all demographics. For Black office workers, a sense of belonging actually increased. Future Forum brought in Dr. Brian Lowery, a Black professor at Stanford, to help interpret the results. Lowery explained: “I'm a Black professor at Stanford. Whatever you think of it as a liberal school, if I have to walk on that campus five days a week and be on and not be Black five days a week, 9 to 5 – it's taxing. It's exhausting. If I can dial in and out of that situation, it's a release.” A Philosophy Disguised as a Playbook (42:00) Brian, Helen, and Sheela co-authored a book that distilled lessons from: Slack's research Hundreds of executive conversations Real-world trials during the remote work shift One editor even commented on how the book is “more like a philosophy book disguised as a playbook.” The key principles are: “Start with what matters to us as an organization. Then ask: What's safe to try?” Policies don't work. Principles do. Norms > mandates. Team-level agreements matter more than companywide rules. Focus on outcomes, not activity.  Train your managers. Clarity, trust, and support start there. Safe-to-try experiments. Iterate fast and test what works for your team. Co-create team norms. Define how decisions get made, what tools get used, and when people are available. What's great with the book is that no matter where you are, this same set of rules still applies.  When Leadership Means Letting Go (43:54) “My job was to model the kind of presence I wanted my team to show.” Robin recalls a defining moment at Robin's Café: Employees were chatting behind the counter while a banana peel sat on the floor, surrounded by dirty dishes. It was a lawsuit waiting to happen. His first impulse was to berate them, a habit from his small business upbringing. But in that moment, he reframed his role. “I'm here to inspire, model, and demonstrate the behavior I want to see.” He realized: Hovering behind the counter = surveillance, not leadership. True leadership = empowering your team to care, even when you're not around. You train your manager to create a culture, not compliance. Brian and Robin agree: Rules only go so far. Teams thrive when they believe in the ‘why' behind the work. Robin draws a link between strong workplace culture and… The global rise of authoritarianism The erosion of trust in institutions If trust makes Zander Media better, and helps VC-backed companies scale — “Why do our political systems seem to be rewarding the exact opposite?” Populism, Charisma & Bullshit (45:20) According to Robin, “We're in a world where trust is in very short supply.” Brian reflects on why authoritarianism is thriving globally: The media is fragmented. Everyone's in different pocket universes. People now get news from YouTube or TikTok, not trusted institutions. Truth is no longer shared, and without shared truth, trust collapses. “Walter Cronkite doesn't exist anymore.” He references Andor, where the character, Mon Mothma, says: People no longer trust journalism, government, universities, science, or even business. Edelman's Trust Barometer dipped for business leaders for the first time in 25 years. CEOs who once declared strong values are now going silent, which damages trust even more. “The death of truth is really the problem that's at work here.” Robin points out: Trump and Elon, both charismatic, populist figures, continue to gain power despite low trust. Why? Because their clarity and simplicity still outperform thoughtful leadership. He also calls Trump a “marketing genius.” Brian's frustration: Case in point: Trump-era officials who spread conspiracy theories now can't walk them back. Populists manufacture distrust, then struggle to govern once in power. He shares a recent example: Result: Their base turned on them. Right-wing pundits (Pam Bondi, Dan Bongino) fanned Jeffrey Epstein conspiracies. But in power, they had to admit: “There's no client list publicly.” Brian then suggests that trust should be rebuilt locally. He points to leaders like Zohran Mamdani (NY): “I may not agree with all his positions, but he can articulate a populist vision that isn't exploitative.” Where Are the Leaders? (51:19) Brian expresses frustration at the silence from people in power: “I'm disappointed, highly disappointed, in the number of leaders in positions of power and authority who could lend their voice to something as basic as: science is real.” He calls for a return to shared facts: “Let's just start with: vaccines do not cause autism. Let's start there.” He draws a line between public health and trust: We've had over a century of scientific evidence backing vaccines But misinformation is eroding communal health Brian clarifies: this isn't about wedge issues like guns or Roe v. Wade The problem is that scientists lack public authority, but CEOs don't CEOs of major institutions could shift the narrative, especially those with massive employee bases. And yet, most say nothing: “They know it's going to bite them… and still, no one's saying it.” He warns: ignoring this will hurt businesses, frontline workers, and society at large. 89 Seconds from Midnight (52:45) Robin brings up the Doomsday Clock: Historically, it was 2–4 minutes to midnight “We are 89 seconds to midnight.” (as of January 2025) This was issued by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a symbol of how close humanity is to destroying itself. Despite that, he remains hopeful: “I might be the most energetic person in any room – and yet, I'm a prepper.” Robin shared that: And in a real emergency? You might not make it. He grew up in the wilderness, where ambulances don't arrive, and CPR is a ritual of death. He frequently visits Vieques, an island off Puerto Rico with no hospital, where a car crash likely means you won't survive. As there is a saying there that goes, ‘No Hay Hospital', meaning ‘there is no hospital'. If something serious happens, you're likely a few hours' drive or even a flight away from medical care. That shapes his worldview: “We've forgotten how precious life is in privileged countries.” Despite his joy and optimism, Robin is also: Deeply aware of fragility – of systems, bodies, institutions. Committed to preparation, not paranoia. Focused on teaching resilience, care, and responsibility. How to Raise Men with Heart and Backbone (55:00) Robin asks: “How do you counsel your boys to show up as protectors and earners, especially in a capitalist world, while also taking care of people, especially when we're facing the potential end of humanity in our lifetimes?” Brian responds: His sons are now 25 and 23, and he's incredibly proud of who they're becoming. Credits both parenting and luck but he also acknowledges many friends who've had harder parenting experiences. His sons are: Sharp and thoughtful In healthy relationships Focused on values over achievements Educational path: “They think deeply about what are now called ‘social justice' issues in a very real way.” Example: In 4th grade, their class did a homelessness simulation – replicating the fragmented, frustrating process of accessing services. Preschool at the Jewish Community Center Elementary at a Quaker school in San Francisco He jokes that they needed a Buddhist high school to complete the loop Not religious, but values-based, non-dogmatic education had a real impact That hands-on empathy helped them see systemic problems early on, especially in San Francisco, where it's worse. What Is Actually Enough? (56:54) “We were terrified our kids would take their comfort for granted.” Brian's kids: Lived modestly, but comfortably in San Francisco. Took vacations, had more than he and his wife did growing up. Worried their sons would chase status over substance. But what he taught them instead: Family matters. Friendships matter. Being dependable matters. Not just being good, but being someone others can count on. He also cautioned against: “We too often push kids toward something unattainable, and we act surprised when they burn out in the pursuit of that.” The “gold ring” mentality is like chasing elite schools, careers, and accolades. In sports and academics, he and his wife aimed for balance, not obsession. Brian on Parenting, Purpose, and Perspective (59:15) Brian sees promise in his kids' generation: But also more: Purpose-driven Skeptical of false promises Less obsessed with traditional success markers Yes, they're more stressed and overamped on social media. Gen Z has been labeled just like every generation before: “I'm Gen X. They literally made a movie about us called Slackers.” He believes the best thing we can do is: Model what matters Spend time reflecting: What really does matter? Help the next generation define enough for themselves, earlier than we did. The Real Measure of Success (1:00:07) Brian references Clay Christensen, famed author of The Innovator's Dilemma and How Will You Measure Your Life? Clay's insight: “Success isn't what you thought it was.” Early reunions are full of bravado – titles, accomplishments, money. Later reunions reveal divorce, estrangement, and regret. The longer you go, the more you see: Brian's takeaway: Even for Elon, it might be about Mars. But for most of us, it's not about how many projects we shipped. It's about: Family Friends Presence Meaning “If you can realize that earlier, you give yourself the chance to adjust – and find your way back.” Where to Find Brian (01:02:05) LinkedIn WorkForward.com Newsletter: The Work Forward on Substack “Some weeks it's lame, some weeks it's great. But there's a lot of community and feedback.” And of course, join us at Responsive Conference this September 17-18, 2025. Books Mentioned How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen Responsive Manifesto Empire of AI by Karen Hao Podcasts Mentioned The Gap by Ira Glass The Ezra Klein Show Movies Mentioned Andor Slackers Organizations Mentioned: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists McKnight Foundation National Institutes of Health (NIH) Responsive.org University of California, San Francisco

Sexy Biz Babe
How to Reprogram Your Mind and Heal Trauma Through Envision Yoga with Leah Davis

Sexy Biz Babe

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 48:12


How to Reprogram Your Mind and Heal Trauma Through Envision Yoga with Leah Davis What if healing didn't have to be so hard—or stuck in your head? In this episode, I sit down with Leah Davis, founder of Envision Yoga, a revolutionary practice blending bilateral stimulation, yoga, and positive affirmations to help you rewire your mind, reconnect to your body, and reclaim your pleasure.We dive into how Envision Yoga works on a neurological level (yes—like EMDR for the body!), and how it's helping women heal trauma, transform their relationship with sex, and finally feel their affirmations as truth.We explore:* What is Envision Yoga and how does it help you heal * Why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies and pleasure* How movement + mantra creates real, lasting change* Leah's own journey healing through trauma and how it transformed her romantic & sexual relationships* What it means to actually feel safe in your body* The global potential of Envision Yoga—and why there's hope for anyone ready to healIf you've ever struggled with feeling disconnected, stuck in your head, or numb in your body, this episode is your sign. There's another way. And it works.Leah Davis is the founder of Envision Yoga and an E-RYT 500 certified yoga instructor.Envision Yoga is a neuroscience-informed practice blending yoga, positive affirmations, and bilateral stimulation to help people feel lighter, more focused, and empowered. Inspired by EMDR therapy and rooted in yoga, each session helps rewire limiting beliefs and build greater calm, clarity, and confidence.Check out Envisionyoga.com Follow Leah - @envision.yoga Check out Tia - @sexybizbabepodcast and levelupwithtia.com

The Elite Recruiter Podcast
From Rock Bottom to Top Biller: Cathy Stewart's Playbook for Elite Recruiting Success

The Elite Recruiter Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 44:55


Are you struggling with setbacks in your recruiting career and searching for the ultimate bounce-back strategy? In this can't-miss episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, discover how Cathy Stewart—who once faced the brink of burnout and failure—rebuilt her confidence, pipeline, and reputation to soar as one of America's top-billing executive recruiters. Tune in and learn how you, too, can turn professional droughts into record-breaking recruiting success.   Host Benjamin Menna sits down with Cathy Stewart, a celebrated member of the Pinnacle Society and an expert in executive recruiting for the senior living space. Cathy's journey is raw, relatable, and incredibly motivating—she shares in detail how she lost her two biggest clients almost overnight and was left with no job orders on the calendar. Instead of giving in, Cathy doubled down, refined her process, and developed a bulletproof playbook for resilience and growth. In this episode, you'll uncover: The critical turning points that reshaped Cathy's mindset and recruiting methodologyDaily “non-negotiables” and habits that fueled her recovery and consistent performanceHow DISC personality profiling helped her instantly build rapport with tough clients and candidatesPractical ways to navigate hiring slowdowns, fall-offs, and challenging markets with positivity and accountability   Envision transforming your toughest setbacks into launchpads for your best years in agency or executive recruiting. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned recruiter aiming for the next level, Cathy's actionable playbook delivers everything you need: How rebuilding her desk “two candidates a day” ignited a full pipeline from scratchMastering metrics, habits, and self-accountability that drive elite-level billingsLeveraging gratitude and mindset shifts to stay motivated, consistent, and connectedBuilding a reputation for placements that last, and client partnerships that endure   Ready to shift from survival mode to thriving in any recruiting market?

On The Scent
Brighton Sniffari Part 2 & Current Scent Addictions

On The Scent

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 38:17


Nicola is currently loving: @kajalperfumes Kolada“When we radiate rays of gratitudeWe bathe in a boundless ocean of abundance.Inspired by the iconic Pina Colada, Kajal Kolada pays homage to happiness, tranquility, and exoticism. The Pina Colada conjures visions of a lush, tropical paradise, where the emerald palm leaves of coconut groves gently sway as a blissfully balmy breeze caresses them, offering momentary respite from the sultry heat. Pristine ivory sands meet shimmering aquamarine waters, seamlessly blending into pastel-colored cotton candy skies as infinite as the hopes and dreams within us all.While we may long for the euphoria of exploring distant horizons, let us not overlook the myriad of blessings that surround us in our everyday existence. When we choose to focus on being truly present in the moment, we become aware of the vast treasures that enrich our lives, allowing us to cherish what may seem to be the smallest of things. Practicing gratitude is among the most precious gifts we can bestow upon ourselves, as it leads us to the tranquil beauty of inner peace and contentment, a realm of happiness beyond compare.Kolada opens with a delightfully vibrant burst of Italian Bergamot combined with fruity notes, including Pineapple, which symbolizes prosperity and friendship. The heart notes reveal the delicate sweetness of violet, exquisitely blended with the gentle freshness of Lily of the Valley, a flower believed by many to symbolize luck, happiness, and love. As Kolada unfurls, we are greeted with an exhilarating fusion of musky warmth from Amber and Siamese Benzoin, combined with the soft, exotic creaminess of coconut milk. Coconuts represent the unity of body, mind, and spirit, which must be in harmony for spiritual growth.”AND Nicola can't stop wearing:@clivechristianperfume E Cashmere Musk“Immerse yourself in the embrace of a fragrance that delicately envelops the senses, akin to the tender caress of cashmere on bare skin. Enter a realm where musky notes intricately weave a warm, indelible hug, creating an experience that is both calming and comforting. E Cashmere Musk is not just a fragrance it's a journey . Envision a tranquil haven, where each note weaves a narrative of delicate touches and enduring elegance. The symphony of Baies Rose, Sichuan Pepper, and Fresh Ginger in the top notes sets the stage for an odyssey of scent—an unforgettable olfactory adventure that transcends the boundaries of time. As you delve deeper, the heart of the fragrance reveals a Fleuriste Fusion, Egyptian Jasmin, and Cashmeran. Here, the scent becomes an intricate dance, much like the delicate petals of blooming flowers, creating an atmosphere of ethereal beauty. The base notes, including Guaiacwood, Ambroxan, and Musks, form a tapestry of lasting impressions. It lingers on the skin, leaving an undeniable presence that is both subtle and captivating—a fragrance that becomes a part of you.”Suzy also adoring @amouageofficial Lustre“Radiating soft light like the gleam of a pearl, by Paul Guerlain & Julien Rasquinet, it's made with 30% pure perfume and aged for six months with sandalwood chips in oak barrels, to add even more nuanced notes. But basically, Lustre is an incredibly soft, smooth fragrance that manages to be simultaneously feathery and creamy. It's the iridescent gleam of a pearl's shell, the flash of silver in a bird's wing. Aromatic cardamom, powdery, nurturing orris, creamy sandalwood and dark vanilla slightly sweetened by toasty tonka, with a lightly smoky breeze that billows as it warms.”This week we're mainly focusing on the ‘Brighton Sniffari Part Two' - Suzy's visit to independent perfume shop Wild Iris in Brighton: @wild_iris_perfumerie (run by Kate) Suzy LOVED (so many!...

Reiki Lifestyle® Podcast
Guided Reiki Journey: Receive Clarity on Your Calling to Teach Reiki

Reiki Lifestyle® Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 24:01


Do you feel a deeper calling to teach Reiki, but wonder if it's truly your next step? This powerful Guided Reiki Journey is designed to help you: * Explore your true purpose and intention as a potential Reiki teacher * Discover your unique gifts and teaching style * Envision who you're meant to serve and how to build your classes * Release doubts and gain clarity about teaching Reiki professionally or personally Whether you're considering starting a Reiki teaching business or simply want to share or teach Reiki with friends, family, or your community, this meditation will help you align with your path and confidence. Ready to discover if you're meant to teach Reiki? Press play and begin your journey today. Subscribe for more Reiki journeys, teachings, and inspiration.   https://reikilifestyle.com/ ✨Connect with Colleen and Robyn 
Classes: https://reikilifestyle.com/classes-page/
FREE Distance Reiki Share: https://reikilifestyle.com/community/ 
Podcast: https://reikilifestyle.com/podcast/  (available on all major platforms too)
Website: https://reikilifestyle.com/ Colleen Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReikiLifestyle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reikilifestyleofficialempo Robyn Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynbenellireiki
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robynbenellireiki **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.

Bernstein & McKnight Show
5 On It: Can you envision Pete Crow-Armstrong becoming the face of baseball?

Bernstein & McKnight Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 19:22


Leila Rahimi and Marshall Harris discussed a variety of topics in the 5 On It segment.

Reiki Lifestyle® Podcast
Guided Reiki Journey: Discover if You Want to Teach Reiki & Shape Your Teaching Path

Reiki Lifestyle® Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 24:04


Do you feel a deeper calling to teach Reiki—but wonder if it's truly your next step? This powerful Guided Reiki Journey is designed to help you: * Explore your true purpose and intention as a potential Reiki teacher * Connect with spiritual guidance about becoming a Reiki Master Teacher * Discover your unique gifts and teaching style * Envision who you're meant to serve and how to build your classes * Release doubts and gain clarity about teaching Reiki professionally or personally
 Whether you're considering starting a Reiki teaching business or simply want to share Reiki with friends, family, or your community, this meditation will help you align with your path and confidence. Ready to discover if you're meant to teach Reiki? Press play and begin your journey today. Subscribe for more Reiki journeys, teachings, and inspiration.   https://reikilifestyle.com/ ✨Connect with Colleen and Robyn 
Classes: https://reikilifestyle.com/classes-page/
FREE Distance Reiki Share: https://reikilifestyle.com/community/ 
Podcast: https://reikilifestyle.com/podcast/  (available on all major platforms too)
Website: https://reikilifestyle.com/ Colleen Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReikiLifestyle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reikilifestyleofficialempo Robyn Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynbenellireiki
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robynbenellireiki **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.