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If both Catholics and Protestants believe we're saved by grace through Jesus Christ, why do they still disagree so sharply about the gospel—and how we actually receive it?In this episode, Mark continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by focusing on how grace is applied to the believer. He explains how Roman Catholicism understands grace as being mediated through the Church's sacramental system—especially baptism and the Eucharist—and why the sacraments are seen as the ordinary channels through which God dispenses saving grace. Using a vivid “pop machine” illustration, Mark unpacks how this shapes Catholic views of salvation, assurance, and the Christian life.Mark then contrasts this with the Protestant conviction of sola fide—that we are justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, with the preached Word at the center. He highlights areas of real agreement with Roman Catholics (salvation by grace, the transforming work of the Spirit) while also showing where the systems diverge, especially on how grace is received. Finally, he explores how these differences show up in Sunday worship and why gospel clarity matters deeply for ordinary Christians.Episode Highlights00:00 — Intro to the Equip Podcast and the “Why Protestantism?” series recap 02:28 — Sacramental system vs sola fide and why gospel clarity is at stake 03:22 — Is the gospel present in Roman Catholicism? Where Protestants and Catholics genuinely agree 06:00 — Grace, transformation, and assurance: why Catholics don't say “saved by works,” and where Protestants often misunderstand 09:37 — The “pop machine” illustration: how Catholic theology sees grace flowing through the Church and its sacraments 11:27 — Walking through the seven sacraments: initiation, healing, and service—and why baptism and Eucharist are central 15:49 — The Protestant response: sola fide, justification by faith alone, and sacraments as signs and seals rather than the source of saving grace 17:22 — Romans 10 and the primacy of the preached Word: faith comes by hearing, not by ritual performance 20:25 — Sunday in the pews: how a Catholic Mass and a Protestant service reveal two different centers—Eucharist vs sermon 21:53 — Why Mark believes the gospel is present but often unclear in Catholicism—and why personal faith in Christ must be emphasized 22:22 — Preview of next week's Q&A with Emily Jensen: dating a Catholic, real-life conversations, and practicing clarity with charityResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineGavin Ortlund, What It Means to Be Protestant (Truth Unites)Matthew Barrett, The Reformation as RenewalMichael Svigel, RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten FaithChad Van Dixhoorn (ed.), Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms: A Reader's EditionCatechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican)
Nick Bracks on Behaviour Change, Rock Bottom & Rebuilding Your Life One Step at a TimeEpisode IntroductionWhat do you do when life falls apart — and you realise you can't outrun yourself anymore?In this grounded and practical Noise of Life medium episode, Steve sits down with Nick Bracks to unpack one of the most universal crossroads:How do you change your life when you feel stuck, overwhelmed or at rock bottom?Nick openly shares the steps that helped him climb out of severe depression, addiction and self-destruction — steps anyone can apply. From being dragged to a psychologist by his mum, to vomiting before university presentations, to learning that one small step is the true engine of change, Nick breaks behaviour change into simple, doable actions.This episode is your invitation to stop trying to overhaul your whole life… and instead take one honest step forward.About Our GuestNick Bracks is an Australian mental health advocate, speaker and founder of Move Your Mind, a global platform for behaviour change and wellbeing. After overcoming depression and addiction, he now teaches people how to build sustainable habits, lead themselves and create long-term change. He is also the author of Move Your Mind: How to Build a Healthy Mindset for Life.Episode Highlights00:00 – Rock bottom: when everything feels impossible.00:38 – The unexpected gift of struggle: empathy.01:13 – The one thing you must not do: nothing.01:20 – Being dragged to a psychologist and discovering he was severely depressed.01:35 – The tiniest step: just putting one foot forward.01:53 – Re-enrolling in university despite feeling lost and unmotivated.02:12 – Vomiting before presentations and shaking through every talk.02:25 – Why being terrible at something builds real confidence.02:46 – Showing up badly is still showing up.03:07 – Letting go of old dreams and finding gratitude for a different path.03:19 – Awareness: the step most people skip.03:34 – How huge to-do lists sabotage change.04:20 – Behaviour change 101: simplify and pick one habit.04:43 – Why five minutes still counts.05:03 – Building identity through small wins.05:45 – Why tiny steps beat motivation and hacks.06:11 – Awareness as a superpower.06:41 – Speaking to yourself with grace.07:01 – Forgiveness as a behaviour tool.07:38 – Missing a day doesn't matter — quitting does.08:23 – The Move Your Mind approach: sustainable and enjoyable.09:01 – Finding the deeper “why” behind your goals.09:57 – The missing ingredient: self-leadership.10:40 – Australia's reactive approach to mental health.11:07 – Making wellbeing proactive.11:27 – Change must work for you.12:09 – Environment is everything.12:57 – Nick's non-negotiables: exercise, meditation, curated circle.13:21 – Removing yourself from toxic environments.14:25 – Why he keeps a small, trusted circle.15:26 – Environments that reinforce the habits you're trying to avoid.16:09 – The power of run clubs and group fitness.17:04 – You become the product of your five closest people.17:21 – Changing your relationship with alcohol.18:05 – Social pressure and discipline.19:02 – Alcohol in celebration and commiseration — and breaking the loop.20:05 – If you're at rock bottom: write down everything weighing you down.20:43 – Then narrow it to one thing.21:09 – Tiny steps only — repeated.21:33 – Simplify.21:45 – The biggest lesson: you are enough.22:41 – Nick's vision: prevention, policy and global impact.24:38 – How to connect with Nick and access his resources.
In Part Two of this high-impact conversation, Dwayne continues his deep dive with global business strategist and Success Story Podcast host Scott Clary, who breaks down exactly why attention is the foundational currency of modern business — and why companies that fail to adapt will be overtaken by those who move quickly with media, content, and AI.Scott unpacks the psychology of why leaders resist content, the identity fear behind “not wanting to suck,” and how legacy businesses risk losing everything because they're still marketing for 2005 while technology is sprinting into 2025.Dwayne and Scott explore real-world examples—from lawn-care companies to B2B manufacturers to billion-dollar firms—and show how even the most “unsexy” industries can dominate simply by capturing attention and building trust at scale.The conversation expands into AI disruption, the collapse of traditional SEO, the rise of generative search, modern buyer behavior, shortening sales cycles through content, and the undeniable compounding power of personal brand.This episode is a wake-up call to business owners everywhere: adapt now, or be replaced by those who do.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Media equals attention and attention drives every business outcome. 02:00 – The real starting point for content: sucking at first and learning through repetition.04:30 – Scott unpacks why universal business principles apply to content creation. 06:00 – Identity, fear, and why business owners avoid content creation.07:00 – The widening gap between tech adopters and those still resisting digital change. 09:00 – Legacy vs. legitimacy: content won't damage your reputation, but irrelevance will. 11:00 – Content isn't just video - newsletters, audio, and niche education all count. 13:00 – Niche creators winning with “unsexy” businesses. 17:00 – Example content strategies.20:00 – Why Scott studies fast-growing creators - not the biggest creators. 23:00 – The explosive business outcomes possible when you master content (“not a 1x or 2x”). 27:00 – Why even billion-dollar CEOs must build trust through media. 33:00 – How content accelerates B2B sales cycles and increases closing ratios. 37:00 – Generative search is replacing Google.43:00 – Scott breaks down the KPI stack: retention, shares, watch time, and qualified leads. 48:00 – Essential tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Opus Pro, CapCut, etc., and what they're best for. 50:00 – Hiring global talent.56:00 – The coming AI household-assistant revolution.01:02:00 – SEO collapse and the rise of creator-driven education and media networks. 01:08:00 – Entrepreneurs have already done hard things - this is simply the next one. 01:10:00 – Passion is the outcome of mastery, not the prerequisite. 01:11:00 – How older leaders can partner with younger digital natives.KEY TAKEAWAYSAttention is the gateway to trust, and trust drives every buying decision.Content doesn't mean dancing online; it means choosing a medium you can stick with.AI and generative search are rewriting SEO overnight.Content massively increases sales velocity and close rates.Small businesses have the most to gain from adopting a media strategy.Entrepreneurship is staying alive long enough for your strategy to work. QUOTES:"Media is attention. From the beginning of time, attention and...
Motörhead - Ace of Spades: The Bar Band That Redefined Metal (Whether They Liked It Or Not)What happens when you salvage a beaten‑up classic from the graveyard? You discover why Motörhead's Ace of Spades remains one of the most influential rock albums of all time—even if Lemmy himself refused to call it metal.Recorded in six weeks during the summer of 1980 and unleashed that October, Ace of Spades is 36 minutes of raw, boogie‑infused rock and roll cranked up to 11. On this episode of Dig Me Out: 80s Metal, hosts Jason Ziad, Tim Minneci, and Chip Midnight resurrect this second‑chance poll winner to explore why this album sounds like nothing else—and why that matters.The classic lineup of Lemmy Kilmister, “Fast” Eddie Clarke, and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor weren't trying to invent metal. They were channeling Chuck Berry, ZZ Top, and Thin Lizzy through a blown amp, adding a danceable swing that inspired everyone from Metallica and Slayer to The Hellacopters and New Bomb Turks. This is the sound of a band that knew exactly what they did well and executed it with surgical precision—even when they got sick of playing “Ace of Spades” every night.If you love early Van Halen, AC/DC, the Ramones, or the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, this episode is for you. We break down how Lemmy's voice became the second guitar, why Eddie Clarke's playing is criminally underrated, and what it means when an album charts everywhere from Sweden to Greece but barely makes a dent in the U.S.Episode Highlights00:00 – Intro: Why this listener‑suggested album almost didn't happen01:38 – The “second chance poll” rescue mission and how Testament won the first round05:42 – Chip's legendary three‑question interview with Lemmy (spoiler: he left to “freshen his drink”)10:09 – Album history: recorded August–September 1980, produced by Vic Maile (Hendrix, Zeppelin, Clapton)14:25 – Lemmy's time in Hawkwind, The Damned, and as Jimi Hendrix's roadie17:29 – (We Are) The Road Crew – Why Lemmy's tribute to roadies still makes crew members cry18:20 – The “Ace of Spades” legend: Why Lemmy sang “eight of spades” for years and nobody noticed19:02 – What Works: Jay breaks down the 70s swing, boogie‑rock energy, and danceable aggression25:14 – Fast and Loose – The ZZ Top‑meets‑Motörhead shuffle that proves this is rock and roll27:07 – How Motörhead influenced thrash, punk, and 90s action rock (Hellacopters, New Bomb Turks)31:54 – The Chase Is Better Than the Catch – The Van Halen‑inspired riff that almost wasn't34:18 – Eddie Clarke's guitar genius: Why “Fast” Eddie is the secret weapon of this album37:58 – What Doesn't Work: Aged lyrics, formulaic moments, and why Lemmy's voice is an acquired taste42:34 – Why fade‑outs are the album's worst decision48:53 – Final Verdicts: Worthy Album, Better EP, or Decent Single?55:37 – Gavin Reed gets credit for suggesting this album (and arguing with Jay about whether it's metal)Keep the Conversation GoingThis album came back from the dead because a listener like you suggested it. What record deserves a second chance? What forgotten classic or underrated gem should we dig out next?Join the Metal Union at digmeoutpodcast.com suggest and vote on future albums. Paid subscribers get access to bonus episodes covering 70s rock, 80s metal, and 2000s rock, plus new release reviews and our private Discord community where the debates never stop.Pick an album and join us on the podcast at dmounion.com.For Jason, Chip, and Tim—thanks for digging with us. We'll see you next time on Dig Me Out: 80s Metal. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.digmeoutpodcast.com/subscribe
In this episode of Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Tennessee, Dr. Linley Wolfe interviews Dr. Carrie Brackney, a maternal-fetal medicine physician in Memphis, about GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (commonly known as Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs) and their implications for pregnancy. The discussion covers how these medications work, their dramatic effects on weight loss and diabetes management, and the emerging phenomenon of "Ozempic babies" - unintended pregnancies occurring in women taking these medications. Dr. Brackney provides guidance on when to discontinue these medications before conception, discusses limited safety data in pregnancy, and explains what monitoring is recommended for women who become pregnant while taking GLP-1s. Both physicians share their personal experiences with these medications and express hope for future research on postpartum use.Episode Highlights00:00:04: Welcome to Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby Tennessee podcast, brought to you by the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC), which exists to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants in Tennessee 00:00:46: Dr. Linley Wolfe introduces Dr. Carrie Brackney, a maternal-fetal medicine physician in Memphis who has been practicing as a perinatologist for three years after working as a general OB-GYN for nine years00:01:32: Dr. Brackney describes her passion for caring for women with complex pregnancies and helping them find joy during challenging times00:02:03: Dr. Wolfe introduces the topic of GLP-1 medications, noting they have been revolutionary for people struggling with weight00:02:38: Dr. Brackney explains that GLP-1 receptor agonists work by activating glucagon-like peptide one receptors, regulating blood sugar, reducing appetite, and slowing digestion through multiple mechanisms00:03:46: Discussion of how GLP-1 medications have been around for diabetes treatment but have been increasingly used for weight loss over the last four to five years00:04:04: Dr. Brackney notes these medications are also being used for patients with cardiovascular conditions and kidney disease, showing decreased complications00:04:28: Dr. Wolfe mentions recent approval for people who are overweight with sleep apnea, predicting more indications will emerge00:04:42: Cost identified as one of the biggest barriers to these medications becoming more popular00:05:01: Dr. Brackney reports that semaglutide and tirzepatide show potential for over 10% weight loss, while liraglutide shows 5-15% total weight loss00:05:49: Discussion of side effects, with nausea and constipation being the most common, though they are treatable and many people adjust over time00:06:09: Dr. Wolfe asks about common brand names versus generic names for listener clarity00:06:25: Dr. Brackney lists brand names including Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Victoza and Saxenda (liraglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide)00:07:02: Discussion of compounded medications versus manufacturer medications, with Dr. Brackney noting compounded versions are not FDA-regulated and therefore not considered as safe00:07:55: Dr. Wolfe transitions to discussing pregnancy and the phenomenon of "Ozempic babies"00:08:51: Dr. Brackney explains that obesity reduces fertility, with obese women having three times higher risk of infertility and 40% higher miscarriage rates00:10:28: Discussion of how GLP-1 medications may interfere with contraceptive distribution in the body due to slowed gastric emptying00:11:04: Dr. Wolfe summarizes that better overall health, weight loss, and potential contraceptive interference all contribute to "Ozempic babies"00:11:27: Dr. Brackney recommends discontinuing GLP-1 medications at least one to two months before trying to get pregnant, noting limited data on ideal timing00:12:38: Discussion of the lack of...
Why do Catholics look to the Pope and the Magisterium for ultimate authority, while Protestants look to Scripture alone—and what does that mean for everyday faith? Mark continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by examining the heart of the authority debate. He explains how Roman Catholicism understands the Pope, apostolic succession, sacred tradition, and the Magisterium, and why Catholics believe these provide an infallible guide for the Church. Mark then contrasts this with the Protestant conviction that the Bible alone is the final and sufficient authority for faith and life.Mark explores where these two systems diverge, why the Reformers rejected papal infallibility, and how the question of authority shapes everything—from doctrine, to worship, to the clarity of the gospel itself. This episode sets the stage for next week's focus on gospel clarity and why authority matters for every Christian.Episode Highlights00:00 — Framing today's question: who speaks with final authority in the Church? 02:14 — How Catholicism understands authority: Scripture, tradition, and the Magisterium 04:41 — Apostolic succession and why Catholics believe the Pope is Peter's successor 06:58 — What papal infallibility actually means (and what it doesn't) 10:08 — Ex cathedra teaching: when the Pope speaks infallibly 12:15 — Protestant concerns: where is the biblical basis for an infallible papacy? 14:02 — Why the Reformers insisted on sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) 16:40 — The practical implications: how these differences shape the Christian lifeResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineGavin Ortlund, What It Means to Be Protestant (Truth Unites)Matthew Barrett, The Reformation as RenewalMichael Svigel, RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten FaithChad Van Dixhoorn (ed.), Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms: A Reader's EditionCatechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican)
In this episode of The Unlearn Podcast, Barry O'Reilly is joined by Steve Elliott, a serial entrepreneur, product leader, and investor with two decades of experience advising high-growth companies. Steve is the founder of Dotwork, an AI-driven platform that connects strategy to execution, and co-founder of The Uncertainty Project, a community for product leaders focused on better decision-making.He previously served as Head of Product at Atlassian, where he helped scale Jira Align after selling his company AgileCraft for $166M—earning recognition as a Fortune Best Small Business in America and a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. With five successful exits under his belt, Steve brings rare depth to the art of building and unbuilding what no longer serves.In this conversation, Barry and Steve explore how to design for the messy reality of modern work, the role of unlearning in leadership, and how AI is redefining what it means to be a decisive company.Key TakeawaysFrom CTO to CEO – Why Steve transitioned from tech leader to founder and the personal growth that came with it.Scaling after acquisition – The emotional and strategic shifts required when your startup becomes part of a larger machine.Why strategy execution breaks – Most alignment tools assume order—Steve builds for complexity.Agentic AI in the enterprise – How Dotwork uses knowledge graphs and AI to surface insight in context, not just dashboards.Decisive companies – What it really means to help leaders make faster, more confident decisions.Additional InsightsUnlearning the idea that startups are for the young—Steve didn't found his first company until his 40s.How Dotwork is building a “context memory engine” for both executives and AI agents.The future of AI-native tools isn't more interfaces—it's less friction and smarter context delivery.Why the most valuable enterprise products aren't flashy—they're quiet, ambient, and deeply integrated.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode RecapSteve Elliott shares how each startup exit taught him something new—but also how returning to the founder's seat means unlearning old assumptions. Now, with Dotwork, he's not just building a tool—he's rethinking how organizations make decisions in complexity.01:45 – Guest Introduction: Steve ElliottBarry introduces Steve Elliott, founder of AgileCraft (acquired by Atlassian) and CEO of Dotwork, with a track record of five successful exits and a deep focus on enterprise work management.03:40 – Early career shiftsFrom a consulting career at PwC to software experiments that took off—how Steve found his way into entrepreneurship.08:55 – From technologist to founderThe value of combining tech expertise with business empathy—and why startups offer unmatched learning opportunities.11:05 – Unlearning post-acquisition mindsets What Steve had to unlearn transitioning from CEO to leader within a larger company—and back again.13:36 – Building tools for strategic decisionsWhy enterprise tools fail to support real-time, strategic decisions—and how Steve is tackling the problem differently.17:50 – The rise of agentic frameworksHow Dotwork is using knowledge graphs and agentic AI to reflect the dynamic, decentralized nature of modern...
Delia Ruiz discusses the lack of representation in translated literature by non-Latine authors and emphasizes the importance of integrating culture and experiences into educational standards. She encourages individuals to take initiative in creating the content they wish to see and highlights the importance of community and diversity in these efforts.Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Delia Ruiz00:37 Inspiration Behind Delia's Books00:40 Publishing Journey: Self-Publishing vs TraditionalAbout our guest: Delia is a first-generation Latina author whose stories bloom from her rich Mexican heritage. Delia weaves worlds with words while keeping her heart anchored to her culture. Through her social platforms, she champions diverse literature and creates teacher resources that celebrate multicultural voices and experiences. She hopes to inspire the next generation of writers who also come from immigrant households.Connect with Delia on instagram.Ready to increase your net worth by $20K or more?Join The Say Hola Wealth Academy — our signature program where we help first-gen wealth builders grow their wealth through salary negotiations, career pivots, mindset coaching, and smart investing.✨ If you're ready to rewrite your money story and step into your financial power, this is for you.Join today at https://sayholawealth.com/academy✨ Enjoyed this episode?Don't forget to subscribe to the channel, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share this video with another poderosa Latina ready to launch her dream.
Is your first home a good investment — or just a place to live? In this episode, Meighan and Veronica unpack the fundamentals of property investing that every first home buyer needs to understand, whether you're buying to live in it or planning to rent-vest.You'll learn why thinking like an investor from day one can set you up for long-term financial success — and why not all “investment properties” are created equal. The duo break down the difference between investment-grade properties and investor stock, and reveal the simple rule that could save you from buying a shiny new dud: If it's easy to buy, it's probably hard to sell.They also dig into the biggest wealth-building mistake first home buyers make — chasing yield instead of capital growth — and explain why land value matters more than the building on it. You'll hear how local knowledge, scarcity, and buyer competition drive capital growth, and why “the fundamentals” look different in every suburb.If you've ever wondered how to tell a great investment from a risky one, or what truly drives long-term growth, this episode is your blueprint.Listen now and learn how to make your first home a smart investment — not just a purchase.Episode Highlights00:00 — Introduction to Property Investment01:16 — Understanding the PACE System03:29 — Investment Grade vs. Investment Stock06:24 — The Importance of Capital Growth09:16 — Land Value vs. Building Value14:26 — Red Flags in Property Investment16:21 — Key Factors for Assessing Property18:27 — Evaluating Homes and Local Traffic Challenges19:56 — Understanding Demographics and Socioeconomic Factors21:29 — Rentability and Property Potential23:49 — Supply and Scarcity in Real Estate25:42 — Affordability and Investment Fundamentals30:50 — The True Cost of Property Ownership32:37 — Final Thoughts and Advice for Home BuyersCourse Details:THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It's the next best thing to having your own buyer's agent. With our expert guidance, you'll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBGIf you enjoyed today's podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There's more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f
On this episode of Overdue Advice, MetCredit's podcast focused on cash flow strategies and financial literacy, host Bryn Griffiths talks with Noah Booth, a now-third-year student at Dalhousie University and author of the best-selling book “A Rich Future: Essential Financial Concepts for Youth”. As someone who wrote a book on personal finance before graduating high school, Noah brings a fresh, relatable perspective to young people (and parents, educators, and business owners) on how to build strong financial habits from an early age.Whether you're navigating your own financial journey or helping your kids avoid common pitfalls, this conversation is packed with practical advice for managing money, budgeting for life changes, and understanding the importance of starting early. The episode explores how basic financial literacy can make all the difference in avoiding debt, achieving stability, and setting up a "rich future," no matter your age. If you're a business leader or a parent worried about your youth's financial readiness, or a young adult wanting a head start, Noah's story and simple strategies are a powerful guide.Episode Highlights00:00:59 – Noah's passion project sparks his personal finance journey and reveals a gap in youth-targeted resources 00:03:02 – Why financial literacy is missing in schools and why that matters for young people00:04:03 – The challenges of digital spending and practical tips for mindful money management 00:05:31 – How a school presentation evolved into a published book, and partnering with RBC00:08:07 – Family support, early lessons, and using real-life examples—including siblings—in the book00:10:31 – Opportunities and impact since publishing; advice for teachers amplifying financial lessons 00:14:23 – Financial concepts apply at any age—breaking the silence on money conversations at home 00:15:36 – The power of starting early with budgeting, saving, and compound interest 00:16:05 – Overcoming procrastination and taking action for your financial future 00:17:32 – Feedback from students and the influence of social media on money management 00:19:57 – Budgeting tips for life's big transitions, like moving away for school 00:20:10 – How to find more resources, connect, and apply these lessons via MetCredit and Noah's website Whether you're just starting out or recalibrating your finances, this episode offers overdue advice that can shape your path to security and success … at any age! Be sure to share the book with a young person.Noah's website: ARichFuture.com
The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
In this Q&A episode, Veronica and Chris unpack the real property questions investors are facing right now. From ATO debt rules to cashflow pressure and portfolio structure, this episode gets straight to the point and cuts through the myths.They break down a $5.3M portfolio spread across Logan, Townsville, Shepparton, regional WA and Melbourne's fringe, revealing why “affordable” properties often deliver slow long-term growth — and when selling is actually the smarter move.The conversation also dives into rising insurance costs in flood-prone markets, including Gold Coast premiums hitting up to $20K a year. Veronica explains how underinsurance, flood overlays and lender behaviour could reshape future buyer demand.Finally, Chris explores whether AI-driven job losses could weaken the property market, or simply concentrate demand into fewer suburbs. If you want clearer strategy and better decision-making, this Q&A delivers the insights investors need now.Episode Highlights00:00 — Introduction and Listener Questions Overview00:25 — James' Question on Refinancing Loans05:43 — Michael's Property Portfolio Deconstruction18:14 — Nick's Question on Flood Insurance and Property Desirability20:36 — Insurance Challenges and Borrowing Concerns22:42 — Gold Coast Property Insights26:42 — AI's Impact on White Collar Jobs and Property Market27:59 — Future of Property Market Amid AI Revolution37:14 — Investment Strategies in a Changing Market41:50 — AI in Property Decision MakingLinksEpisode 374: How Will Climate Risk Impact Your Property's Future Value?About the GuestMark Errichiello is a licensed buyers and vendors advocate and the Co-Founder & Director of Master Advocates, a Melbourne-based property advisory firm known for its strategic, data-driven approach to acquisitions, valuations, and auction representation. With decades of hands-on experience, Mark has attended every Block auction since the early seasons and understands the dynamics of high-pressure televised auctions better than most.Mark has represented bidders in both metropolitan and regional markets — including acting as an anonymous strategic bidder during the Phillip Island Block season — giving him unique insight into how buyer psychology, auction order, and market fundamentals shape outcomes. His commentary cuts through hype and focuses on realistic pricing, fair value, and the long-term risks buyers often overlook.Respected for his measured, forensic approach, Mark brings clarity to situations where emotion, spectacle, and production expectations collide with real market behaviour. His expertise helps buyers navigate fast-moving environments and make confident, well-informed decisions.Connect with GuestMark LinkedInMaster Advocate FacebookMaster Advocate InstagramMaster Advocate YouTubeResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property...
Why do Protestants and Catholics differ so sharply on authority, Mary, and the nature of the true church—and why does it matter for following Jesus today?In this episode, Mark Vance continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by examining some of the most significant theological differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestant belief. With clarity and charity, Mark explains how Catholic teachings on Mary, the papacy, and church authority developed—and why he believes they obscure the clarity of the gospel.Mark walks through the “four Marian doctrines,” the Catholic understanding of sacred tradition, and the claim of papal infallibility, showing how these teachings shape the Catholic view of the church. He contrasts this with the Protestant conviction that Scripture alone is the final authority and that salvation is grounded solely in the finished work of Christ. This episode lays crucial groundwork for understanding why the Reformers believed a return to biblical authority was necessary for the health of the church.Episode Highlights00:00 — Why Protestantism? Continuing the series and framing today's topic: authority 02:47 — How Catholic doctrine develops: tradition, councils, and magisterial teaching 06:10 — The four Marian doctrines (Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity, Assumption, and Mary as Mediatrix) 11:52 — Why these Marian teachings matter for understanding the gospel 14:30 — How Catholicism understands the church's teaching authority (magisterium) 16:44 — The logic behind papal infallibility and ex cathedra teaching 19:55 — Protestant concerns: where is the biblical warrant for these doctrines? 22:18 — Scripture vs. tradition: which has final authority? 24:12 — Why Mark believes the Catholic view of authority obscures gospel clarityResourcesCornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineGavin Ortlund, What It Means to Be Protestant (Truth Unites)Matthew Barrett, The Reformation as RenewalMichael Svigel, RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten FaithChad Van Dixhoorn (ed.), Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms: A Reader's EditionCatechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican)
Jon discusses the importance of personal branding with expert Christine Gritmon. Christine breaks down what personal branding is, why it matters, especially for solopreneurs and small business owners, and shares her five-part Inside Out personal branding methodology: Purpose, Passion, Person, Personality, and Personal Brand. The conversation delves into the significance of authenticity, how to make a memorable impression, and offers practical exercises for identifying and leveraging your unique gifts. The episode concludes with actionable tips for starting to develop an authentic personal brand today.Today's GuestWe're joined by Christine Gritmon - Christine reconnects solopreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners with their purpose and passions for a more aligned personal brand that's joyful, authentic, and impossible to ignore! She's spoken on stages worldwide and is a frequent expert guest on podcasts, live streams, chats, and blog posts, as well as hosting her own podcast, Let's Talk About Brand.—Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction00:42 Meet Christine Gritmon01:15 What really is Personal Branding?02:03 Personal Branding Misconceptions04:11 Why Personal Branding Matters So Much05:40 Building Trust Through Branding06:13 The Power of Authenticity11:44 The Inside Out Branding Framework12:05 Purpose and Passion15:25 Identifying Your Gifts20:42 How You Show Up In The World21:57 The Role of Personality23:50 Expanding Your Personal Brand24:38 Jon's Gift28:24 Leading with Your Gifts29:35 Christine's Personal Branding Evolution30:30 The Flexibility of Personal Branding31:15 Embracing Your Unique Gifts32:22 Final Takeaways on Personal Branding32:52 Connecting with Christine Gritmon—Key TakeawaysBe authentic and true to yourselfYour personal brand should come from who you really are, not from trying to fit into someone else's idea of success. When you show your true self, people are more likely to trust you and remember you.Lead with your unique giftsEveryone has something special to offer. Focus on the skills and qualities that make you different, and use them in your work. This not only helps you stand out, but also makes your brand flexible if you change direction in the future.Your personal brand goes further than you doA strong personal brand can open doors and create opportunities, even when you are not in the room. The impression you leave with others can travel far, helping your reputation and bringing new connections your way.—Click here to connect with Christine on LinkedIn
In Part 2 of this conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan and France Margaret Bélanger, President of Sports & Entertainment for the Montreal Canadiens, go deep into the personal side of leadership, discussing courage, conviction, and composure.France Margaret shares how calm strength and self-awareness guide her through high-stakes decisions, what she's learned about emotional control in negotiation, and why courage means making the right choice even when it's unpopular. Together, she and Dwayne explore what it truly means to lead with heart, to face criticism with elegance, and to never let labels define who you are.Whether you're leading a team, a business, or your own personal evolution, authenticity, self-mastery, and grace under pressure are key.Episode Highlights00:00 – Making the right decision even when it's unpopular.03:00 – Balancing intensity with standards.05:00 – Lessons from France's father.07:00 – The power of calm, and why letting anger take over gives control to others.09:00 – France on staying poised as a woman in leadership without labeling herself.11:00 – When to walk away from conflict and preserve professionalism.12:00 – The balance between courage, compassion, and tolerance for “the gray.”15:00 – Political parallels, and why real leadership requires vision and unity.17:00 – Inside the Canadiens rebuild.25:00 – Leadership lessons from rebuilding a legacy brand under scrutiny.33:00 – How Jeff Molson's bold decisions shaped new success.41:00 – France recounts how she stepped into leadership unexpectedly.47:00 – Dwayne connects France's story to business owners everywhere.49:00 – Navigating gender in business. 57:00 – “No excuses.” Dwayne and France on identity, congruence, and living your values.01:05:00 – Closing reflections on family, legacy, and leading with heart.Notable Quotes"The minute that you, France, is getting mad or angry or whatever, you lost. Might as well give up right now because this other person that managed to get you in that position, won." - France Margaret Bélanger" Hopefully we do things elegantly, right. Firmly, with determination, but elegantly." - France Margaret Bélanger "You show up as who you are, and that's what people will know about you, and that's what people will talk about you. You gotta be authentic and honest to who you are" - France Margaret Bélanger" It's the ultimate control. If somebody can influence your emotion into, especially into anger, you're done. They are now in control of you." - Dwayne Kerrigan “The most powerful force in the human psyche is to remain congruent with how you identify yourself.” - Dwayne KerriganKey TakeawaysControl Your Emotions: The moment you react in anger, you lose your influence.Elegance Wins: Deliver hard messages with composure and respect.Authenticity Over Labels: Show up as yourself; skill and preparation speak louder than gender.Rebuilding Takes Vision and Grit:True progress comes from honest assessment and bold change.Stay Grounded in Values: Your identity and integrity are your anchors under pressure.Resources MentionedThe Rebuild – Behind-the-scenes documentary series on the Montreal CanadiensJeff Molson, Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes, and Martin St. Louis – leadership and culture case studyNHL Board of Governors and Executive Inclusion CouncilFrance Margaret Bélanger is President, Sports and Entertainment at Groupe CH since 2020, which includes the Montreal Canadiens, the Laval Rocket, evenko and L'Équipe Spectra. She joined the organization in 2013 as Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer, and has held several executive positions over the years.France Margaret is the first woman to sit on the...
Faith in HealingIn this deeply moving episode, Dr. Scott Guthrie sits down with Chaplain Scott Bloodworth, the lead chaplain at Jackson Madison County General Hospital, to discuss the spiritual and emotional dimensions of perinatal loss. With 15 years of experience walking alongside families through their darkest moments in the NICU and maternity wards, Chaplain Bloodworth shares profound insights on grief, hope, and the healing power of presence. The conversation explores how fathers navigate crisis differently than mothers, the role of prayer and faith in medical settings, and practical ways healthcare professionals can support families facing devastating diagnoses. Through personal stories and hard-won wisdom, this episode offers both medical professionals and parents a compassionate guide to finding meaning and connection in the midst of loss.Episode Highlights00:00:00: Introduction to the Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby Tennessee podcast and its mission to improve perinatal health outcomes across Tennessee00:00:46: Dr. Scott Guthrie introduces the episode as one focused on healthcare professionals while remaining accessible to families, addressing themes of loss, grief, and hope00:01:53: Chaplain Scott Bloodworth introduces himself and his role at Jackson Madison County General Hospital00:01:56: Dr. Guthrie provides Chaplain Bloodworth's background, including his 15 years as lead chaplain, his doctorate in behavioral health, and his research on fathers in the NICU00:03:18: Chaplain Bloodworth reflects on how frequently impactful moments occur in his work with families00:03:44: Chaplain Bloodworth shares a powerful story of a hospice baby whose father's only wish was to hear her cry, and the miracle of that cry despite all medical indicators suggesting it wouldn't happen00:05:03: Discussion begins on Chaplain Bloodworth's doctoral research about fathers in the NICU and how they navigate crisis00:05:22: Chaplain Bloodworth explains how fathers struggle with their inability to protect their child or comfort their wife in meaningful ways during NICU crises00:06:33: Chaplain Bloodworth advises fathers that true strength is crying with their wives rather than suppressing emotion, as it acknowledges shared grief00:06:45: Using the movie "The Green Mile" as an analogy, Chaplain Bloodworth explains how tears are designed to purge our systems of emotional pain00:07:26: Dr. Guthrie introduces the topic of prayer, citing a Forbes Magazine article about how faith can ease depression, anxiety, and loneliness00:08:11: Chaplain Bloodworth explains how prayer focuses the mind, shuts out surrounding noise, and helps people acknowledge what is beyond their control00:09:14: Discussion of how faith helps build coping skills during devastating news00:09:49: Chaplain Bloodworth emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment rather than jumping ahead to worst-case scenarios00:10:37: Chaplain Bloodworth uses a scene from "Apollo 13" to illustrate the importance of taking one step at a time rather than worrying about distant problems00:11:29: Dr. Guthrie asks whether medical professionals should leave faith issues to chaplains or engage themselves00:11:45: Chaplain Bloodworth encourages doctors to engage spiritually with patients through presence, touch, and reassurance that families are not alone00:12:27: Introduction to the Butterflies Embrace bereavement team at Jackson Madison County General Hospital00:13:23: Chaplain Bloodworth describes how the bereavement team first lets families know they're not alone and will be protected during their hospital stay00:14:25: Discussion of the unique challenge that perinatal loss presents no memories to cherish, leading the team to create tangible memories00:15:22: Chaplain Bloodworth describes memory-making activities including...
In this milestone 100th episode, I am honoured to be joined by 88-year-old Stephen Kapos and his daughter, filmmaker Andrea Kapos. Stephen, a child survivor of the Holocaust, has recently found himself in the public eye as a vocal activist for Palestinian solidarity. Together, we explore Stephen's journey from a retired architect to a prominent voice at protest marches, where he speaks as a witness to history to challenge current narratives. We discuss the powerful intergenerational bond formed through their shared activism and the documentary Andrea is currently filming to preserve these vital testimonies.Key TakeawaysThe duty to bear witness: Stephen believes his role is critical because there are very few remaining survivors with actual memories of the Holocaust who can speak to the realities of persecution and genocide.Intergenerational activism: For the Kapos family, attending marches and speaking out has become a shared experience involving Stephen, Andrea, and even Stephen's grandchildren, creating a deep sense of solidarity and pride.Distinguishing Judaism from Zionism: Stephen articulates his view that conflating Jewish identity with Zionism is dangerous and incorrect, noting that he views the actions of the Israeli state as contrary to his understanding of Jewish valuesHope as action: Andrea reflects that hope is not a passive state but a "doing word" found in the act of gathering, marching, and refusing to be a bystander to history.Episode Highlights00:03:00 Stephen discusses the warm reception he receives at marches and his response to the few detractors he encounters.00:16:00 Transitioning from a career in architecture to becoming a public speaker and witness in his late eighties.00:32:00 Stephen explains why he believes Palestinian solidarity and anti-Zionism are distinct from antisemitism.00:51:00 The emotional experience of the 'Choose Love' event, where Stephen witnessed the reading of the names of children killed in Gaza.01:05:00 Thoughts on why hope is found in the "doing" and the importance of the growing international movement.About the GuestsStephen Kapos is an 88-year-old survivor of the Holocaust from Budapest who has become a dedicated activist for Palestinian rights. He is a member of the group Holocaust Survivors and Descendants Against the Genocide in Gaza.Andrea Kapos is a documentary filmmaker and Stephen's daughter. She is currently producing a film chronicling the lives and meeting of her father and fellow survivor Antoine, exploring their parallel histories and shared solidarity.Episode LinksHolocaust Survivors and Descendants Against the Genocide in Gaza Double Down News Stop the War Coalition Misan Harriman (Photographer mentioned regarding the 'Choose Love' event and portraits) Cafe PalestinaConnect with MeganInstagram: @HigherLove_withMeganWebsite: www.higher-love.comThis episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review.
In this episode, Alex Rawlings speaks with Jamyn Edis, digital transformation expert, former VC-backed CEO, and NYU professor. Jamyn shares actionable insights on using AI, data, and automation to drive performance across private equity firms and their portfolio companies.From dynamic pricing models and A/B testing to agentic AI and accelerating product cycles, Jamyn explains how to cut through the hype, identify real opportunities, and turn AI into measurable value.⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Meet Jamyn Edis 30+ years in consulting (Accenture), corporate (HBO, Take-Two), startups, and teaching at NYU. Focused on the intersection of tech, data, and private equity.02:23 – Common Mistake in PE Most firms treat data as plumbing, not strategy. Shift from backward-looking reporting to predictive and prescriptive analytics.03:48 – AI That Delivers ROI AI must be embedded into daily operations, not stuck in R&D. Productize, operationalize, and commercialize—or risk irrelevance.05:15 – How AI Builds on Data AI is powered by historical data but creates forward-looking insights. Use it to improve pricing, marketing, and operations.06:42 – Case Study: Take-Two Interactive Jamyn led data science initiatives to optimize pricing and marketing—replacing gut decisions with data-driven experimentation.08:08 – AI as PE's Next Value Driver AI is the new operating system for PE. After leverage and digital transformation, the next edge is intelligence at scale.09:31 – Advice to PE Firms Skeptical? “Get out before the business gets out of you.” Overwhelmed? Start small, build prototypes, and focus on real use cases.11:04 – Agentic AI in Action Jamyn shares examples of cutting development cycles, boosting campaign ROI, and improving customer service with AI agents.13:26 – From Problem to Prototype Diagnose real pain points, create business and technical requirements, and build targeted AI tools that solve specific problems.14:50 – AI Won't Replace Humans, But... Those who use AI will outperform those who don't. Jamyn explains Jevons Paradox and why productivity leads to new jobs.18:46 – How Jamyn Diagnoses Opportunities Structured discovery process, stakeholder interviews, and clear roadmaps to identify where AI and tech can drive value.22:10 – Every PE Firm Needs an AI Stack Soon, AI tools will be as essential as data teams or web developers. Invest now in people, platforms, and processes.23:06 – The Future is AI + Human Judgment Firms that embed AI deeply—and pair it with operator judgment—will unlock the next generation of alpha.24:21 – Jamyn's Book: The Fifth Horseman An exploration of how AI mirrors humanity and transforms the way we live and lead. AI is trained by us—and reflects us.29:07 – What Jamyn Reads & Recommends Books: The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Understanding Media Podcasts: Pivot, Ezra Klein TV: Succession – “Still the best corporate training program ever made.”
Most first home buyers start their journey by hunting for the lowest interest rate — but according to mortgage strategist Stuart Wemyss, that's one of the biggest financial mistakes you can make. In this episode, Veronica and Meighan dive deep with Stuart to unpack the part of home buying almost no one understands properly: your borrowing strategy.Stuart explains why the way you structure your loan has far more long-term impact than shaving a few points off your rate. From borrowing capacity and offset accounts to tax effectiveness and refinancing, this conversation reveals how your first loan becomes the foundation for every property decision that follows.You'll learn why the “cheapest” loan can actually cost you more later, how to preserve your flexibility for future moves, and why thinking ahead to your second and third property is just as important as buying your first. Stuart also breaks down common mistakes first home buyers make — like aggressively paying down their loan, getting stuck with the wrong lender, or failing to plan for life changes — and explains how to avoid them with a smart, forward-thinking strategy.If you want to buy well, borrow well, and set yourself up for what comes next, this is an episode you don't want to miss.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction to Mortgage Strategy01:20 – Understanding Borrowing Strategy02:27 – Importance of Finance Strategy07:37 – Common Mistakes by First Home Buyers12:37 – Tax Implications and Offset Accounts14:40 – Rentvesting and Its Benefits19:41 – Tax-Free Property Sale Strategy20:23 – Choosing the Right Lender21:47 – The Importance of Refinancing25:43 – Navigating Online Lenders30:10 – The Role of Mortgage Brokers31:55 – Advice for First Home Buyers33:37 – Final Thoughts and Practical TipsMentionsEpisode 28: Substations, LMI, Rentvesting, Auctions & Strata Risks: First Home Buyer Q&ACourse Details:THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It's the next best thing to having your own buyer's agent. With our expert guidance, you'll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBGIf you enjoyed today's podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There's more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f
The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
The Block 2025 auctions were billed as a massive TV spectacle — but what unfolded in Daylesford turned out to be one of the most revealing auction finales the show has aired in years. Five nearly identical, fully furnished homes were pushed to market on a single afternoon, each carrying price expectations the local market was never built to support. What followed was a rare moment where real buyer behaviour overpowered reality-TV momentum.To break down what really went on, we're joined by buyers and vendors advocate Mark Errichiello, who attended the auctions, tracked buyer behaviour, and has followed The Block's auction patterns for years. Mark explains how quoting in the low $3 millions set unrealistic expectations from day one, how the quality of the build couldn't compensate for a non-premium location, and why bidder confidence evaporated the moment prices edged toward $3 million.We unpack the psychological chain reaction inside the room — how the stalled results of House 2 changed the energy for every house that followed, how auction order heavily influenced who bid and when, and why mid-auction reserve changes shattered trust and halted momentum entirely. Mark also highlights overlooked costs buyers faced this year: stamp duty on cars and furnishings, rising Victorian land tax, and the long-term financial drag of prestige builds in regional markets.This episode strips back the theatre and exposes the real mechanics at play — from buyer sentiment to pricing strategy to the risks of flipping homes far from their emotional sweet spot. If you want the unfiltered version of what The Block 2025 really showed us about Australia's property market, this conversation is a must-listen.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction to the Block Auctions01:18 – Meet the Expert: Mark Errichiello01:52 – Auction Day Insights and Challenges02:52 – Market Realities and Auction Strategies04:33 – The Block's Unique Auction Dynamics05:43 – Behind the Scenes: Vendor and Agent Dynamics09:02 – The Realities of Property Flipping11:10 – Investment Considerations and Risks12:28 – Decoy Bidding Strategy13:38 – Market Sentiment and Future Trends14:54 – Final Thoughts on the Block Auctions19:59 – Pricing a Property with Furniture22:31 – Victoria's Land Tax Changes and Market Impact24:11 – Strategic Moves and Missteps in Property Auctions27:24 – Renovation Strategies for The Block34:34 – Melbourne Market Insights38:40 – A Memorable Client Story40:39 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinksArticle: Behind the Hammer Inside The Block 2025 Daylesford AuctionsAbout the GuestMark Errichiello is a licensed buyers and vendors advocate and the Co-Founder & Director of Master Advocates, a Melbourne-based property advisory firm known for its strategic, data-driven approach to acquisitions, valuations, and auction representation. With decades of hands-on experience, Mark has attended every Block auction since the early seasons and understands the dynamics of high-pressure televised auctions better than most.Mark has represented bidders in both metropolitan and regional markets — including acting as an anonymous strategic bidder during the Phillip Island Block season — giving him unique insight into how buyer psychology, auction order, and market fundamentals shape outcomes. His commentary cuts through hype and focuses on realistic pricing, fair value, and the long-term risks buyers often overlook.Respected for his measured, forensic approach, Mark brings clarity to situations where emotion, spectacle, and production expectations...
Matt Formston on Facing Fear, Redefining Limits, & Riding GiantsEpisode IntroductionWhat does it feel like to stare down a five-story wave you cannot see? How do you quiet the noise of global doubt telling you "the blind guy is going to die"? In this powerful and condensed episode, Steve delves into the mindset of Matt Formston—world champion adaptive surfer, Paralympian, and Guinness World Record holder.Matt opens up about the two distinct fights of his life: first, the desperate struggle to prove he wasn't disabled, and second, the purposeful fight to become the best version of himself. He shares profound insights on overcoming self-doubt, the practical process for tackling any fear, and why becoming a father changed his relationship with risk forever. This is a masterclass in resilience, presence, and turning perceived limitations into unparalleled strength.--About Our GuestMatt Formston is an Order of Australia member, a multiple-time world champion in surfing and cycling, and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by a vision-impaired athlete. His incredible journey is documented in the film The Blind Side.--Follow Our GuestWebsite: https://www.mattformston.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattformston/Follow Us OnHost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/--Episode Highlights00:00 - The daunting global noise: "They're going to kill the blind guy."00:16 - The two types of fear: physical recklessness vs. the fear of being seen as "different."01:01 - The two fights of Matt's life: Proving he wasn't disabled vs. fighting for his best self.01:20 - Refusing to learn Braille and tackling the biggest kid to prove he was "normal."02:34 - The shift: Accepting his disability and starting the internal fight for self-mastery.03:59 - Steve's reflection: If a blind man can surf giants, what's stopping me?04:13 - The household rule: You were not allowed to use the word "can't."05:36 - Learning to surf blind, starting on a bodyboard to "feel" the wave at age five.07:41 - The documentary The Blind Side and surfing a record 51ft wave at Nazaré.08:15 - How you train for the "non-surfing" part of a giant wave: strength and breath capacity.09:48 - The crucial role of his support team and family.11:18 - The moment after a brutal wipeout when the safety team said, "No more."12:29 - Matt's 3-column framework for anyone scared to attempt something big.13:32 - How becoming a father introduced a new kind of fear and responsibility.15:02 - Battling the global media narrative and the doubt it creates.
In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, I sit down with Cass Pratt, Chief Human Resources Officer at Progyny, to explore how HR is evolving into a design discipline that blends human connection with AI-powered productivity. From building bots to boost employee experience to reshaping how we think about roles in an automated world, Cass shares an honest look at how she's bringing people along on a transformation journey—with curiosity, experimentation, and heart.We discuss her pivotal decision to say yes to opportunities beyond her comfort zone, the strategic shifts she's leading inside a fast-scaling company, and why the future of HR is about enhancing humanity, not replacing it. If you're wondering what leadership looks like when AI meets empathy, this one's for you.Key TakeawaysUnlearning expertise-dependence: Cass shifted from relying on experts to co-creating solutions with AI tools before engaging others.AI as a force for elevation: At Progyny, AI is used to give employees time back, not take roles away—enabling deeper focus on human-centric work.Low-code leadership: Cass, a self-described non-technical leader, built HR bots and reimagined policies through practical AI applications.Scaling culture through consistency: AI chatbots improved response times, standardized answers, and gave insight into employee concerns.Embedding experimentation: Teams are encouraged to ask, "What should I stop doing?"—sparking a culture of reinvention and initiative.Additional InsightsProgyny's “Super Fans” initiative reframes AI gains as an opportunity to deepen customer and employee relationships.Training is done in cohorts to build shared understanding and reduce AI anxiety.Cross-functional collaboration with junior team members—like the intern who built the HR bot—shows how innovation can come from any level.Cass uses AI to simplify and globalize complex frameworks like competency models, improving alignment across teams and geographies.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode Recap Cassandra Pratt shares how embracing discomfort led her to leap into healthcare, build a transformative HR function, and lead with AI—not to eliminate roles, but to elevate people and amplify their impact.02:37 – Guest Introduction: Cassandra Pratt Barry introduces Cass Pratt, Chief People Officer at Progyny, a fertility and family-building benefits company scaling rapidly with a human-first, tech-empowered culture.04:48 – Saying Yes to Growth Cass reflects on a missed opportunity that taught her the cost of saying no—and set her on a path to jump into unknowns with conviction.08:04 – Startup Lessons and Leadership Growth From 50 to 850 employees, Cass shares what it means to grow with a company and embrace mistakes as part of the journey.11:00 – Diving into AI Without a Tech Background Despite lacking technical skills, Cass threw herself into generative AI—learning by doing and discovering intuitive ways to drive value.13:10 – Unlearning the Expert Reflex Cass rethinks her default of turning to experts first—instead starting with AI to shape stronger ideas and bring others in as collaborators.15:13 – Redesigning Processes, Not Just Tools AI opened up opportunities to rethink workflows from scratch, not just automate existing inefficiencies.20:35 – Making AI Safe and Human Cass shares how transparent messaging, training, and cultural reinforcement helps ease AI anxieties and keep
What if the reason your hustle is not producing results has nothing to do with discipline and everything to do with misalignment?Many high-achieving women are not failing. They are simply operating inside a pressure-based model that rewards exhaustion instead of alignment. I know the cycle well. The overposting, overworking, overthinking, and overpraying. You do all the things, yet the results do not match the effort.This is not laziness. This is not a lack of faith. This is not God withholding blessings. This is feedback. Holy feedback. The kind that protects you from burnout, redirects you toward your true wiring, and invites you back into partnership with God instead of the grind.Bold truth with a hug: You are not inconsistent. You are exhausted.And exhaustion is often spiritual misalignment pretending to be a business problem.☑️ Why the pause in your results is not punishment☑️ How to spot the difference between hustle and faithfulness☑️ The shift that unlocks clarity, confidence, and God aligned actionReady to move from pressure to peace? Hit play and let's Spiral Up.Episode Highlights00:00 - Introduction01:00 - The Moment You Realize You Are Doing Everything03:20 - When Effort Stops Matching Results05:05 - Misalignment as Holy Feedback07:00 - The Pressure Based Model Keeping You Exhausted09:00 - Breaking the Myth of Hustle as Faithfulness12:00 - Signs Your Strategy Is Misaligned14:30 - A New Way Forward16:00 - Flow State Money Reset Invitation
The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
Everyone's talking about AI as the future of property, but what if it's quietly distorting how we see value?Veronica and Chris sit down with Luke Metcalfe, founder of Microburbs and DataScape, to reveal why precision in property data is often just an illusion. Luke, one of Australia's leading data scientists, reveals why many AI-driven tools sound convincing but are often wrong — and how they can even manipulate our confidence in property decisions.From understanding what AI models are actually trained to do, to exploring why machine learning can't yet capture local nuance or human psychology, this episode challenges the blind faith many investors place in “data-driven” insights.Luke explains the difference between language-based AI and number-based forecasting models, the dangers of herd thinking in machine learning, and how misinformation spreads faster when machines start selling the dream.If you've ever wondered whether AI could replace your buyer's agent — or if you've trusted a chatbot to tell you where to buy next — this is your wake-up call. Tune in to learn how to question the data, test the claims, and keep human intuition at the heart of smart investing.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction: The Illusion of Precision in Property Data00:27 – Guest Introduction: Luke Metcalfe01:50 – AI's Role in Property Decisions03:09 – Challenges and Limitations of AI in Real Estate05:16 – The Psychology of AI and Property Investment07:41 – AI's Persuasive Power and Ethical Concerns12:26 – Future of AI in Property Forecasting26:37 – Granularity and Local Knowledge in Property Data30:01 – The Importance of Human Experience in Property Evaluation37:18 – The Impact of Crime on Property Markets39:36 – Melbourne's Property Market Sentiment41:40 – The Role of Data in Real Estate47:36 – Future Trends and Technological ImpactsAbout the GuestLuke Metcalfe is an Australian entrepreneur and data scientist known for pioneering the use of large-scale analytics in understanding neighbourhood performance and property trends.After launching NationMaster, a global data platform attracting over 10 million monthly visitors, Luke founded Microburbs, a liveability and housing data company providing hyperlocal insights that help buyers, investors, and agents make informed decisions. He now leads DataScape, exploring the intersection of AI, big data, and human behaviour in real estate.Renowned for his first-principles approach and his ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights, Luke continues to shape how Australians understand location intelligence and property forecasting in an increasingly AI-driven world.Connect with LukeLuke's LinkedInLuke's EmailMicroburbs WebsiteMicroburbs LinkedInResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent?
Send us a textIn this intimate and unfiltered episode of The Sober Butterfly Podcast, host Nadine Mulvina opens up about her journey of celibacy in sobriety — from chaotic, alcohol-fueled hookups to a life anchored in self-respect, clarity, and peace.Before getting sober, sex often felt like a search for connection that always ended in disconnection. Nadine reflects on how alcohol served as a social lubricant, helping her lower inhibitions while deepening her emotional void. She dives into her two distinct hoe phases — from college party culture to navigating machismo in Mexico City — and how those experiences shaped her understanding of intimacy, self-worth, and addiction to limerence.Now, nearly a year into her second celibacy era, Nadine shares the unexpected benefits of celibacy in sobriety — including heightened clarity, confidence, creativity, and spiritual grounding. With humor and honesty, she explores what happens when you stop seeking validation through sex and start nurturing a genuine relationship with yourself.This episode is for anyone who's re-evaluating their relationship with love, lust, or loneliness — and wants to rediscover intimacy beyond the physical.
What if your emotions aren't obstacles to overcome, but sacred messengers pointing you toward peace, purpose, and freedom?In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Molly Claire, master coach, author, and trainer of women helping women, to unpack the truth about emotional healing, self-compassion, and the freedom that comes when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start listening within.We talk about the myth of “high vibes only,” how authenticity is the highest frequency, and why grief, anger, and sadness are not signs of weakness but gateways to wisdom. Molly shares practical ways to regulate your nervous system, release emotional stuckness, and create real alignment in business and life.This episode is your permission slip to feel it all and still move forward.☑️ Learn why authenticity is a higher vibration than joy☑️ Discover how suppressed emotions can sabotage your business growth☑️ Try Molly's favorite tools for emotional freedom, from tapping to journaling☑️ Find peace through self-compassion and nervous system regulationYour emotions aren't holding you back. They're guiding you home.Subscribe now and listen for the strategies, stories, and spirit-led reminders that help you spiral up toward your most aligned, peaceful, and powerful self.Episode Highlights00:00 What if emotions are not the problem but the path to peace02:00 Meet Molly Claire and her journey into emotional mastery05:00 The truth about high vibes, authenticity, and emotional honesty10:00 Why logical thinking alone cannot create alignment15:00 Grief, stuck energy, and the emotional side of business setbacks20:00 Tapping, journaling, and nervous system tools for real healing28:00 How self-compassion fuels growth and grounded success35:00 The gift inside every emotion and how to listen to itMeet Molly ClaireMolly Claire is the Founder of The Masterful Coach Collective where she trains and mentors Master-level coaches in the 4 Fundamentals of Lasting Change. She is an advocate of leading your coaching business with results for your clients and letting the rave reviews become your best marketing strategy. Molly has a private mentorship for 6-7 figure entrepreneurs by application only. Molly is a 7-figure business builder, proud mom of 3, top 3% podcaster, and best-selling author of The Happy Mom Mindset.Website: https://mollyclaire.comFree Training: https://mollyclaire.com/my-perfect-bizInstagram: https://instagram.com/mollyclairecoachingFacebook: https://facebook.com/mollyclairecoachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-claire-coaching/
Feeling like you're always one ping away from burnout?In this solo season finale of The Crazy Ex-Wives Club, I'm getting real about what it takes to find calm after divorce — when you're juggling solo parenting, solopreneurship, and the endless to-do list.What happens when your to-do list never ends, your phone never stops pinging, and you're the only one keeping everything together? As I prepared for a week unplugged in the mountains, I opened up about the spiral of control, anxiety, and exhaustion that so many women face — and how learning to let go became the key to freedom.
The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
Property investment has entered dangerous new territory. What used to be about building long-term wealth has become clouded by hype, shortcuts, and unqualified advice. Investors are being drawn into speculative schemes disguised as strategy. In this episode, Veronica and Chris sit down with Ben Kingsley, Founding Managing Director of Empower Wealth and Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA), to unpack the alarming resurgence of speculative, misleading, and unlicensed property advice spreading across Australia.Ben recently authored an open letter to industry associations, warning of “get-rich-quick” operators, social media influencers, and unqualified advisors encouraging investors to buy properties through risky trust structures and self-managed super funds. He reveals how these practices are distorting regional markets, luring naive investors, and potentially triggering a regulatory backlash that could reshape the entire property sector.From “pump and dump” tactics to trust lending loopholes and the rise of volume-driven buyer's agents buying sight unseen, this conversation exposes the systemic risks emerging from the unregulated fringes of the industry. Ben, Veronica, and Chris also explore how social media hype, FOMO marketing, and easy credit are fueling another wave of short-term speculation that could end in disaster.If you care about the future of Australia's property market—or just want to protect yourself from being swept up in the next boom-and-bust cycle—this is an episode you can't afford to miss.Episode Highlights00:00 — Why Risky Property Advice Is Back on the Rise01:36 — Speculative Behaviour: The Return of Fast-Money Mindsets02:25 — How Speculation Threatens Consumers and Market Stability03:59 — Unlicensed Advisors and the Power of Social Media Influence06:14 — Regional Market Distortions: When Buyer's Agents Go Rogue08:21 — Will ASIC Step In? The Push for Property Regulation10:16 — The Role (and Responsibility) of Brokers and Buyer's Agents13:01 — What Happens Next: Ben's Call for Industry Reform32:06 — Rising Prices, Rising Pressure: The Human Cost of Property33:51 — Regional Boom or Bubble? Understanding the Market Risks36:41 — Property Prices vs. Fundamentals: When Growth Defies Logic39:47 — Speculation vs. Strategy: The Long-Term Investment Divide42:14 — Economic Viability: The Missing Piece in Modern Investing49:00 — Building a Sustainable Property Business, Not a Hype Machine52:41 — Owning Mistakes and the Power of Industry Accountability54:26 — Final Thoughts: Restoring Trust in Property AdviceLinksArticle: https://pica.asn.au/alarm-unlicensed-advice-market/ About the GuestBen Kingsley is the Founding and Managing Director of Empower Wealth and the inaugural Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA). A Qualified Property Investment Advisor (QPIA) and one of Australia's most respected voices in property, finance, and money management, Ben has spent over two decades advocating for professional standards and consumer protection in the property investment sector.A multi-award-winning advisor and frequent media commentator, Ben co-authored two bestselling books — The Armchair Guide to Property Investing and Make Money Simple Again — and co-hosts The Property Couch, Australia's #1 property, finance, and money management podcast. Through Empower Wealth, Ben leads an integrated team of experts providing holistic financial advice across property, finance, tax, and wealth management.Driven by his belief that...
When most leaders think about transformation, they reach for tools and tactics. But real, lasting change doesn't start with new methods—it starts with culture. In this episode, I sit down with Phil Gilbert, the former General Manager of Design at IBM, who led one of the boldest reinventions in corporate history. After selling his third startup to IBM in 2010, Phil was asked to transform how IBM's teams worked using design thinking and agile. That effort reshaped the experience of over 400,000 employees and became the subject of a Harvard Business School case study, the documentary The Loop, and coverage in the New York Times and Fortune.We explore how culture drives outcomes, why the team is the atomic unit of change, and how to design a leadership structure that earns trust and creates momentum. Phil brings sharp insight, rich stories, and practical frameworks drawn from a 45-year career spanning startups, scale-ups, and global enterprises. If you're leading change—or trying to get others to believe in it—this conversation is your blueprint.Phil Gilbert is best known for scaling IBM's global design transformation. He was inducted into the New York Foundation for the Arts Hall of Fame in 2018 and named an Oklahoma Creativity Ambassador in 2019. Since retiring from IBM in 2022, Phil has focused on helping business and military leaders shift culture at scale to improve innovation and team performance.Key TakeawaysCulture is the system: Real transformation means rewiring people, practices, and places—not just teaching new skills.Teams are the atomic unit of change: Change doesn't scale through individual mandates. It scales when cross-functional teams deliver new outcomes.Design scales empathy: Phil shares how design thinking isn't just about aesthetics—it's a tool for scaling understanding and improving systems.Transformation needs protection: Change teams need structural support and a leadership “shell” that shields them while engaging the broader org.Momentum beats mandates: Leaders can't impose change—they must earn it by showing results, listening deeply, and integrating across silos.Additional Insights"Every day is a prototype": Phil's mantra that gives teams permission to change, test, and learn continuously.The virus model of leadership: To spread new ways of working, Phil designed his leadership team like a virus—with spikes into HR, finance, comms, and IT.Designers aren't the barrier—systems are: In companies with weak design reputations, the problem isn't the designers. It's the culture around them.Shadow IT kills transformation: Real progress happens when change leaders partner with CIOs—not work around them.Most AI efforts are missing the point: Phil argues that AI transformation fails when it focuses on individuals instead of improving team-level outcomes.Episode Highlights00:00 - Episode RecapBarry O'Reilly recaps the episode's theme, discussing leadership challenges, reclaiming strategic focus, and leveraging frameworks, executive habits, and AI to drive impactful business outcomes.2:26 - Guest IntroductionBarry introduces Phil Gilbert, renowned for leading a major cultural transformation at IBM through human-centered design. He previews Phil's new book, “Irresistible Change,” and sets expectations for a discussion on leadership, empathy, and executing change at scale.3:21 - Official Start of ConversationPhil Gilbert reflects on pivotal career moments, including his experience founding early startups, the challenge of driving adoption for new technologies,...
Have you ever wondered why you're doing all the right things but still feel stuck?In this episode, I'm unpacking the subconscious commands that quietly run your life and business. These hidden beliefs, most of them formed before age seven, are the real reason you keep bumping into the same money blocks, confidence issues, and fears of visibility.You'll learn how your brain is wired to stay on autopilot, why your subconscious runs 90 percent of the show, and how to begin rewriting the code so your actions align with the freedom and abundance you actually want.☑️ The science behind why your subconscious resists change☑️ How early beliefs about money and worth keep you in hustle mode☑️ A practical way to rewire those patterns and unlock freedomYou are not broken. You are programmed.And that programming can be rewritten starting today.Subscribe, share, and listen now to start reprogramming your mind for ease, confidence, and success.Episode Highlights00:00 Welcome and overview of subconscious programming01:00 Conscious and subconscious mind working together04:00 Childhood experiences that shape lifelong beliefs07:00 The grocery store story and early worthiness programming11:00 How hidden commands show up in business and money15:00 Client story of shifting niche and multiplying income19:00 Rewriting limiting beliefs and creating new thought patterns26:00 Final reflection and invitation to book your strategy callHOW I CAN SUPPORT YOU:
Today's guest is Hillary Spiritos (Millennial) — a pathfinding coach and founder of Bat Outta Hell, where she helps young adults find the courage, creativity, and resilience to build lives that feel authentic, invigorating, and meaningful.A former university advisor at Duke, NYU, and Northeastern, Hillary has guided countless students and early professionals through crossroads moments — from choosing a major to choosing themselves. Her work now focuses on helping Millennials and Gen Zers define success on their own terms, navigate anxiety about the future, and trust that their unique paths can lead to purpose.In this conversation, Yo and Hillary explore how social media, uncertainty, and shifting definitions of success are shaping a new generation — and why trusting yourself might just be the most radical act of all.✨ In this episode, we cover:The challenges today's young adults face — from cynicism to social media overloadHow to redefine success based on your values, not your title or salaryHow social media can inspire and overwhelm — and how to use it intentionallyThe difference between satisfaction and successWhy authenticity is the new currency of connection⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Hillary Spiritos00:33 – The mission behind Bat Outta Hell01:59 – From college advising to pathfinding: how it began03:55 – Empowering Millennials and Gen Z to create change07:55 – What makes this generation's challenges unique09:51 – The role of anxiety and cynicism in today's world15:26 – Redefining success through your own values21:11 – Is social media friend or foe?27:15 – Why authenticity beats perfection online30:09 – Navigating a tough job market with resilience35:27 – Facing fear, failure, and the courage to try
Episode 27110 Tips for Clearer Trade CommunicationDive into the latest She Renovates podcast episode!Ever come home from a renovation trip to find something very different from what you imagined?That's exactly what happened to Bernadette, a tiling mix-up that left one of her bathrooms looking nothing like the plan.
Matt Formston on Resilience, Trust, & Surfing Life's Biggest WavesEpisode IntroductionWhat does it take to ride a four-story wave you can't see? How do you turn a diagnosis of blindness into a world championship mindset? In this profoundly powerful episode, Steve sits down with Matt Formston, a world champion adaptive surfer, Paralympian cyclist, and Guinness World Record holder.Blind since the age of five, Matt shares his journey from facing extreme bullying and violence in his youth to finding his strength in adversity. He opens up about the pivotal role his parents played in shielding him from limiting beliefs, his struggle to prove he "wasn't disabled," and his ultimate breakthrough to accepting and maximizing his true self.This is a raw conversation about the power of family, the non-negotiable nature of trust, and the relentless pursuit of becoming the best version of yourself.--About Our GuestMatt Formston is an Order of Australia member, multiple-time world champion in both surfing and cycling, and the Guinness World Record holder for surfing the largest wave ever ridden by a vision-impaired athlete at Nazaré, Portugal.Beyond his athletic accolades, Matt is a businessman, a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, and a father dedicated to instilling core values in his children. His story is captured in the acclaimed documentary, The Blind Side.--Follow Our GuestWebsite: https://www.mattformston.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattformston/Follow Us OnHost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/--Episode Highlights00:00 - The "Blind Surfer" is introduced: "They're going to kill the blind guy."01:44 - Steve welcomes world champion and Paralympian, Matt Formston.02:43 - How Matt defines the "noise" of life.03:40 - Matt's story: From blindness and bullying to world titles.07:12 - The extreme bullying that led to a cycle of violence.09:25 - The pivotal moment his parents hid a grim diagnosis from him.13:59 - The shift from fighting to prove himself to fighting for his best self.17:45 - The household rule: The word "can't" was banned.21:13 - Preparing to surf a 51ft wave at Nazaré you can't see.25:27 - Matt's 3-step framework for attempting anything you're scared of.26:30 - Facing fear and self-doubt as a father.30:46 - The powerful values mantra Matt teaches his kids every night.32:47 - The unexpected advantage of blindness: Radical presence.35:39 - Why his disability is not a "superpower."39:24 - Simple fixes for inclusion that make people feel seen.46:05 - Matt's #1 non-negotiable in life and business: Trust.51:23 - The one piece of advice for anyone feeling limited.55:07 - What's next: Boards, a book, a new film, and freediving.57:50 - How to connect with Matt.
The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
There's a side of the property market most Australians never see — where listings don't make headlines, and deals happen behind closed doors.In this episode, we step into that world of discretion and discovery with William Laing, Co-Founder and CEO of Quiet List, to explore how off-market sales are quietly reshaping the real estate landscape.With nearly one in five Sydney homes now trading off-market, William reveals how private listings are redefining demand and changing how agents, buyers, and sellers connect. From price-testing vendors and privacy-driven sellers to the rise of buyer's agents and agent-only platforms, this hidden layer of the market is rewriting the rules of access and advantage.Together, we unpack what truly counts as an off-market listing, why so many sellers are choosing to go quiet, and what this shift means for transparency in Australian property. It's a conversation that cuts through the hype to reveal the data, dynamics, and ethics shaping the industry's most exclusive corner.If you've ever wondered what happens before a listing goes live, or why some of the best opportunities never make it online, this episode gives you a rare glimpse into the quiet art of deal-making in today's property market.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction01:16 – Guest Introduction: William Lang of Quiet List01:48 – Understanding Off-Market Listings03:40 – Challenges in Off-Market Transactions08:27 – Quiet List: The Business Model08:40 – Appreciating the Role of Buyer's Agents18:03 – Privacy and Transparency Issues of Off-Market Deals26:18 – Real Estate Platforms28:05 – Challenges and Changes in Agent Processes28:45 – Advantages of Centralized Briefs31:03 – Off-Market Deals and Relationships32:23 – Platform Features and Future Directions41:53 – Real Estate Market Dynamics and AI42:33 – Property DumboAbout the GuestWilliam Laing is the Co-Founder and CEO of Quiet List, Australia's first agent-only property platform transforming how real estate professionals connect qualified demand with quiet supply.With more than a decade in luxury residential real estate — including roles with Kay & Burton, Knight Frank, Savills, and The Agency — William built his career around discretion, trust, and deal-making. His experience handling high-end, off-market transactions inspired Quiet List: a platform that helps agents capture the 20% of property deals that happen behind closed doors.Today, William is helping agents nationwide turn “quiet listings” into smarter, more transparent transactions — bringing structure, security, and speed to a part of the market that's always operated in whispers.Connect with WilliamLinkedInResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with
AI isn't just speeding up your work—it's collapsing the market price of your time. In this urgent episode, we trace how the hourly model took over (from artisans to Taylorism to the FLSA), why it systematically funnels surplus value to owners, and why AI is about to accelerate that transfer for consultants, coders, strategists, and creators.Drawing on insights from Roland Frasier, we outline a practical pivot: Consulting for Equity (CFE). Trade your peak-leverage assets (judgment, access, strategic vision) for ownership stakes in businesses AI will amplify. The window to negotiate from strength is short—think 2–5 years. This is how you reconnect pay to outcomes and own a slice of the future you help create.
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories of people breaking cycles, finding freedom, and leading with courage.Today's guest is Sue Hincenbergs (Boomer) — a former television producer turned #1 bestselling author whose debut novel, The Retirement Plan, has taken Canada by storm. Now translated into 20 languages and headed for the big screen, this darkly funny thriller proves that it's never too late to follow your dreams — or plot a little creative mayhem along the way.After three decades producing award-winning TV programs, Sue decided at 59 to finally keep a promise she made to herself (and Bruce Springsteen!) at 20: to write a novel. The result? A hit book, a movie deal, and a wildly inspiring story of reinvention.In this conversation, we explore the humor, humility, and heart behind her success — and why midlife might just be the perfect time to unleash your creative spark.✨ Other Topics Covered:How Sue turned a lifelong dream into a #1 Canadian bestsellerThe 40-year promise inspired by Bruce SpringsteenLessons from her TV career that made her a tighter, funnier writerWhat makes a great storyteller — and why tension mattersThe courage to start something new at any ageWhat she'd tell her 20-something self about patience, humility, and timingWhy “If not now, when?” became her personal mantra⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Sue Hincenbergs00:57 – “If not now, when?”: deciding to write at 5902:20 – The Retirement Plan — murder, marriage, and midlife reinvention04:58 – The Bruce Springsteen concert that sparked a lifelong promise07:45 – From television producer to novelist: learning on the fly09:39 – How tension and clarity make a great story13:53 – Editing, rewriting, and the art of brevity15:43 – Her advice to younger writers and her 20-something self17:09 – Sue's card pick: Celebrate — Life's Too Short to Act Normal18:35 – “Why not me?”: believing it's never too late
In Part 2 of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast with Mara Dorne, the conversation goes beyond business and into the mindset that helped create her success.Mara opens up about living with anxiety, navigating “mom guilt”, and the personal sacrifices involved in becoming successful. Authenticity has been a major key for Mara, who has learned over time what it takes to thrive without losing yourself. Her transparency and humor will inspire you to embrace your truth and imperfections, and lead with both power and compassion.Episode Highlights00:00 – “Progress brings happiness.” 01:15 – “Look good, feel good, do good.” How inner confidence fuels outer success.05:30 – Energy equals productivity — lessons from Tony Robbins on physiology and focus.09:30 – The truth about mom guilt, mom shaming, and giving yourself grace.17:00 – Setting boundaries and choosing family over constant business travel.21:30 – “People like you when you're authentic.” Leadership lessons from letting go of ego.31:15 – Owning her anxiety — how Mara turned fear into focus and vulnerability into power. 43:00 – “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.” Choosing resilience and self-love.49:30 – “You're not going to be everybody's cup of tea — and that's okay.”Key Takeaways:Progress Creates Purpose Growth — even small — fuels happiness. Stagnation fuels frustration.Grace Over Guilt Working moms and entrepreneurs alike must stop striving for perfection. Give yourself permission to be human.Anxiety Can Be Power Instead of resisting fear, Mara reframes it as heightened awareness — a tool for empathy and performance.Authenticity Wins Success feels better when you stop performing for approval and start living in alignment.Feminine Energy Is Strength Nurturing, empathy, intuition — these aren't weaknesses. They're leadership advantages.Boundaries Build Balance Saying “no” with intention creates space for what truly matters — family, health, and peace of mind.Notable Quotes:“There is absolute guilt. I'm the mom at the football meet in heels, on the phone, juggling everything. But at some point, you've got to give yourself grace.” Mara Dorne“You're not going to be everybody's cup of tea — and that's okay. Peel back the layer and be who you want to be.” Mara Dorne“Being a woman is a superpower. It really is a superpower, especially in sales, because men like to talk to women and women like to talk to women.” Mara Dorne“We're all going to experience pain. But what you don't have to experience is suffering. You don't have to suffer.” Dwayne KerriganMara is a self-made millionaire, best-selling author, public speaker, and award winning BILF ('Boss I'd Like to Follow') who built a remarkable career in a male-dominated industry. As a top leader at a Fortune 500 subsidiary, she made history by exceeding $1 billion in sales before turning 40. Beyond her corporate achievements, Mara is passionate about mentoring and has guided over 1,500 health insurance agents nationwide, with a particular focus on empowering female entrepreneurs.Links:Website: https://maradorne.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDorneRegionTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mara.dorneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maradorne/LinkedIn:
What if the clothes you wear could change someone's life?In this episode, I sit down with Meli Alness, founder of Freedom Fibers, a slow-fashion brand that creates clothing free from exploitation at every step. Her mission is to design zero-waste garments that honor both people and the planet while empowering women in India to rebuild their lives through meaningful, dignified work.We talk about how Meli transformed pain into purpose after a life-changing brain injury, the incredible stories of the women behind her brand, and why your purchasing choices hold far more power than you think.☑️ The truth behind the fast fashion industry and how it quietly exploits 98% of garment workers☑️ How repurposed saris and zero-waste design create beauty, sustainability, and purpose☑️ The link between self-worth and what we wear, and how to shop with soulEvery thread tells a story. Tune in and discover how conscious fashion can transform lives, including your own.If this episode inspired you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who believes in doing business for good.Episode Highlights00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:00 Meet Meli Alness of Freedom Fibers03:00 The mission behind ethical and zero-waste fashion09:00 God's calling and the birth of Freedom Fibers18:00 The women changing their lives through sewing28:00 Fashion as self-expression and self-worth38:00 The cost of fast fashion and the power of conscious choice44:00 Final reflections and how to support Freedom FibersMore About MeliMeli is an artist, designer, visionary and entrepreneur. She is Founder and CEO of Freedom Fibers, a slow fashion brand that prioritizes people over production, providing conscious consumers with clothing and accessories that are free from exploitation at every step.Shop: https://freedomfibers.orgInstagram: https://istagram.com/freedom_fibersHOW I CAN SUPPORT YOU:
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we explore real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.Today's guest is Salvatore Manzi (Gen X) — a leadership communication coach, speaker, and author who helps mission-driven leaders transform their insight into influence. With two decades of experience coaching executives from Silicon Valley to the United Nations, Salvatore believes your leadership goes beyond how you show up and communicate your truth.In this episode, Salvatore and Yo dive into the art and science of communication — exploring how content, delivery, and presence shape our impact. They discuss how introverts can command the room, why communication training often fails analytical thinkers, and how reframing fear into excitement can help you speak with confidence.✨ In this episode, we cover:How to own the spotlight no matter your comfort level with public speakingThe three pillars of communication: content, delivery, and presenceHow to “reframe the rush” from fear to excitementWhy asynchronous communication (emails, texts) often misfiresThe importance of intention and feedback in becoming a better communicatorHow to adapt your communication style without losing authenticityTaking up space — physically and emotionally — when you've been conditioned not toWhat Salvatore would tell his 20-something self about voice and courage⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Salvatore Manzi01:00 – The missing link in communication training for introverts04:40 – The three pillars: content, delivery, and presence06:55 – Why presence matters most in today's world09:35 – Dialogue, not download — and why metaphors move minds11:02 – “You may be on mute, but your body isn't”13:18 – Expanding what feels authentic15:31 – Reframing the rush: fear into excitement18:23 – How to add warmth to asynchronous communication22:17 – Setting intention before you speak23:42 – Why feedback fuels growth26:35 – Communication as context: knowing your audience29:15 – Taking up space and overcoming conditioning32:24 – Body and mind hacks to restore presence36:33 – “Speak before it feels comfortable” — Salvatore's 20-something-self advice
Sheila Vijeyarasa on Courage, Alignment & Stepping Through the FearEpisode IntroductionWhat happens when your life falls apart and that breakdown becomes your greatest breakthrough? In this empowering episode, Steve sits down with Sheila Vijeyarasa, a spiritual teacher, leadership coach, and author of Brave: Courageously Live Your Truth, to explore what it really means to find alignment, rebuild after loss, and live from intuition rather than fear.Sheila shares her raw story of walking away from corporate success to embrace a higher calling, navigating her own dark nights of the soul, and building a life of authenticity, purpose, and power. Together, Steve and Sheila unpack what bravery looks like in real life — and how every challenge can be the doorway to transformation.About Our GuestSheila Vijeyarasa is a globally recognised intuitive business coach, speaker, and author of Brave: Courageously Live Your Truth. Combining spirituality with high-performance leadership, Sheila helps women and professionals reclaim their confidence, develop intuition, and create a life of aligned purpose. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Sydney Morning Herald, and CEO Magazine, and she continues to inspire thousands through her keynotes, retreats, and coaching programs.Follow Our GuestWebsite: https://www.sheilav.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheila_v__/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheila.vijeyarasa/Follow Us OnHost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/Episode Highlights00:00 - Episode Trailer00:35 - Meet Sheila Vijeyarasa: from corporate executive to spiritual coach02:30 - The internal and external noise that shapes our lives05:40 - How losing everything became Sheila's awakening08:20 - Turning breakdowns into breakthroughs11:45 - The power of curiosity and self-awareness14:25 - Finding courage to walk through the unknown16:02 - Quieting the inner critic and trusting your growth19:20 - Facing fear and building the muscle of bravery22:10 - Why courage is cultivated through small daily acts24:35 - Speaking your truth and showing up with authenticity26:45 - Handling criticism and connecting with the one person who needs your message29:45 - Steve's story of facing his biggest fear and the freedom beyond it33:20 - Sheila's practices for calming the noise and embracing discomfort37:22 - Checking in on your goals and staying in alignment with your values40:10 - Believing that you deserve everything you dream of41:50 - Journaling as a mirror for your emotions and growth44:15 - A message from Sheila to those standing at the edge of change47:04 - What's next: global speaking, new book, and brave new beginnings50:30 - Why even the brave still face imposter syndrome52:00 - Closing reflections and where to connect with Sheila
The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
Australia's strata system was once a clever solution to urban living — a way to share land, lift homeownership, and build communities in growing cities. But decades later, that same framework is struggling to keep up with modern life.What once worked for small, low-rise communities now governs the high-density towers that house millions of Australians. The result? Costs have climbed, decision-making has grown more complex, and owners often find themselves footing bills for problems they didn't createIn this episode, Prof. Cathy Sherry — Professor at Macquarie Law School and Executive Member of Smart Green Cities — explains how Australia's outdated strata laws are now out of step with the country's housing and sustainability goals. A leading international expert in land law and high-density development, Prof. Sherry unpacks how laws written in the 1960s for small walk-ups can't handle the complexity of modern cities, locking owners into costly contracts, rising levies, and embedded energy networks that limit both choice and progress.From the hidden costs buried in off-the-plan sales to the barriers stopping apartments from going solar, Cathy reveals how a system designed to help Australians share space has instead made it harder to live well, live green, and live fairly.Listen now to learn why reforming strata isn't just a legal fix — it's key to building a fairer, more sustainable housing future for everyone.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction01:16 — Meet Prof. Cathy Sherry: Australia's Leading Expert on Strata Law01:50 — How Shared Living Became Complex: The Challenge of Strata Ownership03:15 — Strata Levies, Legal Layers, and Why Collective Ownership Is Tricky06:37 — The Hidden Dangers of Buying Off-the-Plan Apartments in Australia11:09 — Embedded Networks Explained: The Hidden Costs of Strata Energy Deals20:18 — Can the Law Catch Up? Why Strata Reform Is Urgent for Modern Cities26:00 — Stratum Lots and Mixed-Use Buildings: Understanding Shared Land Titles26:48 — What Strata Management Statements Mean for Building Governance27:32 — Why Prof. Cathy Sherry Advocates for Fairer and Smarter Housing Laws28:54 — High-Density Housing Challenges: When Bigger Doesn't Mean Better30:11 — Why Home Ownership Still Matters for Stability and Social Equality31:51 — Where Strata Schemes Fail: Issues With Governance and Accountability35:23 — How Investor Incentives Have Shaped Australia's Housing Market43:27 — Smart Green Cities: Connecting Strata Reform to Sustainability Goals44:42 — Property Dumbo: A Real-World Example of Strata Mismanagement46:20 — Final Reflections and Where to Learn More From Prof. Cathy SherryLinksArticle: Embedded networks in high-density and master-planned housingAbout the GuestCathy Sherry is a Professor in Macquarie Law School and Executive Member of Smart Green Cities. She is a leading international expert in land law, with a particular focus on high density development. Her book Strata Title Property Rights: Private governance of multi-owned properties (Routledge, 2017) is the first academic monograph on Australian strata title. It has been cited by the Privy Council and the New South Wales Court of Appeal. Professor Sherry's research focuses on the complex legal, economic and social relationships created by collectively owned land. Professor Sherry regularly advises governments, domestically and internationally, on the laws governing multi-owned properties. She was a member of the United Kingdom Law Commission Technical Committee for the...
Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss crack open the 2025 Forbes 400 and spot a seismic shift: 71% are now self-made, the cutoff is a record $3.8B, and the newest entrants aren't entertainers or app celebrities—they're infrastructure builders (data labeling, energy export, freight platforms, drive-thru formats). The guys lay out a practical framework—B.O.T. (Bottlenecks, Order Flow, Tools)—to find, buy, and scale the “unsexy” choke points where outsized wealth is created. Expect candid takes on ethics and regulation, tax advantages vs. complexity, and why tech alone isn't a moat in the AI era.Key TakeawaysQuiet wealth > spotlight wealth: New billionaires control choke points (permits, labeled data, logistics, power access) instead of chasing virality.Tech isn't the moat—distribution is: If you're just a feature, the platform will build you tomorrow. Own users, data, or order flow.B.O.T. framework:Bottlenecks — Find scarce inputs (power near substations, HIPAA-grade data, specialized trades), professionalize small operators, exit to strategics.Order Flow — Aggregate fragmented brokers (freight, dirt hauling, niche staffing), add AI matching, monetize spread & float.Tools — Bundle niche AI/DevOps tools (monitoring, RLHF QA, rights mgmt.) into suites; sell shovels for the gold rush.Ethics & risk: Bottlenecks ≠ monopolies; add real value or get routed around. Order-flow plays invite regulatory heat—design accordingly.Luck favors the paranoid: Nvidia's rise = timing + category choice. Choose your competitor carefully; it defines your playing field.Episode Highlights00:00 – Cold open: dentists, numb faces, and a record-breaking Forbes 400.03:10 – The stat no one's talking about: 71% self-made, $6.6T total wealth, $3.8B cutoff.08:20 – Why opportunity has more leverage than ever (AI + democratized tools), but tech alone won't save you.12:45 – B is for Bottlenecks: picks & shovels thinking; mini-moats in permits, medical transcripts, underground tank installers for data centers.22:10 – Ethics check: bottlenecks vs. monopolies; how to add value without getting regulated to death.27:05 – O is for Order Flow: Robinhood's play, freight/dirt broker roll-ups, AI pricing/matching, monetizing spread & float.36:40 – The toll-booth trap: if you don't add value, the sides will route around you.41:30 – T is for Tools: why toolmakers outlive trends; bundling niche AI devtools; the Nvidia, Intel, AMD cautionary tales.53:10 – Choosing competitors = choosing categories; luck + timing still matter.57:45 – Operator wrap: how to map your business to B.O.T. this quarter.Memorable Quotes“If all you are is a feature, you don't have a business—you have a countdown clock.”“Quiet wealth lives in the choke points everyone else ignores.”“Bottlenecks aren't monopolies—create value or the market will route around you.”“Tech isn't a moat. Users, data, and distribution are.”Mentioned in This EpisodeForbes 400 (2025): $6.6T total; $3.8B entry; 71% self-madeCategories: Data labeling (Surge AI), LNG export...
When it comes to product positioning, clarity isn't just a communication tool—it's a strategic advantage. In this episode, I sit down with Anthony Pierri, co-founder of FletchPMM, a product marketing consultancy that's helped over 400 B2B software startups discover and sharpen their positioning. We explore how founders can unlearn generic marketing advice, clarify their message, and activate their strategy through one often-overlooked asset: their homepage.Anthony brings practical frameworks, real-world stories, and a refreshing candor to a space that's often muddled with jargon. This is a must-listen for any founder, PMM, or GTM leader tired of being misunderstood—and ready to focus.FletchPMM is a product marketing consultancy that helps B2B tech startups nail their positioning and bring it to life through a purpose-built homepage. Alongside co-founder Rob Kaminski, he's helped more than 400 companies craft focused, champion-centered messaging that converts.Key TakeawaysClarity wins: Positioning isn't about vision—it's about specificity, segmentation, and telling your champion's story.Unlearn the fluff: Ditch the vague benefits and generic promises. Customers need to know what you do and how it helps them.Focus = traction: Trying to be everything to everyone dilutes your impact. Specialization creates memorability and repeatability.Your homepage is your positioning: It's the one asset every stakeholder sees—customers, investors, your team. Make it count.Position for the champion, not the budget holder: Focus your messaging on the person closest to the problem—not the executive who cuts the check.Additional InsightsPositioning is pattern recognition: Anthony shares how lessons from church leadership and freelancing helped him recognize early signs of positioning misalignment—even before he had the language for it.Inbound scale comes from consistency, not creativity: With over 500 companies served, Fletch's success has come from delivering one service, the same way, every time—not by chasing new ideas or tactics.Founders often confuse luck with repeatability: Anthony reveals how many early startup wins come from personal networks—and how this masks the real need for scalable positioning and segment focus.Mispositioning starts with the homepage: Anthony critiques vague, benefits-only messaging like “Make Yes Work”—demonstrating how the lack of a clear product reference point derails understanding and action.Repositioning is an organizational act: Referencing Klaviyo and Meta, Anthony shows how homepage messaging isn't just about marketing—it forces internal alignment by making strategic bets visible to every team member.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode RecapAnthony Pierri shares how a seemingly minor contradiction in a church's mission statement became his first exposure to a positioning problem—planting the seed for a career built around clarity.01:30 – Guest Introduction: Anthony PierriBarry introduces Anthony, co-founder of FletchPMM, a consultancy that's helped 400+ B2B software startups craft focused, conversion-driving homepages.05:09 – The Real Cost of Doing EverythingWhy trying to serve every persona or use case is the quickest way to stall traction—and how narrowing your focus builds momentum.07:14 – Specialization is a Strategic AdvantageAnthony explains how one service, delivered one way, to one segment unlocked a scalable, inbound engine for Fletch.11:42 – Sales...
What happens when you stop saying “someday” and start saying “yes” to the version of you God already sees?This week, I'm joined by the incredible women who just returned from my Becoming Experience Retreat in Greece, and wow, we witnessed transformation in real time. From unexpected breakthroughs and divine manifestations to pure joy, laughter, and sisterhood, this episode captures the real magic that unfolds when women gather in faith and expansion.We talk about what surprised us most, how quickly manifestations showed up (yes, mid-retreat), and why this work changes more than your mindset. It shifts your entire frequency.This isn't just a recap. It's a reminder of what's possible when you say yes to yourself.☑️ The moment everything shifted from “fine” to “fulfilled”☑️ The power of sisterhood and safe vulnerability☑️ Real proof that miracles multiply when you're alignedIf you've ever wondered what happens at The Becoming Experience or you've been craving your own next-level transformation, this conversation will show you what faith in action really looks like.Subscribe, share, and keep spiraling up. Your next breakthrough is already on its way.Episode Highlights00:00 - Introduction02:12 - Why We Said Yes to Greece09:40 - Breakthroughs, Creativity, and Post Retreat Momentum17:55 - Sisterhood, Safety, and Transformation25:38 - Manifestation Stories That Still Give Us Goosebumps33:40 - Lessons on Luxury, Faith, and Saying Yes41:15 - Why The Becoming Experience Changes Everything#LaChelleWieme #SpiralUpPodcast #BusinessStrategy #MindsetMatters #FaithBasedEntrepreneur #ManifestationCoach #ChristianEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualAlignment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Damian Chaparro on Quieting the Noise & Rediscovering What's EnoughEpisode IntroductionWhat happens when we step away from the chaos of modern life and truly listen to ourselves, to nature, to silence? In this deeply reflective conversation, Steve sits down with Damian Chaparro, visionary co-founder of Aro Hā Wellness Retreat in New Zealand.Together, they explore how our fast-paced, hyper-connected world is leaving us overstimulated and unfulfilled, and how practices of mindfulness, movement, and nature immersion can help us reconnect to what really matters. Damian opens up about the creation of Aro Hā, the challenges of building a regenerative retreat from the ground up, and the philosophy that has guided his work for over a decade: “It's enough. I'm enough.”This episode invites you to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the art of living with enough.About Our GuestDamian Chaparro is the co-founder and visionary behind Aro Hā, a multi-award-winning regenerative wellness retreat nestled in Glenorchy, New Zealand. With a background in business and technology, Damian left the corporate world to dedicate his life to helping others heal and reconnect through nature, mindfulness, and sustainable living.Aro Hā has been named among the world's best wellness retreats, celebrated for its unique fusion of yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, and regenerative design. Damian's mission is to guide individuals and the planet toward deeper harmony, conscious living, and authentic regeneration.Follow Our GuestWebsite: https://www.aro-ha.com/Instagram (Retreat): https://www.instagram.com/aroharetreats/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/damianchaparro/Follow Us OnHost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/Episode Highlights00:00 - Episode Trailer01:00 - Meet Damian Chaparro: co-founder of Aro Hā02:14 - The noise of modern life and our addiction to stimulation04:10 - Technology, attention, and the burnout epidemic06:20 - From corporate success to conscious living08:30 - The leap of faith that led to creating Aro Hā10:17 - Lessons from discomfort and living on the edge of change13:12 - Designing a retreat that regenerates both people and planet16:40 - The challenges of building a vision from the ground up18:55 - Learning to trust the process and let go of pressure21:14 - “What's the worst that can happen?” a mantra for courage23:13 - Honouring Māori wisdom and the story behind the name ‘Aro Hā'25:18 - What guests truly need (not just what they want)27:05 - The architecture of transformation: body, mind, and environment30:02 - Stories of guests and moments of profound change31:35 - A daily practice for awareness and resilience34:12 - Why discipline and delayed gratification build lasting wellbeing37:20 - Damian's daily non-negotiable: self-observation39:00 - The power of the mantra “It's enough. I'm enough.”42:12 - Gratitude, laughter, and rediscovering play43:56 - Regeneration as a way of life within and around us47:18 - Healing ourselves to heal the world50:05 - Finding the gift beyond the noise51:40 - The future of Aro Hā and regenerative wellness55:12 - The noise Damian has learned to live with and let go of
What happens when a national fitness brand realizes its best members are over 40? For Row House, it sparked a powerful new direction—and a brand refresh rooted in vitality, community, and smart training.In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft chats with Noel Miller, Row House's Manager of Training and a 30-year fitness pro. Noel shares how the indoor rowing franchise took a close look at its data, saw who was showing up, and leaned all the way into a smart, low-impact, high-intensity training model that's ideal for midlife adults.This is more than a business case study—it's a roadmap for fitness professionals who want to grow by speaking directly to people over 40 in ways that are authentic, inclusive, and deeply motivating.
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.Today's guest is Dr. Arisbe Mendoza (Gen X), Director of Global Impact, Advocacy, and Partnerships atFairtrade International in Bonn, Germany. A proud Mexican woman and passionate advocate for women's leadership, Arisbe believes that leadership isn't about titles — it's about impact.In this inspiring conversation, we explore how Fairtrade transforms global trade into a force for equity, how women's leadership creates ripples of change, and why joy, empathy, and authenticity are essential to leading with heart.✨ In this episode, we cover:The powerful origin story of the Fairtrade movement — and its deep roots in MexicoHow Fairtrade works with more than 1.9 million farmers and workers across 67 countriesWhy true leadership is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and purposeThe Fairtrade Women's School of Leadership and its impact on confidence and equalityHow young people are driving awareness through the Fairtrade Ambassador ProgramWhat sustainable livelihoods really mean — and how fair pricing changes livesHow global collaboration and trust build resilience across supply chainsArisbe's reflections on capitalism, resistance, and the ongoing relevance of FairtradeHer message to her 20-something self about trusting her voice and being boldThe leadership lesson behind her favorite phrase: “Joy in the everyday”⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Dr. Arisbe Mendoza (Gen X)00:30 – Leadership as impact, not title — how Fairtrade reflects that mission01:49 – The Fairtrade story: from Mexican coffee farmers to a global movement04:42 – Why producers stay committed — and the challenges they face today06:45 – Connecting farmers to fair markets and meaningful partnerships09:29 – Empowering women through the Fairtrade Women's School of Leadership11:24 – Youth advocacy and the Fairtrade Ambassador Program12:18 – Arisbe's personal journey from Mexico to global leadership15:28 – The strategic vision for Fairtrade's next decade17:18 – Sustainable livelihoods and the shared responsibility of supply chains20:36 – How listeners can support Fairtrade and ethical consumption24:00 – Why Arisbe remains hopeful amid global economic shifts27:07 – Her message to her 20-something self: trust your voice, even when it shakes28:34 – Her favorite pick from the GTTL shop — “Joy in the Everyday”30:03 – Final reflections and celebration of Fairtrade Month
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast. I'm your host, Ariane Sommer, and today we're diving into one of the most paradigm-shifting conversations in modern medicine: the metabolic theory of cancer.For decades, we've been told that cancer is primarily a genetic disease, a matter of unlucky mutations that require aggressive pharmaceutical interventions. But what if that's only part of the story? What if cancer is fundamentally a metabolic disease, a disorder of cellular energy production that we can address through diet, lifestyle, and targeted metabolic therapies?This isn't fringe science. And it's giving patients new hope, and new options, beyond the standard cut, poison, and burn model. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Donese Worden to the show. Dr. Worden is a board-certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor, researcher, and global health educator who has dedicated her career to bridging conventional and alternative cancer care. She's collaborated with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, served as CEO of Care Oncology, and works directly with Dr. Seyfried on metabolic cancer research. She's also the creator of the 7 Pillars of Health framework, a comprehensive approach to resilience that addresses everything from sleep and gut health to spiritual wellbeing.Dr. Worden's motto is 'Educate, Empower, Enlighten,' and that's exactly what we're going to do today. We'll explore the metabolic theory of cancer, discuss both prevention and treatment strategies, and give you a roadmap for building resilience at every level.Episode Highlights00:00 Welcome + why the “metabolic theory of cancer” matters02:00 Genetics vs. metabolism: why only ~5% is strictly genetic (and gene expression is modifiable)03:45 Warburg's mitochondrial lens; PET scans lighting up because cancer voraciously consumes sugar06:45 How we veered away historically; incentives that kept oncology gene-centric09:00 What damages mitochondria today: toxins, antibiotics (without mitigation), chronic stress10:30 Stress as a metabolic driver; why it keeps glucose high even on a “good” diet12:30 Ketogenic therapy for cancer: high fat, lower protein (individualized), carbs mainly from veggies15:00 Measuring correctly: Keto-Mojo, GKI (Glucose-Ketone Index); skip urine strips for accuracy17:00 Fast stress relief protocols: music-guided entrainment, breath work, active meditation, journaling20:15 Somatic breath work in practice; rapid emotional release21:00 Best fats and how Dr. W screens with food-sensitivity testing first23:15 Keto cycles for prevention: 6-week blocks a couple times per year24:15 Exercise as mitochondrial medicine: HIIT + resistance for biogenesis and cancer risk reduction26:00 The KetoPet model: ketogenic diet + HBOT + interval training; lessons for humans28:15 Starting movement in late-stage cases; meeting people exactly where they are30:15 “Press–Pulse” strategy: what stays constant vs. what's pulsed to outsmart tumor adaptation32:00 Repurposed meds (e.g., metformin, doxycycline) and why many oncologists can't step outside SOC33:00 Bridging care: when surgery/chemo/radiation have a role; aiming at cancer stem cells37:15 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT): driving O₂ into cells; why it's pulsed and protocol-specific39:30 Outcomes Dr. W sees most consistently: better quality of life, often longer survival41:00 The psychology of prognosis; belief, stress, and manifestation43:00 The “placebo” as your body's own pharmacy (parasympathetic healing state)44:15 Targeting glutamine along with glucose; where evidence stands now (e.g., berberine, exercise, stress)46:45 The Seven Pillars of Health overview (self-audit)48:30 Pillar 1 — Sleep: deep/REM, how you feel on waking49:15 Pillar 2 — Body: strength,...
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.Today's guest is Uma Thana Balasingam (Gen X) — a powerhouse global tech executive turned founder, movement builder, and podcast host. Uma grew up in Malaysia, put herself through university, and rose from engineer to Vice President of Sales for global tech companies, leading more than 800 people across 48 markets and managing over $1 billion in revenue.Now, Uma is building her second career by launching companies and movements at the intersection of leadership, reinvention, and media. As founder of The ELEVATE Group, she's architecting a future where five million women rise with her. Her hit podcast, RAW with UMA, amplifies raw, real voices across Asia Pacific — bridging strategy and soul, and inspiring women everywhere to rethink what's possible.In this openhearted conversation, Uma shares what it's like to experience what she calls a “careerquake” — that seismic professional shift that shakes your identity and calls you to reinvent. Together, we explore how grief and growth coexist, how sponsorship accelerates careers, and how to find belonging again when everything changes.✨ In this episode, we cover:What a careerquake really means — and how it can spark reinvention instead of regretThe emotional journey of leaving a beloved role: love, grief, and belongingHow to reframe career breaks as growth chapters, not gapsWhy workplace politics aren't a dirty word — and how to play with integrityThe two currencies that drive careers: performance and relationshipsHow sponsorship (not just mentorship) accelerates opportunityThe leadership lessons from an inclusive boss who amplified women's voicesThe story behind RAW with UMA — and why she's tackling the “hard things”Uma's powerful message to her 20-something self about colorism, courage, and challenging norms⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Uma Thana Balasingam00:59 – Defining the “careerquake” and how it reshaped her sense of identity02:28 – From love to grief: what leaving behind success really feels like05:39 – Why workplace politics aren't a dirty word — and how power truly flows09:28 – The inclusive boss who modeled how to amplify women's voices11:22 – How to confidently reframe career breaks in interviews17:01 – The origin of Lean In Singapore and Uma's Walk the Talk sponsorship platform23:11 – The backstory of RAW with UMA — turning eulogies into empowerment28:44 – Uma's message to her 20-something self: challenge everything30:42 – Her favorite pick from the GTTL shop — and the birth of the “Careerquake” card
What does it really mean to live a happy life and why are so many of us chasing it in the wrong way? In this powerful conversation, Steve speaks with Dr. Tim Sharp also known as Dr. Happy the one of Australia's leading psychologists and founder of The Happiness Institute.Together, they unpack the myths of happiness, why it's not about being positive all the time, and the tools and strategies that help us bounce back from life's challenges. Dr. Tim also shares his own raw experiences with depression and suicidality, showing how resilience, acceptance, and connection shape a more meaningful life.About Our GuestDr. Tim Sharp is an internationally renowned leader in the fields of positive psychology, resilience, and mental health. Known as Dr. Happy, he has written several best-selling books, appears regularly in the media, and has built The Happiness Institute into a global platform for promoting wellbeing. With decades of clinical and academic experience, he is passionate about redefining success, mentoring young leaders, and helping individuals craft their own “recipe” for a good life.Follow Our GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimsharp/Website: https://drhappy.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappinessinstitute/Follow Us OnHost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/Episode Highlights00:00 - Episode Trailer01:08 - Meet Dr. Happy: the man behind the nickname02:38 - Misconceptions about happiness and mental health05:01 - Defining happiness: fleeting joy vs. lasting life satisfaction09:22 - Dr. Tim's personal journey with depression and suicidality13:56 - Tools for bouncing back: joy lists, gratitude & self-care16:42 - Emotional regulation and learning to savour the good19:34 - Why there's no single “secret” to happiness22:24 - Lessons from the darkest times: this too shall pass & you're not alone25:12 - Why failure and detours are essential for growth29:25 - Reflection, journaling & the power of looking in the mirror32:24 - What we can control: mindset, response & perspective35:38 - Living in the present vs. finding joy in past and future39:26 - The ‘tyranny of when': money, success & the hedonic treadmill45:38 - Does money buy happiness? Freedom, choices & giving back48:04 - Daily strategies to create a better life51:47 - Relationships, connection & not forgetting to have fun54:26 - Biggest lessons from a life studying happiness57:02 - Dr. Happy's mission for the next decade58:50 - One key message on happiness & the noise of life01:01:08 - Where to find and connect with Dr. Tim Sharp