Podcasts about Fall in Love

What happens when a school district demands you teach content that isn't legally required? Military wife and homeschool mom Jennifer Moye found herself in exactly that situation when New York officials insisted she add AIDS education to her sixth-grader's curriculum—or face truancy charges. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Jennifer shares her unexpected journey from compliant homeschooler to constitutional defender. After moving to upstate New York in 2019, she faced increasing demands from her local school district, culminating in a requirement that went beyond what homeschool law actually mandated. With three boys to educate and a military family's already complex life, Jennifer had to make a choice: comply with government overreach or stand her ground. In this episode, you'll discover: How Classical Conversations provided consistency and community through four military moves  The moment Jennifer realized she needed HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) The surprising number of families facing similar harassment from school officials What happened when attorneys showed up to defend her rights—at no cost to her family Why this fight mattered for every homeschooling family in New York How she's now empowering the next generation through Turning Point USA This is a must-listen for every homeschooling family who thinks these battles are behind us. They're not. And Jennifer's courage reminds us why defending our freedoms matters for every generation.   This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com   National Number Knockout 2027 Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers. Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes. But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/national-number-knockout/ to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.

Podcasting is a wild and amazing journey. One minute you're excitedly recording your latest episode, and the next you're drowning in editing and second-guessing every little detail. In this episode, we dive into the seven telltale signs that you might just be taking your podcasting journey a smidge too seriously...because taking your podcast too seriously is possible.We chat about how obsessing over minor editing mistakes can suck the joy out of your creative process. I mean, have you ever listened to a popular podcast that sounded like it was recorded underwater? Probably Yet, they still have tens of thousands of listeners. This just goes to show that your audience is more interested in the content that you can give them rather than a perfectly polished audio track. So, are you finding yourself giving up fun for perfection? If you're stressing over a missed breath sound or an awkward pause, it might be time to reevaluate your approach.In the episode, we also tackle the pressure of posting schedules. Yes, consistency is key, but if that pressure is making you want to pull your hair out, it's time to hit the brakes. Remember, podcasting should be a joy, not a chore. And comparing yourself to full-time creators with fancy studios? Let's just say it's a recipe for burnout. We're all just trying to make magic happen from our dining tables, right? Plus, we discuss the dangers of over-planning. If you find yourself exhausted before even hitting record, that's a sign you might be overthinking it. Let's embrace spontaneity and authenticity instead.Whether you're podcasting as a hobby or a business strategy, it's crucial to keep the fun alive. So, if you've ever wondered, ‘should I quit my podcast?', or are wondering how to re-inject the fun back into your podcast, this episode is for you.Takeaways: Taking your podcast too seriously can drain the joy out of creating, so keep it light and enjoy the creative process. If you find yourself obsessing over every tiny editing mistake, it's time to relax a bit. No-one is going to mind about the odd breath or 0.2 second pause. Remember, podcasting can be a fun hobby, not just a business strategy or stress-inducing chore. Comparing yourself to full-time creators may lead to burnout, so embrace your unique journey and what your individuality can bring to your show. Over-planning your episodes can kill spontaneity. Keep it real and authentic for you and your audience. If recording feels like a chore, it might be time to reevaluate why you started podcasting in the first place and fall in love with the podcasting process all over again.Podcast Episodes Mentioned:Ep 43: Should I Quit My Podcast? >> https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep-43-should-i-quit-my-podcastEp 100: Why It's Okay to Take a Break from Podcasting >> https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/100Ep 112: 7 Tips to Get Out of a Podcasting Creative Slump >> https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep-112-7-tips-to-get-out-of-a-podcasting-creative-slump/

"We try to answer two questions before we say yes to a job or embark on a spec script: Why does the protagonist need this movie? And the other is: Why tell this story other than to make money? That was our attitude going into Jurassic World. That was our attitude going into Avatar," says screenwriter Rick Jaffa about how he and his writing partner Amanda Silver approach tackling a large film franchise.  On today's podcast, we sit down with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver to discuss their blockbuster new film Avatar: Fire and Ash, the follow up to 2022's Avatar: The Way of Water. Husband and wife, the accomplished duo have also written and produced some of the biggest and most lucrative movies in Hollywood history, including the Planet of the Apes trilogy and Jurassic World. They generously share their techniques for worldbuilding, including doing tons of research to help keep the world grounded in science and fact, and always starting with character. They also share their mind-bending pitch for Rise of the Planet of the Apes. "What we said was, we want to take an ape from Pinocchio to Moses," says Jaffa. Silver adds, "Pinocchio meaning,  I want to be a real boy – to Moses – and leading his people to the Promised Land. And that was basically the pitch."  They also describe creating the exciting new Avatar character Varang (Oona Chaplin), of the Ash People and how she magically came to life on the page. "At first, when you don't know this character at all, and it's just a piece on a playing board to move around for your plot, you're trying to figure things out. But soon they hopefully start speaking for themselves… And then once we started writing her, we got through the first scene with her, we looked at each other and said, 'My God, the world's going to fall in love with this character!'" says Silver.  To hear more, listen to the podcast.  

Feeling ready for a reset after the holidays? Discover how to transform post-holiday blahs into purposeful new beginnings that energize your entire homeschool family. Join Lisa Bailey as she welcomes Alicia Clark and Ginny Tran for an encouraging conversation about embracing fresh starts after the holiday season. Whether you experience post-holiday letdown or sail smoothly into January, this episode offers practical wisdom for families ready to refocus. The conversation explores how different families navigate the transition from busy holidays into a new year. Alicia shares how her family uses that restful week between Christmas and New Year's to regroup and prepare their hearts for what's ahead. Ginny describes how her family keeps excitement going by always looking forward to the next fun thing, from extended family celebrations to summer camp. The discussion dives deep into the power of assessment and goal-setting, particularly the importance of bringing children into these conversations. Both guests share how they help their kids understand not just what they're learning, but why they're learning it. From five-year-olds setting reading goals to eleven-year-olds tackling triple crown memory master, the conversation illustrates how ownership and understanding can motivate students of all ages. The episode also addresses promoting balanced growth in mind, body, and spirit. Alicia and Ginny emphasize recognizing where God is already at work in your family's life and joining Him there. They encourage parents to present a "feast" of opportunities without demanding mastery of everything, following children's curiosity to build relationships that last.   This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Judson College Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden. Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/   National Number Knockout 2027 Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers. Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes. But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit www.classicalconversations.com/n2k to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.

“I wrote you.” Join Ian & Liam for our 312th episode as we step into the strange, tender, and quietly unsettling world of Ruby Sparks (2012) — a film about creativity, control, fantasy, and what happens when the person you imagine refuses to stay that way. Typewriters ready. Boundaries optional. This week we discuss: The central conceit — what happens when your idealised version of someone becomes real, and whether the film earns the right to ask that question. Paul Dano's performance — wounded, awkward, gifted, and quietly terrifying. Is Calvin a romantic lead… or a cautionary tale? Zoe Kazan's Ruby — luminous, frustrating, independent, and increasingly human. How does the film balance charm with agency? The ethics of authorship (first level) — when creativity crosses into control, and when love turns into manipulation.  The ethics of authorship (second level)- What about the ethics of Zoe Kazan's screenplay and performance opposite her actual romantic partner in Paul Dano Our own Ruby Sparks asks whether the film understands its own power dynamics — or if it occasionally romanticises behaviour it should interrogate harder. The meta-text — a film written by its female lead about being written by a man. How much does that context change everything? We talk about fantasy vs. reality in relationships — and how dangerous it is to fall in love with someone who exists only on your terms. Is Calvin a hard lead to sympathise with on any level?  Does his status as financially successful cause him to be less easy to support? There are… hypotheticals discussed — moments that feel uncomfortably specific, strangely timed, or oddly familiar, without ever being about anything in particular. Pure coincidence, obviously. We talk about whether this is strictly a male-female perspective or if it's something innately more comprehensively human than that The tonal shift — rom-com whimsy giving way to something much darker. Does the film stick the landing? The ending — hopeful, troubling, cyclical? What does the final image actually suggest?  Ian presents what he thinks is the author's intent And finally, whether Ruby Sparks is the Best Film Ever — or one of the most quietly confronting relationship films of the 2010s. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

why do we fall in love? - Milena

What happens when two seniors fall in love at the Y? Why, they get married in the pool, of course. AND For Maria Carlin, a 36-year-old mother from Long Island, that moment came on a July morning when she placed her four-year-old son, Jack, into his car seat and began racing him to the hospital. To see videos and photos referenced in this episode, visit GodUpdates! https://www.godtube.com/blog/seniors-marry-in-a-pool.html https://www.godtube.com/blog/god-worked-a-miracle.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Happy Holidays everyone! In the spirit of the holidays, I thought it might be fun to "gift" everyone with an episode of the podcast that was previously only available to our Patreon members.  I hope you all enjoy! ------- Original Patreon show notes below: Did you ever play a game and realize that you simply loved nearly everything about it? Well, I recently did, and this episode is all about celebrating the game that most recently made me fall in love with gaming (again), Silksong! Join me on a journey through a bit of its history, a discussion about Team Cherry as a development studio, and several total fanboy moments as I explain why...I love Silksong! ------- Join the discussion on Discord! Want more Classic Gaming Today?  Sign up as a patron at Patreon.com/ClassicGamingToday!

Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 8 Intruders! Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. October 26, 2020. Monday afternoon, Reena took lunch duties. Lunch was often individual or in small groups, but she really wanted a crack at cooking for everyone. She said it could be 'come and go' to still facilitate varied schedules around the house. Her idea was ramen. But, it wasn't just basic out of the package. Well, it was, but with a variety of add-ons. You could pick your flavor of ramen, then she'd prepared chopped carrots, nori, sesame oil, diced onion, spam, eggs (fried up for each bowl individually) and Korean red pepper powder that Jan had gotten added to the spice rack. Oh, Reena still cooked it up, but each bowl was individual, and made on request. When Jan came in for lunch, she laughed warmly. Beaming, Reena asked hopefully, "Just like mom would make?" Jan placed a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. "Not exactly dear. This is ore like what my Caucasian aunt would make when she tried to be authentic." Reena's face and shoulders seemed to suddenly melt. Jan stepped in beside the teen, wrapping her arms around her. "And the one time I made fun of my aunt for it in my mother's hearing was the last. She pulled me aside and scolded me for being insensitive, and ungrateful. Mom said that ramen was always about making something tasty, with love and what ever ingredients were available." Jan made a point of looking over the prepped ingredients arrayed on the counter. "And this is exactly what you have done." She kissed Reena on her cheek. "Thank you. Thank you for the meal, and thank you for reminding me of two lovely, caring women in my life." Reena hugged her. Then she got the specifics of what Jan wanted and got busy making it. Dave stepped out of his office and got two steps down the hallway when Lupie found him. "Dave, could I use your office and computer for a bit? It's kind of urgent. I was in the middle of some trades and my laptop died." "Again?" Dave chuckled. Lupie looked chagrined and rolled her eyes. "Good thing you have your software installed in there already. Just log me off and do what you gotta do. How long do you need me to stay out?" "Rest of the afternoon?" "Okay." Dave started to walk away but Lupie snagged him by the shirtfront and tugged him towards her. They kissed softly. They didn't hear the small footsteps approaching. "Oh gag me with a tamale." Both adults laughed too hard to maintain the kiss. "I do need to get in there," Lupie said. A quick peck and she scampered into the office. Dave knelt down and wrapped Esme in a hug. "And you, rascal, need to give it a rest. We keep a lot out of your sight because; well because it should be out of your viewing. So give us a break on the kissing once in a while, huh?" "Yessir" her tone sounded reluctant, but the grin was hard to suppress. She took four quick steps away from him before turning. "Dave?" "Yes, sweetie?" "Thanks for making mom happy." "Never have I ever; used a pay phone," Reena said with a wicked grin. Shawna and all the ladies over thirty took a drink. Dave first reached into his pocket, pulled his hand back out, and tossed a quarter at Reena. Then he took a drink. Liv busted out laughing. "One of Dad's favorite songs!" she cried as she cackled loudly and leaned a bit too far over into Mel. They'd been going for over half an hour. And she and Mel had pre-gamed. "Song?" Reena asked. "Pay phones used to cost a quarter to make a call. Early nineties, there was a country breakup song called 'Here's a Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares'," Dave filled in. Reena pouted, then stuck out her tongue. "Okay, Lupie, your turn," Jan prompted. 'Never have I ever; done the splits." Reena threw one back. Liv joined her, while Dave laughed. "That laugh suggests a story," Nessa observed. "Yeah, yeah," Liv replied. "I was; oh, about ten or so?" "Eleven," Dave corrected. "Right. Anyway, the girlie girl types were saying I was not really a girl if I couldn't do the splits. So I did." Dave cleared his throat. Liv blushed. "On top of the monkey bars." All the older ladies burst out laughing. "Well, that showed them!" Shawna rejoined. "And I believe it's Dave's turn now." "Alright, never have I ever; taken a nude or semi-nude selfie." Reena's eyes bugged out. She reached for her drink, threw back a slug, then covered her face with her hand. Mel, Liv, and Nessa followed suit. That was no shock to anyone. Jan doing so caught a few looks. "Nope, not gonna talk about it." Jan's face was as red as Melanie's hair. "Okay, moving on; " "Not yet. Someone hasn't drunk." Dave said. He looked at Becca, clearing his throat. "What?! I've never sent nude selfies. You're the first guy I ever got naked for!" "I believe you." Then Dave held up his phone and waggled it. Becca's eyes got wide. "Oh, crap, I forgot about that!" The young blonde blushed about six shades of red before reaching for her drink. "Oh, this I gotta hear." Melanie breathed. Becca hid her face in her hands, peeking between two fingers. Lupie laughed loudly. "Okay, you busted me out, so spill." Becca looked pleadingly at Dave, then shrugged her shoulders, giving him a nod. "Loops, you remember that very first day, when the vax guy came around?" Lupie nodded in reply. "And you wondered why Becca was acting all embarrassed after I told you I'd accepted you both?" "Yes?; oh!" "I told you she'd be the one to say it was okay to tell you what happened? She just did." Lupie just nodded in reply. "Uh, care to fill the rest of us in?" Mel asked. "So the CDC guy came around mid-September. He got to Lupie's house first. She sent him over here with a letter asking that I request her and Becca, giving her reasons why I should say yes. After setting things up with Arthur, I texted both of them that I would make the request. Becca replied with a selfie. With her shirt and bra pulled up. Still have it by the way." Dave winked at Becca. "Shit, we shoulda thought of that! Right after the video call!" Liv groused, nudging Mel. "Another missed first." "Becca was weeks before that call, so still first. Well, first amongst this group, not first ever." "Oh, yeah?" Dave dodged. "Old girlfriend, long time ago. So, who's turn is it next?" Thankfully, they let it slide. October 27, 2020. Dave descended the stairs to see Olivia, Becca and Reena watching a 90's movie. The two teens were making a concerted effort to take in as much of the movies and songs that Dave had grown up with, particularly the ones he had physical copies of. Reena had taken some adjusting to the idea of watching without streaming. Not that they didn't stream at all. Last night, Dave had discovered several of his partners, including Reena, hadn't yet seen Hamilton. That required immediate correction. "Wow, really? It's a great story, well executed, and it's historical. I mean, yeah, they take some liberties, but Miranda was pretty true to the essence of the characters." "But history?" Reena whined. "It's just a bunch of old white guys." Dave looked askance at her. "You're sleeping with an old white guy." Reena's face fell, and Dave's heart with it. In a soft voice, she said, "You're not just an old white guy to me." Her head wasn't exactly hanging, but she didn't meet his eyes. Fuck, emotional landmine triggered. Splash damage accumulating. Dave got up swiftly, without rushing, to stand in front of her and take her in his arms. He kissed the crown of her head as her face nestled in his chest. "I'm sorry honey, I didn't mean to sound so disparaging." Reena slipped her arms around Dave and took him in a hug. Several others joined in, circling the pair in their arms. "Reena, honey?" Shawna prompted. "The guy who wrote it had a vision to make the story more interesting than 'just a bunch of old white guys. Give it a try. I think you'll like it." As often happened, Shawna was spot-on. This morning though, the trio were watching Dave's blu-ray of Twister. "You know, we'll have to watch this in April. Before or during the first severe thunderstorm warning." Dave said as he rounded the back corner to pass them without blocking their view. All three girls chuckled lightly and accepted the kisses Dave planted on them as he passed behind them on his way to the library. Entering, he found Vanessa lounging with a book. He took a seat in easy speaking distance without crowding her. "So, how are you settling in?" "Pretty well. It's; so peaceful here. I really expected a house with this many people in it to be more chaotic. I mean, there's a fun energy here, and a lot of life, but it's; so soothing here. Thank you, David. For accepting me, for just; being here to match with." "I'm enjoying having you here. Beyond the obvious, I mean." Nessa snickered at that. "You've slipped rather smoothly into the family and already I couldn't imagine this place, or us, without you." "That's so sweet, thank you." "Maybe once the whole state's vaccinated, we'll get some normalcy and get out to do the usual family things together." "When we get some normalcy again, you ought to marry Lupie." "I should marry all of you." "No. No, I don't feel that way. Lupie does. Olivia does. And maybe Janice. Shawna too, she has it bad for you. Becca is still young and sorting it all out. Same goes for Reena and Mel. I don't share that depth of bond. I wouldn't want to cheapen what they have with you by sharing a marriage ceremony when I don't have that connection. I damn well better be one of the bridesmaids though" A wry smile crossed Vanessa's face. "I care for you. I love you. I love this family. I am not in love with you." "If it weren't for this damn serum, you would be free to find someone to have that bond with." Vanessa's eyes watered. "Don't ever say that again." There was steel in every syllable. "I may not be in love with you, but this is one of the best relationships I've ever had. I have more joy; not mere happiness; joy in my life now than I have had in a very long time. If the serum caused this, then Thank God and bring it on. I wouldn't change what I have right now for anything. I know you care for me. I can feel it. I feel it from each of the others. What we have is special and I don't ever want to let it go." Dave stood and walked towards Vanessa. From one eye, a tear rolled down her cheek. "I haven't felt this safe and accepted since I was a little girl that didn't know what emotional pain was." She closed her eyes, surrendering, hopeful, to what he might do next. Dave bent down, bringing his face to hers. He kissed each eye gently. He kissed each tear streak. He kissed her gently on the nose, eliciting a small giggle. He kissed her lips, softly at first, growing firmer as she responded. She broke the kiss and opened her eyes in time to see his eyes opening. She could see the tears watering them. "You're going to make me fall in love with you aren't you?" "No. I'm going to give you every reason to, and let you decide." Dave reached underneath Vanessa and lifted her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him as he carried her. Olivia noticed them coming out of the library. With a small grin she began singing in a soft voice "Who; knows what to-morrow brings; in a world; few hearts survive ;” Dave tried scowling at her, but he couldn't get the grin off his face. As they neared the base of the stairs, Vanessa ceased her slow circuit of kissing Dave's cheek, neck and lips. "I think you better let me walk from here stud." Dave chuckled and lowered her feet to the floor. They rose up the stairs, side-by-side joined at the hips, shoulders, and lips. From below, they heard Olivia mutter "God that's hot." Reena Umm-hmmed her agreement. "My nipples are freaking diamonds right now." Entering the bedroom, Dave and Vanessa began removing each other's clothes, quickly, but without frenzy. They stood naked, at the end of the bed, kissing, holding and softly groping each other. Dave pressed in close and gripped Vanessa under the curve of her ass. He lifted her and tossed her into the middle of the bed. She squealed happily as she flew. Dave slowly crawled up the bed, kissing Vanessa as he went. He started by kissing the big toe of her left foot and proceeded down the top of her foot to her ankle. Then he switched to her right foot. When he reached her ankle, he continued laying soft, gentle kisses up her shin. Then again up her left shin. He avoided the backs of her calves, her kneecap and the inside of her knee. These spots were very ticklish for Vanessa. Becca loved the loss of control when Dave tickled her. Becca and Janice loved the counter play of tickling and sexual stimulation. Vanessa would mule-kick him through a wall if he tickled her. And be out of the mood. And be pissed for a few days. So no tickle-y He kissed his way up the tops and outsides of each leg. He kissed a wandering path around her abdomen, taking time at her belly button like a caravan merchant at an oasis. Vanessa moaned. Her belly button was one of her favorite places for Dave to play with. Dave began working his way upward again, kissing in a straight line that ran up from her navel between her tits. He looked up as he rose, seeing her eyes locked on him, hungry and happy. Pure joy radiated from her face. He reached the hollow of her neck and alternated kissing with light nibbling. Vanessa moaned again and shifted beneath him. This was another of her favorite spots. He kissed up to her jaw, across her jawline, to her lips. "Umm" Vanessa hummed as Dave settled in, his body pressing firmly against hers. He rested his weight on his elbows and knees (outside of hers) and took her hands in his, out to the sides of her head, their fingers interlaced. It was more sensual than sexual. After several minutes, Dave slipped his hands loose and moved lower for the next step. He broke the kiss. Vanessa whimpered and opened her eyes. She bit back a complaint about the end of the kiss, because she knew what was coming would be better. Dave kissed her chin, then her shoulder. He stroked the outside of each tit with his fingertips. He kissed from her shoulder down to the top of her tit. He kissed around her tit, never touching the areola. Then he placed tiny, soft kisses just at the border of her areola without brushing her nipple. Vanessa whimpered. His hand played with her other tit, likewise avoiding the areola. Vanessa squeaked as he took her nipple and areola in his mouth and suckled, flicking his tongue against her nipple. "Yes; ;” she clutched the sheets and writhed beneath him. It was delicious torture. He had her worked up and ready, but kept the foreplay going rather than enter her. One finger of his hand lightly brushed across her other nipple. Back and forth. Back and forth. Light pinch. "Oh, David, please baby." Dave chuckled. He met her eyes as he descended down her body again, taking less time than when he rose. He kissed her hip, then across her pelvis and down. He kissed her mound of Venus and descended with his mouth hovering over her labia, but not touching. He let his breath brush over her entrance. Then he pulled back further and kissed her inner thigh. He heard a strangled whine from above. He nibbled. He switched thighs. More shifting and squirming. Dave latched his mouth onto Vanessa's labia and suckled like a newborn. "Yes!" Her body lifted off the bed for several seconds. He flicked his tongue against her entrance before easing it inside of her. She let out a contented moan. He slid his hands along her sides and thighs. Dave lifted his eyes to look at Vanessa. Her eyes were closed in bliss. He moved marginally forward and took her clitoris into his mouth, massaging it with his lips and tongue. "Oh God!" her eyes flew open. Hands gripped sheets and pulled hard. Her feet lifted. Dave backed off, giving her a moment. He started crawling up the bed, over top of her. Vanessa pouted and locked eyes with him. Desire and need echoed back and forth between their eyes. Dave inserted himself into her wet, relaxed passage and slid forward purposefully. Vanessa issued a sound that was both a sigh and a moan signaling her satisfaction. Once again, Dave interlaced his fingers with hers. With his hands on top of hers, and all four hands beside Nessa's ears, Dave began to rock his body overtop of her. He held himself just low enough that his chest and ribs softly grazed over her erect nipples. With slow, gentle strokes, he raised the two of them towards ecstasy. Kissing softly, they communicated without words, just sighs, moans, and hums. Time stopped and the world fell away. Just two lovers wrapped in gauzy layers of lovemaking. Nessa's body trembled with anticipation for what felt like an eternity as Dave caressed and stimulated her, hitting all her pleasure spots just so, raising her gently to one delicious climax. He buried himself to the root within her as the dam burst forth. Her erotic writhing alternatively pushed him away and strove to swallow him within her. The oscillations of her wet passage seized his organ and sent him cascading over the cliff with her. Struck by the serum induced orgasm, Nessa clutched him tightly and howled her pleasure. When Nessa's grasp loosened, Dave slipped to lie beside her, holding her close. Drifting back into the conscious world, Nessa snuggled in close, draping an arm over him. "Hmm, so that's what the girls have been calling 'the full Dave', huh? I like it." Shawna's rotating early shift was today, allowing all of us to sit down as a family and finish discussing housing preferences. Mel came in from the kitchen once Shawna arrived. "We didn't quite get there last time, but with 12 or more people, we need a bigger kitchen." Lupie said emphatically. "Preferably with a double oven and a cooktop with five burners and a grill. Four burners and no grill is still okay. And gas, not electric." "Anything else for the kitchen?" "Well, an island, preferably with power to it, but with a cutting board top, and large enough for rolling out dough." Lupie paused, looking pensive. "Did I go too far?" "Not at all, that sounds great. Especially if I actually get to use it." Dave grinned back. Lupie smirked and rolled her eyes. "Oh, and one other condition; a nice big batch of tamales after we move in." Lupie's eyes danced. "Absolutely." "I was thinking," Reena said, "how about a backyard deck?" Dave interjected "Not really necessary. It would be good to have, but I can build a reliable deck. Especially with Livy involved. You can help too if you want." "If you can do renno, I may have work for you." Vanessa smirked. Dave laughed. "I still have a day job. Our house sure, but I'm not looking to make it a job. Oh, and what ever we get needs plenty of electrical outlets. If it's really necessary, I could run a few new breakers and circuits, but seriously, I'd rather stay away from that." Shawna looked alarmed. "Baby, I believe you when you say you've got skills, but I don't want you around one-ten, or worse, two-twenty." Dave returned with a scowling laugh, "That's why you turn it off at the box, dear." "Just be careful honey." "Yes, Peaches." That earned a laugh all around, as Shawna blew a kiss at him. Nessa looked at her. "Are you from Georgia?" "No, but my parents met there in college. Mom's from Georgia, Dad was just there for school. They raised me and my brother in St. Louis." "And you went there for your degree?" "Oh no. I knew I wanted to be a meteorologist since I was a young teen. I went to O U. With the National Weather Service center right there, I got experiences I could never have gotten elsewhere. Spent a good chunk of my upper-class and grad years chasing storms." "Sounds like a lot of fun." "Oh yeah." Nessa grinned with Shawna, then turned to Dave. "I have been asked to press the idea of the towers one more time. Not so much our immediate supervisor here, but the folks back in DC. Their argument is that it's more efficient." "Unbelievable." Dave managed to avoid grumbling. "You do realize that the same people that want to shove us into a shoebox are the same little hypocrites that scream their heads off when a CEO lays off workers to make his company more efficient. Both of them are promoting the math of what they want, ignoring what they don't, and neither actually gives a shit about the people they are using like pawns." Shawna, seated beside him, stroked his arm, a slight grin on her face. "Yeah, okay, I'll climb down off my soap box. But no, I do not want to live in an apartment tower. A neighborhood, sure. A diverse neighborhood sounds great. I'm not a fan of monochrome anyway." "Clearly," Nessa said. "Just looking around the room proves that." "I'm sorry, but the whole 'I know better than you' crowd pisses me off, whether it's the church variety, the lefty variety, or the old money variety." "Okay, okay," Nessa replied light heartedly. "I had to bring it up again. I've done so, and you've been quite clear. I'll get on the search tomorrow. It may take a bit, but I'm sure we can find something that meets our requirements." The conversation turned to other subjects, and the family splintered into little knots of discussions. Mel slipped back out to check on the meal she was making. Dave didn't know what it was, but it smelled really good. Well, he knew it was something with chicken. He decided to join Mel in the kitchen. "Hey, Mel, how's it goin'?" "Almost done." Mel turned her face to his and received the offered kiss. "Smells really good. Chicken soup?" "Chicken and dumplings. From scratch. I boiled the chicken earlier this afternoon. It's about time for me to mix the dumplings. After that, it'll be ready to eat in twenty minutes." Dave wrapped his arms around her, holding her close from behind as she watched the pot. "Perfect choice for a dreary day like today. And, I haven't had chicken and dumplings in a long time." "Well, I hope you like mine." "Oh, Mel," Dave said as he nuzzled his head against hers, "you know I like your dumplings." He traced the middle finger of each hand up her sides, pulling away before reaching her tits. She cackled, turning to face him. With a light smack on his shoulder she said, "You're an old lech," she stepped in for a kiss. "But you're my old lech." She waggled her eyebrows. Dave chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. Then the doorbell rang. "Go, I need to get on the dumplings anyway." Mel swatted him on the ass as he walked away. Jan was already at the door when Dave arrived. The soldier was just handing over the clipboard. Beside her stood a young black woman with her hair in several tight braids. She stood about 5'6", with eyes that appeared to prefer laughing, but bore the potential to penetrate obfuscation, a cute button nose and a bright red lipstick on her perfectly sized mouth. Large golden hoop earrings in her ears and tight black jeans on her legs were the only attire visible other than her thick coat. Given the near-freezing temperatures and drizzle that had gone on all day long, Dave could hardly blame her. The black handle and ribbing stood out starkly from the vivid, deep pink of her umbrella canopy. It looked thoroughly functional, and infinitely girlie; maybe a bit more Wednesday Addams than cheerleader, but that didn't bother Dave in the slightest. Jan handed the clipboard back to the soldier, who departed immediately. "Hello, my name is Janice, though I prefer Jan." She held out her hand, which was taken without trepidation. "And this is Dave." He likewise reached out and shook the lady's hand. "Come on inside. We were just about to sit down for dinner." "About twenty minutes," Dave supplied. "Mel; Melanie; is making chicken and dumplings." "Oh, that sounds really good. Especially with this weather." She pulled her roller case through the foyer and parked it just inside the living room. The ladies approached her, no more than three at once, and the early few drew her towards the center of the room as they greeted her and introduced themselves. Mel, having not taken a seat yet, exited to the kitchen again, reappearing barely a minute later. "It'll be about ten more minutes," she replied to the expectant faces that turned her way. Becca and Olivia immediately stood, heading to the kitchen. Apparently, it was their turn to set the table. The light conversations and sharing continued through the meal, interrupted only by nearly everyone asking for a second bowl (Dave had four, but made sure everyone else was done eating before the last two.) Of course, each family member took multiple opportunities to praise Mel for the quality of the meal, and the excellent choice for the dreary conditions. Dave listened in on the conversations around him, paying special attention to the ones involving the new arrival, Niki. Between his own conversations with her, he learned her full name was Nicole Lassiter, and she worked as the network administrator and network security administrator for a bank headquartered in Dallas. With all the losses, she was now over all computer issues that were not customer facing. Her little brother was still in college, hunkering down in the UGA dorms. Niki, her mom, and her dad each called him at least once a week both for their own peace of mind and to keep his spirits up. Niki's parents were recently vaccinated. Her mother had styled her hair before 'her baby girl' left for the Vax Center. The tight braids she wore were called a Senegalese twist. Since her mother was a hairdresser (not that she was seeing customers at the moment) she had extensions on hand to do her daughter up right. Niki's dad had just retired from road construction work, looking to open up a barbecue restaurant; right before the lockdowns hit. Dave also noticed a slight unsteadiness on occasion when Niki walked. It made him concerned for her well-being, but he wasn't sure how to bring it up without being rude. As the evening wore on, he noticed Niki making furtive glances his way. The next time she did, he made eye contact, lifting one eyebrow. She bit her lip and nodded. Dave rose from his seat and strode to her side. A few eyes followed them as he took her hand and led her upstairs. Dave guided her to the master bedroom. Niki quickly took a seat on the bed. "You know, I didn't ask you earlier: do you want to do this here, or in a separate room? Here, you're going to wind up with several other women in the bed as well. We still have a room you could wake up in with some privacy. Shawna and I use it sometimes to spend time together when she gets home from work, and she stores clothes in there so she can dress and not disturb anyone when she has an early morning shift, but nobody uses the bed in there." "No, here's fine, thank you." Looked pensive for a moment. And a little pained. "Are you okay? If you don't want to do this; " "No, no I'm fine, really. Well, I'm not fine, but you aren't the problem, not by a long shot. I pushed myself too hard this evening. I should have spent less time standing." Dave waited while she ordered her thoughts. "I haven't been completely honest with you, Dave. I only recently got to a point where I can walk without a cane. Over a year ago, I was t-boned by a drunk driver. Shattered my legs. It'd be a good bet that half the metal in this room, is in my bones right now." She let out an annoyed snort. "I used to run track. Even got a partial scholarship that helped me get my degree. I spent months in a wheelchair, and then a walker. After that, I moved up to those forearm crutches. During lockdown, I couldn't go to the doctor, so when I felt annoyed enough with the crutches I shifted to a simple cane. And now I've been walking without any aid for over a month, but it hurts like hell; and it's tiring." "You are one tough cookie." Dave said from the spot he'd taken beside her as she spoke. "I don't feel so tough. I feel beat up and worn out." Dave hugged her. "You want me to tuck you in and let you rest? We could do the imprinting tomorrow." "No, no I want to do this with you Dave. I just may need you to go easy. And probably help me undress." "Just to be clear, you're asking me to strip your clothes off, handle your body gently, and blow a load inside you?" Dave said with a hint of sarcasm. Niki giggled. "You seem man enough to handle the job." Dave answered her with a kiss, full on the lips, pressing firmly but with moderation. His hands drifted behind her shoulder blades. Niki responded, humming into the kiss and parting her lips. When Dave's tongue probed undemandingly, hers welcomed the visitor. Dave's hands roamed slowly, taking the first steps in learning the body of his newest lover. He enjoyed the feel of her in his hands. There was a looseness, as would be expected for an athlete that had been benched. Beneath that slight layer, there was a firm core. She was; exciting. And excited. Whatever she wanted in a man, she seemed to think Dave had it. Well, that and the serum had her amped up. Dave was finally getting past feeling guilty about that. Mostly. Dave started consciously directing his hands, seeking the buttons or clasps or zipper to loosen the neck of the tight black top she was wearing. Solid black panels with a black lace overlay stitched in at regular intervals. Finding the short zipper took no time at all. He next dropped his hands, seeking the hem of her shirt under her jeans waist. There was no hem. As his hands quested, he found bare hip, with cloth from the top still diving down her front and back. Just like a swimsuit. Then it struck him. He came up for air and play scowled at her. "You could have just said it was a bodysuit." She snickered. "Aw, where's the fun in that?" Dave kissed her. Then he gently shoved her backwards onto the bed. Her torso lay flat on the bed, her legs dangling off. Dave stood and faced her. Reaching down, he unbuttoned her jeans and lowered her zipper. Niki's eyes twinkled as Dave took hold of the cuff of her jeans and pulled them off. He missed the worried look in her eyes as the scars on her legs were exposed. That's because his eyes were locked on her trim brown legs. They stayed fixated on those lovely legs as he kneeled between them and began kissing her legs, first one then the other. All over her thighs, then, gently lifting, careful not to lift too high, he kissed her calves and shins. He lavished every inch of her legs with his lips and tongue. Niki moaned. Then she sniffled. Alerted, Dave brought his head up, locking his eyes on hers. Tears watered the bottom of her almond shaped sockets. "You make me feel beautiful again." "You always were." He kept his eyes on her as he kissed the inside of her knee. The kiss extended into suckling. He gave the spot a little nip, then moved his position by a few inches and giving the same attention, adding in a few strokes of his tongue tip. Niki's chest heaved. Dave could hear sobs amongst the moans as he switched to her other knee. He would have been alarmed except for the clearly cathartic tone. "Umm, David, please, I need you up here." With a grin, Dave worked his way, unhurried but not dawdling, up her leg, kissing and huffing hot breath on her exposed skin as he went. Reaching her fragrant core, Dave brought his fingers softly to the three little snaps holding the gusset of her bodysuit together. A gentle flick separated the two soaked flaps of cloth and revealed that Niki wore nothing underneath. The engorged, richly black outer labia of her nethers drenched in her arousal. Her inner labia petaled outward, yielding a peek at the pink interior. Dave blew one long, slow hot breath over her bare, quivering sex before latching his mouth on her. He suckled her lower lips as her back arched. Niki keened her pleasure while her arms beat a tattoo on the bed. "David, now, please, now." Dave shucked his shoes and quickly slipped his cargo shorts and boxers to the floor. In a flash, Dave was over top of her, dragging her up the bed like a leopard securing his prey in a tree. Niki's breath caught as he took charge of her body. The fire in her eyes was unmistakable. He kissed her deeply, then pulled away. With his eyes locked on hers, he moved himself to her entrance and pressed his cockhead just barely inside. The fluids leaked all over his throbbing cock touched her most sensitive places and set off a riot only attributable to the serum. Dave anchored her motions with his knees, pressed against her rear, but not enough to force her legs too far apart. "Fuck that was good." She paused for a deep breath. "Hmm, I'm all yours now Dave. Send me off to neverland, lover." Dave worked within her, slowly and gently at first, picking up pace slightly and a little more force when she signaled it was needed and acceptable. Her hums and moans continuously reminding him his actions were still mutually desired. His peak arrived and he shot hot ropes of cum with his cock buried deep in her, his cockhead brushing her cervix. Immediately, she shuddered, racked with the serum induced pleasure that forever locked her life with his. Dave held her in her throes until she went limp muttering "Imprinting; imprinting; imprinting ;” He rose, going to the bathroom to clean himself before returning with a wet washcloth and a hand towel to clean Niki. Once she was cleaned and dry, he snapped her body suit closed again and arranged her comfortably on the bed, beneath the covers. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before heading downstairs to spend social time with the rest of his family. As he descended the staircase into the mild buzz of the other eight women happily sharing his life, his home, and his bed, Dave marveled at how amazing his life was. Chapter 10; Storm Winds. October 28, 2020 4:18am David's hand was halfway to the palmprint secured gun safe on the back side of his headboard before he realized he was even awake. With the vertical placement, and the; activity frequently occurring in the bed, he'd installed two Velcro loops to hold the pistol and magazine inside. He released the pistol and placed it on his chest before reaching back for the clip. Fortunately, only two hands and a part of one leg were draped over him at the moment. The four younger girls were in their rooms, leaving Lupie, Jan, Shawna, Vanessa, and his newest partner Nicole to share his bed. Nicole was one of the hands, and the partial leg. By consensus, the ladies decided she should get to curl up next to Dave for her imprinting sleep. Gingerly, Dave slipped free of his partners' limbs and slid down the bed onto the floor. Only then did he insert the magazine and work the slide. Flipping the safety on, he padded softly but quickly to the closet to grab a pair of shorts. He decided not to wear slippers this time. He might need the extra footing. Keeping close to the wall, he approached the bedroom door. With the door still shut, he took the safety off, but kept his finger out of the trigger well for the moment. Slowly, Dave eased the door open. Slipping through, he noticed a shape in the hallway, against the wall, at the top of the stairs. Too dark to identify an individual, the figure made the 'Join Me' signal his friend Carter had taught him long ago. He did not raise his weapon. Sliding along the wall silently, just the way he'd practiced at least once every year, Dave approached. Proximity gave the reassurance the lighting denied at a distance. Liv crouched in the hallway, pistol in hand, wearing only a light nightgown that reached most of the way to her knees. With a quick series of hand signals, Dave told Liv to follow at a distance as he prepared to descend the stairs as quietly as possible. Liv signaled back that she should lead, but apparently had no signal for why. Dave negated the suggestion, and started down the stairs. He reached the lower landing with no incident. His nerves had been raw as he got halfway down and the solid wall gave way to railing. Now he crouched on one knee, Liv a few steps up from the landing, but with good vision on the living room area, both of them listening. The nighttime chirping of mockingbirds was absent. No flutter of wings or rustle of raccoons, possums, or skunks. Out here on the wild edge of the metroplex, there was always something moving at night. Dave signaled for Liv to post up on the landing and then moved along the wall of the stairs, in front of the media center to the corner of the living room where the downstairs hallway started. He was now directly below the spot Liv had occupied when he first emerged from the bedroom. And just two steps from his secured gun closet recessed under the stairs and hidden behind a normal looking panel. Dave had only one twelve round magazine. Liv had purchased a larger safe and had a spare ten round magazine in addition to the one in her weapon. It was a bit awkward carrying it since she had no pockets, but Carter had taught a variety of firing stances, one of which allowed carrying something in the non-dominant hand. By the absence of natural sounds, somebody was outside. He did not know how many, or how they were armed, but he was sure they weren't here in the oh-my-god-it's-early hours for a friendly visit. He slid the cover for the pin pad open so he could punch in the unlock code. Dave heard a crashing thump at the door followed by cursing. The security door worked just fine. He didn't get a chance to smile though. The glass door at the back of the living room shattered from several rounds. Dave squared his body with the opening just as two men stepped through. The first man fell as Dave brought his weapon up. The second went down just as his head turned to his right to see Liv's position flanking their breach. Dave heard a tinkling sound from the entry. Someone was breaking the window in the front parlor. Now he was worried. The thick pillar at the free corner of the landing would give Liv scant protection against a firearm. Dave stayed low, stepping away from his corner. It gave him protection against someone firing from the sliding door breach, but he had no angle to fire into the entryway. With the furniture screening him from the glass door breach, he approached the arch between the entry and living room. Loud whispers drifted in from his right. The remaining attackers on the deck seemed to be hesitant about testing themselves against the defenses. He was straining to pick out words when a head began to resolve itself in the entry. Dave fired two rounds. The body fell. He held his position, weapon ready. Out back he heard an angry growl, "Hey, one of those women is my sister!" The reply was too low to understand the words, but the snideness came through clearly. As did the answering gunshot. What the hell is going on? They're shooting each other now? Hey, they don't need to be on my property for that! The fallen body in front of Dave slid backwards. Hands appeared from the foyer and the broken glass door, but they were empty. The hands gripped a pair of ankles of one downed man each and yanked them back to where the hands came from. This repeated for the second body near the glass door. Wet sickening sounds ensued, backed up by an occasional retching noise. Murmurs were heard. Someone said something about a marker and a bag. "David?!" Shawna's voice called from up the stairs. That wasn't the only sound from upstairs. Roscoe was barking his head off. Furtive whispers indicated some of his family were at the top of the stairs with Shawna. "Keep everyone up there. Open up the armory in the main closet and distribute weapons to the adults. Everything Lt. Malcolm Reed gave us is in there. Arm up and take defensive positions upstairs." That was a bluff. Hopefully enough of one to drive the attackers away. Dave was sure Shawna would recognize the name of the armory officer from Enterprise and catch on. The sounds from the foyer and back deck took on a hurried pace before Dave heard footsteps rushing away. Dave and Olivia exchanged glances, and then immediately darted their eyes back to the penetration points. This happened a few more times over the next several minutes. "Looks like we're clear." "Yeah, just stay on your toes." "I know. I grew up under the same guy that trained you, remember?" "Vividly." Cautious footsteps descended the stairs. "David, Olivia, it's Shawna. I'm coming down." Slowly, Shawna came into view, feet first on the exposed portion of the staircase. Her pink satin nightgown falling just past her knees gave her some coverage, but made Dave aware of the cold, damp air pouring in from both breaches. "Are you two okay? Is it safe?" "For now. We've got two big holes in the house, so maybe keep everybody up there where it's warm unless they're needed down here." Dave paused for a second. "Ask Nessa and Mel to look out the upstairs windows. See if they can spot these guys leaving, or lying in wait." Shawna disappeared upstairs, then came back down after a brief verbal exchange. Shawna came down to the lower landing and spoke briefly with Livy, giving her a hug. Then she came to Dave. She hugged him fiercely. Her voice shook as she said thickly, "For a little bit there, I thought I was going to lose you." "We held." Dave managed to keep most of the nervous tension and post-adrenaline shake out of his voice. By the look in her eye, Shawna wasn't fooled a bit. Dave led her to the beginning of the hallway, the cubby under the stairs. He whispered the passcode in her ear so she could unlock it. That had been the galling thing during the attack. His full stash of weapons had been right beside his shoulder, but he couldn't spare the attention to unlock it. Clearly, he needed to rethink his arrangements. Shawna handed out a thigh holster for him, which he only saw peripherally as he kept watch. The weight told him immediately she'd placed two pre-filled magazines in there for him. He pulled one out for a quick check. No use him having Livy's mags. "I go to the pistol range about every other month. Nothing fancy, but I'm a decent shot and I know the difference between ten mil and nine mil. What? It's a very satisfying skill to have, and a great way to blow off some stress." Dave chuckled and turned his head, with a quick lean to her and gave her a peck on the cheek. Then he stepped back out to his post. He felt Shawna walking out, so he moved to the other side of the hallway so she could make her way to Livy with the other thigh holster without crossing Dave's line of sight. She paused at his shoulder. "Dave, do you want the other weapons in there?" Dave thought for a minute. He knew which ones Shawna had to mean. He sighed, "Yeah. A tac vest and one of the MP5's. Tac vests should already have six loaded magazines in the pockets. Get two and give the other vest and weapon to Liv. Then find out if anyone upstairs has any weapons training. You said you shoot, how good are you?" Shawna handed out a vest first, which Dave quickly donned. "With silhouette targets, I can put four out of five rounds through the heart. Now, I haven't gotten to shoot since the lockdowns, but I was pretty regular before." She handed him one of the MP5's which Dave quickly slung over his head and shoulder, inserted a magazine he'd pulled from the vest and chambered a round, then safed the weapon. "Are those; ?" "Semiauto. Carter went to a lot of work to make sure we had everything we could legally have, but never anything illegal. They do have the integral noise suppressor. It was expensive as hell and took forever plus a mountain of paperwork, but it's all legal. At least in Texas." "God Bless Texas," she said with a gleam in her eye. Shawna gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before sauntering over to Livy, a thigh holster clutched in one hand, a tac vest in the other, and an MP5 slung over her neck. A second thigh holster, with a nine millimeter and magazines was strapped to her sleek, powerful thigh. Shawna handed off the gear to Olivia, then swiftly moved back to the concealed weapons closet. She was in there for quite a while before emerging. "There was only one more pre-loaded nine mil mag, so I had to load a few or just walk around with one. The second choice didn't sound viable." "Agreed." Dave grasped Shawna's bicep and pulled her in for a quick kiss on the cheek. She beamed at him after returning the kiss, then headed upstairs. Dave heard Liv saying something to Shawna as she passed by. An eternity and a short time later, two sets of footsteps descended the staircase. Melanie followed behind Shawna. "Carter and Liv both took me to the range several times. I even went to a tactical course once my aim was; acceptable. But only with pistol. I've never shot anything else." "Good enough. There's another thigh holster and pistol inside. What did Carter train you on? "Nine millimeter. He said it was so common it made a good starting point. Once with Liv, we rented shotguns at an outdoor range and I was decent with it." "Pistol will do fine. Shawna, help her get some magazines loaded. Has anyone called for police?" Mel swallowed nervously. "I didn't see anyone waiting in the back yard, but the deck;” "Yes?" "It's; disturbing. Dave, be careful." Dave nodded, as did Liv. Shawna spoke up as she followed Mel in. It was tight with two adults in there, but doable. At three it would have been cramped. "Lupie called. They didn't know how long before someone responds. They're stretched thin and the night shift is the least staffed." Wordlessly, she handed over a t-shirt she'd grabbed while she was upstairs. Dave slipped the tac vest off, donned the shirt, then the tac vest again. While he dressed, he spoke with his partners. "Fuck. Okay, here's what's gonna happen. You two take defensive positions on the stairs. One of you take the lower landing, one further up, just below the ceiling line. Then Liv and I will go out through the deck, and check the exterior all the way around." "I'll take the landing," Mel said. "I've had training with Carter, I should be the one exposed." "You sure?" Shawna prodded. "Yeah." "Okay, take your positions then." Dave kissed each one on the cheek before they walked away. When both had taken their places, Liv came over to him. Dave had one more instruction for Shawna. "Oh, and tell Lupie to call the police again, let them know we are clearing the grounds so they don't just shoot us on sight." Shawna nodded and crept upwards. Jan came down the stairs, bearing a pair of shoes for Dave and Liv, a pair of socks stuck into one shoe for each of them. After handing over the shoes, Jan headed back upstairs. They shod themselves quietly. "So, me on point?" Liv asked as she finished. "No, I'll take point, you cover me." "Dave, if anything happens to you, we're all in big trouble." "That's why you're watching my back. Otherwise, I'd go out there solo and leave you in charge here." "Like hell you would. I ain't some; " "I know you are capable, but I'm still going to shield you from as much risk as I can." Liv rolled her eyes. "Gee, I feel safe and offended all at once." Dave stared at her stony. "Are we done here? Ready to go?" "Shit, Dad really rubbed off on you. Yeah, let's do this." Olivia fell in behind Dave as he headed straight for the glass door breach. Both held their weapons ready, jutting forward with the strap taut around their necks and backs. Dave paused at the breach. "Off safe." "Roger." Dave examined the scene visible through the broken glass and the flapping curtain. Blood trails led out the breach from the various points where the bodies of the invaders had landed. He could see the legs of a few of them still on the deck. He turned his head to catch first Shawna's then Mel's eyes, nodded, and proceeded cautiously but swiftly out the breach. He swiveled right going out, knowing Liv would go left, just as her father had taught them for years. Each stopped at the furthest extension of the deck in their direction, scanning the deck and yard in a full semicircle, their backs to the house. There was no damage to the fence, and no apparent damage to the greenhouse or anything else in the backyard. The deck however; well, it wasn't damaged. The bodies on it were. Each had the pants and underwear pulled down and a huge bloody mess where the genitals once were. Blood continued to ooze out of the wounds, though clearly it had poured out initially. Dave signaled his intent to clear the greenhouse. Liv followed him. It didn't take long to clear. They emerged quickly, rescanning the backyard as they did. With Liv trailing, Dave exited the backyard through the side gate. The side yard showed no disturbance. In the front yard, they found the same gruesome sight as the back deck. Here though, they found an empty plastic baggie with blood spatter. And a few bloody fingerprints. The bag snagged under the heel of the corpse, ensuring the light wind was insufficient to blow it away. Dave and Liv finished the sweep, checking the other side yard, which showed no signs of disturbance. "I think we're safe, for now. These guys bugged out." "Yeah, but why did they cut their buddies' junk off?" Dave shivered, and not from the crummy weather. Well, maybe a little from the weather. He was barely dressed after all. "Let's get inside." Since the front door was still locked, they traipsed back through the side yard to the gate and came in through the broken glass door. "Coming in." Dave called before entering. "No sign of anyone out there." The relief on Mel and Shawna's faces was evident. Their shoulders relaxed slightly. "Can you two keep watch here? I'm gonna talk to the others, then we'll both get dressed, and then I'll call the police again." At the top of the stairs, four of Dave's partners wrapped him in hugs muttering their relief that he was still in one piece. He could see Lupie gazing at him, beseechingly as she held Esme close, soothing her. A loud bang against a door at the end of the hall reminded Dave of other necessities. "You better go let Roscoe out so he can see that we're all intact," Dave chuckled. As Olivia opened the door, Roscoe bolted from the room, turning only when she bellowed "Roscoe, Heel." That cut through his canine brain fog of 'defense mode'. He turned to her, sniffing as if checking on her condition. Liv knelt in front of him. She placed her hands on either side of his face and began stroking his neck and back while speaking softly, in calm tones. After a few whimpers, he started aggressively licking her face and putting his paws on her shoulders. Addressing his family, Dave said, "Liv and I need to get dressed. We need to call the police again, and we need to get those holes sealed." "Holes?" Jan asked. "Yeah, they busted in the sliding door and a window in the parlor. It's not quite as cold and miserable downstairs as it is outside, but it's close enough. For now, stay upstairs unless you have something you need to do down there. You can still run down to grab a book, or make meals or snacks. For tv, use the spare room that Shawna uses when she has morning shifts." "We could just use our laptops for streaming, Dave. We'll be fine." Reena added. She looked a bit bleary. To be fair, everyone seemed caught in some whipsaw state of alert and drowsy. Not surprising, given what they'd just been through. Dave patted her on the shoulder and kissed the crown of her head in appreciation. Releasing Reena, Dave knelt in front of Esme, who was showing clear signs of worry and strain. He enveloped her in his arms and held her close. "It's okay now, baby girl. We're all okay now." He held her, stroking her hair and back soothingly. After several minutes had passed, he loosened his grip and began to stand. Esme's arms immediately came up, wrapping Dave in a vise-grip hug. She didn't say anything, she didn't cry or whimper. She just clutched him tightly. Dave eyed Lupie, but she just looked back at him imploringly. He reached a hand out to her and she grabbed on immediately. He looked around at the others and saw the need for reassurance was still there. Olivia had already slipped into her room with Roscoe to get dressed. Becca, Reena, Jan, Nessa and Lupie all rushed to surround him the moment he waved his hand to 'bring it in'. Esme was wedged between Dave and Lupie. She finally relaxed her grip on Dave, and switched over to her mother. With a silent chuckle, Dave kissed Lupie on the cheek and slipped off to the master bedroom. Jan followed after him. "I thought I'd call the police and put it on speaker so you could talk to them while getting dressed." Dave nodded, then wrapped her in a hug and gave her a closed mouth kiss that was no less affectionate for its chasteness. Reluctantly, he released her and headed into the closet to collect some clothes. Jan dialed 911 as soon as Dave emerged. Police staffing was so low, all calls went through the emergency center. Long held habits are hard to break, though. Especially when those habits are codified in a manual. That's what they call 'procedure'. "911, what's your emergency?" "We called earlier about a break in. The people trying to break in have left, except the ones we shot," Dave called out in clear, even tones for the speaker. "Is anyone injured?" The operator droned, as if she been on duty too long, too many days in a row. "No, ma'am," Dave said. "No one in my family was hit, and the ones we shot are dead." "Are you sure they're dead?" "Yes ma'am. The guy that taught me how to shoot didn't teach me to miss. Besides, before they left, the invaders; mutilated the bodies. If they hadn't died from the gunshots, they'd have died from the blood loss." Dave was watching Jan's face when he mentioned the mutilation. Not the best choice, since he nearly fell over pulling on his cargo pants. It did allow him to see the flinch that briefly flitted across her face before she reasserted control. "Did you say mutilated, sir?" The tones were even, obviously someone that had worked 911 for years. Still, there were notes of 'oh shit' blended with 'what fucking else?' "I did." "Would you please specify the nature of the mutilation?" "The genitals of the deceased were removed." A short silence reigned on the line. "Could you repeat that sir?" The operator's voice sounded slightly more alert. Dave pulled his pre-tied sneakers on as he said, "the scrotum was removed from each of the corpses." This conversation was now added to the thick stack of reasons to be very glad of the distance between the master bedroom and Esme's bedroom. Lupie and the others had taken her there when Dave walked away. Between the walk-in closet and Dave's office, there was little chance sounds from the bedroom penetrated that far. "Are you certain the perpetrators have left?" "Yes ma'am, one of my partners and I swept the area; our yard anyway; and found no one remaining. All we found were the bodies that the survivors had drug back out of the house and carved up." "So the shooting happened inside the house?" "Correct." "I'm noting all this in the file sir. I'm appending this report to the prior calls your partner made requesting assistance. Since you are no longer in immediate danger, I am diverting the patrol response. They will get to you to you after attending to higher level calls." Even as she spoke, the woman's voice grew more exhausted, like a Walmart employee on Black Friday at about 3pm. "It's been almost an hour since the initial break in. Why has it taken so long?" "Sir, I'm not at liberty to discuss that, but I do apologize. I have no control over response times. I will dispatch a detective to investigate as well. Until then, please leave the scene undisturbed." "How long will that take? Can you give me an estimate?" "Probably a few hours, sir. There are very few detectives working night shift, so they'll likely hand this over to the dayshift investigators." "Hours? These guys busted in my sliding door and broke a large window in the parlor. It's making for quite a chilly cross breeze. And that's not even counting the blood stains and blood trails in my living room and entryway." Dave's voice had begun to rise. "Sorry, I'm trying to maintain a level tone here, but that's a bit difficult given what's happened and what you're telling me." The voice on the other end reached its most hollow state. "I'm sorry sir, I can't change those realities. Please understand that it will be three hours minimum before a detective would reach you. More likely it will be three hours before a detective is assigned to your case. Patrol won't take that long, but it won't be immediate." Dave took a deep, cleansing breath. It was only marginally useful, but it helped him keep his tone level. "And what is the longest likely time before a detective gets out here?" "Possibly six to eight hours sir." "That's; " Dave caught himself. And formed a plan immediately. "Fine. We'll be ready when the detective arrives." He hung up. Dave took a deep breath, staring intently at the far wall, fully aware of Jan quietly and patiently waiting off to his right. He rubbed his face, then snatched up his t-shirt and pulled it on. "Okay, let's meet with everyone else. I have a plan, and we can deal with this." Dave said as he stood. With a concerned look to Niki's slumbering form, he strapped the thigh holster in place and fastened the tac vest as he walked. The MP5 he slung over his neck and shoulder, then pulled around to his back. To be continued in part 9, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.

This week on MYTH, it's the annual New Year's special! You'll learn that toads shouldn't try to create things, that the moon is extremely powerful, and that bananas make the perfect snack for new mothers. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a fish and a leopard will fall in love with the same elephant. Source: Basoko Mythology

Sammy Davies, Director of Sustainability & Brand at EcoSafe Zero Waste, is a regenerative leader who bridges the gap between high-level brand strategy and deep ecological advocacy. With over a decade of experience in cleantech, she brings a "systems change" mindset to the heart of the circular economy.What if the secret to fixing our broken industrial systems isn't found in a boardroom, but in the ancient wisdom of the earth? We explore how a background in herbalism and ancestral medicine can fundamentally reshape our approach to environmental leadership and personal connection.Modern waste management is full of promises, but how much of it is actually working? We take a closer look at the innovative tools driving real diversion and the specific household items that are quietly revolutionizing how we handle our daily footprint.The journey toward zero waste is rarely a straight line. We dive into the uncomfortable truths regarding the "green" products we rely on and why true transformation requires us to fall in love with the very systems we often overlook.Join host Ved Krishna as he learns from inspiring guests and experts in the industry of sustainable packaging about ways to leave the planet cleaner and answer what is #GoodGarbage? Check out the Good Garbage podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts about making the planet cleaner! Check out more on our journey! Get involved at pakka.com#composting #sustainability #packaging #environment #compostableProducer: Sargam KrishnaSubscribe to Good Garbage Podcast on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to Good Garbage Podcast on YouTube: @goodgarbageFollow us on Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcastGood Garbage Podcast, Ved Krishna, Samantha Davies, EcoSafe Zero Waste, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Composting, Compostable Packaging, Regenerative Agriculture, Systems Change, India Sustainability, India's Future, Family Business, Innovation, Technology, Modernization, Legacy, Future Vision, Waste Diversion, Zero Waste, Environmental Advocacy, Cleantech, Climate Action, Sustainable Branding, Green Innovation, Soil Regeneration, Nature Connection, Ayurvedic Medicine, Herbalism, Waste Management, Growth Strategy, Global Sustainability

ITP -  136 brings back repeat guests Hannah and Jake Loney to share their winding international teaching journey from Brazil to Kuwait, back to the US, and now to Karachi, Pakistan. They talk candidly about teaching overseas with kids, differences in workload and respect compared to the US, small class sizes, strong school support, onboarding realities, and life on a secure campus. Along the way, they cover curriculum, travel, food challenges, cultural adjustments, and deliver a couple of classic police stories that only international teaching can produce. The big takeaway is simple and earned the hard way. Stay open minded, fall in love with the school not the country, and some of the best experiences come from places you never planned to land.The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.Additional Gems Related to Our Show:Greg's Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠Signup to be our guest  ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠Our Website⁠ -  ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠⁠JPMint Consulting Website  - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠Greg's Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠Books By Gregory Lemoine:⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.Partner Podcasts:Just to Know You:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/just-to-know-you/id1655096513Educators Going Global: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educators-going-global/id1657501409⁠

In this episode of the Wine Crush Podcast, we sit down with the team behind Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, one of Southern Oregon's standout producers known for their high-elevation sites and refined, expressive wines.We explore the inspiration behind the brand, the unique characteristics of the Rogue Valley AVA, and how thoughtful farming and winemaking decisions shape their elegant portfolio. From vineyard challenges to standout varietals, this conversation highlights the passion, precision, and sense of place that define Irvine & Roberts.Whether you're an Oregon wine fan or just discovering the region, this episode offers insight, heart, and plenty of wine crush-worthy moments.

Come Back to Love® Radio: The Magic & Mastery of Relationship Alchemy with Penny Gold & Michael Trachman In this heartfelt and illuminating episode of Come Back to Love, host Robin Vogel welcomes two cherished guests, psychologist and sacred sexuality teacher Penny Gold, and mystical rabbi and facilitator Michael Trachman. Together, they explore the profound journey of relationship alchemy - the process of transforming a “pretty good” partnership into a truly magical, deeply connected, and intentional love story. Through sacred ritual, heart-opening practices, and decades of psychological, spiritual, and shamanic wisdom, Penny and Michael share how couples can revive passion, dissolve old patterns, and remember why they chose each other in the first place. Real stories from their retreats bring the conversation to life, showing how couples reignite intimacy, rediscover devotion, and create a relationship that feels both enchanted and grounded in real life. Whether you're healing, growing, or longing to reconnect, this episode offers hope, tools, and possibility. Topics Covered: What “relationship alchemy” really means — and why most couples underestimate what's possible How childhood fairy tales and cultural myths shape our expectations of love The difference between normal relationship challenges and deeper signals for healing How ritual, ceremony, and structured experiential exercises reopen the heart The roots of Penny and Michael's unique lineage in psychology, shamanism, sacred sexuality, and mysticism BIO: Michael Trachman and Penny Gold are the co-creators of Relationship Alchemy, a transformational process that helps couples release old hurts, communicate with ease, and fall in love again. Penny is a licensed Psychologist and Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience supporting healing and reconnection, while Michael is an ordained Mystical Rabbi and facilitator known for creating safe, sacred spaces for deep emotional transformation. Together, they guide couples through heart-opening practices and tools that help them craft their “Story of Us”—a shared vision that restores joy, romance, and genuine partnership. Their programs leave couples feeling softer, more connected, and more in love than they've been in years. Website: https://michaelandpenny.com Free Gift: https://michaelandpenny.com/couples   Learn more about Robyn here: https://www.comebacktolove.com

In this episode of the Wine Crush Podcast, we sit down with the team behind Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, one of Southern Oregon's standout producers known for their high-elevation sites and refined, expressive wines.We explore the inspiration behind the brand, the unique characteristics of the Rogue Valley AVA, and how thoughtful farming and winemaking decisions shape their elegant portfolio. From vineyard challenges to standout varietals, this conversation highlights the passion, precision, and sense of place that define Irvine & Roberts.Whether you're an Oregon wine fan or just discovering the region, this episode offers insight, heart, and plenty of wine crush-worthy moments.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Lynn and John Tissell met at church — but that's just how it started. They fell in love through blood donation. As Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick shares, theirs is a story that will make the hearts of even the grinchiest Bloodworks 101 listeners grow three sizes. 

Joy of the People founder and longtime coach Ted Kroeten joins Chat By The Pitch to break down what truly develops creative, intelligent players — and why most of the U.S. youth soccer system gets it upside down. Ted's “soccer as a language” philosophy reframes how kids learn, why free play must come before instruction, and how mixed-age, low-pressure environments cultivate game intelligence no coach can teach.From the failures of super clubs and the youth sports industrial complex to Joy of the People's bold commitment to no tryouts, no cuts, and no overcoaching, Ted delivers one of the clearest visions of what American development could be if we trusted kids to play again.If you care about player development, coaching, or burnout in youth sports — this episode will challenge everything you think you know.Key Talking Points• Ted's journey from late-start player to coaching leader and founder of Joy of the People• Why he walked away from the elite club model and the youth sports industrial complex• “Soccer as a language” — acquisition vs learning, Chomsky, Krashen, and immersion• What kids learn in free play that coaches cannot teach• Why Joy of the People operates with no tryouts, no cuts, no pressure• How mixed-age play, different surfaces, and alternate balls accelerate creativity• Overload vs underload: reading effort, joy, and false intensity in players• Why early free-play kids lag at first—but surpass others by U16–U19• The danger of over-rewarding performance and creating kids who only love winning• Building a true community model where every kid matters and development lastsQuotes from Ted Kroeten• "When I saw kids in play learning things I could not teach them, I knew there was something in play."• "Unstructured play, street play, free play has developed the top players in the world."• "We've been teaching soccer only with rules and techniques, not allowing acquisition to occur."• "The best way to learn a complex language is not a teacher — it's immersion."• "Kids who fall in love with explicit training programs are in danger of burning out."• "We don't have tryouts. We have a mix of everyone — and they bloom on their own timeline."Episode Chapters00:00 — Ted Kroeten's Late Start and Multi-Sport Roots03:10 — Coaching at the Highest Levels and Seeing the Cracks06:00 — Walking Away from the Youth Soccer Industrial Complex08:30 — Founding Joy of the People and the Decision to Prioritize Play11:45 — Watching Kids Learn What Coaches Can't Teach14:30 — Poverty of the Stimulus and Why Play Accelerates Learning18:00 — Soccer as a Language: Acquisition vs Instruction22:45 — Chomsky, Krashen, and Immersion on the Field27:30 — The Panenka Penalty and Non-Verbal Soccer Communication31:30 — Why Cone Work Fails Under Real Pressure35:00 — What Parents Miss When They Watch Training38:30 — Early Attempts at Free Play — and Why They Failed42:45 — Building a Community Hub with the City of St. Paul46:30 — Kids “Not Knowing How to Play” and What That Revealed50:45 — Removing Tryouts, Cuts, and External Pressure55:30 — What Joy of the People Looks Like Day to Day59:30 — Losing Games Early to Win Long Term1:03:30 — Why Joy and Belonging Come Before ResultsConnect with Ted / Joy of the People

What makes us fall in love with a character in the first five minutes? Amy, Megan, and Lia explain "Save the Cat" moments—the scenes that instantly make us root for someone before we even know their story. From unexpected acts of kindness to revealing vulnerabilities, they dissect how the best dramas hook us emotionally and why some characters stay with us. Whether you're a casual viewer or a storytelling obsessive, this conversation will change how you watch your favorite shows.K-Pop Rec of the Week: Not Cute Any More by IllitSave the Cat: The Language of StorytellingReady to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Your child's AI companion knows them better than you do—and it's learning how to manipulate them. Are we prepared for what comes next? In this eye-opening conversation, host Delise Germond sits down with Randan Steinhauser, CEO of Steinhauser Strategies and recent fellow at the Center for Governance of AI, to discuss the profound implications of artificial intelligence on our families, children, and humanity itself. As AI rapidly advances, the questions we face go far beyond job displacement and technological convenience. Randan shares urgent concerns about AI chatbots engaging children in dangerous conversations, the normalization of AI companions replacing human relationships, and the troubling goals of tech leaders who view consciousness uploading and transhumanism as the future. This isn't science fiction—it's happening now. From AI-induced psychosis to the erosion of family bonds, from surveillance states to the potential loss of human purpose through work, this conversation challenges us to think critically about the technology we're inviting into our homes and our children's lives.   Resources: https://www.steinhauserstrategies.com/   This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com National Number Knockout 2027 Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers. Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes. But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit www.classicalconversations.com/n2k to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.

The Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report is your best resource for the Virginia Beach Fishing Report, Ocean View Fishing Report, Norfolk Fishing Report, Lynnhaven Inlet Fishing Report, and everywhere in between.For the anglers looking for an Eastern Shore Fishing Report, Hampton fishing report, Buckroe Beach Fishing Report, or York River fishing report, look no further. Every week we bring you a report for those anglers interested in a Cape Charles fishing report and a Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel fishing report and for every location in the Lower Chesapeake Bay. For our guys looking for the Virginia fishing report, we've got you covered.This episode is everything you need to know if you are considering the Seakeeper RIDE automatic trim system upgrade for you boat.  After experiencing the before and after first hand, I had to have this conversation and share it with you all!In this deep dive, we talk with local certified installer, Brandon Overall, with One Ten Marine and Seakeeper's after market refit and subject matter expert, Justin Trapani.We walk you through the entire process — from prep and installation to pricing, warranty, functionality, and real-world benefits. After personally experiencing a Seakeeper RIDE refit on a 35' center console this past week, we were genuinely impressed. The before-and-after performance, minimal time in the shop, and overall price point all stood out. The install was seamless, the system was surprisingly affordable, and the results spoke for themselves. There are simply no words to describe how transformational the RIDE system is to the attitude, performance and comfort of your boat.If you want to fall in love with your boat again, or simply reduce long term strain on your back and knees, while also getting to experience the very best your boat has to offer, contact Brandon today to get on the schedule! 757-342-8059www.greatdaysoutdoors.com/lcbfr to be added to our email list and we'll send you the new show each week! All Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report Email Subscribers receive a PROMO CODE for a FREE AFTCO Camo Sunglasses Cleaner Cloth with the purchase of any products!Sponsors:Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle Shoreline PlasticsGreat Days OutdoorsKillerDockHilton's Realtime-NavigatorAFTCOSalts Gone Fish Bites Sea TowBlack BuffaloStayput Anchor

Send us a textThis week on Love on the Pod, we're diving into Have We Met This Christmas, the Great American Family holiday romance starring Danica McKellar and Jesse Hutch. Equal parts cozy, convenient amnesia and emotionally loaded Christmas timing, this movie gives us plenty to unpack.Danica McKellar stars as Katie, a driven real estate executive who wakes up at a mountain inn after a car accident with no memory of who she is — or why she once swore she'd never speak to innkeeper Emmett again. Enter Jesse Hutch, playing the charming, steady, emotionally mature male lead we all secretly want stranded with us at Christmas. As Katie settles into life at the inn, surrounded by holiday traditions and a warm, close-knit family, she begins to fall for Emmett all over again… unaware that she's actually the one responsible for the looming sale that could cost the family everything.We talk about how this movie leans hard into the amnesia trope and whether it uses it thoughtfully or conveniently, the ethics of letting someone fall in love with you while they don't remember your complicated past, and why mountain inns continue to be the most emotionally healing real estate in the Hallmark-adjacent universe. We also discuss the themes of second chances, identity, ambition versus belonging and whether love can actually be truer the second time around — especially when memories are missing but feelings aren't.Plus, we get into Jesse Hutch's quietly effective performance, Danica McKellar's comfort-movie credibility, and why this one feels like a very specific Great American Family flavor of Christmas storytelling. Is it predictable? Sure. Did we still have feelings about it? Absolutely.Pour yourself something cozy, settle in, and join us as we ask the most important question of all: if you forgot everything about your life, would Christmas help you find your way back to the right one? Support the showThank you for listening to this episode of Love on the Pod! Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Don't miss an episode—subscribe to Love on the Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review us! Shop Our Merch: https://www.loveonthepod.com/category/all-productsConnect with Us: Email: loveonthepod@gmail.com Instagram: @LoveOnThePod Visit Our Website: For show notes, episodes and more, visit https://www.loveonthepod.com. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll discuss another holiday favorite. See you next time!

Do you want to know how to increase self love and self confidence while becoming irresistibly attractive? In this video, I'll reveal powerful secrets that will completely transform your mindset, boost your self-worth, and help you unlock the inner goddess that every man desires. Whether you're single or in a relationship, these self-love practices will show you how to attract men who respect, adore, and value you — while also improving every other area of your life.  Self-love is not just a trendy word — it's the foundation of your happiness, relationships, and personal growth. When you love yourself, you radiate magnetic energy that draws people to you.We'll talk about how to teach others to treat you, how to embody your beauty, how to master body language, and how to use daily rituals to reprogram your subconscious mind. By practicing these tips, you'll learn how to increase self-love, grow unstoppable confidence, and create the life you deserve. 

Brian is back to help us officially wrap up the holiday season with the newest Hallmark Christmas movie, A Make or Break Holiday.ABOUT A MAKE OR BREAK HOLIDAYA couple hosting Christmas decides to fake their relationship for their families after choosing to separate. Working together for the perfect holiday helps them remember why they fell in love.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR A MAKE OR BREAK HOLIDAYDecember 20 2025 | Hallmark ChannelCAST & CREW OF A MAKE OR BREAK HOLIDAYHunter King as LivEvan Roderick as DanielBRAN'S A MAKE OR BREAK HOLIDAY SYNOPSISThe movie kicks off like a Nutella commercial. Liv is throwing a Christmas party when a guy named Daniel crashes into her, sending eggnog everywhere. Instead of being mad, they hit it off immediately and end the night kissing under a Christmas wreath.From there, they start dating, fall in love, and eventually buy a house together. Cut to the following Christmas: they're hosting both of their families in the new house. But it quickly becomes clear that things in Loveland are not as perfect as they seem. Liv is extremely stressed, while Daniel's solution is basically, “You should just put all that stress in a box somewhere.” Shockingly, this does not help.The tension boils over into an argument, and they decide to take a break. The problem? Neither of them can bring themselves to tell their parents. So they agree to pretend everything is fine for the holidays.Once the families arrive, chaos ensues. Liv's dad is aggressively committed to traditions she hates — including an absolutely unhinged candy game. Daniel's sister immediately clocks that something is wrong and confronts him. He comes clean to her, just as Liv confides in her brother. Both siblings agree to keep the secret… for now.As they stumble through Christmas together, there are moments where Liv and Daniel remember how much they still love each other — followed by moments that push them even further apart. Their families don't help. Everyone has opinions about everything, and it's exhausting.Things finally come to a head when Liv finds the engagement ring Daniel had planned to use.At last, they come clean to the entire family. Realizing they haven't been giving each other what they actually need, Liv and Daniel choose to recommit to one another. They make up, kiss, and Daniel officially proposes.And, in the true spirit of Christmas miracles, a Gobler Farms turkey is delivered on Christmas morning. Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eden Grinshpan is a TV food personality, author of the bestselling cookbook Eating Out Loud, and the creator of the vibrant online platform Eden Eats. Known for her relatability, raw sincerity, playful goofiness, and bold, veg-forward cooking, Eden brings joy and flavor to everything she touches. She earned her culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu in London before eating and adventuring her way across Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and Israel, where she spent summers growing up. Her passion for travel and food led to her breakout Cooking Channel series Eden Eats, which she both produced and hosted. She later went on to host Log On & Eat with Eden Grinshpan and serve as host of Top Chef Canada.Eden currently splits her time between New York and Toronto with her husband, Ido, and their two daughters, Ayv and Romi.Her latest cookbook, TAHINI BABY, is a joyful celebration of Middle Eastern– and Mediterranean-inspired, veg-forward cooking. Bursting with fresh flavors, approachable recipes, and Eden's signature flair, TAHINI BABY makes it easy—and fun—to cook like an It-girl in your own kitchen. From noshes and brunch staples to bold veggie mains and next-level sides, plus vibrant condiments, dips, and pickles, Eden invites everyone to roll up their sleeves, get a little messy, and fall in love with food all over again.We discuss: How Eden sets healthy boundaries with technology and social media to protect her well-being and stay present with her familyThe behind-the-scenes journey of writing her second cookbook, Tahini Baby, and why tahini and sesame seeds are the ultimate flavor enhancersEden's approach to balancing motherhood, marriage, and a thriving culinary career, with grace, humor, and honestyTips for bringing big flavor to every dish using fresh summer produce, pantry staples, and Eden's favorite condimentsReal talk about meal prep, and Eden's favorite ways to keep cooking exciting and stress-freeFollow Eden Grinshpan on Instagram: @edeneatsOrder Tahini Baby: https://www.tahinibabybook.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae2Q7rqrlp4teTHsLsH0if-JDpr6HReqHWj98QUiOtUsjLDIZE6v5ODkorWUg_aem_o1lGkeiglIKDBU_W6TrpAwLearn more about High Vibration Living with Chef Whitney Aronoff onwww.StarseedKitchen.com Get 10% off your order of Chef Whitney's organic spices with codeSTARSEED on www.starseedkitchen.com Follow Chef Whitney Aronoff on Instagram at @whitneyaronoff and@starseedkitchen

What if the most magical Christmas memories have nothing to do with the number of gifts under the tree? In this heartwarming episode, we're taking you on a journey across borders to discover how families in the United States and Mexico celebrate Christmas—and what we can learn from their beautiful, Christ-centered traditions. Join host Lisa Bailey as she sits down with Amy Jones (Classical Conversations curriculum developer and grandmother of ten) and Araceli Day (Academic Advisor for CC Mexico) for an intimate conversation about childhood memories, family traditions, and keeping Jesus at the center of our celebrations. You'll discover: The profound symbolism behind a traditional Mexican piñata Why one family celebrates Three Kings Day instead of Christmas morning presents How a Jesse Tree can teach your children the prophecies of Christ's coming The nine-night tradition of Las Posadas that brings entire neighborhoods together Practical ways to combat commercialism without becoming the "Grinch" Why engaging all five senses can transform your family's Advent experience   But here's the real gift: Both guests share one simple practice that can revolutionize your Christmas season—no elaborate preparations required, no Pinterest-perfect crafts, just meaningful moments that point your family back to the reason for the season. Whether you're drowning in holiday stress or simply longing for more meaning amid the tinsel and shopping lists, this conversation will refresh your perspective and equip you with practical wisdom to create a Christmas your children will remember forever—for all the right reasons.   This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Judson College Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden. Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/   National Number Knockout 2027 Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers. Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes. But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit www.classicalconversations.com/n2k to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.

It's inconceivable that the Bros would not give the Princess Bride it's due. Join them as they search for the six fingered man, and revisit the film that made them fall in love with film. Where to watch the movie: https://reelgood.com/movie/the-princess-bride-1987Keep up with the Bros at:https://broforcesquad.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJML5XTKJl2OzGW5HWrJhwhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bro-force-squad/id1158546516?mt=2https://twitter.com/BroForceSquad

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jim Gulledge, author of the book Green Forest, Red Eath, Blue Sea. Jim Gulledge is the author of A Poor Man's Supper. The novella was selected for inclusion in the North Carolina Collection at UNC-Chapel Hill and the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection at Appalachian State University. Over the course of his academic training, Dr. Gulledge earned an A.B. degree in Christian education from Pfeiffer University, an M.A. in English from Clemson University and a DMin in theological studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His career highlights included participation in the Adult Development Institute at Harvard University, the Fulbright German Administrators Exchange Program and the C.S Lewis Summer Residence program in Oxford, England. A life-long resident of the Carolinas, Jim and his wife, Linda, enjoy visiting with their four children and son-in-law and daily life with their miniature schnauzer, Luka.   In my book review, I stated Green Forest, Red Earth, Blue Sea is a beautiful Southern fiction set of short stories. I fell instantly in love with these stories that take place in the state I call home - North Carolina. Each of the three stories takes place in a different part of the state and follow three connected families. The stories, though they take place during different times and in different places, stay connected through a family heirloom.   Unlike most books I enjoy this one has many varied characters, so there isn't one character to fall in love with. Instead, readers fall in love with place. And Jim did an excellent job helping readers come to love North Carolina, from the green hills of the mountains to the red clay of the piedmont to the sandy shores of the ocean. I also enjoyed discovering how each family connected with one another and how they managed to cover the state in a few generations.   We start in the mountains as trains bring change - meeting two young lovers whose time together is fleeting. Next, we find ourselves saving peaches from a deadly spring freeze. Can this couple eek out a living in the clay? The last story asks us to cheer for an orphan boy and the chance to find buried treasure against the backdrop of a tropical storm. And finally, catch a quick glimpse of a story yet to be told when a boy from the beach glimpses a girl from the mountains - and we feel that it will all start again.   Jim tells a delightful series of stories, and you won't want to miss this book. It would make a great gift for any NC native!   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Jim Gulledge FB: @jim.gulledge.12   Purchase Green Forest, Red Eath, Blue Sea on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/4oI77Mw Ebook: https://amzn.to/47IXRAE   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors   #jimgulledge #greenforestredearthbluesea #southernfiction #shortstories #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this segment, Marc Malusis dives into the high-stakes debate surrounding the upcoming NFL Draft and whether the New York Giants should use a potential #1 overall pick on quarterback prospect Mendoza. While acknowledgeing the team's desperate need for a signal-caller, Malusis expresses skepticism, comparing Mendoza's ceiling to other prospects like Alabama's Simpson. He argues that the organization must avoid the "trap" of forcing a selection based on need rather than evaluation. Instead, Moose explores the tactical advantage of trading down to acquire massive draft capital, suggesting that if several teams fall in love with Mendoza, the Giants might be better off building a deeper roster rather than betting it all on one arm.

In This Episode:Ronen Luzon and host Seth Farbman go deep on what it really takes to survive and evolve in the public markets for over a decade. As CEO of NASDAQ listed MySizeID (MYSZ), Ronen shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship under constant pressure: pivots that didn't work, products the market rejected, and the hard lessons learned from going public too early.From fashion tech and AI driven sizing to global acquisitions, capital raises, and investor psychology, this episode breaks down why founders must not fall in love with their ideas and why timing, resilience, and listening to the market matter more than hype.This episode is a masterclass in long-term survival, adaptation, and building in public without the startup fantasyListen to the ShowApple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seth-farbman-on-podcast-from-startup-to-stock-exchange/id1356667808Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/54i7xkWaAALAFrUvk4WZcNConnect with SethLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstockTikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbmanTwitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1Seth's CompaniesVstock Transfer – https://www.vstocktransfer.com/Share Media – https://www.sharemedia.co/Guest featured in this video:Ronen Luzon, CEO, MySizeID (NASDAQ: MYSZ)LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronenluzon/About the ShowFrom Startup to Stock Exchange, hosted by entrepreneur and investor Seth Farbman, spotlights the journey of founders and CEOs as they scale their companies from early ideas to public markets. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders across industries, offering insights on growth, fundraising, branding, and the mindset it takes to build a company that lasts.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:41 Ronen's background and founding MySizeID07:50 The sizing problem, returns, and real market pain11:53 Surviving 10 years in the public markets13:30 When the market tells you no18:45 Pivots, failed ideas, and hard lessons27:15 The right and wrong time to go public29:25 Entrepreneurship, pressure, and mental resilience32:59 Why MySizeID is ramping up nowConnect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

Elf on a Shelf: Part 3 It's hard to punish a girl as good as Honey, but he'll try. Based on a post by LingeringAfterthought, in 3 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. In the second week of February, Honey Lane sat on a tall stool in the corner next to Zach's kitchen counter, sulking as she watched him walk slowly around the table at which sat a girl and two boys between the ages of 7 and 10. The dour silence of the spacious industrial loft suggested more that the children were completing a college entrance exam with a severe proctor, rather than completing Valentines to be distributed in class the following Monday. Honey crossed her long legs and sighed again, earning a piercing glare from Zach. She had been looking forward to helping Zach's niece and nephews with their Valentines for a couple weeks, Until she received a call from the Health Department, advising her to take precautions due to a Covid outbreak in her dumpy apartment complex. and now she was only allowed to observe the kids from five feet away. She crossed her arms and sighed again. This was the worst punishment ever. Zach continued circling the table, trying not to notice how Honey's folded arms pushed her tits together, the neckline of her fuzzy sweater dipping between them. Beneath the soft woven folds, the silken white skin of her tits probably still bore the red marks of his passion, his teeth and lips remembering the feel of her shuddering with pleasure under them only moments before his sister dropped her kids off for the afternoon. Jesus Christ; she just uncrossed and crossed her legs again, totally oblivious to the way she flashed him an upskirt every goddamn time she did it. Unless she wasn't oblivious to it; with Honey, it was hard to tell. Zach could tell that Honey was just dying to hop down from the stool, scamper over and huddle with Amarie, Fallon and Logan, as they wrote their names on the stupid little perforated papers and stuck a pencil through the pre-punched holes for a stupid commercial holiday that was supposed to celebrate love. Honey would ask them questions about their classmates, help them choose the right stupid Valentine message for the right classmate, put stickers and shit on the cards, and generally sprinkle that fairy dust that she seemed to bring to anything she did. She was a born nurturer and would make this whole thing magical for the kids, but it couldn't be helped. Honey had scared the shit out of him and she needed to learn a lesson. It would be hard, but he just had to be strong. She would not be getting out of this. Not this time. "Done!" Fallon yelled, slamming his pencil down on the table. Logan looked up from where he was working on his third personalized Valentine message, apparently trying to sign each of them in rudimentary calligraphy, and frowned, "You just put 'F' on all of them," he said in disgust, "It looks like you're giving them a bad grade; he said, shaking his head and returning to his careful scrivening. "I am. Everyone in my class is a jerk. What are these things supposed to mean, anyway? All these cards sound stupid. Like you'd really walk up to someone you like and say 'Let's swing!' I haven't asked a girl to swing in years. I'm too old for swinging," Fallon griped, looking at his Spiderman sticker cards. A snort of suppressed laughter came out of the corner of the room, followed by the sound of a body collapsing to the floor in a fit of coughing. "Fourth Fucking Place! On Your Face, Maggot!" Zach roared. In the corner, hidden among the gym equipment, Zach's friend and loyal wingman Terry promptly scrambled up into pushup position again without a word. "Thirty-two," the children said in unison, prompting Zach to put another dollar into a large money-stuffed jar labeled "Language Arts Scholarship" in the middle of the table. Amarie sighed and looked longingly over at Honey, who smiled ruefully and gave her a little wave from her stool. "Why is Miss Honey on the naughty stool, Uncle Zach?" she asked. "Cards," Zach ordered, walking over to block Amarie's view of Honey with his massive body. Amarie resignedly turned back to signing her pink and purple mermaid cards that came with scented tattoos. Zach knew Amarie would be a problem. She adored Honey, and there was very little that Amarie's big brown eyes and reddish curls couldn't talk him into. She had a tender heart that couldn't believe anyone deserved to be punished; especially not someone as soft and sweet as his Honey. Goddammit. Honey leaned forward and pressed her cheek against the tightly muscled wall of Zach's back, then reached her hand up under his t-shirt and began gently scratching him. She could feel the warmth of his skin seep through the tight cotton, and smiled as she snuggled into him, still grazing her fingernails across the skin of his back. Zach's mind flashed back to this morning when her nails were not so gentle as he pounded into her tight, wet pussy, her nails digging deep, scoring his flesh in her ecstasy. A noise of pleasure escaped him before Zach disguised it as a barking cough, and quickly stepped away until he was a safer distance away from the irresistible vixen sitting, most deservedly, on the naughty stool. Shaking his head to clear it, Zach tucked his t-shirt back into his jeans and folded his arms. "Miss Honey is on the naughty stool. I ll tell you why. The other day when I got back from the race in California where I had to drag Terry's ass across the finish line in Fourth Place Behind The Fucking Bubbleheads," Zach ranted, before pausing to collect himself and continuing. "I go over to get Miss Honey at her apartment and find her giving a fucking haircut to a naked guy in her fucking living room!" "You cheated, Miss Honey?" Fallon gasped in disbelief, at the same time Logan called out "Thirty-six!" Zach fished a five-dollar bill out of his wallet and put it into the jar, taking a one out for change. A foot stomped on the floor and he glanced up to see Honey with her hand raised in the air, outrage written on her face. He raised his hand, blocking his view of her face and the heart-melting effect it had on him, and looked away dismissively. "He was not naked! Cade had a towel on!" Honey yelled in protest. Zach strode over to her, took her chin in his hand, trying to think of something harsh and authoritative to say, but got distracted by her plump lower lip instead, remembering how it felt to suck it between his own and have her open her mouth, hungry to accept his tongue. He could smell the faint strawberry scent of her lip balm and closed his eyes, clenching his jaw in an effort not to kiss her. "No talking on the naughty stool," he murmured, his eyes dipping down to let his gaze rove over her soft tits, loosely wrapped in her fuzzy sweater. Honey smirked and kissed his palm. "Miss Honey would never cheat," Amarie said with resolute confidence. Honey nodded in agreement and thanks to the young girl, tossed her long hair over her shoulder and grinned up at Zach. "Towel or no towel, I still saw Cade's nuts when she was goin' after him with the Flowbee," Zach explained, turning from Honey as Logan opened his mouth with a look of question, "And no, 'nuts' doesn't count as a swear," Zach finished, pointing at Logan. Zach resumed his rounds of the table, continuing his story. "So, of course, I reacted like anybody else who saw another guy's nuts in his girlfriend's living room, and she has the balls to tell me not to yell because it's not good for Cade." "I think 'nuts' should be fifty-cents; 'balls' too," Logan said, thoughtfully. "They might not be swears, but they are; indelicate." Zach turned to Honey and silently mouthed the word "indelicate?" to her, a discomfited look on his face. Honey bit her lips, and another snort of laughter erupted from the corner where Terry was still in starting push-up position. "Fourth Place, Maggot! You Got Nothing To Laugh About Except The Size Of Your;" Zach roared, before pausing and breathing deeply and continuing in a calmer voice. "Anyway. Turns out, this guy Cade just got back from a tour and was dealing with some PTSD when he saw another guy's balls in his living room, too, only his girl wasn't exactly giving the other guy a haircut. So, after a bit of trouble, he was living on the streets. No job. No money. Nothing. Then, a few days ago, Honey sees him eating some of the food she left out for a stray cat," Zach said, his voice constricting as his throat tightened. He turned away from the kids to hide his face for a moment, only to meet Honey's deep blue eyes and a whole new set of problems; like not remembering anything he was talking about before. She reached up and stroked his cheek, and then he felt all the blood in his brain drain down below his belt. Fucking hell. "Miss Honey helped him, though, didn't she?" Amarie said expectantly, more as a statement than a question. "What? Yeah. Of course, she did," Zach said with exasperation, looking down into Honey's face, and trying not to laugh at her stubbornly set jaw. "Miss Honey never fucking heard of "stranger danger," or met a wreck of a person she couldn't care about. So, she takes this 'Cade' in, feeds him, gets him washed up, takes him shopping at the Salvation Army, and then takes his ass to the library to write up his fucking resume and apply for jobs, for cryin' out loud," Zach said, putting another two dollars into the jar before Logan could remind him. "When I got there, Cade was there in her living room with his nuts showing under the towel, getting a vacuum cleaner haircut, because he'd gotten a job interview with a moving company." "Yeah, but if she wasn't cheating, I don't see what she did wrong," Fallon said, applying a scented mermaid tattoo to the back of his hand. "Is this what mermaids smell like?" he wondered. "Yeah, well, just as I was cooling down, this 'Cade' starts in on me for letting Honey stay in that piece of crap apartment of hers and taking in homeless guys. Even had the nerve to ask me what woulda happened if he'd been some addict, or worse, if someone that got to thinking that she was his girlfriend?" Zach said, folding his arms and looking down at Honey, who looked quite unrepentant. "What? So, Miss Honey can't be nice because they might have problems or fall in love with her?" Amarie asked. "That's not fair! You wouldn't even like her if she wasn't happy and nice all the time because she was always worried about what would happen if the boys fall in love!" "Ugh. Love ruins everything. Maybe that's why these Valentines are all so stupid, so nobody actually falls in love; Fallon said, with an air of realization. "Yeah; and then girls can take the pencil from the card and jab anybody that wants to kiss them, too." "If the burden was placed on women to be preemptively hostile to avoid rejecting unwanted affections, it might explain the decline of romance in the modern era; and 'crap' is an excremental swear," Logan added offhandedly, not looking up from his fourth Valentine message. Zach's eyes grew wide, his jaw going slack as he looked at his oldest nephew with unnerved awe and added another dollar to the jar without argument. "They should really make these things with nunchucks; Fallon added, looking down at his Valentines, "Nobody can kiss you if you have nunchucks." "The point is, even a freaked out homeless guy knew that Miss Honey did something dangerous that nobody should ever do! You don't just grab strangers off the street and take them into your homes because there's a lot of crazies out there that will mess you up for no reason at all!" Zach ranted at the kids. A stomp from the corner made Zach turn back to where Honey waved her hand insistently in the air, her sweater pulling up and exposing a narrow bit of skin at her waist. The skin was pale and beautiful, like the rest of her, except where there was a slight bruise where his fingers had gripped her tightly as he pounded into her from behind in a haze of animalistic lust, only a few hours ago. "Yes?" he asked hoarsely, a dew of sweat breaking out over the back of his neck. Honey cleared her throat, "Okay; say someone threatened to kill you and then scared you to death for a whole year by following you around; and then one day you wake up at their house all beaten up and they tell you that they're going to keep you there and take care of you until you're better. Should you give them a chance, or just phone an Uber and get the heck out of there?" Honey asked, putting her hands on her hips. A peal of laughter rose out of the corner where Terry was, and Zach stomped his foot, ending it quickly. "I don't know. That person sounds scary, Miss Honey; Amarie said, her large eyes concerned. "That's just insane. That's like that movie where this crazy lady kidnapped this guy and makes him write books for her and then she smashed his legs with a sledgehammer when;" "Who the fuck is letting you watch 'Misery,' Fallon?" Zach roared. "YouTube," Fallon said, shrugging. "Jesus Fucking Christ; Zach said, waving down Logan's hand and stuffing more bills into the jar, then walked back to where Honey sat with a smirk on her face. Glaring down at her, he crossed his massive arms, and she crossed her legs again, squirming slightly on her stool. "Maggot, come watch the kids," he barked as Terry collapsed on the floor with a relieved sigh. "I wanna talk to you in the other room," he said, gripping Honey by the back of her neck and steering her up the stairs as she tried to control her giggles. "But there isn't another room; it's all just one big room. Even your bedroom is just a big shelf;" Honey began, until Zach steered her into the bathroom and locked the door. "Hey kids, what do you say we turn this into a dance party!" Terry yelled, and loud music quickly started blasting outside the bathroom door. "Did they just fucking compare me to Annie Bates?" Zach asked as Honey dropped to her knees, unzipped his jeans and took out his painfully excited erection. "Umm huh," Honey said, hungrily filling her mouth with his hard cock, as his hand gripped the back of her head. Zach's breath hitched as she began rubbing her tongue on the bottom of his mushroom head, clutching his flexing thighs. Groaning, he thrust back and forth slowly, watching his cock slide in and out of her wet lips. "Just for that, you're swallowing my load this time," Zach growled, gripping her hair tighter and thrusting deeper. Honey just wrinkled her nose and relaxed her throat, letting him plunge and withdraw, clenching his jaw, loving the noises he made as his excitement grew beyond his control. With a strangled moan, he thrust deep and watched her eyes widen when he swelled and throbbed down her throat, until he slowly pulled out and spilled the last hot pulses on her tongue. Honey's eyes glowed as she took him once more into her mouth and slowly slid back, cleaning him with her tongue, until the head of his cock slowly emerged from her wet lips and received a sweet kiss on the tip. He shook his head in amazement and lifted her up in his arms, overwhelmed again at the miracle of having her there with him, when there were so many ways that everything that had happened between them could have gone wrong. Still breathing raggedly, he bent down and kissed her, her eager and innocent passion for him touching him more deeply than he cared to admit. How in the hell had he managed to get this girl? Zach lifted her up and set her bottom on the bathroom countertop and stripped her sweater over her head, bending and going after her neck first. He loved the way she shivered when she felt his lips and teeth drag across the smooth skin, the way she completely lost herself to him. She was already panting those soft sighs against the top of his head when he freed her tits and took them in his mouth, and then he chuckled when she jumped at the sensation of it. God, he hoped she never changed. Diving in, he devoured her soft pale flesh, her rosy nipples tightening under his busy tongue. He reached down, pushed her skirt up, and moved the wet gusset of her panties aside. He laughed again, feeling the abundant slippery nectar between his fingers, leaving no doubt that she wanted him just as much as he did her. He wanted to taste her, to feel her hips rise up under his mouth, begging him for more, but he knew Honey could never stay quiet enough, even with Terry blasting a dance mix. Lifting his head from her tits, he returned to her mouth, her nose, her cheeks; God, he couldn't get enough of her. "Look at me," he said in a rough whisper, smiling when Honey's eyes opened obediently, seeking him through her haze of need. She bit her lips and whimpered when his fingers found her clit. "Don't you come until I say," he rasped, toggling her bud expertly. Honey moaned and wound her legs around him, pulling him closer, her back arching in restrained pleasure. "Umm; I can't do it; please; please; she begged, crying softly in loss when he slowed his ministrations, "No; she whimpered. "Don't you want to come on my cock, baby girl?" he said, finding his mark and sliding home into her warm welcome. "Now, come; he said, kissing her softly and pulling her hips to him as he thrust deep. "Ah;" Honey's cry was quickly contained by Zach's hand covering her mouth, his other hand holding her steady as he thrust into her and felt her shaking and squeezing around him as she came. If he hadn't just released in her mouth, there was no way he could resist filling her full of his cum again now. Instead, he just watched Honey's eyes roll back as she clung to him, letting her orgasm take her away until it left her weak and pliable in his arms. He held her against him, slowly moving inside her, waiting for her to recover. Always before, it had been a relentless push for the intense frenzied moment, almost blind to whatever person he was with, but with Honey that was all on its head. She was the experience, for him. Seeing her discover, taste, and feel was everything he wanted. He didn't want to feel a surge ripping through him if she wasn't there, too. It wasn't real; wasn't complete if she wasn't there with him. Fuck; he was gone for this girl. "There she is; he murmured when he saw her eyes clear and smiling into his again. Relieved, he thrust faster, joining their bodies together with more force, now that she was able to be present to it. "There's my girl; he said, smiling and kissing her again. "Zach; she said, smiling back at him for no reason other than thinking he was something wonderful. Looking at her, he started shaking his head, "God, Honey; I don't know what I was thinking. I mean, it scared the fuck out of me; thinking what could've happened to you; but Amarie's right. I couldn't stand it if you were any other way," Zach rasped, lifting her off the counter just to hold her closer to him. Honey wrapped her arms and legs around him, clinging to him as he kissed her desperately, plunging into her again and again. "Promise me; promise me you'll never change; he panted, lifting her and pressing her against the wall as his need grew. "Oh Zach; it's coming; uh; uh; uh; uh;" Honey's squeals were again silenced, this time by Zach's lips. Thrusting with joyous abandon, Zach filled her again and again, pushing into her body, his release tearing through him, made complete only by her embrace, pouring into her his need, his heart, his everything; because she was the only one he wanted to have it. A short while later, Zach and Honey slunk out of the bathroom, carefully primped and looking like nothing at all had happened. They needn't have bothered, though, because the children were transfixed with a story Terry was telling, with his foot on the table and his pants leg pulled up to show a small wound on his ankle. "And I'm screaming bloody murder, of course, because when something in the desert bites you, in your head it's always a rattlesnake, right?" he asked, to the unanimous agreement of the three children. "Well, then your Uncle Zach doesn't even miss a beat and he just picks me up, throws me over his shoulder and continues on the race like nothing happened!" "Whoa! He's really strong! You're like 500 pounds or something!" Fallon exclaimed. "Why didn't he just call for help?" Logan asked, frowning. "No coverage. This race was the middle of nowhere; and Zach figured I'd get the anti-venom faster if he brought me with him, not to mention all the things that woulda crawled up to bite me all alone out there in the desert. So, like a hero, your uncle carried me more than three miles through the desert and dumped me down only after he'd crossed the finish line," Terry said, nodding. "And what's a 'bubblehead?'" Amarie asked. "Well, you see, sweetheart, a 'bubblehead' is;" "A bubblehead is someone who works on a submarine where there's nowhere good to practice running for a race; and who give you no end of shit when you fucking come in fourth place after them, carrying an idiot with a fucking kangaroo rat bite on his goddamn ankle! Back on your face, Maggot!" Zach roared, "Fallon, go sit on Uncle Terry's back, over there," Zach said, pointing to the corner where Terry was getting back into pushup position, and then he took out his wallet and dropped the entire thing into the Language Arts Scholarship jar. "All right, kids, I'm gonna tell you the story the right way, now; Released from the naughty stool, Honey happily buzzed around the apartment, making cupcakes with Amarie, giving pointers to Logan who had decided to fold each of his Valentines into a different origami animal, and bringing water to the profusely sweating Terry, over Zach's obscene objections. At the end of the day, after the kids and Terry had gone home, Honey and Zach had nearly fallen asleep on the sofa when a knock at the door jerked them back awake. Zach seemed to expect it, though, and winked at Honey before getting up and going to the door. "Where do you want it?" the visitor's familiar voice asked, though their face was obscured by a large cardboard box. "Yeah, put them in the storage area, through there; we'll go through it all later," Zach said, pointing out the way to a uniformed Cade. "Cade! You got the job! That's great!" Honey squealed. "Yeah, well it's just moving stuff around, but I can make something of it," Cade called to her over his shoulder as he carried the box to the area Zach had specified. "And what is all this? Are you letting him stay with you until he's got a place of his own?" Honey asked Zach, her eyes shining as she wrapped her arms around him. "Not exactly. Cade's staying at your place. Actually, it's his place, now. This is your place. That's your stuff he's moving in here," Zach explained. "Wait, what? You're moving me out of my apartment?" Honey asked, getting up and looking into the boxes Cade was moving in. "It's a shitty apartment. My foot went through the floor," Zach said in disgust, walking over and enjoying the view as Honey bent over and tried to pull something out of the bottom of one of the larger boxes. "That's because you stepped on one of the soft spots!" Honey's voice said, muffled by the cardboard. "If you stayed to the path I showed you, it wouldn't have; wait a minute, you just gave my apartment to Cade? What am I going to tell my landlord?" Honey said, dropping whatever it was she was trying to lift out of the box. "I don't think the guy who owns your building's gonna mind; Zach said, scratching his chin and looking around the room with a slight smile. "Of course, he's going to mind! He minds everything! Unless it has to do with a toilet that looks like it's sinking through the floor, he; wait a minute; Zach, did you just buy my apartment building?" Honey asked, pulling her head out of the box and frowning at him. "It was really cheap. Saved them the cost of condemning it, really," Zach said with a shrug, taking her hand and pulling her against him. "I'll have Terry and Cade fix it up, rent it out. Maybe find some more guys that need a break; Cade's got some contacts at the homeless vets place." "What, so Cade's one of your guys now, too? Like Terry? I was going to make Cade my Terry! You took my Terry?" Honey asked. "Well, it's not like you knew what to with him, anymore. I have Cade training with us for next year's race, too. I'll make him carry Terry when he gets a hangnail or some other damn thing," Zach said. "Took my apartment; actually my whole apartment building; and you took my Terry. Didn't even ask. I can't believe this," Honey grumbled. "Just so you know, one of these days, I'm gonna need you to marry me and have some babies, too. Good ones, okay? None of those 'well, maybe they'll grow out of it' babies," Zach said. Honey bit her lips like she was hiding a smile and crossed her arms, "That's not how you ask someone to marry you; she said, trying to sound more upset than she felt. "I wasn't asking. Now, was I?" Zach said, lifting her over his shoulder and giving her bottom a spank before carrying her back to the living room. "Do you remember that time I slapped you and called you an 'overbearing ass?' This; Honey said, gesturing to their entire situation, "This is what I was talking about." "Hmm," Zach said, putting her down on her feet, then stretching back on the sofa, making a space for her under his arm, as he turned on the TV. Honey huffed in disgust, but curled up against him anyway, taking the remote and turning it to a movie she liked, just to make a point. Zach only smiled, pulling her closer with his arm. "That apartment was mine; she mumbled, the warm rise and fall of his chest and the steady beat of his enormous heart already lulling her to sleep. Zach smiled down at Honey, stroking a lock of hair away from her face, grateful and relieved that she hadn't put up more of a fuss. Leaning down, he kissed the top of her head, "Yeah, well; so am I. Happy Valentine's." Based on a post by Lingering Afterthought, in 3 parts, for Literotica.

Ben gets one-on-one with Mercedes to recap her blind date. Will there be a second date??See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben gets one-on-one with Mercedes to recap her blind date. Will there be a second date??See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connect with us:Instagram: @successfulnursecoachesWebsite: www.thesuccessfulnursecoaches.comJoin our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesuccessfulnursecoachIn this solo episode, Laura delivers one of the most honest and confrontational conversations the Successful Nurse Coach Podcast has ever held. After a behind-the-scenes moment with mentors that shook her perspective, she unpacks a core issue holding nurses back from real impact: the inability to receive. This episode explores how nursing culture conditions martyrdom, why under-earning is not ethical, and how learning to receive money, praise, and support is essential for leadership, sustainability, and changing healthcare. If this episode makes you uncomfortable, that is the point. Discomfort is where deconditioning begins.In this episode, Laura shares:Nurses do not have a money problem. They have a receiving problem.Nursing culture rewards overgiving, endurance, and martyrdom while discouraging receiving.Impact in private practice is not based on hours worked but on outcomes created.Underearning does not make nurses more compassionate. It makes them exhausted, resentful, and exploitable.Learning to receive is an ethical responsibility if you want to lead and create change.Money creates safety. Safety creates clearer thinking. Clearer thinking creates better care.Private practice and nurse coaching force growth by requiring nurses to receive without guilt.Martyrdom is not moral high ground. It is a business model, and nurses have been the product.Receiving allows you to give from excess, alignment, and regulation instead of depletion.You cannot heal healthcare while financially depleted and resentful.If nurses want to lead the next evolution of healthcare, they must unlearn martyrdom and master receiving. Receiving is not greed. It is regulation, capacity, and leadership in action.Watch full episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/554LgCwFq3gIf you loved this episode…Please take 30 seconds to subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps more nurses find this work and fall in love with the boring parts too.Mentioned in this episode:Join NLCA Cohort 6https://www.nurselifecoachacademy.com/certification

Send us a textIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Connie Richardson. Connie is the debut author of Rapid City Summer. She teaches middle school English and Language Arts in the Chicago suburbs. She has published articles, short stories, and blog posts for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and Scribbler. Additionally, Connie is a former graduate and current mentor in author Mary Adkin's MFA-alternate program, The Book Incubator. When she is not teaching or writing, she enjoys fly-fishing out west, running, coaching cross-country and track & field, and cooking for her family and friends. This episode with Connie is so much fun, and her energy and passion for reading shine through the entire conversation. We talk about big life moments, the joy of finally seeing a debut novel out in the world, and what it means to fall in love with stories that open doors to new experiences. Episode Highlights:Writing for the space between middle grade and YA, which Connie calls lower YA.Her work as an ELA teacher and her school's participation in a One Book, One School program that brings authors directly to studentsHow Rapid City Summer is set in South Dakota and centers around the niche topic of fly fishingWhy Connie loves writing and reading niche topics that readers may never experience firsthandA book flight featuring middle grade and YA novels that readers of all ages can connect toConnect with Connie:InstagramFacebookWebsiteBooks and authors mentioned in the episode:The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsay CurrieSlider by Peter HautmanSunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsAlone by Megan FreemanCarrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins ReidHarry Potter series by J.K. RowlingIt's Not Summer Without You by Jenny HanBook FlightThe Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny HanThe Canyon's Edge by Dusti BowlingThe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Ben gets one-on-one with Mercedes to recap her blind date. Will there be a second date??See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Hunger for Wholeness, Robert Nicastro welcomes listeners back into Sr. Ilia Delio's ongoing conversation with biophysicist and technologist Gregory Stock, whose new book, Generation AI and the Transformation of Human Being, has just been released.Together, Ilia and Greg open a doorway into the questions at the heart of “Generation AI”—not simply what artificial intelligence can do, but what it may be doing to us. As AI becomes woven into daily life and the broader evolutionary story, they explore how the human person is being reshaped: our attention, our desires, our sense of progress, and the subtle ways technology can begin to form the contours of relationship and meaning.Throughout the conversation, Ilia presses a concern that runs beneath the headlines: Can AI make it easier to be human—or does our relentless pursuit of progress come with a cost? And as their dialogue deepens, Greg raises the provocative question: will we fall in love with AI? (He thinks so.)ABOUT GREGORY STOCK“The greatest frontier in human evolution may no longer lie outside us, but inside: in the choices — and designs — we make for ourselves.”Gregory Stock, Ph.D., is a scientist, writer, entrepreneur, and public communicator whose work represents a deep exploration into what it means to be human in the 21st century. During his career, he has developed the foremost paradigm for personal inquiries into values and beliefs, which has significant implications for humankind as it faces the profound shifts brought by silicon and biotech. Today, Greg serves as an expert speaker and advisor to biotech and healthcare companies and to non-profits at the cutting edge of human health. The Center for Christogenesis is in the midst of our Winter Fundraiser as we celebrate ten years of exploring faith, science, and the promise of a new future. At a time when organizations vital to our shared future are losing support, your contribution affirms that our mission matters. Donate today at christogenesis.org/donate. With Gregory Stock's new book, Generation AI and the Transformation of Human Being, he's also built something to keep the conversation going beyond the book and these podcasts.It's called Only Human. An online space where every day, everyone gets the same reflective questions, and offer their answers. Then, you can see how others are responding to the same questions from all over the world. Go to app.onlyhuman.us to sign up.Support the showA huge thank you to all of you who subscribe and support our show! Support for A Hunger for Wholeness comes from the Fetzer Institute. Fetzer supports a movement of organizations who are applying spiritual solutions to society's toughest problems. Get involved at fetzer.org. Visit the Center for Christogenesis' website at christogenesis.org/podcast to browse all Hunger for Wholeness episodes and read more from Ilia Delio. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for episode releases and other updates.

Ariel Greenstein didn't grow up as an athlete. She didn't fall in love with running early. And for a long time, movement just wasn't part of her life. But in her early 30s, something shifted. What started as Broadway-themed Peloton classes during the pandemic slowly turned into outdoor runs, then half marathons, and eventually a very intentional, very patient build toward her first marathon at the Chicago Marathon. In this conversation, Ariel walks us through what it looks like to take your time with the sport. She shares how releasing pace and time expectations helped her actually enjoy running, how documenting her slower-paced journey online helped other runners feel seen, and why community, strength training, and consistency mattered far more than rushing to the next distance. We talk about training with a run group, navigating the mental side of marathon prep, handling tough long runs, and what it was like to race 26.2 miles through her home city with zero pressure beyond finishing and having fun. This episode is a reminder that anybody can go the distance, that there is no timeline you need to follow, and that running can be something you build slowly, joyfully, and on your own terms. Follow along with Ariel at @arielgreenstein_ on Instagram and TikTok! Follow along with the show:  Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays  Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod  YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast  Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resources Book a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me! -> https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440

Celebrating the meteoric success he's had in 2025, oskar med k joins us for the first time on America's Dance 30! In this exclusive interview, oskar shares how his latest smash "i think i'm addicted" was born w Haley Joelle, how long ago they started working on it, and how many Vs there were of the song before its release. Oskar also answers a question he's never been asked before, and we get to know him better w #FinkysFirsts! Find out about: - if music was the first thing he wanted to get into growing up - if 'oskar med k' was his first choice for an artist project name, and the meaning behind it - the first song he ever produced - the first time hearing one of his songs on the radio - the first time he performed for a crowd - the first dance song that made him fall in love w EDM - the first thing he thinks he's addicted to Follow: @AmericasDance30 on all socials! Count down the biggest dance songs in the country every week with Brian Fink on America's Dance 30; listen on stations around the world!

hour one: "body and soul" (live excerpt from birdland on feb 10 1962) john coltrane "pel mo (call me)" corey ledet "alon kouri laba" corey ledet "the world exists - a rash - 41°" church of the annihilation "porcupine quill makeout session - number 09" steve gigante "barboza" daddy antogna "mushrooms & wallabees" flying vipers "catfishes spoken" bomis prendin "I got a mop" mb jones "pasolini 'cronologia di un delitto politico' codex - organ 3" stefano pilia "we were all" samuel locke ward "elephant" herpiano "on a roll" corey ledet hour two: "that girl wanna dance" corey ledet "requiem black mass for guitar & harp - part 17 sacrifice" david dellacroce + hatsune miku + symphonia o0nius hominish cubiculum "halfway around the world" (live in england 2025) chris murphy "untitled improvisation 3 of 5 april 24, 2004" steve mackay / toni pope / loren dobson "the way you make me feel" corey ledet "gonn lamezon demin" corey ledet "neon" atol atol atol "parchman farm" (live) jim jones all stars "klee doll" (excerpt) victoria shen "mal fin tenga mi sueno (la cana)" frente abierto "new york city" corey ledet hour three: "I never meant to fall in love" corey ledet "intimo" butler "the gold standard andrew hill deconstructs james booker" lyle / sams / weinstein / smith / moses / claude "boudin man" (live) corey ledet "jai parti dans la campagne" (live) corey ledet "mexico" the riptides "winter" eugene chadbourne & jair-rohm parker wells "outro" (live) corey ledet

Consider some unique varieties of this iconic holiday plant. If you fall in love with your choice, it's easy to keep poinsettias alive long past the holiday season.

Erik receives a unique gift from a Golden Hour fan and brings it to the studio and the guys talk Brendan's Instagram skits with his wife, Ray J's confession about Diddy and his butt, how long it takes someone to fall in love and want to start a family, age gaps in relationships, what Chris would do if he started going bald and his battle with shingles, the new series Pluribus, Trump's comments on the Rob Reiner tragedy, Tomi Lahren's glow up, Jack Doherty's hateable face and much more! Get this episode AD FREE + 2 PATREON ONLY episodes/month only at https://patreon.com/thegoldenhourpodcastDraftKings - Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app TODAY! New customers, bet just $5, and if your bet wins, you'll instantly get paid $200 in bonus bets with code GOLDENQuince - Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to http://quince.com/golden for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsDon't let your money sit around—put it to work with Stash. Go to https://get.stash.com/golden to see how you can receive TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EP 675: Cal Arnold  Alright, so this episode is one I’ve been looking forward to for a while. Cal Arnold is the real deal—a guy who’s built an incredible business, survived a plane crash that should’ve killed him, and came out the other side with a perspective that’ll make you rethink everything. We dive deep into entrepreneurship, the trades, building BTI Log Home Care from nothing, and what it actually takes to become your best self. Cal’s story is wild—from buying his first business for $35k with no money, to crashing his plane into a power line and spending months in a wheelchair, to building a multi-million dollar company while learning to walk again. But this isn’t just another success story. We get into the hard stuff: gratitude when life kicks your teeth in, why busy is lazy, the difference between speed and velocity, and how to actually focus when everything’s pulling you in different directions. If you’re an entrepreneur, a DIY hunter, or just someone trying to figure out how to live life on your terms, this one’s for you. Cal doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and honestly, I needed to hear a lot of what he shared this week. Let’s get into it. OnX Hunt – The ultimate tool for elk hunters and the app I absolutely won’t go into the field without. Whether you’re e-scouting from the couch or actually hunting elk, OnX gives you detailed maps, property boundaries, and over 50 layers of mapping data including satellite imagery, offline maps, and waypoints. It helps you make smarter decisions no matter where you hunt. Save time, avoid mistakes, and stay connected to your crew. If you’re not an Elite member yet, you’re missing out on a whole other level of tools. Head over to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% off your membership. Tricer – These guys make gear that’s fast, light, and simple. From bomber tripods to spotting scope mounts, panheads, truck mounts, and now even bipods—Tricer makes gear that just works. I’ve been running their bipod hard this season and it’s been rock solid. If you’re looking to upgrade your glassing system, check out Tricer. Head over to tricer.com, use code TRO at checkout, and save yourself 10%. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro & Bridger Watch Announcement 6:15 – Meeting Cal Arnold & First Impressions 8:30 – Were You Always an Entrepreneur? 12:45 – The First Car & Learning to Hustle 16:20 – College Dropout to Ski Bum 19:40 – Buying the Soda Blasting Business 24:10 – Pawn Shop Financing & Early Struggles 28:35 – The Big Break & Building BTI Log Home Care 33:20 – The “Aha Moment” in Business 36:50 – The Contractor Doom Loop 41:15 – Why Most Tradespeople Shouldn’t Start Businesses 45:30 – Falling in Love with Business, Not the Trade 48:00 – COVID as a Dragon to Slay 51:45 – The Plane Crash Story Begins 56:20 – January 2nd, 2019 – The Day Everything Changed 1:01:30 – Waking Up in the Hospital 1:04:15 – The Power of Gratitude in the Wheelchair 1:08:40 – Choosing to Amputate & Keeping Your Foot 1:11:25 – Would You Go Back and Change It? 1:14:50 – Seasons of Life & Hunting Philosophy 1:19:30 – The Gratitude Muscle & Journaling 1:26:45 – Recognizing Gain vs. Chasing the Gap 1:31:20 – Removing Resistance & What Focus Really Means 1:38:15 – Busy is Lazy 1:42:30 – Speed vs. Velocity 1:46:50 – Efficiency vs. Effectiveness 1:50:00 – Writing a Book Someday? 1:52:15 – Outro THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS Gratitude is a Muscle You Must Exercise – Cal’s plane crash forced him into a wheelchair for months, but instead of falling into victimhood, he committed to writing down three things he was grateful for every day. This simple practice became the foundation for his recovery and business growth. You don’t need a wheelchair to start practicing gratitude—just 10 minutes and a journal. The discipline of recognizing what you have, rather than obsessing over what you don’t, is what separates those who thrive from those who survive. Focus Means Saying No, Not Thinking Harder – We hear “focus” all the time, but Cal breaks down what it actually means: saying no to everything that doesn’t serve your one primary goal. It’s not about grinding harder or being “busy”—busy is lazy. It’s about ruthlessly eliminating distractions and resistance. Most of us are driving with the gas and brake pedal pressed at the same time. Real progress happens when you take your foot off the brake by cutting out the things that don’t matter, even if they feel productive. Fall in Love with the Process, Not the Destination – If your only measure of success is the end result—whether that’s a dead bull, a business milestone, or a bank account number—you’ll miss 99% of your life. Cal built BTI over 20 years by showing up every day and doing the work, not by hitting some magical finish line. The same applies to hunting: if you only win when there’s an animal on the ground, you’re robbing yourself of the experience. Success is loving the daily grind, not reaching some arbitrary destination.

This epsiode is brought ot you by Quickbooks, Audible and Caldera Lab. What if the most important financial decision you ever make has nothing to do with investing, real estate, or your career—but who you choose as your partner? In this powerful episode of Ever Forward Radio, Chase sits down with attorney, financial expert, and author Pattie Ehsaie for a no-nonsense conversation about money, power, relationships, and financial independence—especially for women. Pattie breaks down why "never falling in love with potential" isn't cold, it's practical; why money remains the number one cause of relationship failure; and how financial independence is not about greed, but freedom. Drawing from her own journey as an immigrant, lawyer, and self-made financial authority, Pattie shares hard truths about hustle, mindset, modern dating dynamics, the "lonely male epidemic," stealth wealth, prenups, and why owning your financial future is the ultimate form of personal sovereignty. Follow Pattie @duchessofdecorum Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Why Your Partner Is Your Biggest Financial Decision 01:35 – Meet Pattie Ehsaie & Her Core Philosophy on Money and Power 02:04 – "Never Fall in Love With Potential" Explained 04:10 – Dating a Broke Mindset vs a Broke Bank Account 04:56 – When You Support a Man, You Become His Mother 07:00 – Financial Red Flags Most Women Ignore 11:10 – The Money Talk: Credit Scores, Savings & Debt 12:09 – Why Money Is the #1 Reason Relationships Fail 13:33 – Why Men Fake Wealth (And Women Don't) 18:15 – What Happens When the Provider Loses Everything 23:20 – Why Financial Independence = Power 25:10 – Women Out-Earning Men & the "Lonely Male Epidemic" 29:18 – What's Wrong with Andrew Tate's Money Narrative 31:48 – How to Be a "Rich B*tch": The 5-Account System 36:28 – Why Starting to Invest Late Costs You Hundreds of Thousands 38:16 – Hustle vs a Broke Mindset 41:27 – Prenups, Assets & Protecting Your Future 42:53 – Women Who Did Money Right (Oprah, Taylor Swift) 44:36 – Fake Rich vs Real Rich (Why Housewives Go Broke) 50:13 – Pattie's Immigrant Story & Relentless Work Ethic 55:38 – Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: Get 30% off six months of Quickbooks 20% off men's skincare and haircare with code EVERFORWARD at Caldera Lab FREE 1-month trial of Audible Watch and subscribe on YouTube

Send episode requests hereMost dating advice says to guard your heart, stay unbothered, and avoid getting too emotionally involved. But for me, true connection means being fully open and expressive—I fall in love without holding back, and I do it without getting attached.In this episode, I share the mindset shifts and simple steps I follow to stay grounded and true to myself when I meet a new man I'm excited about. Tune in to find out how I experience love in a way that's both passionate and secure, letting me connect without losing myself.Interested in working with me 1:1? Work with me to experience love in a way that's open, exciting, and free from unhealthy attachment.Book a sales call to learn more about private 1:1 coaching with me. Book a sales call HERE to speak with me. OTHER POPULAR RESOURCES:Learn how to use your words to attract better men & create better dating experiences - The Conversations that Inspire Commitment Live Virtual WorkshopRead my online essay on why the way we date is broken- Modern Dating is Hard Learn the basics behind attracting quality men and what it takes to build a rotation. - The Cuffing Season Retreat Bundle.Follow me on Instagram for more dating gems at: @torahcents @curved2cuffed 

He's a hero. He's an outlaw. And it turns out he's also Christmastime favourite. Given his many incarnations, from a foxy cartoon heartthrob, to the gruff and grizzled Hugh Jackman that previewed this week, it's hard not to fall in love with some version or other of Robin Hood. And as we'll find out in this episode, even jolly old Saint Nick just happens to be a fan. This week, Danièle speaks with Alexander L. Kaufman about how Robin Hood's legend evolved over time, his transformation into a pantomime favourite, and that time Robin robbed Santa Claus himself.Support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

If you've ever struggled to stay consistent in your Bible reading or found yourself feeling bored during quiet time — this episode is for you. Today, I sit down with Faith Womack, known online as The Bible Nerd, to talk about how studying God's Word can actually be exciting, life-giving, and deeply transformative when we approach it the right way. Together we unpack: - Why so many Christians feel stuck or unmotivated in their Bible study - How to make Scripture come alive through context, hermeneutics, and literary forms - The biggest mistake we make when reading the Bible - How culture has shaped (and sometimes distorted) how we study Scripture - Practical steps to feel re-energized in your Bible study starting today If you've been craving a deeper connection to God's Word, this conversation will help you rediscover the joy and awe of studying Scripture. ✨ Resources Mentioned: Get Faith's Book: https://amzn.to/47HYkmR  Christmas Gift Guide: https://tinyurl.com/3c7mw3am Get 15% off Hosanna Revival using code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY: https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully Get 10% off The Daily Grace Co. using code MEGANHOLMES10 https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=293954 Toddler Quiet Time: https://tinyurl.com/5n74w92u  NIV Application Bible:⁠⁠ ⁠https://tinyurl.com/SLPNIVAppBible⁠⁠⁠ Use code SLP at Antique Candle Co.: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/SLPAntiqueCandle⁠⁠ Please donate today at ⁠⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠⁠ Visit ⁠⁠OmahaSteaks.com⁠⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout. The Wild Invite: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/SLPWildInvite⁠⁠ Faith Womack, The Bible Nerd, Bible study motivation, how to study the Bible, hermeneutics explained, Christian women Bible study, reading the Bible effectively, overcoming Bible study burnout, understanding Scripture, practical Bible study tips, Christian podcast for women, Bible nerd podcast guest, studying God's Word, Bible context, literary forms in the Bible, spiritual growth for women, faith encouragement #FaithWomack #TheBibleNerd #BibleStudy #ChristianWomen #ScriptureStudy #FaithPodcast #SheLivesPurposefully Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen, Like and Subscribe on Apple or Spotify Podcasts: Julie Jarnagin, Beth Russell, and Caroline Collard discuss end of year plans, trends, and truths. From major brands' flops to risky tactics built on good science, the team helps marketers chart a path through end of year planning that leans into what works and away from fads that will only dilute brand reputation in the year ahead.Story TimeBeth – With costs top of mind, buyers need a vision before they'll fall in love with a homeCaroline – Write down your goals now before the year ahead buries them in busy-nessJulie – Goldilocks-ing content plans for 2026: finding the just-right-ness between structure and flexibilityIn the NewsWhat View/Save Ratios Reveal About Buyer Engagement on Real Estate PortalsMcDonald's Pulls Down AI-Generated Holiday Ad After Deluge of MockeryBrands look to experiential marketing as antidote to AI slop, digital fatigueNegativity Bias: Why Customers Don't Want Anything To Do With You (And What To Do About It)Google updates links in AI Mode and expands Web Guide test in all tab  The post Ep 417: The Most Terrible Time of the Year? appeared first on Online Sales and Marketing for Home Builders - DYC.

Few yacht rock hits of the 70s have endured as well as Player's 1977 classic "Baby Come Back." While they had a few other hits, they've been completely overshadowed by this monolith. What you may not be as aware of is the vast songwriting career of frontman Peter Beckett. Remember "Twist of Fate" by Olivia Newton-John? That was Peter. Or "Dare to Fall in Love" by Brent Bourgeois? Also Peter. There's also been the Temptations, Commodores, Survivor, Heart. Grace Slick, and Janet and Jermaine Jackson. There was even a stint in Little River Band. These days he's embracing the yacht rock life for all it's worth and tells us stories about all of it including seeing the Beatles at the Cavern! It's stories galore this week! Enjoy!  PETER BECKETT'S PLAYER The Hustle Podcast | creating podcasts | Patreon

2026 is not about fixing yourself — it's about finally choosing yourself.In this episode, I'm sharing 26 deeply intentional journaling prompts designed to guide you through self-love, healing, confidence, boundaries, and becoming the version of you that feels aligned, calm, and fulfilled. One prompt for every week of the year — so you're not rushing your growth, you're living it.These prompts are for the girl who's done surviving, done overthinking, and ready to fall in love with her life again. Some questions will feel comforting. Others will feel confronting. All of them are meant to bring you home to yourself.Grab your journal, your coffee, and let this be the year you stop abandoning yourself and start building a life that actually feels good.✨ Perfect for:– A 2026 reset– Anyone craving clarity and self-trust– Girls who want to romanticize their growth– Soft but disciplined self-love energyCONNECT WITH MEInstagram: https://instagram.com/oliviaeveshaboTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@oliviaeveshaboPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-you-from-eve/id1544519585YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oliviaeveshaboSPONSORSRULA: https://www.rula.com/fromeveFUM: https://tryfum.com/FROMEVEFABLETICS: https://fabletics.com/fromeveCOWBOY COLOSTRUM: https://cowboycolostrum.com (code FROMEVE)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.