Podcasts about Feeding America

Hey y'all ! Welcome to another Friday with CWCOI ! In this week's episode, our host, Ally Yost opens up the Bible and leads us through Ephesians 1. There's is nothing more fruitful then reading the Word of God together and diving deeper into what Jesus has for us. We know that you guys have expressed loving these types of episodes so please let us know what you'd like us to read through next :) "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." Ephesians 1:5 _____________________________________________ ☆ Download the FREE Upside app now to find out how much money you could earn. Use code 'ONICE' to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas ➤ https://www.upside.com ☆ Give now to end hunger ➤ FeedingAmerica.org ☆ Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to ➤ www.Quo.com/COFFEEONICE ☆ Find your purpose at Grand Canyon University ➤ GCU.edu ☆ OUR NEW MERCH IS LIVE! SHOP AT: https://allyyost.com ☆ MY BIBLE (code 'ALLYYOST' at checkout) ➤ https://hosannarevival.com/products/nlt-notetaking-bible-versailles-theme ☆ TUMBLER LINK ➤ https://allyyost.com/products/travel-tumbler _____________________________________________ Connect further with us ! TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@christwithcoffeeonice  Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/christwithcoffeeonice  _____________________________________________ Connect further with Ally ! TikTok (2M) ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@ally_yost  Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/ally_yost/  ShopMy ➤ https://shopmy.us/allyyost  Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/ally_yost1/_created/

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Dan: Ability to communicate complex issues through shared values.Factory farming isn't what many of us imagine. It's far from green fields and pastures. Dan Shannon, CEO of The Humane League, is working tirelessly to expose the harsh realities of factory farming and offer solutions that reduce the suffering of billions of animals trapped in these systems.“99% of animals raised for food never see anything like the pastoral images we grew up imagining,” Dan explained during today's episode. Instead, these animals are treated as commodities, often confined in spaces so small they can barely move.By raising awareness about the scale of this problem—affecting roughly 30 to 35 billion animals—Dan and The Humane League aim to inspire citizens, voters, and companies to take action. “Consumers never asked for this,” Dan emphasized, noting that 80% of Americans disapprove of factory farming practices.A core focus of The Humane League is transitioning companies from using conventional eggs to higher-welfare cage-free eggs. Despite the shortcomings of cage-free systems, this shift significantly reduces animal suffering. Dan likened the conditions of egg-laying hens in battery cages to being crammed into a file cabinet drawer with several others, unable to engage in basic natural behaviors. “Hens have natural instincts to perch, dust bathe, and establish social hierarchies that are utterly frustrated in these environments,” he said.In addition to advocating for corporate responsibility, awareness plays a significant role. Dan stressed the importance of consumers understanding product labels and seeking meaningful distinctions like “cage-free” while rejecting misleading terms like “all natural” or “farm fresh,” which are purely marketing.Ultimately, Dan believes change hinges on collective action. He encourages people to use their purchasing power, ask companies tough questions, and vote for policies and politicians prioritizing animal welfare.Through The Humane League's efforts, institutional policies are evolving, and public consciousness is shifting. As Dan put it, “No matter what you ate for breakfast, there's a lot you can do to help build a more compassionate world.”With tireless advocates like Dan leading the charge, the vision of ending factory farming is no longer a distant dream but a mission within reach.tl;dr:Dan Shannon explained how The Humane League combats factory farming to reduce animal suffering globally.The organization helps companies adopt higher-welfare practices like transitioning to cage-free egg production.Dan highlighted how misleading labels and marketing hinder consumer understanding of humane practices.Using shared values and informed voting, people can influence corporate and governmental animal welfare policies.Dan shared his superpower of values-driven communication, providing tips for engaging effectively with others.How to Develop Values-Driven Communication As a SuperpowerDan's superpower for leading The Humane League is his ability to communicate complex issues through shared values. He explains, “At the end of the day, our work is about values… I find most people to be empathetic.” Dan connects with others by focusing on common ground, stating, “People care about right and wrong and don't want to support practices they don't agree with.”Dan shared a story of appearing on a shock-jock radio show where he was initially mocked for his views on animal welfare. Despite the hostile tone, he engaged with empathy and humor, focusing on humane values. Weeks later, the host invited him back, seeking his expertise on an animal cruelty case. The relationship flourished, granting Dan recurring opportunities to educate millions of listeners about animal compassion.Actionable Tips to Develop Values-Driven Communication:Find Common Ground: Focus on shared values like empathy, fairness, or community.Avoid Assumptions: Approach every communication with an open mind and avoid writing people off.Simplify Complex Issues: Distill intricate topics into relatable, values-based messages.Stay Resilient: If met with resistance, remain patient, empathetic, and persistent.By following Dan's example and advice, you can make values-driven communication a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileDan Shannon (he/him):CEO, The Humane LeagueAbout The Humane League: The Humane League (THL) is a global nonprofit dedicated to ending the abuse of animals in the food system. Since 2005, the organization has transformed farmed animal welfare, with a focus on caged laying hens, through corporate campaigns, public policy advocacy, and coalition-building, securing thousands of cage-free commitments from leading food companies. The US egg industry is at a tipping point: nearly 50% of eggs are now cage-free, a milestone that signals the success of THL's mission as the organization works to end factory farming in our lifetime, one cage at a time.Website: thehumaneleague.orgCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/thehumaneleagueCompany Twitter Handle: @TheHumaneLeagueOther URL: investigations.openwingalliance.org/realcostofeggsBiographical Information: Dan Shannon is a seasoned nonprofit strategist and leader with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of campaigns, philanthropy, and animal protection. He has spent his career building movements and coalitions that drive systemic change, with a particular focus on ending the abuse of animals raised for food. Prior to joining The Humane League as CEO, Shannon served as Chief Partnerships Officer at Tides, leading philanthropic strategy and managing $700 million in annual grantmaking to advance social justice and civic engagement. He also held leadership roles at Purpose, advising major organizations including Feeding America, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation, and spent ten years at PETA, where he led the youth outreach program peta2.As CEO of The Humane League, Shannon is guiding the organization into its third decade of impact, focusing on corporate campaigns, public policy, and global coalition-building to accelerate progress toward cage-free eggs and ultimately end factory farming. He is also the co-author of two acclaimed vegan cookbooks, Betty Goes Vegan and Mastering the Art of Vegan Cooking, and continues to promote compassionate living through his writing and advocacy.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/danshannon2Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/superdan79Personal Twitter Handle: @DanShannonTHL Instagram Handle: @superdan1979Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include Kaylaan, High Desert Gear and Climatize. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Join the SuperCrowd Impact League! You can be recognized for making impact investments via Reg CF. See how your activity compares to your peers. It's free. Win valuable prizes. Start now!SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on June 9th at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!Devin Thorpe will lead SuperCrowdHour on June 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. In this insightful session, “How to Benchmark Your Impact Crowdfunding Portfolio v. the Stock Market,” Devin will explore how impact investors can evaluate the performance of their regulated investment crowdfunding portfolios alongside traditional stock market benchmarks. Drawing on his experience as a former investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding advocate, he will break down practical methods for measuring returns, assessing risk, and understanding the broader value created through impact investing. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how private impact investments compare with public market performance, what metrics matter most, and how to build a more informed long-term investment strategy. Whether you're an experienced impact investor or just beginning to build your crowdfunding portfolio, this SuperCrowdHour will provide valuable insights to help you evaluate both financial and social returns with greater confidence and clarity.SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Interested in joining the invitation-only discussion with impact giant Jed Emerson at the Business Response to Authoritarian Threats discussion on June 10th at 4:00PM ET? Send a message to Devin Thorpe.On June 18th at 5pm ET, join Tampa Bay Innovation and Menlo Park Patents for the Q2 Pitch Showcase, a live gathering for founders, inventors, investors, and startup supporters. Watch selected entrepreneurs pitch bold ideas, network with the innovation community, and see winners earn valuable prizes, including patent, valuation, and investor-meeting opportunities in St. Petersburg, Florida.Register Now! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We share educational information—not investment advice. Some links may generate compensation. See our full disclosure. 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Staci Miller, founder of Gen UX Consulting, shares her winding path from fashion design and psychology to human factors engineering in MedTech. Staci explains what human factors is—through stories from World War II aviation and modern healthcare—and why the FDA now mandates usability work to reduce catastrophic use errors. She breaks down formative versus summative/validation studies, the role of risk documentation (URRA/UFMEA), and why founders should think about usability as early as they think about risk. Staci also opens up about the challenge of starting a second business after losing her first in 2008, how she built Gen UX from $0, and the leadership lessons behind year-over-year growth.   Guest links: https://www.genuxconsulting.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/gen-ux-consulting/  Charity supported: Feeding America Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 081 - Staci Miller [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and today I'm delighted to welcome as my guest, Staci Miller. Staci is the founder at Gen UX Consulting. Her expertise is in applying user-focused research to develop innovative solutions, and it's essential to the growth of any technology organization. As a detail-oriented and tenacious executive in human factors engineering and UX design, she has a proven record of elevating the end user experience and achieving targeted client outcomes. She has created innovative medtech and big tech solutions through a comprehensive user-centered development process, leveraging artificial intelligence and industry agnostic design tools to optimize products and services. In her current role with Gen UX, she's a key leader facilitating strategic company growth plans and service offerings while managing the capacity and workflow of the UX HF design team. Well, Staci, welcome to the show. I'm so excited to talk with you today. [00:01:49] Staci Miller: Me too. I've been looking forward to it all week, so I'm very excited to be here. And I don't know what the day has in store. I, I know that there was like a, a, a kit that you sent out and I didn't read it on purpose, so everything's gonna be organic. [00:02:03] Lindsey Dinneen: Perfect. Those are my favorite conversations anyway, so I'll take it and run. Some people I know really love to have the questions ahead of time, and others are just like, "Yeah, I don't want to know. I'm just gonna go off the cuff. Here we go." So, brilliant. All right, well, let's start, if you don't mind, by sharing a little bit about yourself, your background, and what led you to medtech. [00:02:24] Staci Miller: That is, those are my favorite questions. So, I have a background in fashion design, psychology. I spent most of my classes in cognitive psych, but it wasn't like a difference of degree, it was just psychology. And then I have a master's degree in human factors and ergonomics. So I went the psychology route and the design route. That's kind of my background. So when I graduated my master's degree, through my master's program, I was able to intern for both years and one was in tech, big tech. I interviewed and landed a, great one year long internship at Samsung, which was actually supposed to be just three months, and I stayed there for a full year. So they kept me through my whole, my whole semester, which is something they don't normally do, which was really fun. I mostly just said, "Hey, can I stay here for the year?" And they're like, "Great, no problem. Sure. We'll figure it out like that seems like a good option. We like you, you like us. Cool. We'll do that." And my second internship was in medical device at a company called Interface and Analysis. My, that was actually my internship. My second one was at Samsung, so I got to really look in like I, I guess you got the curtain. If you think about Wonderland and Oz and the curtain and being able to pull back the curtain between both industries, what did I like better? I ended up liking medical better, mostly because the research was more structured and not necessarily conversations about, "Yeah, so how do you feel about that? Did you like it?" Like to me, that's not really. What I would consider the best opportunity to gain data. Data to me, like there has to be like a clear objective as to what you're doing, the whys behind it, and what do you wanna learn. And I found that in, when I worked with engineers in medtech, they definitely had things that they wanted to learn, whereas in tech, they just had so much money. They were like, "Yeah, let's just see what people think about this." And I'm. Okay. And then when I would be really structured and I was working with people who didn't have backgrounds in research, had very strong, very good backgrounds in design, like legitimately awesome, they were leading the research and they were missing the boat. So the narratives started to be focused on the N of one. This one person said this really interesting thing, so let's base our whole design off of what they said. And I'm like, "Dude, wait a second. Wait a second. All of them said this thing about the design though, and like we have four or five data points about when you ask this question." They're like, "Yeah, but that's not interesting." And I was like, "Okay, keep my mouth shut. I got it. Move on." Like from that moment forward, I, it wasn't like "Staci, don't talk, it was more like this is how we design based on the narratives that we've learned how to, how to research on." And so it wasn't as I would say-- it wasn't considering the actual 360 view of the user. It was considering the really cool thing that happened this one time that was like totally an outlier. And it happened consistently when I was working in big tech. So I was like, uh, medtech, probably more my speed. And then my first job was at Abbott. [00:05:39] Lindsey Dinneen: Nice. [00:05:40] Staci Miller: And I ended up there. Yeah, [00:05:41] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay, great. Well. [00:05:42] Staci Miller: Cool. [00:05:43] Lindsey Dinneen: Lots of questions based on this incredible background. I want to go back a little bit. So fashion design, was this something that you grew up thinking, "Oh, this is what I wanna do and be okay?" Right. All right, so... [00:05:57] Staci Miller: it's all I ever wanted and I did that. So... [00:06:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. [00:06:02] Staci Miller: That's a, that's a great question. I think that my interest in fashion peaked around when I was 12 years old and during the time, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell, and I was so fascinated by how beautiful these women were. And, and fashion was a thing in the nineties. There was like a lot of Dolce and Gabana around, and I loved it. And I couldn't wait to get my new print of Vogue every, every season. I loved Harper's Bizarre, and I would just pull pictures out of these models and what they were wearing. And then I would start you know, freehanding stuff and things like that. And I think a lot of people do that when they're really interested in clothing and things like that. And if you really think about it, fashion is art that people wear. So I was very attracted to that part of it. And it's all I wanted to do. So after high school, I went to FIDM and studied fashion design. And right outta FIDM, I started my first company in fashion design, and I was a clothing manufacturer, and we had 500 open doors in the United States and in Canada, and I was hoping to expand, but unfortunately 2008 hit and they hit it hard and fast and I lost most of my managing capital in the year that I think was my tipping point. So it was the, the year that I finally got a lot of traction and had a lot of repeat business and a lot of new business as well. And a lot of those new businesses just refused orders. Just from the east coast to the west, and it was just tons of money out that wasn't gonna come in. So there was really no way to, make that work after that, like I lost literally all the money I had in my business in like the span of, I would say three, four weeks. It was just mortifyingly scary. But I was young and people who are young are resilient and they move on and they find a new dream. And it took me a minute, like I didn't really know what the french toast I was gonna do. And I was like, well, I was still planning on staying in fashion and long, short, I was offered a job to do and run production for a one, a different company. So make sure that their goods were produced on time. Deal with the, the timing of all the orders, making sure the product line. So it was basically operations for manufacturing. And I was super excited about the job and I moved back to my parents' house at the time because things were just that tight financially for me. My parents were like, "Yeah, just, you know, come back, we'll figure it out." And I remember saying to my mom and dad, I'm like, "If this job falls through, do you mind if I just go back to school and stay here?" And they both started to laugh at me like, "Your job is fine, but if the sure why, why not?" And they, they thought it was crazy. And then I ended up back in school. So, they were like, "Whoa, that was really insane," 'cause that was in the end of 2008, starting 2009. And so the company rescinded their offer and they were really like, so sad about it, but they went to a market to sell their clothes and they got zero orders that year or something like close to that. So it was just, it was just a really intense time in the fashion industry and I was looking for jobs and I wasn't getting anywhere. So I only had an AA, and at the time that really didn't matter, but I went back to school and I'm like, "If I'm going back to school this late in age, I'm getting a master's degree." I had no idea what I was gonna get a master's degree in. I was like. I like clothes and design. We'll figure it out from there like that. And I was like, "Well, maybe I'll be..." this is crazy. But I was thinking about being a lawyer, like a property law lawyer. So, because when you are a designer in clothing, people can just knock you off. And you've seen that happen like pretty much everywhere. And people can just take advantage of your intellectual property and never pay you for it if they change enough of it. And so I was like, "You know, this would be something I'd probably be good at." So I went back to school thinking I was gonna go into that type of law. I took psychology courses and I took philosophy courses. And philosophy courses really do lean you, get you thinking very specifically about law. That's what philosophy was basically geared towards anyways. And you take these psychology courses and they're about people and how people process information, how people behave based on their behavior and things like that. So I thought the combination would be really good. Well, I ended up not liking, I did like philosophy, but philosophy's "let's think about thinking about it." And psychology is-- which is great. It's great, but psychology is like more applicable when you're interacting with others. And I found it super fascinating. And then I got really into like cognitive psychology and I'm like, "What the french toast am I gonna do with this? I can't do anything with cognitive psychology. Like I need to make money. I'm a grownup. This isn't ah, I'm gonna study underwater basket weaving and come out and go work in communications at Fox." Like I had to have an actual plan. So in my college at the time, there were these classes and they were like introductory to what you can do with your degrees. And that's literally where I found human factors. And there weren't very many schools that did it, but I was taking most of my classes at that point in cognitive psychology, which is how people process information, not their feeling based stuff. Like I didn't wanna have conversations with people about their feelings. Get that off of me. Like that's not, that's not my jam. I'm like, "Sorry, you're sad, but I'm not sad and I don't wanna be sad, so I'm gonna keep, keep going." And I'm like, "How am I gonna work this into my, you know, I love design, I wanna keep that in my background, and how am I gonna, what am I gonna do?" And so the study of human factors really is the intersection of design and research, and how people interact with said products based on the design. And you get to research that. And I'm like, "Sold. Good. I'm, I can do this. This is like this, I didn't even know this thing existed." This is crazy good. And I never looked back. [00:11:49] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. [00:11:50] Staci Miller: I got into a master's program the next year. I, and because I was in that specific program in San Jose State, that's why it was so easy for me to work for Samsung because it was in my backyard. And that's why it was easy for me to work for Interface Analysis because Tony was the owner of that company. Tony, he was my professor. So he just was like hiring people and I, I answered his response and I was like, "Hey, I, I'm looking for something." Do you like, he didn't say it was his company. He said, "I have a friend looking" and I'm, you know, like when I know I need to make some money, I'm gonna try to hustle up and make some money. So I'm like, "Hey, I'm open to that." He's like, "Why don't you come by my office and we'll talk?" And I was like, "That's weird." He said It was for some other, I'm like, "Sure, no problem." So I go to his office and he offered me an internship right then and there 'cause it was for me. "I just wanted to see who would respond," 'cause you are the only person that responded. I'm like, "Guess you're gonna hire me then." [00:12:37] Lindsey Dinneen: Amazing. All right. That's great. Thank you so much for that background. And it is so interesting how sometimes our paths are very, very windy to get to where we end up being and we Yeah, exactly. What, what ends up being a really good fit. But, so can you explain a little bit more about human factors, especially, maybe to help folks who have maybe some misconceptions or don't fully understand what it is just in general, but then also relate it specifically to medtech and why it's so important within the medtech industry? [00:13:11] Staci Miller: I can give you a story that probably would do both. So human factors was, was actually founded pretty recently in our timeline of psychology and understanding people. In World War II, there were a whole bunch of fighter pilots ejecting themselves from planes that caused, even in World War II, millions of dollars to produce and nobody could figure out what the problem was. They checked the planes. The planes were operating correctly. They did psychology, like psychological backgrounds on the people who are fighter pilots. I mean, they have to, to get into the military and to fly those planes, you have to be pretty good under pressure. They interviewed them, they were fine. They didn't have any breakdown of stress, and it wasn't happening on a small scale. This was happening on quite a large scale. So they, again, they went, they're like, "Okay, okay." Well, the military went back and " Well, it has to be the plane." So they looked through the plane, wasn't the plane, talk to the people, wasn't the people. So then the psychologist started to ask questions. They're like, "Well, if you're saying that it's not the person's emotional state and you're saying it's not the plane, well then what happened? Something had to happen. Something changed. What changed?" It turned out that the engineers had moved the throttle button with the ejection button in the planes. [00:14:31] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh. [00:14:31] Staci Miller: So the pilots were originally trained to hit the throttle button on the certain side that the throttle button was in the cockpit. So instead of hitting the throttle, because that was their original training, they hit the ejection button. So they ejected themselves out of the planes, which is why human factors was born. Those little changes that people don't understand about human beings. So when we learn something for the first time, because like even if you think about being a kid or being a baby, or learning a really tough lesson, right? You remember that lesson. And so what happens is that's your default setting. "This is the lesson I've learned. This is how I react." Now for that lesson, it doesn't matter if it's like an emotional exchange or if it's a physical one. So because they were taught where the, the pilots were taught specifically where the throttle was in the first place when they were under attack and they were in a high cognitive loaded space, they went back to their original training. [00:15:30] Lindsey Dinneen: Mm-hmm. [00:15:32] Staci Miller: And then the engineers were like, "Well, we told them. We told them." So, so, because they didn't wanna take the blame, right? Nobody wanted to take the blame ruining millions of dollars of planes. So this same type of thing happens in the medical industry. I mean, you can see it pretty easily, right? So you're trained on System X. There's an update, a 510K release to it. The system works differently. Errors are made, people are hurt. [00:15:57] Lindsey Dinneen: Mm-hmm. [00:15:58] Staci Miller: That's how it translates to medical. So aviation was a really big part of human factors and it still is to this day. Like NASA used to hire quite a few of my classmates. And I know that Boeing and a lot of those other, even BMW hire people that do what I do for a living and test the responses during drive time. And if you think about it, if you look at a Tesla versus a BMW, those are very different driving experiences. Like I had to relearn how to drive a Tesla, right? And like it has a one pedal situation. So now when I get into regular cars, I'm like, "Wait, what? What am I doing? What? What kind of car is this? Like how do I drive this thing again?" I know that sounds silly, but it, it's true 'cause you kind of just get used to the thing that you have. And that's exactly why human factors is prevalent in medical device or in aviation or in, you know, like any kind of like navigation systems. The reason the FDA mandated it is because a lot of products were coming to market and there was a very large influx of critical catastrophic errors in hospitals. People were suffering consequences of bad interfaces or lack of instructions on products. I know that there were a lot of intravenous medications given that weren't supposed to be IV medications in like in certain-- yes, you're supposed to inject it, but not. Intravenously and those charged caused people to perish. So that's when the FDA stepped in and said, "Okay, we were asking you as a favor to do these usability studies, but now officially they're part of your risk requirements and they're part of your requirements to get to market." And I think that happened about the time I graduated grad school, around that time. So about 15, 16 years ago. [00:17:50] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. Yeah. Well that's a fascinating story, and I'm sorry that that is the impetus for the results that we have today, but also how incredible that that is something that's being prioritized and mandated now. And I'm wondering too, when a startup company is developing their technology, how soon should they be thinking about human factors, usability, UX/UI. [00:18:17] Staci Miller: As fast as they're thinking about risk. if you're already thinking about risk at phase zero, that's when you should be thinking about usability and UI and interactions based on user processes, because that's when this kind of conversation really needs to start with regulatory, with your team, with the engineers. So even if you don't have a human factors engineer on staff, like you can find a company that can give you like some fractional support, just, you know, to talk to and to understand what their, what, what their responsibilities are, and what their requirements are to get to market. I have found that a lot of founders don't think that it's a requirement. And I, and I'm really not sure why, but that's been happening a lot lately. [00:18:59] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. So because it's a requirement, because you should be thinking about it from the get go, what are some things that you've seen work really well in terms of, putting together this kind of this testing and whatnot versus things that might seem like they could work. Like perhaps somebody feels that they could maybe do some of this testing themselves. You know, just, just things that maybe people who aren't really familiar with all the regulations would perhaps do, and that could cause problems down the road. [00:19:32] Staci Miller: So there's a, these are all really great questions and let's, let's unpack the idea of research, right? So some people think that research is finding out if somebody is happy about a product and would use it, like product market fit, right? Some people do marketing for that, and I can, that's the type of research that is not technically human factors, but it is something that Gen UX can do, right? So it's just research. I, I call it like insert white meat or insert protein. We can do the research, right? So when it comes down to it, there's, I would say that research is split into two buckets, which is UX/UI, which is very popular and people understand that, which is a formative in the FDA guidance and then validation slash summative. So the validation studies are very clean cut. So I'll explain those first. And they are to validate that the user can use the system in its environments safely. So the alpha for that is the user is successful at using this product and the uses, uses and use environments correctly and safely. And this is all based on your risk documentation from your URRA or your UFMEA. Some people use ADFMEA, which is based on design, and I suggest that they don't use that because that focuses more on the system than it does on the user. And the FDA has really cracked down on that. So if you are a founder and you think you can get just one system, ADFMEA, you are probably already starting off on the wrong foot. Make sure you have your own usability. Because human factors work really focuses on two things in the medical industry. One, it focuses on helping develop the device while breaking down risks. So if you have mitigations and your system's designed a certain way to avoid a risk, that's very important, and that's really also usability testing. And I can explain this in two ways. I've worked at Meta, I've worked at Samsung, I've worked at a lot of different big tech companies, and I've worked at a lot of medtech companies. So I think that people think that human factors is different than user research, and they're right. Human factors is much harder than user research. And you really actually need a background in research methods and an understanding of how the application of research works. Formatives can be used for two reasons. One, to support the need of the product in use and to check how people are actually using the system in real life. So sometimes people are really good at thinking-- so engineers are amazing at building systems, right? I can't do what they can do. I'm not gonna pretend like I can. What I can do is help them build it for their end user, because a lot of the times engineers think very differently than the average human being. They're much more educated. Schooling for engineering is extremely difficult. A lot of it's mathematical computations, understanding actual physical properties of things in their environments and how that they work, right? So those are the things that engineers think about all day long. That's fine. I think about the user all day long. So you can create a system that an engineer thinks that is fine, but then the user is " I don't really know how to use this. What are you talking about?" Right? And so that's what user research informatives avoid. They avoid, they break down risk and they are able to help form the product. So those, those user research studies, like before, let's say phase zero to phase four in a market cycle, if phase five is market release, are for those things. And then as you get later in the cycle, you wanna do more rigid research, that's really breaking down the risk and really focusing on the user interactions within the system and med device. And making sure that they're assessing the risk based on your user, but they're very specific to the user interactions that are critical tasks and higher. Or things that lead up to the critical test and come away. So like you have to be able to do the steps before, do the thing that's really hard to do, that could hurt somebody and then make sure coming away from them you don't cause any harm either. That's the best way to look at these types of tests. And we do the exact same thing in validation for systems. So, in software you test to see if the software can do the thing that it's supposed to do. When you check that box, the software does the thing and it did it, and we're good to go. You do the same thing with mechanical engineering. The system has this, this range of motion here and this range of motion here, and it doesn't deviate from plus X to plus Y and therefore the system does what it's supposed to say. So you're verifying and validating that the system does what the system is planned to do. It's really no different in users, it's just that you're dealing with human beings and it's not, it doesn't work the same way, right? Because like people are variables no matter what. And that was really long worded. So there's like tons of different research to do, but if you don't do your summative and you don't do your risk documentation, you're not getting to, you're not gonna get to market approval. Just, there's no way. [00:24:34] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Thank you. Yeah, that is incredibly helpful insight. And you know, so I wanna go back to, you had this company before, right? So you had already built a business and it was thriving, and then unfortunately life intervened a little bit. When you went to start Gen UX, did you have moments... [00:24:57] Staci Miller: Of PTSD? [00:24:58] Lindsey Dinneen: Of, yeah. [00:25:01] Staci Miller: Yes. [00:25:01] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. [00:25:02] Staci Miller: Yeah. I had major PTSD. Like I, so the concept of Gen UX was a play on words like, so I'm a Gen Xer, no biggie, but like I think that every Gen Xers, millennials, I feel like both of our generations very much identify with our generation. And I thought it would be kind of a fun play on words to identify to people that are also Gen Xers that, yeah, we do UX work and we're Gen UX, as a Generation X, like it was very important, right? So I kind of came up with that idea, thought it was cute. But at the time I was working for Meta, and Meta had been doing quite a bit of layoffs at the time. Nothing wrong with that, that happens with every company. But I have survived in Medtronic and Abbott and all these other companies. I had survived so many rounds of layoffs. I'm like, "One day my number is gonna be, it's just, it's just gonna happen." So, we started at Meta internally, really like they, they were very open and honest with people. They're like, "This is when this is gonna happen. We are gonna lay off more people. This is when this round is gonna happen. We're gonna lay off more people, and then this is the final round and this is when we're gonna lay off these people." So each of our groups of things like, so it was like engineers, lawyers, researchers. Like we, we had timelines that we knew if, if it was gonna happen, this is when it was gonna happen, this would be the day. [00:26:17] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. [00:26:17] Staci Miller: So I started to really think about what that meant, and I'm like, "Okay, well I'm not gonna start looking for jobs right away because I want my severance package." I definitely wanted that 'cause I, and then I wanted a break if I could have it. So I was like, okay. I, in between working at I was working at EDA as a contractor and that was super fun. Like I had my own time kind of, and I enjoyed the work and I got put on other projects whenever they needed me. And it was like, but I was constantly on a project, so I'm like, "I, maybe I'll go into doing IC work by myself" and I'm like, "No, I can't make enough. If I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna build something." And then I'm like, well, I started to talk to my friends every single one of my friends, including Interface Analysis' owner, Tony Andre was like, "Start your own business, Staci. Start your own consulting firm, just do it. Don't even look back. Just do it. People will end up coming to you because you know how to do this." He's like, he's it's, "You know, the first years they are what they are and everybody knows what that looks like. It's, it's rough. You have, it's like a mental game. You're like, I am gonna do this. And you just have to be consistent and can continue down your path. And more and more people will show up." And that's been true every year. But that's how GenX was started. And yes, there was this whole trepidation about, "Am I gonna make it? Am I gonna make it through this?" And I was like, "You know what, Stac, you're starting in a recession in your, in your industry. If you can get it done, if you can get two years in and be successful, you're fine." I'm in year three. [00:27:50] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah! [00:27:51] Staci Miller: Yeah, I mean, year three, woohoo. And we're increasing 50% year over year in year three, and I started it with $0. So, and I'm not, I'm not saying like a hundred to 50, like $50 to a hundred, we're, we're talking a couple hundred thousand dollars here, a couple hundred thousand there. But it's modest and I do expect that growth, and I do expect that to continue. And the other thing I think about is becoming very malleable in, in your spaces, like what's working for you and what doesn't work for you. But I feel like that's kind of off topic from what you asked. But yeah, I had PTSD gave myself at least two years and I'm like, "I can do anything for two years. If it doesn't work out, you know, like I have everything that I have and I can go back into corporate if I need to." And I really, I really was tripping, like just to be nineties about it, I was tripping. Like I was really like, "You know, I don't know." And my husband was like. He was my biggest cheerleader. He was like, "You've gotta do this. He's you're gonna, you're gonna be able to do this. You have something that I don't have. You're really great at networking people like you." I'm like, "Do they really like what?" And he's, " No, people like being around you. You make friends easy and people really do enjoy being around you and they like know that you're smart and you're gonna be able to do this." So, that's how this all started. And yes, I was really freaked out when I first started, but every day when I had bad days, I'm like, "Everything always works itself out." [00:29:14] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. [00:29:14] Staci Miller: "Have you ever not been in a situation where everything works itself out?" "No. No." So I'm like, "Well, if I, if it doesn't, I'll get a new dream, but I don't-- once you hit this, this year, like year three and you know you're still growing, you don't have to get a new dream, you just keep going and you're like, this dream is happening. I'm gonna keep it going." [00:29:34] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. What was it like building a team? Did you start off as a one-woman show, or did you have support at the beginning? How did that work? [00:29:43] Staci Miller: So at first, actually my designer's father was working with me and he called me out of the blue and he's " Hey. I have this client, she doesn't have any human factors person working with her, but I know that she needs it and do you wanna talk to her? I know you're not working at Meta," because I put on my, oh. LinkedIn profile Open to Work. So he called me like within two days, like seriously, like people started to call me and that was when I was already like, "I'm gonna do my own thing. I'm just gonna do my own thing." So the universe just brought me a gift, right? And I met this first client and I started to work with her, and at first everything was super cool. The first year it was great, and I really liked working with her, but she also needed a couple of other things. She needed an IFU and she needed design quality assurance. I'm like, "Check, check. I can get both those things done." So I called my friend Maria, "Hey, do you wanna work with me? She's " Hey. Yeah, totally." Because we had already worked together and we knew each other pretty well. So it wasn't like it was difficult to make that connection. And, and she knows my personality. I know her personality, and I know we both work extremely hard and we have that in common. So I wasn't, never, would I be worried about Maria. And then I found I wasn't, I didn't even have a designer yet on staff. And I found someone who used to do instructions for use for a different company I worked for. I called him like, "Hey, can you do this?" He's " Yeah, yeah." So I got all that done for this other client. I'm like, "I can do this. I can do this. I can, I can find people." I know so many intelligent people who love what they do and have a fire for it every day. And then the evolution started to happen. And then I asked someone to work with me to do sales, and then they said, "Yes." And then we started to pitch people that I was friends with and knew, and sometimes they said yes, and sometimes they said no. I think the first year, I think I pitched over like $4 million in business and I got 20,000. No, I got, I got 80,000, something like that. Something, something small and I'm like, "Why am I pitching so much? This is like taking so much time outta my day," that I found someone to work with me. His name was Adam and I still actually work with Adam and he, but he's a big picture guy and he started to work with me a little bit and help me like navigate through some things. Even to this day, we talk and he's not fully, fully, fully on onboarded, but if, if some. Of the clients that he lands do come on board, he will be back on board and he will be working with me again. And then I had a salesperson this last year and I realized just I needed more of a hunter-gatherer. So like we're just going in a different direction, right? So I had that, and then last year my goal was to bring my designer Maddie on full-time. And I was able to do that too. So everything that I've kind of just said, "I'm gonna do this this year, I've been able to do this year." And I'm not taking this lightly. Like I have a board of directors, which are people who are, have different perspectives on finance because that's my weakest link, I would say. A professor at UCLA, his name's Sean Pat, also a good friend of mine. He's on my board. And my brother-in-law and my nephew, who is new in his life and on his journey, is on my board as well, and I kind of wanted him on my board so he can see what it looks like to be an entrepreneur and see what growth looks like year over year because he is already working for companies. He's, he's like 25, I think, and he's already being groomed to be in upper management. He's got upper management written all over him as like the, as like people would say in like cute little circles. And then my my brother-in-law, he is one of the CFOs at Mayo Clinic, so these are people who have some in medical, some in finance, some in finance, in medical, just helping me like grow. I throw things past them and they help, you know, make decisions for the year. And they tell me like, they give me feedback and, and work through things that I'm doing and what they think is right, what they don't think is right. And sometimes I listen, sometimes I don't. You know, like... [00:33:28] Lindsey Dinneen: Well, yeah. [00:33:29] Staci Miller: Just really depends like where I'm at and what I wanna do and where we wanna grow. [00:33:34] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Excellent. Okay. So I'm curious, especially within medtech specifically, are there moments that really stand out to you as just affirming, "Oh my goodness, I am in the right place at the right time." [00:33:49] Staci Miller: Things keep happening, so, every time I speak, like I, I spoke at Project Medtech, people bombarded me. They're like, "We wanna work with you. We wanna work with you. We should talk, we should talk." Anytime I go to a symposium I walk away with two or three leads. People coming up to me, "Oh, do you do this thing? We should really talk. We should really talk." So, just being in the situation like that kind of tells me that I'm in the right direction. And the other thing is we're growing year over year. If you take a 10,000 foot view of where I was year one versus year three now, very, very different. Extremely different. And like I said, I do have, I do have other consultants that work with me. I don't want you to think it's just like a two person shop. It's not, there's other consultants that work with me but they're as needed. They're not full employees, which I think is really helpful in a situation like this. If you're a founder starting up from scratch and you're not, you don't have, I'm not trying to get angel investors. I'm not trying to get people to push money into my company. I am building it literally from zero to whatever it is that I make. And so that, that's a, what I would call like a slow burn of, you have to build your foundation, you have to manage to the capital that you do have, and then you, then you go to the next level and you do the same thing and then you do the same thing. And there's a lot of consistency with the business now, and I see a lot of people targeting me for that consistency. And as, as we are growing, like people are engaging with us on a different level, which is exciting to see. That's always exciting. [00:35:20] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes. [00:35:20] Staci Miller: That's kind of how I know. Yeah. [00:35:23] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. Awesome. Okay, so pivoting the conversation a little bit just for fun. [00:35:28] Staci Miller: Cool. [00:35:30] Lindsey Dinneen: Imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a masterclass on anything you want. Could be within your industry, but it doesn't have to be. What would you choose to teach? [00:35:40] Staci Miller: That's a great question. I love, I think it's very important when you do what you do for a living to have something that isn't that for yourself. So I, there's very specific ways as to how I unwind at the end of the day. One of those things is cooking. I would totally do a masterclass in being a home chef. Like I'm, I'm not even a chef like that. I've never gone to culinary school, but I absolutely, I make my own breads. I make chutney sometimes when, when I want some. I would do a masterclass on-- I'm not Gordon Ramsey. I'm not Thomas Keller. Here's what it looks like to be a home cook. And here's the, the five things that you actually need. And this is what you should learn how to make first. Like I remember the first time I was trying to make pasta or something, I boiled the water to death. There was no water left in the pond. Like I didn't even know what I was doing. I, maybe I walked away from it, I don't know, but I destroyed the pot. My mom's " What were you doing?" I was like, "Making pasta." And she's " What, what, what happened? You ruined the pot." I'm like, "I'm not, I just did it wrong." So I would probably do a masterclass in how to just take that first step learning how to make your own food, right? And talk about food 'cause I like food. There you go. That's what I would do. [00:36:52] Lindsey Dinneen: Love it. I love food and I love talking about it. So, that sounds like a great class. [00:36:58] Staci Miller: I would do, I would totally do it. [00:36:59] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay, and then how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:37:07] Staci Miller: This might be dating me, but Roy Orbison who wrote the song, "Pretty Woman" that was also in the movie, "Pretty Woman" wrote that he "just wanted to be remembered." And I thought that was really interesting. And I think that everybody knows that song knows that it's the guy like, I don't know if you know like the artist, but I think even to this day, that song, generationally, people know that song. I don't know how I wanna be remembered, but this is how I wanna impact the world. So it's kind of like that, but kind of not. I believe that knowledge transfer is the most powerful thing that we have amongst generations. And I want the next generation to be better than me, which is probably, in my opinion, I'm kind of kind of strict about this, probably a tall order, 'cause I'm like very picky. But, I have mentored and, and taught people my craft, and I want them to be better than me so they can mentor people and be better at this craft. So if I leave one mark on this world, it's that I have taught somebody what I know how to do and I expect them to do it better than me. And I don't mentor just anybody. So if I'm mentoring you is, and I'm putting all this energy into you, you better, you better bring it. And the people that I have worked with and have mentored are doing extremely well in their careers, and that's, that's kind of a thing that I like about, like what we do and how I do it. So I don't know if I would be specifically remembered for that, but I do know that it would move our industry forward and that makes me happy. [00:38:39] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. That's a beautiful legacy. All right, and then final question. What is one I know, what is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:38:52] Staci Miller: When I see what I'm building or, or how I'm building it in the future and I really go deep within my, my consciousness about this is what I'm gonna do next. This is how I'm gonna do it. This is what makes me feel really alive. I get so excited. I get like goosebumps. I start smiling. I, I'm a big-- I don't know if you do this, Lindsey, but I do this-- I kind of dance around a little bit. Like I dance when I'm making food, I dance and most people dunno that about me. But I, but my closest friends I remember I was working with this one guy and he looks at me, he's " Do you ever stop dancing?" I'm like, "Nope. Nope, Nope. Gotta dance." So all that stuff like starts to happen. And I just get really excited about the things that I'm trying to build, what I'm trying to master in my own world, what I'm trying to create. And that's what gives me like so much excitement. And then a number two would be my cats, because they're ridiculous and I love them and they give me so much love and they make me smile all the time too. [00:39:52] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh yes, those are great answers. I love that so much. It is exciting to see. Dreams come true. I can totally understand that answer of getting the, the excitement, the tingles, and then yeah, I, yeah, I, I obviously relate to dancing around all the time, and especially like celebratory dances. They're, my celebratory dances are the goofiest, most ridiculous things you've ever seen, but I'm happy! So. [00:40:20] Staci Miller: As long as you're happy, that's all that really matters, right? Like that vibe that you're putting out there and the happiness and the giddiness, like the things that I'm building in my mind, like they haven't happened yet, but I'm dancing like they have, you know, because I hope that they do. Like there you go. And I think that's important. I love it. [00:40:35] Lindsey Dinneen: True embodiment of the vision. I love it. Well, well, Staci, this has been a great conversation. Thank you so much for your insights and your stories, and we are so honored to be making a donation on your behalf today to Feeding America, which works to end hunger in the United States by partnering with food banks, food pantries, and local food programs to bring food to people facing hunger, and also they advocate for policies that create long term solutions to hunger. So thank you so much for choosing that charity to support. And gosh, I just wish you the most continued success as you work to change lives for a better world. [00:41:15] Staci Miller: Thank you, thank you. It was so much fun being with you today. I appreciate this and it was so much fun to talk about. And yeah, I can't wait to see you in the next couple weeks too. So we'll see each other soon. [00:41:26] Lindsey Dinneen: Yay! Sounds good. Well, thanks again and have the best rest of your day. [00:41:32] Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving medtech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development-- pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval; contract manufacturing-- building medical products at the prototype, clinical, and commercial levels in the US, as well as in low cost regions in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII clean rooms; cybersecurity-- generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission; and automated test systems, assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit VelentiumMedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.

Hey y'all ! Welcome to another Friday with CWCOI ! In this week's episode, our host, Ally Yost reads Genesis 37 and 38 which is highlights the story of Joseph. A lot of us may have heard this story from the Old Testament as it is often referred to because it holds a lot in it. There are a lot of lessons to be taken from the story of Joseph and what happens to him/how he handles it all. So grab your Bible if you're able to and lets read along in Genesis together. "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32  _____________________________________________ ☆ Give now to end hunger ➤ FeedingAmerica.org ☆ If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started ➤ https://learn.nocd.com/CWCOI ☆ Download the FREE Upside app now to find out how much money you could earn. Use code 'ONICE' to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas ➤ https://www.upside.com ☆ REP CWCOI MERCH ➤ https://allyyost.com  ☆ MY BIBLE (code 'ALLYYOST' at checkout) ➤ https://hosannarevival.com/collections/beautiful-bibles/products/nlt-notetaking-bible-belfast-theme ☆ TUMBLER LINK ➤ https://allyyost.com/products/travel-tumbler _____________________________________________ Connect further with us ! TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@christwithcoffeeonice  Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/christwithcoffeeonice  _____________________________________________ Connect further with Ally ! TikTok (2M) ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@ally_yost  Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/ally_yost/  ShopMy ➤ https://shopmy.us/allyyost  Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/ally_yost1/_created/

Chris Holman welcomes Ken Estelle, CEO, Feeding America West Michigan, Kentwood, MI. This episode of Michigan Business Beat features an interview with Ken Estelle, CEO of Feeding America West Michigan, a food bank headquartered in Kentwood that serves 40 of Michigan's 83 counties — primarily rural areas on the west side of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula. Estelle reports that the organization is currently seeing more people seeking food assistance more frequently than at any point in its 40-year history, a trend he attributes largely to inflation driving up the costs of food, rent, utilities, and medications while incomes have not kept pace. Retail partners like Meijer remain among the organization's largest donors by weight, though supply chain fluctuations have at times reduced incoming donations, forcing the food bank to purchase more food than ever before. Estelle encouraged the business community to get involved by raising awareness among employees, volunteering at food bank facilities, and making financial contributions to help sustain operations. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Hey y'all ! Welcome to another Friday with CWCOI ! In this week's episode, our host, Ally Yost talks about how the name of Jesus is full of power and authority. Sometimes we can feel like it's up to us to say profound, powerful prayers in order for mountains move but it really is just power in the name of Jesus. He is the one who has set us free.  "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1 _____________________________________________ ☆ Give now to end hunger ➤ FeedingAmerica.org ☆ If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started ➤ https://learn.nocd.com/CWCOI ☆ For up to 65% off your order, head to ➤ VeracityHealth.co and use code COFFEE ☆ Get full access to Glorify for $29.99 for the year. Download the Glorify app now ➤ https://glorify-app.com/ALLY ☆ REP CWCOI MERCH ➤ https://allyyost.com  ☆ MY BIBLE (code 'ALLYYOST' at checkout) ➤ https://hosannarevival.com/collections/beautiful-bibles/products/nlt-notetaking-bible-belfast-theme ☆ TUMBLER LINK ➤ https://allyyost.com/products/travel-tumbler _____________________________________________ Connect further with us ! TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@christwithcoffeeonice  Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/christwithcoffeeonice  _____________________________________________ Connect further with Ally ! TikTok (2M) ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@ally_yost  Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/ally_yost/  ShopMy ➤ https://shopmy.us/allyyost  Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/ally_yost1/_created/

Hey y'all ! Welcome to another Friday with CWCOI ! In this week's episode, our host, Ally Yost reads through the book of Job. Job explores why God allows suffering and how God is good and sovereign through it all. Whether you have already read it or maybe you have been meaning to, we encourage you to sit with God as we open His word together. "But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold." Job 23:10 _____________________________________________ ☆ Give now to end hunger ➤ FeedingAmerica.org ☆ If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started ➤ https://learn.nocd.com/CWCOI ☆ Find your purpose at Grand Canyon University ➤ GCU.edu ☆ REP CWCOI MERCH ➤ https://allyyost.com  ☆ MY BIBLE (code 'ALLYYOST' at checkout) ➤ https://hosannarevival.com/collections/beautiful-bibles/products/nlt-notetaking-bible-belfast-theme ☆ TUMBLER LINK ➤ https://allyyost.com/products/travel-tumbler _____________________________________________ Connect further with us ! TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@christwithcoffeeonice  Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/christwithcoffeeonice  _____________________________________________ Connect further with Ally ! TikTok (2M) ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@ally_yost  Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/ally_yost/  ShopMy ➤ https://shopmy.us/allyyost  Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/ally_yost1/_created/

There is a group of bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. Senate calls for hot rotisserie chicken to be covered under the government food assistance program known as SNAP. Why does this matter for people needing SNAP? We asked Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, the official Feeding America food bank serving the entire state of Connecticut.For more information: https://www.ctfoodshare.org/Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Hey y'all ! Welcome to another Friday with CWCOI ! In this week's episode, our host, Ally Yost talks about what it looks like to be set apart from the world and even from parts of the church. The more we fall in love with Jesus and fear of the Lord falls over us, the more we want to reflect who Him and the purpose He has for our lives. "As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it." 2 Corinthians 6:1 _____________________________________________ ☆ Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to ➤ www.Quo.com/COFFEEONICE ☆ Give now to end hunger ➤ FeedingAmerica.org  ☆ If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started ➤ https://learn.nocd.com/CWCOI ☆ Get full access to Glorify for $29.99 for the year. Download the Glorify app now ➤ https://glorify-app.com/ALLY ☆ REP CWCOI MERCH ➤ https://allyyost.com  ☆ MY BIBLE (code 'ALLYYOST' at checkout) ➤ https://hosannarevival.com/collections/beautiful-bibles/products/nlt-notetaking-bible-belfast-theme ☆ TUMBLER LINK ➤ https://allyyost.com/products/travel-tumbler _____________________________________________ Connect further with us ! TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@christwithcoffeeonice  Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/christwithcoffeeonice  _____________________________________________ Connect further with Ally ! TikTok (2M) ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@ally_yost  Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/ally_yost/  ShopMy ➤ https://shopmy.us/allyyost  Pinterest ➤ https://www.pinterest.com/ally_yost1/_created/

What if the secret to thriving communities was sitting right at your local checkout counter? Claire Babineaux-Fontenot joins us to debunk myths about hunger and explain how the Feeding America network is showing up "fiercely local" in partnership with Walmart & Sam's Club. You'll learn how easy it is to "round up" at the register and be a part of the backbone of a movement that is literally changing lives one meal at a time. Tune in to hear how you can turn a routine shopping trip into a powerful act of kindness for your own community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie, shares practical ways to cut costs and free up money for savings and faster debt payoff, drawing on her own journey of paying off over $254,762 on a single income. She describes getting a free haircut as a community college hair model and suggests similar savings through schools and training programs (cosmetology services, dental cleanings, trade-school auto repairs), plus free Home Depot workshops and trades training resources. She encourages using libraries for books and more, local buy/sell/trade and giveaway groups, community pantries, and reviewing workplace benefits for services and discounts. Other tips include using free trials carefully, working or volunteering at venues for concerts/sports, earning travel rewards, and maximizing restaurant rewards and birthday freebies, including apps like Flashfood and resources like food banks and Feeding America.Support the showThe Totally Awesome Debt Freedom Planner https://www.debtfreedad.com/planner Connect With Brad Website- https://www.debtfreedad.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedebtfreedad Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/debtfreedad Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/debtfreedad/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@debt_free_dad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bradnelson-debtfreedad2751/featured Thanks For Listening Like what you hear? Please, subscribe on the platform you listen to most: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Tune-In, Stitcher, YouTube Music, YouTube We LOVE feedback, and also helps us grow our podcast! Please leave us an honest review in Apple Podcasts, we read every single one. Is there someone that you think would benefit from the Debt Free Dad podcast? Please, share this episode with them on your favorite social network! 

Record Numbers Shatter Post-Pandemic Expectations Six years after the pandemic first disrupted American life, a troubling trend emerges across rural Virginia. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank now serves approximately 180,000 people every month—a staggering 39,000 more than the pandemic's peak. Les Sinclair, the organization's Communications and PR Manager, reveals this sobering reality during a recent conversation on The Valley Today with host Janet Michael. Initially, food bank officials believed the pandemic would represent the worst crisis they'd ever face. When government assistance programs temporarily lifted many families out of poverty, demand dropped slightly to around 141,000 monthly visits. However, this optimism proved short-lived. "We thought the numbers would never go up beyond the pandemic max," Les explains. "That just didn't pan out." Instead, inflation took hold with devastating consequences. While prices soared across every sector, wages failed to keep pace. Consequently, more working families find themselves unable to afford basic necessities, forcing them to seek food assistance for the first time in their lives. A Massive Rural Footprint The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank operates across an impressive territory that spans 25 counties and eight cities throughout Virginia. Stretching from Winchester and Frederick County in the north to beyond Lynchburg and Bedford County in the south, the organization covers approximately 12,000 square miles—roughly the size of Maryland or one-third of Virginia's total area. To manage this vast region effectively, the food bank maintains four strategic warehouse locations. Their headquarters sits in Verona, just outside Staunton, while additional distribution centers operate in Winchester, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. Notably, the Winchester facility alone serves Frederick, Clarke, Fauquier, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, and Rappahannock Counties, including the densely populated Loudoun County. Moreover, the organization represents a groundbreaking experiment in food banking. When founded in 1981, most food banks concentrated on urban areas where dense populations made distribution easier. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, however, pioneered rural food distribution—a critical distinction since nine out of ten food-insecure Americans live in rural communities rather than urban centers. The Partnership Model That Makes It Work The food bank functions as a sophisticated logistics operation, partnering with Feeding America nationally and hundreds of local food pantries regionally. Les compares their role to a Walmart warehouse, buying food by the truckload and storing massive quantities. Meanwhile, local pantries like Winchester CCAP serve as the "customer-facing" locations, directly distributing food to families in need. This partnership proves essential for reaching scattered rural populations. "We couldn't do what we do without them," Les emphasizes. "They couldn't do what they do without us." Furthermore, the organization sources food from diverse channels. Retail grocers contribute 36% of donations through partner pickup programs, where pantries collect excess inventory directly from stores like Food Lion, Kroger, and Giant. Additionally, the USDA provides government-purchased food from American farmers, while large manufacturers donate products with misprinted labels or excess inventory. Local and regional farmers also contribute fresh produce to the network. The Grocery Store Challenge Recently, however, the retail partnership faced unexpected pressure. During October and November, and again during winter snowstorms, consumers cleared grocery store shelves completely. When stores have no excess inventory, they have nothing left to donate. Compounding this challenge, grocery chains have become remarkably efficient at predicting demand. Using AI technology, they now anticipate that shoppers will buy strawberry Pop-Tarts before storms and adjust inventory accordingly. While this efficiency benefits retailers and consumers, it reduces the surplus available for food banks. Simultaneously, USDA food supplies have dropped 30% year-over-year, forcing the food bank to purchase more food directly. Although they cannot fully replace the high-quality proteins and vegetables the government typically provides, they continue prioritizing nutritious options for their partner pantries. Shattering Misconceptions About Food Pantry Users Perhaps the most persistent myth surrounding food insecurity involves who actually needs assistance. Many people assume food pantry visitors are simply lazy and should "get a job." The reality, however, tells a dramatically different story. Most people seeking food assistance are working. They're trying to improve their lives but living on financial margins so thin that a single unexpected expense creates crisis. In fact, more than a quarter of the food bank's guests visit only once per year—they simply need help getting over a temporary hump. Les shares the story of a convenience store worker who injured her wrist on the job. Unable to work while waiting for workers' compensation, she has zero income and cares for a paralyzed son. She's not lazy—she's injured, uninsured temporarily, and desperately trying to survive until she can return to work. Even when workers' compensation arrives, it typically covers only 70% of regular wages and takes considerable time to process. For families living paycheck to paycheck, missing even one payment creates cascading financial disasters. The Government Shutdown Ripple Effect Currently, partial government shutdowns compound these challenges. Federal workers, particularly TSA agents, continue reporting to work without paychecks. They still pay for childcare, gas, and other necessities, but many receive payment only monthly—making it extraordinarily difficult to stretch resources from one paycheck to the next. Contrary to popular belief, landlords cannot always wait patiently for delayed rent payments. Many landlords depend on rental income to pay their own mortgages. When a tenant misses a $2,000 rent payment, the landlord must still cover their mortgage. Moreover, the economic impact extends far beyond government employees. When federal workers stop dining out, restaurants lose business. Wait staff lose tips. Restaurant owners order less food from suppliers like Sysco. Truck drivers haul fewer loads. The entire economic system suffers. Sarah Cohen of Route 11 Chips experienced this firsthand. During COVID and government shutdowns, her sales to DC cafes plummeted because federal workers weren't coming to the office for lunch. These ripple effects reach deep into Virginia's economy, affecting businesses and workers far from the capital. The Impossible Choice: Heat or Eat Winter brings particularly cruel dilemmas for struggling families. Les recently spoke with William, a roofer injured on the job who lives in a mobile home with his dog, Cocoa. Unable to afford heating, William and Cocoa "just sort of curl up" together while he waits for surgeries that will allow him to return to work. Another woman caring for three disabled grandchildren faces $400 monthly electric bills. With both she and her husband experiencing serious health issues and the children's parents out of the picture, they constantly struggle with the impossible choice between heating their home and feeding their family. These aren't isolated cases. Across the food bank's service area, families regularly face this devastating decision. When $600 heating bills arrive after cold snaps, many choose to keep the lights on and visit food pantries to feed their families. Food as Medicine: A Holistic Approach The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank takes a progressive stance on nutrition, viewing food as medicine rather than mere sustenance. They prioritize fresh produce, which comprised 30% of their distribution last year, because they understand that proper nutrition helps people thrive. Nutritious food keeps medical bills down across entire communities. Children pay better attention in school when properly nourished. People can manage chronic illnesses and diseases through better nutrition. Conversely, when families can only afford high-calorie processed foods, they face increased health risks despite consuming adequate calories—debunking the myth that overweight individuals cannot be food insecure. Additionally, access to food reduces stress, which itself functions as a health intervention. When people live on the edge of a financial cliff, they cannot make good long-term decisions. They're too focused on simply not falling. However, when food security removes one major stressor, families can step back from that precipice and begin making better choices for their futures. Quality Food for Everyone Another common misconception suggests that food bank offerings are somehow subpar. In reality, the food distributed through this network maintains high-quality standards. While well-meaning donors sometimes contribute items like ramen noodles during food drives, the bulk of distributed food comes from retail grocers, USDA programs, and direct purchases of nutritious items. The food bank specifically prioritizes produce because people crave fresh fruits and vegetables. Although produce represents one of the most expensive food categories—often making it a luxury for families on tight budgets—the organization believes everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food regardless of their economic circumstances. How Communities Can Help Fortunately, community members have multiple ways to support this critical mission. Volunteering provides valuable assistance, and notably, many food bank guests themselves volunteer, giving back to the community that supported them during difficult times. Financial donations prove particularly effective. Just $1 helps provide more than three meals, meaning $10 supplies a month of meals for someone in need, while $100 provides 300 meals. The food bank's purchasing power and logistics expertise amplify every dollar donated. Beyond time and money, advocacy matters tremendously. Currently, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks—representing all seven food banks across the state—works to promote "food as medicine" initiatives with the state legislature. Community members can support these efforts through the food bank's website at BRAFB.org/actnow or BRAFB.org/getinvolved. Finally, social media engagement amplifies the message. Following the food bank's social media accounts, resharing posts, and commenting helps spread awareness that hunger relief remains an urgent community need. Finding Help When You Need It For individuals and families currently struggling with food insecurity, Les offers an important message: "You're not alone, and we are here with you. We are here to walk with you through this challenge in your life." The food bank's website features an easy-to-use food finder tool. Visitors to BRAFB.org can click "Find Food," enter their address, and immediately see all nearby pantries with contact information, open hours, and everything needed to access food quickly. Alternatively, Virginians can call 211 for phone-based assistance connecting them with local resources. A Community Responsibility As this conversation reveals, food insecurity affects far more people than most realize—one in nine people across the food bank's service area. These aren't strangers or statistics; they're neighbors, coworkers, and community members facing temporary crises that could happen to anyone. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank stands ready to help, but they cannot do it alone. Through partnerships with local pantries, support from community donors and volunteers, and advocacy for systemic solutions, the organization continues fighting to ensure everyone has enough to eat. In Janet Michael's words, it's "a responsibility I do not take lightly"—and neither should any of us.

YoutubeSpotifyhttps://supportandfeed.org/BioRising pop-rock artist and multi-talented producer Ed Keiser returns with his new single, “Foreign Land,” a deeply personal and emotionally rich follow-up to his debut release, “You Are Not Alone.” Known for blending reflective storytelling with melodic, immersive production, Keiser once again invites listeners into a vulnerable and honest space shaped by resilience, love, and the human experience. “Foreign Land” expands on the themes first introduced in You Are Not Alone, a song Keiser released to encourage individuals facing loneliness, grief, or difficult circumstances. The debut track resonated widely not only for its message, but also for Keiser's commitment to donate 100 percent of its earnings to Support+Feed and Feeding America. With this new release, he continues building a catalog rooted in empathy, connection, and emotional truth. While You Are Not Alone served as an offering of comfort to those suffering in isolation, Foreign Land turns inward. Written as a dialogue between two lovers navigating trauma, the song was inspired by a painful chapter Keiser and his wife endured together. The verses unfold like a script, capturing an intimate back-and-forth that moves from confusion and fear toward clarity, faith, and renewal. “The song is a conversation between my wife and me,” Keiser explains. “We were going through a very trying time and still finding our way out of it. I wrote the song as an expression for both of us a way to look toward the future with hope. It was my way of helping us breathe again.” Across its four verses, Foreign Land explores uncertainty, spiritual questioning, and the emotional weight of hardship. Lyrics such as “When the pain is so strong, we question why the world is wrong?!” capture the rawness of that moment. Yet the song ultimately lifts upward, offering a path toward restoration through lines like “There will be no pain or fear, only through faith be it clear.” For Keiser, faith served as a grounding force during the creation of the track, though he emphasizes the song's universal message. “It is a song of hope,” he says. “My faith played a central role, but I didn't want to project my beliefs onto others. I embedded them gently, on purpose. The main theme is simple: hang in there—it will get better. It's about love, companionship, and overcoming hardship with your partner or loved one, whatever your beliefs may or may not be.” As both writer and producer, Keiser takes a hands-on approach to his music. Working primarily in Logic Pro, he performs multiple instruments and collaborates with skilled musicians to bring each arrangement to life. His contributions on acoustic guitar, piano, and bass provide a warm foundation, enriched by layered acoustic textures and meticulous production. The track also features acclaimed vocalist and guitarist Jamie Hoover, whose performance adds depth and emotional resonance. With Foreign Land now released, Keiser continues to shape a growing body of work, with plans for a larger project on the horizon. Whether the songs culminate in an EP or full-length album, his goal remains the same: to offer listeners solace, strength, and a reminder that healing is always possible. At the heart of Keiser's work is compassion. To support the approximately 47 million people in the United States experiencing food insecurity—about 1 in 7 Americans, according to the USDA Keiser has donated 100 percent of the earnings from You Are Not Alone and will continue to donate 100 percent of proceeds from Foreign Land to Support+Feed and Feeding America. Foreign Land is available now on all major streaming platforms, with promotional support from Starlight PR.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/creator-to-creators-with-meosha-bean--4460322/support.

You may know Perdue Farms for their chickens … and their commercials. But they also have a longstanding tradition of community involvement and support, particularly during the holiday season. For four decades, Perdue Truckers have been delivering holiday cheer to the Holly Center in Maryland, a residential facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. Additionally, Perdue Farms participates in Wreaths Across America, a program that honors veterans by delivering thousands of wreaths to cemeteries across the East Coast. This effort underscores the company's dedication to recognizing and supporting veterans. FOX's Tonya J. Powers speaks with Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms, emphasizes the importance of giving back during the holidays. He discusses how the family-owned company, with over a century of history, continues to grow and contribute to feeding America. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may know Perdue Farms for their chickens … and their commercials. But they also have a longstanding tradition of community involvement and support, particularly during the holiday season. For four decades, Perdue Truckers have been delivering holiday cheer to the Holly Center in Maryland, a residential facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. Additionally, Perdue Farms participates in Wreaths Across America, a program that honors veterans by delivering thousands of wreaths to cemeteries across the East Coast. This effort underscores the company's dedication to recognizing and supporting veterans. FOX's Tonya J. Powers speaks with Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms, emphasizes the importance of giving back during the holidays. He discusses how the family-owned company, with over a century of history, continues to grow and contribute to feeding America. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may know Perdue Farms for their chickens … and their commercials. But they also have a longstanding tradition of community involvement and support, particularly during the holiday season. For four decades, Perdue Truckers have been delivering holiday cheer to the Holly Center in Maryland, a residential facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. Additionally, Perdue Farms participates in Wreaths Across America, a program that honors veterans by delivering thousands of wreaths to cemeteries across the East Coast. This effort underscores the company's dedication to recognizing and supporting veterans. FOX's Tonya J. Powers speaks with Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms, emphasizes the importance of giving back during the holidays. He discusses how the family-owned company, with over a century of history, continues to grow and contribute to feeding America. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grateful Dead dorkout with Elizabeth Upton – EP 854Elizabeth Upton is a musicologist and I learned, FINALLY, about the Grateful Dead. We weed off into the history of a lot of other music but dang… it's a good one. You will love. Every November and December I ask that you NOT donate to the Dork Forest but find your local food bank and give as much as you can to them. FeedingAmerica.com has a listing OR google “your town” and “food bank.” I believe in you. If you're set up to give to me these two months – your cash goes to LA's Food Bank. Thanks so much for all your support and take care of each other out there. Extra TDF/standup and a storytelling album are available here: ⁠⁠⁠https://thedorkforest.bandcamp.com/⁠⁠⁠   YouTube has the videos: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@JackieKashianInc⁠⁠⁠ And it's @jackiekashian on all the social mediaz. Audio and Video by Patrick Brady Music is by Mike Ruekberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Survivor B&B: Survivor 49 Finale With a new Survivor season upon us, it's time for Mike Bloom and Liana Boraas to re-open the RHAP B&B! On the B&B, Mike and Liana are inspired by the lighter side of Survivor, featuring a series of segments and games based on what's happening on Survivor that week. This week, Mike and Liana give their thoughts on the Season 49 finale! This week's charity shoutout is Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 46 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community-based agencies.. Click here to make a one-time or monthly donation.Thank you for your support for the B&B all season long! We’ll be back in the new year for coverage of the highly-anticipated Survivor 50. If you have any suggestions for games or feedback for the B&B, feel free to reach out to us on social media or email rhapbnb@gmail.com. To pre-order Rob's book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com Never miss a minute of RHAP's extensive Survivor coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

Survivor B&B: Survivor 49 Finale With a new Survivor season upon us, it's time for Mike Bloom and Liana Boraas to re-open the RHAP B&B! On the B&B, Mike and Liana are inspired by the lighter side of Survivor, featuring a series of segments and games based on what's happening on Survivor that week. This week, Mike and Liana give their thoughts on the Season 49 finale! This week's charity shoutout is Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 46 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community-based agencies.. Click here to make a one-time or monthly donation.Thank you for your support for the B&B all season long! We’ll be back in the new year for coverage of the highly-anticipated Survivor 50. If you have any suggestions for games or feedback for the B&B, feel free to reach out to us on social media or email rhapbnb@gmail.com. To pre-order Rob's book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com Never miss a minute of RHAP's extensive Survivor coverage! LISTEN: Subscribe to the Survivor podcast feed WATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks!

  Yuma, Arizona plays a critical role in feeding the United States, supplying much of the nation's leafy greens during the winter months. But farming at the border comes with unique challenges. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Cory Mellon, Chief Operating Officer of his family's farm, to discuss the realities of agriculture in a border community. Cory explains how the H-2A visa program supports legal farm labor, why generational workers are essential to the industry, and what happens when that system breaks down. Cory also shares firsthand insight into the economic impact of nonworkers moving through active fields, the food-safety risks farmers face when fields are disrupted, and how a federal government shutdown delayed worker processing—threatening the harvest during a critical picking season. This conversation highlights the connection between secure borders, legal labor, and America's food supply, and why getting immigration policy right matters far beyond the border.

Jimmy Pardo (@jimmypardo.bluesky jimmypardo.com and @nevernotfunny pod) is a great comic and LOVES a CLASSIC ROCK CONCERT. Over 500 of them. Amazing. You will love. Every November and December I ask that you NOT donate to the Dork Forest but find your local food bank and give as much as you can to them. FeedingAmerica.com has a listing OR google “your town” and “food bank.” I believe in you. If you're set up to give to me these two months – your cash goes to LA's Food Bank. Thanks so much for all your support and take care of each other out there. There is MERCH: ⁠⁠www.JackieKashianStore.com⁠⁠ is the direct. Links to everything is at ⁠⁠⁠www.dorkforest.com⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠www.jackiekashian.com⁠⁠⁠ Extra TDF/standup and a storytelling album are available here: ⁠⁠https://thedorkforest.bandcamp.com/⁠⁠   YouTube has the videos: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@JackieKashianInc⁠⁠ And it's @jackiekashian on all the social mediaz. Audio and Video by Patrick BradyMusic is by Mike Ruekberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're listening to Burnt Toast! I'm Virginia Sole-Smith. Today, my conversation is with Rachel Cahill, a longtime anti-hunger policy advocate based in Ohio. Rachel and her team support national and state-level organizations fighting every day to end hunger and poverty in the United States. Most of her work focuses on making SNAP (the government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) the most effective, accessible and equitable program it can be in every community. JICYMI: When the federal government shut down this fall, it closed SNAP for the first time in the history of the program, pausing benefits for much of November. Benefits are up and running again in most places, but this has had major ripple effects on the state of hunger in our country right now. And it's led to a lot of long-term questions about what we do to prevent that ever happening again. Rachel knows more about the ins and outs of SNAP, and anti-hunger advocacy, than anyone I know, so I asked her to come on the podcast to explain what's happening, and what we can do to help fight hunger. We also talk quite a bit about how to give strategically because it is that time of year when a lot of us want to do charitable giving. Which is great! But there are good and less good ways to do that. Burnt Toast is a community of helpers, and I think this conversation will help us all be better at helping. If you enjoy this conversation, a paid subscription is the best way to support our work! Join Burnt Toast!

Randy loves him so Columbo. We got fave eps… guests… it's a good one. Dorky goodness. Enjoy. Every November and December I ask that you NOT donate to the Dork Forest but find your local food bank and give as much as you can to them. FeedingAmerica.com has a listing OR google “your town” and “food bank.” I believe in you. If you're set up to give to me these two months – your cash goes to LA's Food Bank. Thanks so much for all your support and take care of each other out there. There is MERCH: ⁠⁠www.JackieKashianStore.com⁠⁠ is the direct. Links to everything is at ⁠⁠⁠www.dorkforest.com⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠www.jackiekashian.com⁠⁠⁠ Extra TDF/standup and a storytelling album are available here: ⁠⁠https://thedorkforest.bandcamp.com/⁠⁠   YouTube has the videos: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@JackieKashianInc⁠⁠ And it's @jackiekashian on all the social mediaz. Audio and Video by Patrick BradyMusic is by Mike Ruekberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nonprofit organization Feeding America was looking for a better way to distribute billions of pounds of food to food banks each year. It used to use an algorithm to answer that question. It generated a list of food banks based on need, and when a shipment came up, Feeding America called the food bank at the top of the list. But what if a food bank didn't need or want that donation? The answer to that problem is a market economy, of sorts.

You may know Perdue Farms for their chickens … and their commercials. But they also have a longstanding tradition of community involvement and support, particularly during the holiday season. For four decades, Perdue Truckers have been delivering holiday cheer to the Holly Center in Maryland, a residential facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. Additionally, Perdue Farms participates in Wreaths Across America, a program that honors veterans by delivering thousands of wreaths to cemeteries across the East Coast. This effort underscores the company's dedication to recognizing and supporting veterans. Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms, emphasizes the importance of giving back during the holidays. He discusses how the family-owned company, with over a century of history, continues to grow and contribute to feeding America. Through these initiatives, Perdue Farms demonstrates its commitment to community service and support for veterans, aligning with its values of family and community engagement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may know Perdue Farms for their chickens … and their commercials. But they also have a longstanding tradition of community involvement and support, particularly during the holiday season. For four decades, Perdue Truckers have been delivering holiday cheer to the Holly Center in Maryland, a residential facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. Additionally, Perdue Farms participates in Wreaths Across America, a program that honors veterans by delivering thousands of wreaths to cemeteries across the East Coast. This effort underscores the company's dedication to recognizing and supporting veterans. Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms, emphasizes the importance of giving back during the holidays. He discusses how the family-owned company, with over a century of history, continues to grow and contribute to feeding America. Through these initiatives, Perdue Farms demonstrates its commitment to community service and support for veterans, aligning with its values of family and community engagement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us as we express gratitude and honor the guests we've had throughout the year and invite them back to share a message for the season and perform a holiday tune.We have messages and songs from:Kyle Lacy & Amanda D'Amico - "Holly Jolly Christmas"Kahone Concept - "Christmas, How I've Missed This"Joe Edelmann - "Nice Dream / War Is Over"Emma Bockrath - "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" The Flying Vees - "On This Christmas Night"Avery Ballotta of Damn Tall BuildingsJohn Kim Faye - "White Christmas"Hermosa - "Wonderful Things"Galen Deery - "Helplessly Hoping"Koyal - "Santa Baby"Lia Menaker - "Christmas Alone - Together At Home"Zach Miller of Dr Dog - "I'll Be Home For Christmas"Gina Zo - "Santa, Do You Know?"Nervous Nikki & the Chill Pills - "Murder By Mistletoe"TIOGA - "Blue Christmas"The Hot Mamas - "Maybe This Year Will Be Better Than The Last"And we will also share highlights from last year's Winter WonderJam event from Joe Edelmann and Emma Bockrath and hope you will consider joining us for this year's extravaganza happening once again at the legendary Godfrey Daniels on Sat Dec 6th at 7:00pm ET.We will also honor and raise awareness of those homeless shelters and food banks in our communities that are doing such amazing work - in particular our own New Bethany in Bethlehem, PA, as well as the national nonprofit organization Feeding America.Please join as we kick of the holiday spirit with this 4th annual Winter WonderJam programming.Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out nextfavband.com for our entire catalog of interviews!If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better! Let's catch a live show together soon!#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

Eddie Pepitone (eddiepepitone.com) has a new special out (The Collapse) and is great. He's ALSO fascinated by OLD GOSS. We talk Mary Pickford and WC Fields and wander the early 20th century's indiscretions. You will love.  Every November and December I ask that you NOT donate to the Dork Forest but find your local food bank and give as much as you can to them. FeedingAmerica.com has a listing OR google “your town” and “food bank.” I believe in you. If you're set up to give to me these two months – your cash goes to LA's Food Bank. Thanks so much for all your support and take care of each other out there. Everything else you might want is at jackiekashian.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Schreifels, Principal and Owner at Veritus Group. Jeff brings more than 32 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, partnering with leaders and fundraisers to create transformational donor relationships that fuel mission impact. We're going to dig into what truly moves donors—and how organizations can build relationships that last.Jeff's commitment to data and to building authentic relationships with donors began when he worked as a Senior Strategist at The Domain Group and led a team that executed strategic plans and direct-response marketing for clients such as, Feeding America, Arthritis Foundation, American Cancer Society and The Salvation Army; among many others. Jeff and his team helped raise over $200MM dollars for their clients over 12 years. In 2009, Jeff joined Richard Perry, one of the former owners of The Domain Group, to become Senior Partner of Veritus Group.Veritus is a major gift consulting agency that has taken the discipline of direct-response and applied it to major gifts. This is a unique approach to major gift fundraising. Veritus helps non-profits all over the United States, Canada, Europe and the U.K. by helping create, develop, and manage mid and major gift programs. Jeff is a lead author of a popular fundraising blog, which focuses on major gifts called “Passionate Giving,” a regular host of the Nothing But Major Gifts podcast, and co-author of two fundraising books: “It's Not JUST About the Money” and “It's Not JUST About the Donor: The Ultimate Management Guide to Major Gifts Success.” CONTACT DETAILS Email: jschreifels@veritusgroup.com Business: Veritus GroupWebsite: https://veritusgroup.com/Social Media:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffschreifels/ Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment on my Google Business Page. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services.  

Catherine Wacha (@catherinewacha catherinewacha.bandcamp.com) explains why the multifaceted career of Paul Williams is THE BEST. I am convinced. You will love. Every November and December I ask that you NOT donate to the Dork Forest but find your local food bank and give as much as you can to them. FeedingAmerica.com has a listing OR google “your town” and “food bank.” I believe in you. If you're set up to give to me these two months – your cash goes to LA's Food Bank. Thanks so much for all your support and take care of each other out there. Extra TDF/standup and a storytelling album are available here: ⁠⁠https://thedorkforest.bandcamp.com/⁠⁠   YouTube has the videos: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@JackieKashianInc⁠⁠ And it's @jackiekashian on all the social mediaz. Audio and Video by Patrick Brady Music is by Mike Ruekberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We here at DT!HQ are beyond stoked to team up with our friends across the internet to help fight hunger! We're working with other podcasters, streamers and content creators to raise money for Feeding America. 47 million Americans are facing food insecurity and are losing access to vital support like SNAP. Every $1 raised can provide up to 10 meals through Feeding America. Join us in our #PodcastersFightHunger giving campaign through December 21st, 2025 and help us prove that, while no one is right, everyone deserves to eat! DONATE TO FEED AMERICA HERE: https://teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/teams/PodcastersFightHunger Feed America is a nationwide, independent, secular, hunger-relief organization. Find out more about them at feedingamerica.org. Other participating podcasts and creators include: The Monsters Playbook Shrimp and Crits Memester of the Week $2 Creature Feature The Thorne Files Date With Us Kitten Marlowe Trials of the Apocalypse The Storyteller Squad The Critshow Pest Control Gimme Da Loot CookieJarPottery (ttv) RecordsOfTheRealms (ttv) JimmyBeatsWorld (ttv) hazelazazelzel (ttv) blembily (ttv) PidgeNCoop (ttv) MySchoolGirlCrush (ttv) Sarah Davis Baker (YT) Boredboardgames (TT) Meadowlark Games

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, outgoing CEO of Feeding America, is back with her insider's view of the hunger crisis in America - and the latest updates on SNAP funding.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Target is lowering its prices for Thanksgiving just like Walmart. This is going to be a cheap holiday for the people. Inflation has been tamed and with lowering fuel prices Trump is countering the [CB] inflation. Fed Bostic is retiring which will leave an opening for Trump, slowly but surely is gaining control over the Fed. Trump is taking back control of the economy. The [DS] tried everything to take Trump down and it has failed. The pushed the Epstein files hoax on him and he didn't take the bait, now they failed with the shutdown, so they decided they would release the hoax. They took the bait and now they have started the Epstein narrative. Attacks will intensify against Trump team, when the time is right he will strike like a thunderbolt.   Economy Target reduces prices on 3,000 groceries and essentials Target announced Tuesday it is lowering prices on 3,000 food, beverage and essential items, though prices could vary by location and online. This is the latest in a string of initiatives the retailer has rolled out to offer shoppers lower prices. The retailer also announced a $500,000 donation to Feeding America to support its hunger relief efforts amid increased demand at food banks. Lowering prices on thousands of items that shoppers frequently buy “will make a difference for families managing tight household budgets during the holidays,” Lisa Roath, chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty at Target, said in the announcement. The press release noted it will not reduce prices in Alaska and Hawai'i. The price cuts build on Target's growing affordability efforts as the holiday season arrives. The retailer highlighted in the Tuesday announcement its lowest price ever for a Thanksgiving meal, which the retailer unveiled earlier this month. The meal feeds four for less than $5 per person and includes a Good & Gather turkey that costs 79 cents per pound. Source: retaildive.com (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Bessent, Treasurer Striking Final Penny at Philadelphia Mint Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Treasurer Brandon Beach will visit the Philadelphia Mint on Wednesday to oversee production of the final circulating one-cent coin or penny, each of which costs nearly 4 cents to produce, the Treasury Department said. President Donald Trump said in February he was ordering the Treasury to halt what he called the "wasteful" minting of pennies, prompting gas stations, fast-food chains and big-box stores to adjust prices and round cash transactions. Source: newsmax.com https://twitter.com/DoryBeutel/status/1988579974354477175?s=20 More Doves Incoming: Atlanta Fed President Bostic To Retiring Feb 2026 More turnover at the Fed ahead of what can be a historic, for the US central bank, year as Trump prepares to stack the Fed with a deep bench of uber-doves. With the "fired" Lisa Cook's lawsuit marinating at the Supreme Court, moments ago the Atlanta Fed announced that its president Raphael Bostic would retire at the end of his current term in February. Bostic, who in the press release was described as "the first African American and openly gay president of a regional Federal Reserve Bank in its 111-year histo...

Sally Ann Hall (@meSallyAnn and FunnySallyAnn.com) is a comic with her first album and special coming out  - look for “Pretty Dead Wife” picked five Sci Fi movies that had some wild socialmes sages. Spoilers galore for five movies from 2012-2018. And then GalaxyQuest. Heh. Fun. Pre Destination The Endless Jupiter Ascending Hunger Games Franchise Galaxy Quest Every November and December I ask that you NOT donate to the Dork Forest but find your local food bank and give as much as you can to them. FeedingAmerica.com has a listing OR google “your town” and “food bank.” I believe in you. If you're set up to give to me these two months – your cash goes to LA's Food Bank. Thanks so much for all your support and take care of each other out there. Links to everything is at ⁠⁠⁠www.dorkforest.com⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠www.jackiekashian.com⁠⁠⁠ Extra TDF/standup and a storytelling album are available here: ⁠⁠https://thedorkforest.bandcamp.com/⁠⁠   YouTube has the videos: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@JackieKashianInc⁠⁠ And it's @jackiekashian on all the social mediaz. Audio and Video by Patrick Brady Music is by Mike Ruekberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join James (from the Watchtower Database YouTube channel) as he shows his good buddy Brian the entire DC Animated Universe from start to finish for the very first time, in the controversial airdate order--so he may view these shows the way human beings experienced them in the far-gone days of the 1900s (and 20-hundreds). Will Brian become a super-fan like James or intensely regret agreeing to do this?This week's episode:"Legacy," Part 1"Superman: The Animated Series"Original airdate: 2/5/2000Darkseid strips Superman of his memory and adopts him as a son in an effort to take over Earth.Timecodes:0:00 - Intro13:24 - Review and Ratings1:00:41 - Yoppie Mail1:17:18 - OutroGoogle Form for the next live show!https://bit.ly/yoplocationPlease consider donating to Feeding America!https://bit.ly/jobwfeedingNext episode:"Final Cut" (Batman Beyond)DCAU Airdate Viewing Order:https://www.watchtowerdatabase.com/resourcesSend us an email!batwagonpod @gmailBuy us a coffee!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/yoppieBuy a Yoppie Dude T-Shirt!https://www.watchtowerdatabase.com/shopSpecial thanks to our yoppie community!Dylan Pollack, Movies to Watch Before You Diehttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/moviestowatchJordan Blueman, The Fandom Optimistshttps://open.spotify.com/show/2GyhxgiZR64XcDmIjQMoezHosted by:James StreckerBrian ManeelyEdited by:James StreckerMusical themes by:Kimi LevoeKuni PhoenixJordan BluemanEric LeBowViltsuLegacy Michael AllenKathleen StreckerBrian ManeelyJames StreckerNew episodes debut Fridays on our YouTube channel and your favorite podcast feed!https://www.youtube.com/@BatWagonPodSubscribe to the Watchtower Database for more DCAU videos!https://www.youtube.com/watchtowerdatabaseHang out with us on Discord!https://discord.com/invite/RWZ7TaxAar

-- On the Show: -- Joyce Vance, former U.S. Attorney who explains law and politics on MSNBC and her Substack newsletter Civil Discourse, joins us to discuss effective political activism -- Democrats sweep major elections across multiple states as Donald Trump faces historic losses and visible backlash from his own party -- Donald Trump reacts to Republican defeats with incoherent social media posts, angry rants about mail voting, and calls to end the filibuster -- Republican commentators try to downplay Democratic victories as irrelevant while ignoring massive electoral swings in Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia -- Democrats' sweeping wins mark the start of the 2026 midterm fight as Trump plans new voter suppression efforts to stop another blue wave -- Karoline Leavitt struggles through questions about Trump's health, controversial pardons, and false election claims, offering evasive and contradictory answers -- Donald Trump defies court orders by linking SNAP food benefits to reopening the government as the show raises funds for Feeding America in response -- Marjorie Taylor Greene's awkward appearance on The View exposes her unchanged views on QAnon, Trump, and Republican leadership -- On the Bonus Show: Democrat wins Virginia Attorney General race despite violent text scandal, Supreme Court hears arguments on Trump's tariffs, teachers get doxxed after MAGA claims their Halloween costumes mocked Charlie Kirk, and much more...

Douglas Widick (@DouglasWidick and .com) … I remember SOME things about the Beatles and learn other things. It's really fun. Enjoy. Every November and December I ask that you NOT donate to the Dork Forest but find your local food bank and give as much as you can to them. FeedingAmerica.com has a listing OR google “your town” and “food bank.” I believe in you. If you're set up to give to me these two months – your cash goes to LA's Food Bank. Thanks so much for all your support and take care of each other out there. Extra TDF/standup and a storytelling album are available here: ⁠⁠https://thedorkforest.bandcamp.com/⁠⁠   YouTube has the videos: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@JackieKashianInc⁠⁠ And it's @jackiekashian on all the social mediaz. Audio and Video by Patrick Brady Music is by Mike Ruekberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Proceeds from this Hobi zine I wrote will go to Feeding America, a collection of nationwide food banks preventing hunger in America! You can get it here!If you have another cause you'd like to donate for, send me your donation receipt at heysheneestudio@gmail.com and I'll send you the zine! The image for sharing your curated BTS album is over at heyshenee.substack.com! I'll send it Thursday :) Here are some other links to help:Feed America — supporting local food banks: https://www.feedingamerica.org/https://www.mutualaidhub.org/Give Directly to people who need SNAP benefits: https://www.givedirectly.org/snapgap/?ref=homeGive directly to Jamaicans who need help after the hurricane:  https://gofund.me/b49c5bc67

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit meetthemess.substack.comMove over, Meet the Press—it's time to MEET THE MESS!This week on the podcast, Jen and Karyn break down that overly intimate embrace between Erika Kirk and JD Vance. Does Usha need to worry?Also on the docket: The Dodgers win the World Series! Kash Patel allegedly used a government jet for date night, British Vogue declared having a boyfriend officially embarrassing, and AI might be ruining (or improving?) modern dating.Plus, Millie Bobby Brown filed a harassment and bullying claim against David Harbour, journalist Michael Wolff sues Melania Trump, and Kim Kardashian earns zero stars on Rotten Tomatoes.And, since Trump is threatening to withhold SNAP benefits until the shutdown ends, here are some tips on where to donate and how to help:* Donate to No Kid Hungry, dedicated to providing free meals to kids* Donate to Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the US* Send cash to Americans missing their SNAP food benefits via Give Directly* Donate to World Central Kitchen to help federal workers and their families affected by the government shutdown* Apps like NextDoor can help you find people with specific needs in your neighborhood* Apps like FoodFinder and Plentiful can connect you with local food resources for those in need* If you want to stay close to home, check with you city to find local food banks or community fridges to see what items they need most (often non-perishables, hygiene items which SNAP doesn't cover)* Provide extra support by assembling “care bundles” that include household items, hygiene products, diapers, wipes, etc., and donate to local food pantries for families in needOn Meet the Mess, bestselling authors Jen Lancaster & Karyn Bosnak dive into the messiest news stories and hottest topics of the week to give a fresh and entertaining take on current events and life in general. An extended video version with the “Hot Mess of the Week” is available to paid Substack subscribers. Visit meetthemess.substack.com for more.Meet the Merch:• https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeetTheMessConnect with us on Instagram:• https://www.instagram.com/meetthemesspod• https://www.instagram.com/jennsylvania• https://www.instagram.com/karynbosnakConnect with us on TikTok:• https://www.tiktok.com/@meetthemess• https://www.tiktok.com/@karynbosnak

We're officially (or unofficially!) kicking off the holiday season, and what better way to start than with a heart of gratitude?  In this episode, I'm joined by Kerry and April, the creative moms and founders behind Turkey on the Table, a simple, hands-on way for families to practice gratitude together all November long. Born out of a preschool parking lot conversation, this sweet idea turned into a nationwide movement helping parents teach their kids to slow down, notice the good, and give thanks in tangible ways.  Kerry and April share the inspiring story of how Turkey on the Table came to life, the surprising science behind gratitude, and why small daily habits can make a big impact on our hearts and homes. They also open up about their meaningful partnership with Feeding America, donating over 1.8 million meals to families in need, and the sweetest stories they've heard from homes, classrooms, and even nursing homes using the turkey tradition to spark joy and connection.  If you're ready to anchor your family in gratitude and kick off the holidays with more heart, this episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to start your own tradition of thankfulness. Mentioned in This Episode:

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In our top story, we mourn the life of Lia Smith. In politics, Anna analyzes the Texas ruling that now allows judges to refuse the unification of same-sex marriage, and uplift how LGBTQIA+ food pantries are stepping up in the loss of SNAP benefits for millions of people. In culture and entertainment, we praise a trans teen in Washington who won his settlement after being assaulted by his classmates back in 2021 and announce that applications are now open for the International Trans Fund. Let's get into it. Want to support this podcast?

On this episode of Broke-ish, Amber and Erika continue their discussion on the signs and implications of fascism and authoritarianism in the U.S., particularly its impact on Black people. Through current events such as Trump's unilateral decision to initiate renovations to the White House, the targeting and criminal prosecution of Black politicians, and the government shut down's disproportionate impact on Black people. We finish out the conversation with the reminder that, although the current political climate lacks civility and refinement, it is very much a continuation of America's history of using state power to brutalize Black people and deny us fundamental fairness. Press play and join the conversation! Homework: Donate money to Feeding America or provide groceries to a local food bank to support siblings in your area facing hardship due to loss of SNAP benefits. We all we got! U.S. Hunger Relief Organization | Feeding America  

What if confronting the reality of our own mortality could transform how we live today? In this episode of the Good Death Podcast, I invite you to step into the often-avoided conversation around end-of-life care and discover how facing this inevitability can deepen our appreciation for life itself. Through the raw and poignant story of a family navigating a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, we expose the turmoil that arises when preparations aren't in place and explore what it truly means to define “quality of life” for ourselves. From the challenges of lung cancer and the weight of decisions around treatments like chemotherapy, we highlight why personal values—not fear—must guide our choices, ensuring that the time we have left is both meaningful and rooted in love. Beyond these stories lies the empowering journey of becoming an end-of-life doula, a calling that not only eases the weight of grief but also awakens a richer connection to living. Our live training initiative offers this transformative path while extending compassion beyond ourselves—each enrollment provides meals for 10 people through Feeding America. This episode is more than a conversation; it's an invitation to embrace mortality with courage, prepare with intention, and walk life's final chapter with wisdom and compassion. Join us for this enlightening discussion and share it with those you love, as together we reimagine the end of life as a sacred part of the human journey.   (00:02) End of Life Doula Training (07:37) Questions to Ask Before Treatment (20:39) Quality of Life Decision-Making (25:59) Top 10 Questions for Doula Training  

On Wednesday, federal employees will receive their first paychecks since the nation's government shut down more than two weeks ago. The money they are taking home is significantly less than what they normally get. As the shutdown continues, food shelf leaders in the state are preparing for potentially increased demand.At the same time, a national leader on ending hunger in the United States happens to be visiting Minnesota. Claire Babineaux-Fontenot is CEO of the nonprofit, Feeding America. She met with Second Harvest Heartland CEO Sarah Moberg to discuss the shutdown and other issues facing their network of organizations. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with them both on Minnesota Now.

In this week's episode of Talk Dirt To Me, we sit down with Jorge Azevedo, CEO of Fermented Food Holdings, the powerhouse behind iconic fermented brands like Wildbrine, Bubbies, Flanagan Farm, Hawthorne Foods, Saverne, and Silver Floss. Jorge pulls back the curtain on the booming fermented food industry, sharing how they source thousands of acres of fresh cabbage from local American farmers to create premium sauerkraut and naturally fermented pickles all without vinegar. We dig into: Why salt is the most critical ingredient in true fermentation How Fermented Food Holdings partners with U.S. farmers to grow massive volumes of cabbage and produce The difference between real fermentation and vinegar-based pickles How diversification into fermented foods could open new doors for farmers looking to expand their operations From the farm field to your refrigerator, Jorge explains how they keep quality high, freshness real, and flavor unbeatable. Whether you're a farmer, food entrepreneur, or fermentation fan, this is a fascinating look at one of America's fastest-growing food sectors. Support the Show & Your Tractor Cab: Head over to https://tractormat.link/td2m and use the code TALKDIRT to save 15% on an American-made floor mat built tough for your tractor. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: https://agzaga.com 

Jennie Garth is best known to Gen-Xers for her iconic role playing Kelly Taylor on the megahit television series Beverly Hills 90210.  Fans of the show may remember Kelly's pivotal “I Choose Me” episode (airing thirty years ago this past May) when she stood between dreamboats Brandon and Dylan and declared that she was choosing herself.  Jennie shaped an entire era of pop culture, and now, at fifty-two, she is embracing an incredible new chapter of life—one filled with bold conversations about aging, empowerment, self-love, and the beautiful messiness of midlife. Through her thought-provoking “I Choose Me” podcast and a forthcoming memoir of the same name, Jennie is using her platform to champion other women over fifty by challenging outdated narratives around aging and sparking empowering conversations. Today, Jennie, Jen and Amy talk about what choosing yourself looks like on a normal day, and what it means to be graduate beyond our growing family years into a more independent space where a new age of self-discovery is possible because, as Jennie reminds us, choosing “you” isn't selfish—it's the most powerful act of self-respect. Thought-provoking Quotes: “It was through my conversations with fans, whether it was on social media. or at autograph events that I kept hearing, ‘I didn't know I could choose me until Kelly Taylor told me it was an option.'” – Jennie Garth “If I had gone to college and lived a normal life, then I would have learned things that I didn't actually end up learning until I was in my forties and fifties. So now I'm just searching like, ‘What did I miss and how can I be better? How can I learn more about myself?'” – Jennie Garth “You look around on social media and you see other people's lives and think, ‘My God, they have it all figured out.' And I just never felt like that personally.” – Jennie Garth “Loving yourself is a journey and it's imperative to your wellbeing.” – Jennie Garth “I don't want to please people by being what they want me to be or fitting into this character's shoes. I love acting and I'll never not love acting. But I had to take the bull by the horns and take control of my life.” – Jennie Garth “Competition amongst women was real. It was just part of the  world I grew up in. I had to be better than the next girl. What a waste of so much precious time and energy. I used to be intimidated by other women's success or knowledge or position. I kick myself for all the years of lost opportunity of that kind of camaraderie and connection with other women. I feel it so strongly now. It's something that can never be quieted again,” – Jennie Garth Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098749/ Tori Spelling - https://www.instagram.com/p/DKAANczu145/?hl=en I Choose Me Women's Summit 2025 - https://jenniegarth.com/pages/i-choose-me-movement I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose & Embracing Reinvention by Jennie Garth - https://amzn.to/44d8eMM Me by Jennie Garth QVC Collection - https://jenniegarth.com/pages/me-by-jennie-garth Feeding America - https://www.feedingamerica.org/partners/entertainment-council/jennie-garth American Heart Association - https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/at-the-heart-of-it-with-nancy-brown/the-power-of-positivity-with-jennie-garth Guest's Links: Website - https://jenniegarth.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jenniegarth/ Twitter - https://x.com/jenniegarth Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jenniegarth TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@officialjenniegarth Podcast - https://jenniegarth.com/pages/i-choose-me-podcast Connect with Jen!Jen's Website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmakerJen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmakerJen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight's rundown: Hey BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members, welcome to the No Spin News for Monday, June 30, 2025. Stand Up for Your Country.  Talking Points Memo: Bill breaks down the Supreme Court's 6–3 ruling against judge shopping and the left's reaction to the ruling. Widener University Law School Professor Michael Dimino joins the No Spin News to discuss the ongoing battle over the political use of the Constitution and the left's efforts to dismantle it. Why Gov. Gavin Newsom is suing Fox News. What we know about Anthony Bernal, Jill Biden's senior advisor, withdrawing from his House Oversight interview. A look at the statement from Feeding America, signed by Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, and Sheryl Crow, opposing Trump's SNAP regulations. Final Thought: Bill's first AI phone call. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if happiness wasn't just a fleeting feeling, but our natural state of being? In this powerful and heart-opening session, Sister Shivani, Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Teacher and host of “Happiness Unlimited,” shares a deeply transformative message from Tony and Sage Robbins' 2024 Date with Destiny stage in Abu Dhabi—a spiritual wake-up call to reclaim your inner power, master your thoughts, and become a radiant force of healing energy in the world. Through her wisdom, you'll discover that happiness is not just a personal pursuit—it's a karmic responsibility—and that we can raise our vibration moment by moment to not only transform ourselves, but to help heal the world. Sister Shivani explores the three pillars of personal power, with a special emphasis on the power to forgive and let go, and reveals how our thoughts, intentions, words, and behaviors ultimately shape our destiny. She breaks down what true karma means—and how to align it with love—while offering a powerful invitation to live happy and leave happy by mastering your inner world. Above all, she reminds us: no one outside of us has the power to disturb our peace—unless we give it away. This talk offers a clear, soulful understanding of how to create happiness from within, no matter what life brings.   Website: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/ Tony Robbins is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the nation's #1 Life and Business Strategist. For more than four and a half decades, more than 100 million people from 195 countries have enjoyed the warmth, humor, and transformational power of his business and personal development events. Mr. Robbins is the author of seven internationally bestselling books, including three #1 New York Times bestsellers: Money: Master the Game, Unshakeable, and Life Force. He created the #1 personal and professional development program of all time, and more than 10 million people have attended his live seminars. Anthony Robbins is the chairman of a holding company comprising more than 110 privately held businesses with combined sales exceeding $7 billion a year. He has been named in the top 50 of Worth Magazine's 100 most powerful people in global finance for three consecutive years, honored by Accenture as one of the "Top 50 Business Intellectuals in the World''; by Harvard Business Press as one of the "Top 200 Business Gurus"; and by American Express as one of the "Top Six Business Leaders in the World" to coach its entrepreneurial clients. Fortune's recent cover article named him the “CEO Whisperer.” He is a leader called upon by leaders, and has worked with four US presidents, top entertainers -- from Aerosmith to Green Day, to Usher and Pitbull, as well as athletes like Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, and the 2022 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. Billionaire business leaders seek his advice as well; casino magnate Steve Wynn, and Salesforce.com founder Marc Benioff are among those grateful for his coaching. As a philanthropist, through his partnership with Feeding America, Mr. Robbins has provided over 985 million meals in the last 8 years to those in need. He is two years ahead of schedule to provide 1 billion meals. Through the Tony Robbins Foundation, he has also awarded over 2,500 grants and other resources to health and human services organizations, implemented life-changing curricula in 1,700+ correctional facilities and gathered thousands of young leaders from around the world with its teen programs. In addition, he provides fresh water to 250,000 people a day in India in order to fight the number one killer of children in that country-waterborne diseases.

Have you ever felt torn between who you are... and who you used to be?  Inside all of us live competing identities—conflicting desires, beliefs, and values. True growth begins not by choosing one or the other, but by learning to honor and integrate them with compassion and clarity. In this powerful intervention from Date with Destiny 2024, Tony Robbins works with tech entrepreneur Josh—whose journey took him from washing dishes in college to building software used by hundreds of millions. He's achieved incredible success—and endured painful setbacks—but even with everything he's built, something feels off. The fire inside him has burned out. Josh has embraced the spiritual, laid-back “hippie” within—the side of him that no longer chases external wins. But that identity conflicts with the ambitious, relentless entrepreneur he used to be... and that internal battle has left him stuck. Tony helps Josh uncover how his unconscious mind has kept these parts of himself at odds—and how to bring them into alignment to unlock his full potential. Using tools like the Psychology of Human Needs and Collapse Anchors, Tony guides Josh to create a new story: one where he doesn't have to choose between sides but can rise as something greater. This isn't just one man's breakthrough—it's a reflection of the journey we all face. Because when we create harmony within, we awaken the power to become who we're truly meant to be. We hope this serves you—and we'd love to hear what insight you take away. *You can watch this intervention (and tons of powerful Tony Robbins content) on our official YouTube channel: youtube.com/@TonyRobbinsLive       *Tony Robbins is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the nation's #1 Life and Business Strategist. For more than four and a half decades, more than 100 million people from 195 countries have enjoyed the warmth, humor, and transformational power of his business and personal development events. Mr. Robbins is the author of seven internationally bestselling books, including three #1 New York Times bestsellers: Money: Master the Game, Unshakeable, and Life Force. He created the #1 personal and professional development program of all time, and more than 10 million people have attended his live seminars. Anthony Robbins is the chairman of a holding company comprising more than 110 privately held businesses with combined sales exceeding $7 billion a year. He has been named in the top 50 of Worth Magazine's 100 most powerful people in global finance for three consecutive years, honored by Accenture as one of the "Top 50 Business Intellectuals in the World''; by Harvard Business Press as one of the "Top 200 Business Gurus"; and by American Express as one of the "Top Six Business Leaders in the World" to coach its entrepreneurial clients. Fortune's recent cover article named him the “CEO Whisperer.” He is a leader called upon by leaders, and has worked with four US presidents, top entertainers -- from Aerosmith to Green Day, to Usher and Pitbull, as well as athletes like Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, and the 2022 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. Billionaire business leaders seek his advice as well; casino magnate Steve Wynn, and Salesforce.com founder Marc Benioff are among those grateful for his coaching. As a philanthropist, through his partnership with Feeding America, Mr. Robbins has provided over 985 million meals in the last 8 years to those in need. He is two years ahead of schedule to provide 1 billion meals. Through the Tony Robbins Foundation, he has also awarded over 2,500 grants and other resources to health and human services organizations, implemented life-changing curricula in 1,700+ correctional facilities and gathered thousands of young leaders from around the world with its teen programs. In addition, he provides fresh water to 250,000 people a day in India in order to fight the number one killer of children in that country-waterborne diseases.