Podcasts about few words

We've all heard the Democrat talking points ad nauseam—from the Epstein files to Obamacare, from Trump's health and MRI to inflation, affordability, and Biden-era policies.  But what's the strategy behind focusing so heavily on their GOP opponents instead of the bigger picture? Victor Davis Hanson says it's “just an excuse for the lack of a serious agenda”—and Democrat voters don't seem to mind. Hanson breaks down these Democrat narratives and what it means for 2026 and beyond on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “Do they say, ‘Here's my alternate plan for immigration. I want one million, two million, three million illegal. I want to go back to the Biden [administration] , two million illegal aliens a year'? No, nothing. ‘Obamacare: Here's how we're going to solve it so we don't need subsidies. A, B, C.' Nothing.” (0:00) Introduction (0:24) The Epstein Files Controversy (0:07) Obamacare and Government Shutdowns (3:03) Trump's Health and Media Narratives (3:52) Affordability and Economic Policies (5:00) Lack of Democratic Initiatives (6:55) Conclusion 

Live from Law-Di-Gras, Kevin Daisy reconnects with Jason Hennessy to discuss the importance of building a law firm that holds real value whether or not you plan to sell. Jason previews his conference panel on mergers, acquisitions, and private equity, featuring perspectives from law firms, vendors, and buyers. He shares insights on preparing a business for future opportunities, learning from failure, and navigating the challenges of private equity involvement. This energetic conversation highlights the value of networking, community, and continuous business development inside the legal industry. Chapters (00:00:00) - Private Equity: The Failures(00:00:39) - Meet the Conference MC: Bob Simon(00:02:51) - PODCAST: Private Equity Conference(00:06:10) - A Few Words for the Conference

Ukraine is back in the headlines as President Donald Trump puts forth new peace proposals to the international community. To make sense of where the conflict currently sits and what ending the war would entail, Victor Davis Hanson breaks down the core questions behind the conflict: Why did Putin invade? Why does Russia keep fighting? Why won't NATO fully support Ukraine? And what will it take to end the war? All on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “What is the dispute left about? Ukraine's not gonna be in NATO. Putin knows that. All it is, where is the DMZ? Does Putin get to push areas westward that Ukraine, Ukrainians are currently in and fighting successfully and he can't dislodge, or not? So, that's what we're gonna, that's what the dispute is over, and the security guarantees. “If Ukraine is not in NATO, how can it defend the next invasion from Russia? Well, it's the greatest military in Europe right now. It's battle-hardened. It's got a huge army. It's well supplied. Will that continue? Will the EU or NATO continue to arm it? Will the United States back them up in extremis?”

It's common knowledge that good performance in midterm elections hinges on one key issue: the economy. The Left knows this, and it knows that Trump's economy is not only doing better than last year at this time during the Biden administration, but it's doing better than any time in history. Victor Davis Hanson explains the strategy behind the Democrats' attempt to distract Americans from booming growth before the 2026 midterms on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “The economy is going to boom in 2026 and the Left knows that. So, what is their strategy? Don't talk about the Trump economy. And we've seen what? Go after Tesla. Firebomb Tesla dealerships. Drive Tesla off, automobiles off the road because Elon Musk was the prince of darkness and he was involved in DOGE. Demonize DOGE. Go after ICE. Have street theater. Have riots. Call them Gestapo. Say they're worse than Hitler. Go after the National Guard that has cleaned up Washington, D.C. Encourage massive resistance. Call it illegal. Shut down the government.”

“Yes, we are a nation of immigrants.* “*We're a nation of legal immigrants whose first mission upon arrival in America was to be a better American than a native-born American. And many millions were. I don't think that is the case now, and the fault is not just with the immigrant, it's with us,” argues Victor Davis Hanson, following a string of high-profile, immigrant-related crimes, such as the brutal shooting of two National Guardsmen blocks away from the White House and a billion-dollar fraud scheme amongst the Somali diaspora in Minneapolis, on today's edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”

Why does America support Israel?  The answer isn't rooted in theology or special-interest politics but is grounded in strategic national interest. Victor Davis Hanson explains how Israel's status as the Middle East's only stable democracy, its alignment with U.S. security priorities, and its role in countering Iran's decades-long campaign of terror against Americans make it an essential ally on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words." “ There's only one government that is truly a free democratic government, and that's Israel. So, it has affinities with the United States and interest with the United States that transcends anything to do with the 7 million Americans who are Jewish Americans. That's just a given.  “They are not directing American policy. They couldn't unless Israel was democratic, consensual, Western, an outpost in a dangerous part of the world that has key resources for global prosperity with oil and, more importantly, is an enemy of our existential enemy that transcends any question of Israeli or Iranian animosity, and that's the theocratic government of Iran that began its existence by taking Americans hostage and storming our embassy.” (0:00) Introduction: Why the U.S. Supports Israel (1:39) The History of the U.S. and Israel (3:08) Iran: The Shared Threat (4:02) Strategic Alliances (4:40) Why Israel Is Unique in the Middle East (7:05) U.S. Interests: The Real Bottom Line (8:05) Final Thoughts

Six Democrat lawmakers urged members of the military to openly defy their commands from President Donald Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth last week.   Their video sent shock waves through the political narrative as Trump called their actions “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH” on Truth Social. But this Democrat insurrection is not new, as they've spent the past year openly encouraging defiance of federal law, from sanctuary cities to calls for soldiers to ignore orders. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down this disturbing trend on the left on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”   “ We have 600 jurisdictions in which blue cities and states say that the federal law no longer applies in their jurisdiction. That's sort of neo-Confederate nullification that's prompted the Civil War. And you know, when Jefferson Davis, when he ordered South Carolina troops to fire on Fort Sumter, all he was doing was saying that the federal government is at war with the state. That's what our mayors are doing in these blue jurisdictions.”   (0:00) Introduction(0:11) Historical Context (3:10) Nullification by Local Authorities(7:40) The Left's Broader Agenda   Daily Signal today. You'll be notified every time a new piece of content drops: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/dailysignal?sub_confirmation=1⁠   

Jeffrey Epstein died over six years ago, yet his shadow still looms large.  The Left spent years insisting incriminating evidence on President Donald Trump was hiding in the Epstein documents, but now that the files are finally being released, a very different picture is emerging. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down the facts—why 90% of Epstein's political donations went to Democrats, why the Biden DOJ sat on the trove for years, and how the rush to implicate Trump may have backfired spectacularly—on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “There is even a fourth- or fifth-dimensional chess explanation. And I'll throw it out there. In other words, Donald Trump knew that he was not in those files. But he had heard…that 90% of the references of fundraising and money and associates, to the degree they were political, involved Democrats. He also knew that, unlike himself, who had ostracized Jeffrey Epstein before he was convicted of trafficking and sexual crimes—that is, before he was a de facto pedophile—he had distanced himself and others had not.  “The Democrats would overreach and say, ‘Get it out. Get it out. Get it out.' And he thought: Ah, they didn't get it out because they are incriminated. And now they've leaked all they can about me. And unlike me, a lot of these people were involved after Jeffrey Epstein was convicted of a sexual crime. And I'm just gonna let them demand and clamor, until an opportune moment, I will release it.” (0:00) Introduction (1:02) The Epstein Files Explained (3:09) Trump and the Epstein Files (4:34) Speculations and Theories (7:58) Democratic Involvement (9:31) Conclusion

“Nazi.” “Hitler.” The smears have been used against conservatives for generations—but something new is happening.  Victor Davis Hanson warns that a small, vocal corner of the Right is beginning to flirt with World War II revisionism and even speak favorably about aspects of Nazism. He explains what the Nazi Party truly was, the destruction it unleashed, and why these comparisons—and this revisionism—must be confronted immediately on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”   “For the first time in all of our lives, we are seeing people openly, overtly—not very many, but they have a larger audience, it seems, every couple of months—who defend Nazism and the horrors that followed from Adolf Hitler's career. And so, it's very incumbent upon us that we know what the Nazis were, when they rose, what they caused, how we defeated them, and how an American elected president or mainstream political figures, even if we don't agree with them, are not Nazis, are not Hitler-like. That is a given.” (0:00) Introduction (2:21) The Rise and Fall of the Nazi Party (4:54) Emerging Right-Wing Revisionism (5:53) Conclusion

Decades of consensus around so-called climate catastrophe are now running into new economic, technological, and geopolitical realities. Mix in AI and its unprecedented demand for large-scale electricity generation, and we have a global climate conversation that demands to be reckoned with. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down how the foundations of decades of “green orthodoxy” are shifting on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “The people who have been the avatars of climate change, never suffer the consequences of their own ideology. Barack Obama said the planet would be inundated pretty soon, if we didn't address global climate change. Why would he buy a seaside estate at Martha's Vineyard or one on the beach of Hawaii if he really did believe that the oceans would rise and flood his multimillion-dollar investment? “The inconsistency of the global warming narrative, the self-interest in the people who promote it, and the logic that they have not presented, empirically, the evidence that would convince us that we have to radically transform our economies on the wishes of a few elites that do not have the evidence, but do have a lot of hypocrisy in the process.” (0:00) Introduction (0:58) Shifting Perspectives on Climate Change (2:28) Global Skepticism (5:12) Geopolitical Factors (6:16) Third World Demands (8:30) Hypocrisy Among Climate Change Advocates (9:49) Conclusion

The Trump administration has delivered significant achievements on border security, energy production, crime reduction, and foreign policy in its first 10 months, but several overlooked issues could become serious vulnerabilities if not addressed before the midterms.   Victor Davis Hanson breaks down the major political challenges that could quietly undermine the Trump administration's momentum heading into 2026 and why the administration must shift its public messaging toward the economy on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”   “ Donald Trump has naturally talked about achieving peace with Ethiopia and Egypt, or Pakistan or India, or what we accomplish by taking out the nuclear facilities in Iran, etc. But the elections are not won on foreign policy, unfortunately, or maybe fortunate. They're won on economics. And the Left, in that vacuum, and that lack of praise for the accomplishments of the Trump administration on energy, on GDP, on the stock market, on deregulation, on tax reform, and what will happen in 2026 when, I think, foreign investment and these new technologies will help, in addition, spur the economy and relieve our worries about inflation and affordability—we have to talk about that. Specifically, he has to talk about the comparison of the Biden administration with both his first term, but more importantly, with what he's done the first 10 to 11 months, and what will ensue in 2026 for the things he's doing now.”   00:00 Introduction 00:58 Achievements and Comparisons 04:20 HB-1 Visas Controversy 05:50 Final Thoughts    

Tucker Carlson's interview with right-wing provocateur podcaster Nick Fuentes has the conservative movement fighting over what the definition of “canceling” is and struggling to determine if there are cases in which it is called for. If so, was the Fuentes interview one of them? Victor Davis Hanson states there is a fine line between “canceling” and “deplatforming,” and it all has to do with how the platformer handles the issue they're amplifying. He breaks down this dichotomy and explains where he believes Carlson went wrong on this episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “ When you don't invite Nick Fuentes on your program, it doesn't mean that you're canceling him. It doesn't mean that you're deplatforming him because he's beyond the pale. And you say, ‘Well, who are you to say that, Victor?' Well, I'm not Victor saying that. There are accepted norms—that you don't use the N-word, or you don't call for people to go back to Israel, if they're Jewish, or you don't make fun of people's race in the public sphere, the way he did. You can do that, of course, under the First Amendment, but you're not invited into acceptable venues to vent those views and to spread hate.” (0:00) Platforming vs. Canceling (2:15) Debating Extremists (3:54) Tucker Carlson's Skills (4:27) Norms and Boundaries in Media (5:42) Tucker Carlson's Recent Controversies (6:54) Conclusion

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the Allied powers defeated Germany, ending World War I. The annual celebration of this pivotal date we know to be Veterans Day. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down the history of the holiday—from the challenges the U.S. faced entering World War I and the extraordinary contributions of American troops to the transformation of its beginnings as Armistice Day to a day in which we honor all who have served in the U.S. military—on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”

Lorraine Ball is an Entrepreneur. Author. Professional speaker. Host of More than a Few Words. She spent decades in the trenches—building businesses, surviving boardrooms, and navigating marketing mayhem—so when she talks shop, it's from real-world experience, not recycled theory. Join my PodFather Podcast Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about Start Your Own SKOOL Communityhttps://www.skool.com/signup?ref=c72a37fe832f49c584d7984db9e54b71 Join our Brain Fitness SKOOL Grouphttps://www.skool.com/brainfitness/about #podcasting #podmatch #LorraineBall====================Join Podmatch ⁠⁠ https://www.joinpodmatch.com/roy⁠Speaking Podcast Social Media / Coaching My Other Podcasts ⁠ https://bio.link/podcaster ⁠====================Bio of Lorraine BallAfter spending too many years in Corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to the bureaucracy, glass ceilings and bad coffee to follow her passion to help small business owners succeed Today, this successful entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker, enjoys sharing what she knows about marketing in workshops around the county, and in her weekly podcast More than a Few Words. She brings creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience to every conversation.In her spare time, she loves to travel, and take photos.  What we Discussed: 0:00 Who is Lorraine Ball01:20 How did she Start a Podcast 15 years ago03:55 Why her show is now 10 mins06:00 Her Hosting Platforms that she used08:30 Using Ai for your Podcast10:03 Using Opis Clips for Reels11:30 Creating the Graphic for the Episode14:40 Early to Podcasting Late to Video16:00 Tube Buddy Vs VIDIQ18:25 What is the One thing to Explode my Podcast19:45 You can Re-upload Videos and get more downloads21:20 Ensure you put the Podcast on lots of Platforms22:35 You do not need to pay to add your RSS Feed to other Platforms24:00 We are Trying Substack for our Podcasts28:05 Using Facebook for your Podcast29:30 Do you Start your own Group or Participate31:30 Be Selective in the Groups and constantly clean it up32:30 Ensure you update your social med ia links quarterly35:00 Both the Host and Guest must Promote37:35 Series on What Went Wrong38:30 Having your Guests in a Book45:30 People charging a lot of money to be part of a book48:10 How does she organise her Podcasting week52:35 If you have PodFade you can release older shows How to Contact Lorraine Ballhttps://morethanafewwords.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/https://x.com/MTFWPodcasthttps://ph.pinterest.com/lorrainefballhttps://www.youtube.com/@MTFWPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/themtfwpodcast/___________________

Tucker Carlson's interview with controversial right-wing podcaster Nick Fuentes has snowballed into a bigger conversation that has everyone asking: Does the Right have a serious issue with antisemitism?   Victor Davis Hanson explains how conservative icons like William F. Buckley once handled extremists, contrasts that with today's platforms, and explores why some on the right are now flirting with the same rhetoric on Israel that echoes left-wing sentiments. How should the conservative movement handle this divide? Hanson breaks it down on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”   “I think the reason for the rise of antisemitism is an element, the isolationist base of the MAGA movement, felt that it was the driving force and that it was going to be isolationist and we were not going to get involved in the Middle East. And they were very suspicious of so-called, what they call neocons and what they call Christian Zionists. As Tucker said, he hates Christian Zionists over any other people. Even bin Laden? Al-Qaeda? ISIS? I don't know. But they were losing influence. Donald Trump proved that he is not a neoisolation. He's a Jacksonian. Targeted strikes to preserve and enhance U.S. deterrents.”   (0:00) Introduction (0:59) The Tucker Carlson-Nick Fuentes Interview (1:32) The Rise of Right-Wing Antisemitism (7:44) Left-Wing vs. Right-Wing Antisemitism (9:17) The MAGA Movement and Isolationism (11:09) The Importance of the U.S.-Israel Alliance (14:14) Conclusion  

Last month, former Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi suggested that local and state authorities in California, a sanctuary state, could arrest federal agents for enforcing federal immigration law, saying that while “the president may enjoy absolute immunity courtesy of his rogue Supreme Court, those who operate under his orders do not.” The former speaker, as well as other mayors and governors who see fit to nullify federal law, should take a moment and reread the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution, which “details that local state authorities are subject to treaties and the laws that the federal government makes. And, therefore, pursuant to those laws, they are subordinate,” argues Victor Davis Hanson on today's edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “We know in 1961-63, we had another attempt to nullify the supremacy clause. Southern governors in Mississippi and Arkansas and Alabama said, 'Federal law does not apply here. The Supreme Court ruling does not apply here. In our opinion, we can run our schools the way local people want. And we're gonna resist you.' The Eisenhower, and then later the Kennedy administration, said, 'No, you're not. We have the federal government's military, and we can federalize and hold you in contempt and arrest you because of the supremacy clause.'"

President Donald Trump just forced China into its most vulnerable position in decades. Trump wrapped up a weeklong trip to Asia and, after years of tension and economic warfare, negotiated a sweeping deal with Beijing. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down the specifics of the deal—including China's promise to stop the flow of fentanyl to Mexico—how this breakthrough happened, and what this means for the future of U.S.-China relations on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “ [China] sized up the domestic renaissance here at home—low inflation, basically 3% or below, 3%, probably, at the end of the year of GDP, stock market record levels, vast new investments—and they said: You know what? The United States is back. And the foreign—the atmosphere is very different. “Neutrals will probably join them. And their friends are emboldened. So, they've got new alliances. NATO is stronger than it's ever been. So, you add all of that up and the Chinese said to themselves the following: I think it's time to cut a deal. Not that we're gonna give up on trying to erode and subvert the United States.” (0:00) Trump and Xi's Deal (0:46) Why Now? (3:24) The Left's Weakness (6:39) U.S. Domestic Renaissance (8:50) China's Calculated Pause (9:54) The Future of US-China Relations

America has seen this before—and it didn't end well.  Liberal governors across the nation, from California to Illinois, are defying federal immigration law and challenging the very authority of the Constitution itself. Victor Davis Hanson sounds the alarm on a “neo-Confederate nullification movement” emerging among the Left with its approach to resisting the Trump administration's deportation efforts on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words." “This has a neo-Confederate pedigree. And we know where Bleeding Kansas led to. Once you nullify federal law and once you glorify violence—and by the way, the Left has glorified almost every major left-wing assassin, whether it was Mr. Hodgkinson that tried to take out the House leadership, or Tyler Robinson, who took out Charlie Kirk, or Luigi Mangione, who killed the CEO of UnitedHealth, or Mr. Crooks and Mr. Routh, who tried to kill Donald Trump on two occasions. When you have glorification of that type of violence and political assassination, we know where it's going to lead. It leads from Bleeding Kansas to Harpers Ferry to Fort Sumter. And they're playing with fire. And it's very dangerous for the republic. And it's time for the Left to stop.”

Democrat Maine senatorial candidate Graham Platner claims that he didn't know he got a Nazi tattoo in 2007 while serving as a U.S. Marine, saying on “Pod Save America” that he was “very inebriated” and “chose a terrifying skull and crossbones off the wall because we were Marines and skulls and crossbones are a pretty standard military thing.” “The Democrats are in a quandary. The old guard of Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, are very worried about this young group of more radical, Jacobin, younger people who want to shut down the government … “The problem that these people have is they are not in the mainstream of American politics. And so, they have said things in their past before they were candidates—sometimes during—that are incompatible with the majority of Americans' views on what denotes proper behavior and conduct of a politician or an official. “For example, Mr. Platner in Maine … “It was the exact replica, facsimile of the Totenkopf, death's head, emblem of the 3rd SS-Waffen Division in World War II, a division that was made up of former, at least in its 1939-41 inception, former death camp guards and special Einsatzgruppen group killers of Jews,” argues Victor Davis Hanson on today's edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”

Who's more of a “king”: Donald Trump, who ran for election three times, won the popular vote, the Electoral College, and all the swing states in 2024, or Joe Biden, who was appointed by Democratic Party elites in 2020 to be the nominee after losing the first three primaries and remained sequestered to his basement for the remainder of the campaign? Monarchs conduct lawfare. For all his talk in 2016 about “locking her up,” President Donald Trump did not direct his administration to investigate Hillary Clinton, however, Trump “had 91 indictments filed by federal, local, and state prosecutors in cahoots,” points out Victor Davis Hanson on today's edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”  “Joe Biden, in 2020, had lost the first three caucuses or primaries. He was going nowhere. And then a group of insiders, politicos, donors, the media panicked because they knew that to nominate a Elizabeth Warren, a Pete Buttigieg, especially a Bernie Sanders, would destroy the Democratic ticket. “So, they cooked up this idea that Joe Biden from Scranton—even though they knew he was already cognitively challenged—could be a veneer, a wax effigy. And then they did not allow him to campaign because we know what happens when he campaigns, as we saw in 2024. “He sat in the basement under the pretext of COVID. He outsourced his campaign like a royal monarch to his underlings in the media. They got him elected. And then he, more or less, abdicated while on the job and let the hard Left, in this quid pro quo arrangement, run the country.”

President Donald Trump's privately funded plan to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom has Democrats like Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren fuming about “luxury” while they've shut down the government. Presidents have remodeled the White House for over a century—from Harry Truman's gut renovation to Barack Obama's basketball court—yet only Trump gets scorn. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down the hypocrisy on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “Do we really want to know what belittles the White House? I mean, we're just coming off the Biden administration, where cocaine was found in a carrel in the West Wing. … Do you remember when Barack Obama was president? He brought in a whole cadre of Muslim Brotherhood people that were tied to Hamas Islamic terrorism. He brought an entourage, in 2012, into the White House. I remember, 2016, he thought it would be neat to have his favorite rappers in the White House. Kendrick Lamar—“Pimp a Butterfly.” Remember those lyrics about killing the police in the White House? That rapper—‘kill po-po,' as he said.  “We could go on with the embarrassing incidents. I won't mention what transpired between Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton right off the Oval Office in the presidential laboratory. But nonetheless, the ballroom was needed. 

As the week closes out, the government shutdown has officially become the second-longest in American history, and Democrats have made it clear they don't intend to vote to reopen it soon. It's clear why they're holding the government hostage: Democrats keep backing losing causes—open borders, defunding police, pro-Palestine protests, and trans athletes in women's sports—with no leader strong enough to steer them through. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down their strategy and what Republicans must do to end the shutdown on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “ We had an election. You guys, whether Republicans or Democrats, lost, and now you're kind of poor losers and you're saying you're losing in chess so you wanna overthrow the board and say, 'I'm gonna shut it all down.'" And then public opinion starts to go against the people who shut down. I think we're at that point now where the Democrats are seeing a diminishing return on their investment of shutting the government down.” (0:00) Introduction (1:24) Who's Responsible? (5:42) Impact on Trump (6:54) Internal Struggles (8:46) Conclusion

For the first time in the modern era, New York City may soon elect an unapologetic socialist as its mayor: Zohran Mamdani   The Democrat candidate has expressed ideas that go far beyond traditional liberal politics, echoing principles more commonly associated with communist ideology. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down how New York's shifting demographics and political culture have created the ideal conditions for Mamdani's rise—and also how his mayoral reign could permanently alter the city's future—on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”   “ Can he be stopped? The only way that he could be stopped, if the right part of the Left and the Center and the Right were to combine and say: ‘We don't like each other. We have very little in common. But this man represents the destruction of our way of life. He's anti-Israel. He is antisemitic. He is pro-Hamas. He is anti-capitalist. He's anti-free enterprise. He's socialistic. And he's gonna bankrupt the state and drive out our entire source of wealth that is the financial class itself.'” 00:00 Introduction to Zohran Mamdani's Mayoral Candidacy 02:02 Mamdani's Socialist Agenda 03:05 Demographic Shifts in New York City 05:16 Potential Opposition Candidates 07:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

California entered the union in 1850 as a free state—yet black Californians are about to cash out big on reparations, thanks to Gov. Gavin Newsom. So, who exactly is owed and for what? And what is Newsom's angle here, considering his state is already facing massive deficits? Victor Davis Hanson breaks down California's newly approved reparations agenda on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “ The black population of California is about 5.4% of the 41 million people. Who are going to be paying the reparations? The so-called white oppressor, victimizer class is only 42%. It is a minority.  “ Who is black in a multiracial, intermarried culture? Are we going to go back to the Elizabeth Warren rule? Do we need DNA badges? Are we gonna use the old Confederate measure of one-sixteenth? 16% to 17% of the California population identify as multiracial. How do we know who is white, who is Hispanic, who is black? It's very hard to adjudicate that.”

California's Prop 50 could completely erase Republican representation in elections. The measure would hand Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration the power to redraw California's congressional districts. Supporters say the measure simply mirrors what Texas has done to strengthen Republican representation, but Hanson argues this is a blatantly partisan effort to cement Democrat control and eliminate what little Republican representation remains in California. He breaks it down on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “Gavin Newsom, moreover, when he's been asked about that, he says that he wants to punch these people. I guess he was referring to Republicans in general or the Texas Republicans in particular. He wants to ‘punch them in the mouth.'  He said he wants to punch Donald Trump in the mouth. The rhetoric is heating up but will Proposition 50 pass in a state that is 60%, in most elections, voting toward the Left or for Democrats? It probably will. And we in California who are on the conservative side will go from 17% representation—not 40%, of which reflects our actual numbers, but 17%—now to about 9% after Proposition 50 passes.”

President Donald Trump is forcing the Democrats to face something they're not used to: accountability. We're seeing this play out with his indictment of Letitia James, the attorney general for the state of New York, who made being a Trump adversary a core part of her political brand. Now, she faces charges related to her Maryland property declarations, including discrepancies on federal forms and taxes. On today's episode of "Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words,” Hanson contrasts this case with previous legal actions taken against Trump, highlighting the double standard that Democrats have gotten used to when it comes to evading justice—until now. “We saw, with Alvin Bragg and Letitia James and Fani Willis and Jack Smith, a miscarriage of justice. We all knew that those charges that these four prosecutors filed, A, would've never been filed had Donald Trump said he was not going to run again. B, they will never be filed against any other politician, no doubt. And C, if Donald Trump just said that he was going to run, but he decided he was a RINO or he was left-wing and he agreed with Letitia James' political views, he probably would've got off. He would never have been indicted. And you can diddle the same attitude from Judge Engoron. So, do you just let that all slide or do you look at what Letitia James has allegedly done? It's just simply a question.”

Donald Trump has pulled off one of the greatest feats of his presidency by securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas—just nine months into his return to the presidency. From Iran and Israel to Ethiopia and Egypt, Kosovo and Serbia, and Pakistan and India, Trump approaches foreign policy through direct negotiation, economic leverage, and personal diplomacy. Victor Davis Hanson explores why this model succeeded where others failed, and how it could soon shape Trump's approach to Ukraine on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words." “Why is this happening now, though? It didn't happen under Biden, a settlement in the Middle East. It did not happen under Trump's first administration. It did not happen under Obama. It did not happen under George Bush. There were about 10 things that had to happen. All these intricate pieces in this puzzle, the pieces of the peace, all fell into success in a way that made it possible. What were they? “Donald Trump created personal relationships in the Arab community. He did not insult the Saudis, as Joe Biden had done during the 2020 campaigns. He did not alienate the Arab community. He did not alienate Benjamin Netanyahu. He gave them concessions. He praised them. He created personal relationships. He did trade deals. He used tariffs as carrot and a stick, pressures and leverages.”

Recruiter, podcaster, and process evangelist Darren Saul returns to More Than a Few Words to unpack a painfully relatable story: the one that got away. After weeks of work, multiple interviews, and a seemingly perfect match, Darren's top candidate vanished right after receiving the offer—without so much as a “thanks, but no thanks.” Ouch. But this isn't just a story about recruitment. It's a wake-up call for marketers, sales pros, and anyone who works with humans (aka all of us). Because whether you're filling a role, closing a deal, or pitching a new client, the lessons are the same: assumptions kill deals, and skipping steps in your process will always come back to haunt you. Key Points Even perfect processes can fail if you don't fully qualify the people you're dealing with. Ghosting isn't just rude—it's bad business. Burning bridges happens silently and swiftly. Recruitment and sales are two sides of the same coin: both require curiosity, follow-through, and respect. Process isn't optional. Skipping steps may feel faster, but it will cost you in the long run. Actionable Takeaways Qualify early and thoroughly. Ask the hard questions up front: Are they really ready to make a move? Who else is involved in the decision? Treat recruitment like sales. Whether it's a client, candidate, or customer—if you're not uncovering hidden decision-makers or motivations, you're setting yourself up for a surprise. Build a repeatable process. Ad hoc might get you a few wins, but systems scale success. Stay professional—even when others don't. When someone disappears, take the high road. It pays off in long-term reputation. Track the quiet ones. That candidate who ghosted? He's still in the same job. You dodged a bullet. My guest Darren Saul Darren is a Serial Podcaster, Strategist, Trainer, Coach, Keynote Speaker and Student of Human Attention. He started using the Power of Podcasting to build his photography business and was so amazed with the results he never looked back! He is now a Podcast Junkie who consults with organizations to help them get serious business results integrating Podcasting into their marketing strategy.  LEARN MORE: https://suspendedanimation.com.au/

I had a conversation with Deanna Russo, LinkedIn pro and founder of Leverage Up, about one of those ideas that sounded great in theory—but fizzled out in practice. Her LinkedIn group community was supposed to be the perfect extension of her one-on-one coaching work. But in the end, it didn't quite land the way she hoped. Deanna built a network of over 30,000 followers on LinkedIn, so she knows a thing or two about creating connection. But even with that experience, launching a paid online community turned out to be harder than expected. She tried different formats. Played with cadence. Offered recordings. Bundled it with coaching. Unbundled it. But the reality was clear: the group wasn't growing, and more and more people kept asking for one-on-one support. Sometimes, the business speaks for itself. And it's not saying “try harder”—it's saying “try something else.”   Key Takeaways from Deanna's Story If it's not growing, it's not working. Pay attention to where your customers naturally gravitate. If one offer is thriving while another flounders, don't split your energy trying to force both to succeed. Running a community is a full-time job. You need structure, support, and likely a second set of hands. A community isn't just a cheaper version of coaching—it's a different product entirely. Be careful with “easy yes” pricing. A low price point can feel generous, but if people can get similar content elsewhere for free, you're training them to overlook the value you bring. Don't confuse content with connection. Just because people watch, read, or listen doesn't mean they're ready to join or engage. Broadcasting and building community are not the same thing. You can walk away and still win. Deanna's weekly LinkedIn Audio show gave her visibility—but when it became more burden than benefit, she stepped back. That created space for what's working now: one-on-one coaching and organic LinkedIn engagement that's deeply human. More than a Few Words is a marketing podcast for marketing pros and beginners, who are building businesses, leading brands, and doing it all without the marketing BS. Hosted by Lorraine Ball, each episode is a quick hit of practical advice, candid conversations, and marketing truth bombs from pros who've been there. No hype. No hustle culture. Just smart ideas you can actually use — whether you're running a business from your kitchen table or corner office. Subscribe for new episodes, expert interviews, and marketing tips with just the right mix of sass and strategy. Visit https://morethanafewwords.com for more resources and downloads Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn

What if I told you there was one metric that could truly move your business forward—and most business owners aren't even paying attention to it? That's what we're diving into in this episode of More than a Few Words. I had a conversation with jake Tlapek, aka the Wizard of Marketing, who's spent the last decade helping struggling brands become high-growth success stories using battle-tested SEO and creative problem-solving. Episode Recap: When most people think of marketing metrics, they zero in on traffic, leads, or social likes. But Jake makes the case for a bigger-picture indicator: Share of Brand Voice—a measure of how often your brand shows up compared to competitors. It's not a tidy little number you can find in a single report. Measuring it requires stitching together insights from a variety of sources. It's not a tidy little number you can find in a single report. Measuring it requires stitching together insights from a variety of sources. But if you're serious about building a visible, respected brand, this metric can't be ignored. We talked about why it matters more than ever in the era of AI search, and what you can start doing right now—even if you don't have access to fancy tools or a big team. Key Points: Share of Brand Voice is about visibility in your space: how often your brand is mentioned, cited, or seen versus your competitors. It's not easily measured in one place—you'll need to combine analytics, branded search volume, and SEO tools for a clearer picture. Tools like SparkToro and Search Atlas can help if you're ready to go deeper. Don't overlook your Google Search Console and branded keyword searches—they're a great place to start. AI Search is Changing the Game AI doesn't just answer one query. It generates dozens of variations before delivering results. To show up in AI overviews, your content should answer multiple versions of the same core question. Visibility in AI results depends on pattern recognition—the more your brand appears across the web, the more likely it is to be included in AI-generated answers. Actionable Takeaways for Women Business Owners: Start by tracking branded searches in Google Search Console. If no one is looking for you by name, it's time to build awareness. Answer variations of your most-asked questions across your blog, website, and social platforms. Repetition is your friend. Get featured elsewhere. Guest blogs, podcast interviews, and external mentions help create brand signals AI can detect. Create short-form video content. Every video gets transcribed and indexed—boosting both search and AI visibility. Don't just post—get credited. Whether you're guesting on a podcast or writing for another site, make sure your name and brand are clearly attached. Jake Tlapek Jake, often called the  Wizard of Marketing has spent the last decade turning struggling brands into high-growth businesses using no-fluff strategy, battle-tested SEO, and a heavy dose of creative problem-solving. From WordPress to PPC, content to conversion, he  break down the complex so business owners can actually win online.   

What Went Wrong: I Was Talking to the Wrong Audience After years of interviewing guests about their marketing mistakes, I decided it was time to turn the microphone on myself. This solo episode of More than a Few Words dives into one of my biggest missteps—fifteen years in the making. When I launched More than a Few Words, I imagined it as a smart marketing resource for small business owners. I was running a digital agency, working with contractors, lawyers, and local service pros. Naturally, I figured a podcast could attract more of them. The idea seemed solid. The conversations were interesting. The episodes were sharp and useful. But there was one little problem. My audience wasn't listening. Turns out, the folks I built the show for—the small business owners—weren't looking for deep dives into marketing trends or strategy debates. That's why they hired me in the first place. They wanted solutions, not theory. So even though the podcast was fun to make and attracted listeners, those listeners weren't potential clients. The show didn't generate leads. It didn't grow the business. It just... existed. What I'd Do Differently I wish I'd paused sooner to really look at who was tuning in. Because the people showing up every week weren't roofers or accountants—they were marketers. Women like me. Creative professionals building their own businesses, trying to balance their love of marketing with the pressure of proving it works. So I've finally stopped pretending this is a business podcast for business owners. More than a Few Words is for marketers. For the curious, the committed, and the occasionally overwhelmed. For the ones who love what they do, but still sometimes wonder if they're getting it right. It's a space for real conversations—not just highlight reels—and stories that show what happens when things go sideways. If that sounds like your kind of show, hit subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.     

In this episode, Lolita uses five project management strategies to walk you through how to rebrand your professional life and business! And guess what, this is only part I!! Part II will surround relationships! I cannot wait either! Here's what is in store: 0.04: Intro1.07: Origin of the episode2.15: Part I: Definition Phase4.10: Part II: Planning Phase6.36: Part II: Execute with Confidence9.11: Monitor, Adjust, Reaffirm13.00: Project Closure14.12: Recap15.05: Affirmations-Out-Loud17.35: 3 Asks of Each of You 18.10: Part II is Coming - Rebranding in Relationships!!18.52: Outro and a Few Words from Lolita Be sure to stay connected and to leave that 5 star review @bit.ly/LolitaReviews IG - https://www.instagram.com/heycoachwalkerFB and YouTubeLet's connect directly at www.lolitawalker.com Chapters (00:00:04) - Intro(00:01:07) - Origin of Episode(00:02:15) - Definition Phase(00:04:10) - Planning Phase(00:06:36) - Execution Phase(00:09:11) - Monitor, Adjust, Reaffirm(00:13:00) - Project Closure(00:14:12) - Recap(00:15:05) - Affirmation-Out-Loud(00:17:35) - 3 Asks of Each of You(00:18:10) - Part II is Coming - Rebranding in Relationships(00:18:52) - Outro with Words from Lolita E. Walker of lolitawalker.com

How do you pack big ideas into a bite-sized podcast episode? Lorraine Ball reveals her secrets for creating powerful, engaging 10-minute shows your listeners will love. Learn to prep guests, tighten your content, and keep audiences hooked every time by tuning in!   WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Why guest preparation is key to shorter episodes Effective tools for simplifying your editing workflow How to craft clear, concise podcast episodes The importance of prioritizing your audience's time Benefits of focusing on one clear takeaway per episode   RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED PodMatch Opus Clips Canva ChatGPT ABOUT LORRAINE BALL Lorraine Ball is an entrepreneur, author, professional speaker, and marketing educator with more than 40 years of experience in both corporate and agency settings. After spending too many years in Corporate America, she left the bureaucracy, glass ceilings, and bad coffee to build and run her own marketing agency for 19 years before selling it, then followed her passion to help small business owners succeed. Today, she's the founder of Digital Toolbox and host of the bite-sized marketing podcast More than a Few Words, sharing creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience in workshops, college classrooms, and every episode. In her spare time, she loves to travel and capture photographs.   CONNECT WITH LORRAINE Website: Lorraine Ball | More than a Few Words  Podcast: More Than a Few Words | Apple Podcasts and Spotify Facebook: More than a Few Words Instagram: @themtfwpodcast YouTube: More than a Few Words  LinkedIn:  Lorraine Ball Amazon: Lorraine Ball CONNECT WITH US If you are interested in getting on our show, email us at team@growyourshow.com. Thinking about creating and growing your own podcast but not sure where to start? Click here and Schedule a call with Adam A. Adams! Subscribe so you don't miss out on great content and if you love the show, leave an honest rating and review here!

“Yes, the world feels like a hot mess right now. But what if the real power lies not in fixing the chaos ‘out there,' but in finding our footing ‘in here'?” That was the heart of my recent conversation on More Than a Few Words with the always wise and wonderfully grounded Deborah Sunderland. We didn't talk strategy or spreadsheets this time—we talked soul. How we, as women business owners, can navigate the storms of our external world by coming back to the steady center within ourselves. Because let's be honest: things are weird out there. Between the economy, politics, and everything in between, it's easy to feel like we're being tossed around in a storm we didn't sign up for. But as Deborah gently reminded me—and now, I'll remind you—we've been through a lot, and we're still standing. That resilience? It's no small thing. Key Takeaways for Women Business Owners: You've already weathered storms. Recognize your resilience. The past few years have tested everyone, and you've made it through. That alone deserves a moment of appreciation. Your mindset is your power tool. Our brains are sneaky little things—they'll default to fear and scarcity unless we redirect them. When you catch yourself spiraling, pause and ask: “What thought is driving this feeling?” and then: “How might this actually be for me?” Emotions aren't the enemy—resistance is. Don't stuff it down. Feel it fully. Most emotions pass in 90 seconds if we stop wrestling with them. Anger, fear, frustration—they're signals, not stop signs. Shift the conversation with yourself. The most important conversations aren't in the boardroom—they're in your own mind. Be kinder, more curious, and less judgmental toward yourself. And hey, extend that grace to others too (yes, even the annoying customer service rep). Your breath is free medicine. Use it. Three deep breaths can shift your entire nervous system. It's not woo—it's biology. Take those moments of calm and reclaim your focus. Try This Today: Grab a notebook and write down: “How am I OK right now?” List at least 5 things. (Yes, “I'm breathing” counts!) Close your eyes and take 3 slow, deep breaths. Let your body know: “I am safe right now.” Before reacting to someone, ask: “How might they be doing their best?” It'll change the tone—and the outcome—of your conversation. About Debra Debra's genius is creating a clear vision for CEO's and their teams – making that vision a reality. With decades of C-level executive and team coaching, Debra challenges leaders by inviting them to create a collaborative, vibrant, responsible, and joy-filled culture, which fosters highly desirable results. Her practice is shared in a diverse range of industries: hi-tech, wealth management, engineering, healthcare, marketing and more. Debra specializes in awakening leaders to transformatively solve their upper limiting beliefs, sabotaging behaviors, and unconscious biases, moving them into sustainable excellence and self-awareness. She coaches through the tough and uncomfortable work of removing the blockages preventing leaders from fully living their genius, equipping them with the thoughts and skills to bring their goals to fruition. She challenges leaders to own their results in all areas of life, to be present in the here and now, stepping out of leading with reactivity and into conscious leadership. The CEO's chief purpose is to raise up their teams to practice radical responsibility and curiosity. Organizations achieve their optimal outcomes when they shift out of drama and create win-for-all solutions. Debra graduated from Miami University, holds a degree in Psychology and is certified in The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, the Integrative9 Enneagram, Corporate Goal Coaching, and CTI Co-Active training. Debra's work has been featured on Fox National/Local News, Crain's Chicago Business, the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun- Times, and 190 N Television. As a continual learner, Debra is a graduate of the Inner MBA – Mindful NYU program. Her base is Nashville and Chicago.    

Randy Newman has been nominated for 22 Academy Awards (he’s won twice), for 23 Grammy Awards (seven wins), and for three Primetime Emmy Awards (and he won all three). Bruce Springsteen has called him “our great master of American song and storytelling.” Jackson Browne says Randy Newman is “the foremost satirist of our times.” And the composer John Williams has called him “a kind of musical Will Rogers or Mark Twain.” Critic Robert Hilburn has published what may well be the definitive biography of Newman, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country. This hour, Hilburn joins us to talk Randy Newman. GUEST: Robert Hilburn: Author of A Few Words in Defense of Our Country: The Biography of Randy Newman The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Colin McEnroe and Dylan Reyes contributed to this show, which originally aired January 24, 2025.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what it really takes to build a successful podcast that stands the test of time? Today, guest Lorraine Ball shares her extensive journey in podcasting, starting from her initial curiosity in 2009 to the evolution of her show, 'More Than a Few Words.' She discusses the challenges and changes in podcasting formats, the importance of technology, and the dynamics of co-hosting. Lorraine emphasizes the significance of communication, the art of being a good guest, and the value of reusing content effectively to reach a broader audience. This week, episode 204 of Podcasting Unlocked is about podcasting strategies and tips! Entrepreneur, author, professional speaker, and host of More than a Few Words, Lorraine brings creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience to every conversation. Leaning on her experience as a business owner and former corporate executive, she delivers solid, usable content in a style that will motivate your audience to action.In this episode of Podcasting Unlocked, Lorraine Ball is sharing the importance of clear communication between guests and hosts and actionable steps you can take right now to repurpose your content to reach new audiences. Lorraine and I also chat about the following: Understanding the right podcasting format for you by trying new things.The dynamics and challenges of co-hosted shows.Tips for being a good podcast guest.Collaborating with guests to create meaningful conversations.Don't forget to head over to https://morethanafewwords.com/ to access Lorraine's podcast, resources, and more!Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on turning your podcast listeners into leads and to hear even more about the points outlined above. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don't forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Podcasting Unlocked at https://galatimedia.com/podcasting-unlocked/ CONNECT WITH LORRAINE BALL:LinkedInMore Than a Few WordsInstagramCONNECT WITH ALESIA GALATI:InstagramLinkedInWork with Galati Media! Work with Alesia 1:1Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Selling a business wasn't part of Lorraine Ball's original plan. But after nearly two decades of running her marketing agency, Roundpeg, she knew it was time for a change.Rather than walking away entirely, Lorraine kept the pieces she loved — her podcast, “More Than a Few Words”, and her consulting work — while selling the rest. “The day you start [your business], you need to think about your exit,” she says on Be A Marketer. “You want to build a business that someone will want to buy.”On this episode of Be A Marketer, host Dave Charest sits down with Lorraine to explore the key lessons she's learned along the way. She shares why answering customer questions is one of the most effective ways to improve marketing, how business owners should plan for their exit strategy from day one, and why automation is essential for filtering and prioritizing leads.As a longtime Constant Contact Partner, Lorraine also dives into how marketing automation and email segmentation have helped her streamline her efforts, engage her audience more effectively, and deliver personalized experiences that drive results.Additional Resources:Email Marketing Automation SoftwareClick Segmentation FeatureConstant Contact IntegrationsConstant Contact Partner ProgramsMeet Today's Guest: Lorraine Ball of More Than a Few Words☕ What she does: Lorraine is a marketing strategist, Constant Contact Partner, and host of the More Than a Few Words podcast. After nearly two decades running her agency, Roundpeg, she transitioned into consulting, helping businesses refine their marketing strategies and improve their results.

Sometimes, as business owners and marketers, we get so wrapped up in what excites us about our products or services that we lose sight of what matters to our audience. That's exactly what Brad Koch, a coach and business strategist, discovered the hard way. Brad talks about what went wrong as he shared a story of a marketing campaign that fell flat—and the lessons he learned about crafting messaging his customers really cared about.  Key Takeaways: Shift the focus to your audience's needs. Brad's original campaign focused on features and specs that excited his team but didn't address the real pain points of his target audience. The "aha" moment came when he realized his messaging needed to solve his customers' problems, not highlight his product's capabilities. Be the guide, not the hero. Effective marketing positions your customer as the hero of the story and your business as the guide who helps them succeed.   Clarity beats complexity. Trying to say everything in your marketing only dilutes your message. Narrow your focus, be clear, and trust that a simple, specific message will have more impact than a long list of features. Get an outside perspective. Brad emphasized the value of fresh eyes. Whether it's a trusted colleague, a coach, or an external consultant, feedback from someone outside your organization can help you see what your audience sees—and spot the gaps you're too close to notice. Actionable Insights: Before launching your next marketing campaign, ask yourself: Does this message solve a problem for my audience? Am I guiding them toward their success? Is my message clear and focused? Have I sought feedback from someone outside my team? Learn more about Brad And if you have enjoyed this conversation, be sure to check out all the resources for small business owners at More than A Few Words  

For nearly 30 years, Randy Newman has been the musical voice behind Pixar's most beloved films—Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Cars, and more—earning multiple awards and generations of fans. But beyond these nostalgic soundtracks lies a body of work that's often overlooked. Newman's solo career is a masterclass in sharp, literate satire, tackling America's deepest flaws with a deceptively laid-back style. From Sail Away to I Love L.A., his songs blend humor with biting social commentary. In this Rock N Roll Archaeology Short, we explore Newman's 1970s-era music and the new biography A Few Words in Defense of Our Country by legendary rock critic Robert Hilburn. Join us for a deep dive into the genius of Randy Newman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's face it: whether it's a middle school rumor or a scathing online review, negative feedback stings. As business owners, those harsh words often hit close to home because they're not just about our work—they're about us. In this episode of More Than a Few Words, I chatted with David Oates, a seasoned crisis communications expert, about how to handle negative reviews and comments with grace. David shared practical advice on how to respond with "empathy and action"—a simple yet powerful approach to defuse tension, protect your brand, and show others that you care about making things right. Key Takeaways: Empathy and Action Are Key: When responding to negative reviews or comments, show understanding without immediately accepting blame. Apologize for the experience and offer to make things right, which reassures current and potential customers of your commitment to service. Avoid Ignoring or Arguing: Ignoring negative feedback implies indifference, while arguing online escalates conflict. Both approaches can harm your reputation. Instead, focus on resolving the issue calmly and professionally. Use Reviews as Insights: Positive and negative reviews are goldmines for understanding your customers. Positive reviews can inspire marketing language, while negative ones offer valuable lessons to improve. Solicit Feedback Proactively: Regularly ask for customer feedback and make it easy for satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp. This helps balance out any negative comments with authentic, glowing endorsements. Think Old-School, Act Online: Just as local shopkeepers once chatted with customers over the counter, business owners today can build relationships and trust through online interactions. Approach these conversations with the same care and humanity you'd show in person. Actionable Tips: Monitor reviews and social media mentions regularly to stay on top of feedback. Respond promptly and empathetically to negative comments, signaling your commitment to customer care. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews to showcase your strengths. Remember: every interaction, even online, is a chance to build trust and loyalty. Want more great advice? Check out David's  website and connect with him on LinkedIn. For additional resources to grow your business, head over to More Than a Few Words.

In another of my continuing What Went Wrong series I chatted with Tracy Brinkman, a business success coach, podcast creator, and host of the Dark Horse Entrepreneur podcast. Tracy shared a story that every business owner can relate to: the time he created something he was certain people would love—only to be met with silence. Years ago, Tracy poured his heart into developing a goal-setting seminar. He thought he had all the pieces in place—a clear concept, valuable insights, and a hungry audience. But when he launched, there wasn't a ripple of interest. Why? Tracy realized he had skipped the most crucial step: asking his audience what they actually needed. It's a classic trap. Like Tracy, many entrepreneurs try to appeal to everyone, believing that casting a wide net will bring in more fish. But in reality, it's the focused approach—speaking directly to a specific audience—that truly resonates. Tracy's story is a powerful reminder that vague messaging and generic offers often get lost in the noise. His hard-won lesson? Focus on a niche. The smaller your target, the sharper your message, and the more likely you are to connect with those who matter. For Tracy, this meant shifting from talking to “all entrepreneurs” to addressing parents balancing corporate jobs and side hustles. He found that by narrowing his focus, he wasn't just reaching people; he was solving their specific problems, turning listeners into raving fans. Know your audience before you create. Talk to potential customers, ask questions, and listen. Insights from these conversations will guide your product or service in the right direction. Be specific in your messaging. A narrow focus on a well-defined audience leads to stronger connections and better results. Instead of shouting to the crowd, speak directly to the people you're best positioned to help. Resist the urge to please everyone. Trying to appeal to everyone dilutes your impact. Focus on solving a specific problem for a specific group. Show your value clearly. If your product or service has unique benefits, highlight them. Don't assume your audience will figure it out on their own. Start small to grow big. Building a loyal niche audience may seem limiting at first, but it's the foundation for sustainable growth. Whether you're starting a podcast, launching a product, or marketing your services, Tracy's journey is a great example of why less is often more. If you're looking for inspiration and practical tips, be sure to check out The Dark Horse Entrepreneur podcast! And if you are looking for more resources for your business check out all the Tools at More than a Few Words 

There's a common myth that as a business owner, it's your business, so you must do it all. Carolyn Bisaleeski's journey shows just how limiting that mindset can be. A former accountant turned coach and author, Carolyn shared her story on More Than a Few Words about breaking free from micromanagement, finding clarity, and creating a business aligned with her true purpose. Her insights are a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck in a role they've outgrown. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Recognizing the Red Flags Carolyn explained how feelings of dread, stress, and misalignment with her work signaled that she was no longer in the right place. For her, the daily grind became unbearable, and she realized it was time to reevaluate what she truly wanted. The Power of Clarity Once Carolyn became clear on her goals, she made decisions quickly. Within a month, she let go of her accounting firm, resolved her commitments, and transitioned to a career that felt meaningful. Clarity, she said, makes decision-making straightforward. Trust and Delegation A major hurdle for Carolyn was learning to trust others with her business. Her micromanaging tendencies were both a cause of stress and a barrier to growth. Letting go and building trust created space for transformation. Creating a ‘Shopping List' of Dreams Carolyn's practical advice for gaining clarity? Write a “shopping list” of everything you want, even the seemingly impossible. This act helps push beyond comfort zones and visualize new possibilities. Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies Carolyn emphasized the importance of balancing action-driven "masculine" approaches with intuition and flow. This holistic mindset shift empowered her to navigate change and find joy in her work again. Actionable Takeaway: If your business no longer feels like the right fit, start by carving out 30 minutes to reflect. Write down your goals—no matter how far-fetched they seem. Use this clarity to make decisions that honor both your vision and yourself. Remember, you can build a business that works for you. For more inspiration, check out Carolyn's podcast, Inspired Choice, and her new book, Inspired Chronicles. And if you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to check out More than a Few Words.     

Randy Newman has been nominated for 22 Academy Awards (he’s won twice), for 23 Grammy Awards (seven wins), and for three Primetime Emmy Awards (and he won all three). Bruce Springsteen has called him “our great master of American song and storytelling.” Jackson Browne says Randy Newman is “the foremost satirist of our times.” And the composer John Williams has called him “a kind of musical Will Rogers or Mark Twain.” Critic Robert Hilburn has published what may well be the definitive biography of Newman, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country. This hour, Hilburn joins us to talk Randy Newman. GUEST: Robert Hilburn: Author of A Few Words in Defense of Our Country: The Biography of Randy Newman The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Colin McEnroe and Dylan Reyes contributed to this show.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Lorraine BallAfter spending too many years in Corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to the bureaucracy, glass ceilings and bad coffee to follow her passion to help small business owners succeed.Today, this successful entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker, enjoys sharing what she knows about marketing in presentations to groups around the county, in college classrooms and in her weekly podcast More than a Few Words.She brings creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience to every conversation.Highlights00:00 Welcome to the Social Capital Podcast01:12 Introducing Today's Guest: Lorraine Ball02:11 Three Essential Marketing Questions04:00 Classifying Your Competitors07:19 Aligning Objectives with Marketing Tactics11:07 Advice to My 20-Year-Old Self12:32 Host Interview and Final Thoughts15:30 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationGiveawayRandom Strangers to Raving FansThis self-paced program explains how to step prospects through your sales funnel, converting random strangers into raving fans.Connect with LorraineMore than a Few WordsLinkedIn

After spending too many years in Corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to the bureaucracy, glass ceilings, and bad coffee to follow her passion for helping small business owners succeed. Today, this successful entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker, enjoys sharing what she knows about marketing in presentations to groups around the county, in college classrooms, and in her weekly podcast More than a Few Words.00:00 - 00:16 "I have often heard people say, well, I have these two communities and I will tell you that if you have two distinct communities, two totally different worlds that can use your product, that's fine. But each campaign needs to attract one.” — Lorraine Ball00:17 - 00:35 Welcome to Peppershock Media's Marketing Expedition Podcast00:36 - 01:35 Lorraine's Background01:36 - 09:45 Marketing Essentials Moment: Rise of Video Marketing09:46 - 12:05 Lorraine, welcome to the show!12:06 - 14:00 Three Key Elements for a Marketing Plan14:01 - 15:39 Identifying Your Customer15:40 - 17:39 Understanding Your Competitors17:40 - 20:11 Defining Your Marketing Objectives20:12 - 28:24 Success Story28:25 - 29:10 How do you know if your business is keeping up with all the tools, tips, and trends that will keep your marketing on the cutting edge? Join us Thursday, January 16th, 2025 for our annual interactive workshop, New Marketing Trends for the New Year!29:11 - 36:00 Encouraging User Engagement and Content Creation36:01 - 39:00 The Power of Contests for User-Generated Content39:01 - 42:02 Understanding Zero Click Strategies42:03 - 44:39 Creating Engaging Short-Form Content44:40 - 50:58 The Importance of Direct Messaging for Links50:59 - 55:24 Advice for Students Entering the Workforce55:25 - 55:49 How to connect with Lorraine (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/)55:50 - 56:37 Thank you so much, Lorraine! Share this podcast, give us a review, and enjoy your marketing journey!56:38 – 57:23 Join The Marketing Expedition Community today! - themarketingexpedition.com#MarketingPodcast #CustomerInsights #TargetAudience #CustomerFocus #ZeroClickSearches #SocialMediaMarketing #NicheMarketing #FreshMarketingStrategy #MarketingTips #MarketingExpert #VideoMarketing #MarketingJourney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Randy Newman is one of the most misunderstood and under-celebrated musicians of the modern era. Reknowned Music Journalist/Author Robert Hilburn's new book, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country is the definitive Randy Newman biography and Bob joins us to spotlight the genius and the legend of a great American musician and storyteller.Robert Hilburn was the music critic for the Los Angeles Times for 35 years and he's written books about John Lennon, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash. Bob tells us that Newman (much like Simon) had to be convinced to have his legacy chronicled. Randy grew up in a legendary musical family in which tooting your horn (metaphorically) was frowned upon. His uncles composed movie scores and they taught Randy to let the work be your voice.We hear about Randy's challenging childhood, the pressure he felt to succeed in music and how success, once achieved, incurred his father's envy. Throughout his career, Randy's best childhood friend, Lenny Waronker (who became a record exec) believed in him, opened doors and cheered his efforts.Diving further into Randy's work flow, creative struggles and anxiety-taming efforts, Bob illuminates Randy's genre-bending and cultural interrogating musical achievements.We also delve, with Bob, into the influence once held by music critics in the golden ages of both print media and the music industry. We discuss the futures of recorded music and journalism and Bob tells us about his favorite interview ever… with Bob Dylan… and that one time he went to Folsom Prison with Johnny Cash.Plus, Weezy recommends the original Apple TV+ movie, Blitz and Fritz is currently into the new series Rivals, streaming on Hulu and other platforms.Path Points of Interest:Robert HilburnRobert Hilburn on WikipediaA Few Words In Defense of Our Country: The Biography of Randy Newman by Robert HilburnRobert Hilburn Amazon Author PageRobert Hilburn on XAmanda PetrusichBlitz on Apple TVRivals - On Several Platforms

Happy 200th! Peretti & Rudy are Here! To Celebrate: PLEASE show you’re love and Like & Subscribe to Our Channel ---> https://www.youtube.com/@TrashTuesday Thank you to our Sponsor(s)! *HERS* Start your free online visit today at https://www.forhers.com/trashtuesday That’s F-O-R-H-E-R-S dot com slash trashtuesday for your personalized weight loss treatment options. *Listen to Esther's New Solo Pod!* https://www.esthersgrouptherapy.substack.com *Visit Ebb Ocean Club & Holiday Shop* https://www.ebboceanclub.com/ for Khalyla’s reef safe and biodegradable hair products! ___________________________________________________________________ MORE CHELSEA PERETTI! WEBSITE: https://chelseaperetti.komi.io/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/chelsanity/... PODCAST: Call Chelsea Peretti https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... More Rudy Jules: IG: https://www.instagram.com/rudyjuless/ Bad Friends Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@BadFriends Tigerbelly Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TigerBelly Chapters: 00:00 A Constipation Woman of Few Words 02:00 Happy 200th! Chelsea & Jules are here 07:00 Chelsea's Having a Breakdown 12:03 Proof is in the Scone 16:30 Docs' Sticking Fingers in 30:00 Super Model in her Downtime 34:00 Trader Joes Taste Test 39:00 Constipation Check In! 46:50 SOUP 01:02:30 Wrapping Up ______________________________________________________________________ FOLLOW TRASH ON SOCIALS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstrashtuesday Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itstrashtuesday More Esther: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@esthermonster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esthermonster/ More Khalyla: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khalamityk/ Tigerbelly Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCIyIoM_Nd8HtY19fuR_ov2A PRODUCTION: Production Team: Tiny Legends, LLC: https://www.instagram.com/tinylegends.prod/ Stella Young: https://www.instagram.com/estellayoung/ Guy Robinson: https://www.instagram.com/grobfps/ Ariel Moreno: https://www.instagram.com/jade.rabbit.cce/ Edited By: Case Blackwell: https://www.instagram.com/caseblackwell/

The witty, cynical and often tongue-in-cheek songwriter Randy Newman is the subject of a new biography. He also wrote a bunch of film scores, including the music for Toy Story, Ragtime, A Bug's Life, and Monsters, Inc. We're revisiting Newman's interview with Terry Gross from 1998 and Ken Tucker reviews the book, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country.Justin Chang reviews the new Vatican thriller Conclave.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We often get advice about how we should interact and engage on social media. You need to be subtle. Don't be too pushy. Don't jump to offering your product and services right away. That is all good advice. I would never want to walk into a networking event and start talking to the very first person I meet about how I can help them without finding out a little bit about them. But, sometimes that advice to be subtle takes us in the wrong direction. We're so careful not to promote our product or services that people don't know what it is we really do. I know I can be guilty of this and so today I'm going to tell you I work with businesses that have spent money on marketing and are not satisfied with the results. They're looking for a quick independent assessment of what they're doing and how they can do it better. Sound like you? Well then book an appointment today. Oh, and come back and listen to longer episodes of More Than a Few Words wherever you listen to podcasts.   BOOK AN OFFICE HOUR -