Podcasts about final reflections

Eric Van Buren grew up in Washington, DC in a stable home with hardworking parents and a strong family foundation, but his life took a turn after high school when fighting and drug dealing pulled him into the streets. After being arrested on a state murder charge and beating the case, Eric thought the worst was behind him — until the federal government indicted him on a major drug conspiracy. The feds sentenced Eric to life in prison, and he went on to serve 19 years inside some of the most dangerous federal prisons in the country, fighting to survive both mentally and physically. In this episode, Eric breaks down how a good kid ended up with a life sentence, what day-to-day survival in high-security federal prison is really like, and how he ultimately got his sentence reduced after nearly two decades behind bars. This is a raw, unfiltered story about choices, consequences, and redemption inside the federal prison system. _____________________________________________ #prisonstory #lifeinprison #truecrime #federalprison #survivestory #prisonlife #lockedin #realstories _____________________________________________ Thank you to PRIZEPICKS for sponsoring this episode! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! _____________________________________________ Connect with Eric Van Buren: TikTok: @ericvanburen4senate Facebook: vanburenforwashingtoncounty Instagram: @vanburen_statesenate Website: https://believe-community.org/ _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Sentenced to Life: Inside USP Lewisburg 00:42 Eric's Early Life, Ambition & Missed Opportunities 03:53 Growing Up Between DC & Maryland's Drug Culture 05:48 Family Support, Stability & Early Choices 09:30 School Fights, Identity & Anger 12:00 Gambling, Temptation & Entering the Streets 17:40 First Drug Deals & Learning the Game 23:34 Building Connections & Escalating the Operation 27:39 Life in the Drug Trade: Danger, Paranoia & Survival 33:01 Run-Ins with Law Enforcement & Family Fallout 36:46 County Jail Reality: Violence, Power & Fear 43:06 Release, Reentry Struggles & Going Back to the Streets 47:57 Federal Indictment: How the Feds Built the Case 56:09 Federal Trial, Conspiracy Charges & System Pressure 01:01:05 Hearing “Life in Prison” From the Judge 01:06:12 Surviving a Federal Penitentiary: USP Lewisburg 01:13:54 Prison Politics, Violence & Staying Alive 01:24:00 From Life Sentence to Freedom: What Changed 01:33:34 Adjusting to Life After Prison 01:41:41 Rebuilding Family Trust & Healing Trauma 01:52:06 Creating Purpose After Prison & Giving Back 02:03:31 Final Reflections, Second Chances & Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Sam dive into the emotional and intense series finale of Stranger Things Season 5. They share personal reactions to the finale,  including moments that genuinely moved them and reflect on the impact this series has had over the years. From Mike, Eleven, Will, and Hopper to the full ensemble, they explore friendships, growth, and the endurance of the team, highlighting heartfelt, surprising, and epic moments. They also discuss theories about the upcoming spinoff, the storytelling mastery of the Duffer Brothers, and their own emotional responses while adding clips to enhance the discussion. Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions 01:26 Nostalgia and Emotional Impact 02:33 Character Dynamics and Key Moments 04:49 Heartfelt Moments and Character Growth 11:10 Epic Battles and Teamwork 14:17 Bravery and Sacrifice 19:09 Reflections and Theories 32:00 18 Months Later: Life After the Finale 38:08 Reflecting on Character Endings 38:43 Max's Graduation Mystery 40:47 The D&D Finale and Emotional Closure 42:43 Character Check-In and Final Reflections 46:44 Rapid Fire Fun and Favorite Moments 50:13 Laugh Out Loud Moments 52:47 Characters We'll Miss the Most 54:45 Hopes for a Spinoff and Favorite Seasons 57:40 Duffer Brothers' Storytelling Mastery 01:00:32 Parting Thoughts on Stranger Things 01:04:30 TV and Movie Recommendations Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus. Website: www.screensinfocus.com Email: screensinfocus@gmail.com  X https://x.com/screensinfocus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus  Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:    Google voice (669) 223-8542‬  Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com  

Many people believe that memory loss, physical decline, and loss of independence are inevitable parts of aging. But what if that belief is wrong? In this first Growing Older Living Younger episode of 2026, Dr. Gillian Lockitch challenges the outdated narrative that aging automatically means decline. Drawing on decades of medical expertise, cutting-edge epigenetic science, and her own lived experience, Dr. Lockitch explains why growing older is inevitable—but aging poorly is not. This episode introduces the concept of healthspan—the years of life lived with clarity, mobility, independence, and purpose—and shows how healthspan is not fixed by your genes or your chronological age. Instead, it is shaped daily by belief, biology, and small, consistent lifestyle choices that influence how your genes are expressed. Dr. Lockitch also explains why information alone is not enough to create lasting change, and why guided support, accountability, and community are essential for sustainable healthy aging. She outlines the Seven Pillars of the Growing Older Living Younger roadmap and previews two focused coaching pathways launching in 2026: The Ageless Mind Blueprint and The Better Body Healthspan Blueprint. If you've ever wondered whether there is a better way to age—this episode offers clarity, science, and hope. 00:00 – 03:45 | Opening & Welcome "Growing older is inevitable—aging poorly is not". Common fears listeners experience but rarely voice aloud 03:45 – 06:30 | What Is Healthspan—Defining healthspan vs. lifespan "Adding life to your years, not just years to your life" 06:30 – 08:45 | Epigenetics: Why Healthspan Is Modifiable Genes as a blueprint. How lifestyle, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, and mindset influence gene expression and Why people of the same chronological age age differently 08:45 – 10:30 | Belief Comes First Why belief shapes behavior—and behavior shapes biology, The physiological (not just motivational) basis of belief. Why believing change is possible is essential for sustainable aging 10:30 – 12:40 | Why Information Alone Is Not Enough Knowing vs. doing. Why healthy aging requires guidance, structure, and accountability The role of mentorship, community, and support 12:40 – 17:00 | The Seven Pillars of Growing Older Living Younger Your Genetic Blueprint – Don't let your genes determine your destiny You Are What You Eat – Nourishment vs. toxicity Physical Activity & Posture – Movement, resilience, and recovery Beauty Is Skin Deep – Caring for your skin as a vital organ Mindset, Mindfulness & Mindkeep – Cognitive resilience and presence Choose a Challenge – Growth through discomfort Communication & Connection – You are not alone Personal reflections, including transforming obstacles into opportunities 17:00 – 19:00 | Two New Coaching Pathways for 2026 The Ageless Mind Blueprint Focus: memory, cognition, and fear of dementia The Better Body Healthspan Blueprint Focus: peri- and post-menopausal bone, muscle, joint, and fascial health Same science, same pillars—different emphasis 19:00 – 21:30 | Tools, Ethics, and Lifestyle Support Clarification of Dr. Lockitch's role as a retired physician Evidence-informed epigenetic nutrition, supplementation, and skin-care tools Supporting the body's natural repair and regeneration—no shortcuts 21:30 – 24:00 | Final Reflections for 2026 Small, incremental changes can be transformational You don't need to be perfect—progress matters Why you don't need to do this alone Healthspan extension begins with belief   24:00 – End | Invitation & Closing Invitation to schedule a personal healthspan roadmap call with Dr. Lockitch Encouragement to share the episode and subscribe  The Seven Pillars of Growing Older Living Younger Your Genetic Blueprint – Your genes are not your destiny You Are What You Eat – Nourishment vs. toxicity Physical Activity & Posture – Movement as medicine Beauty Is Skin Deep – Caring for your body's largest organ Mindset, Mindfulness & Mindkeep – Protecting cognitive health Choose a Challenge – Growth requires discomfort Communication & Connection – You are not alone

OG Gigavelli is a certified Miami original — born into violence, shaped by the streets, and forged in some of the most brutal prisons in America. OG breaks down a side of Miami history almost never discussed: the Black and Islander underworld that operated alongside — and often beneath — the Cocaine Cowboys era. From Liberty City and Brownsville to federal penitentiaries and near-death prison riots, this is a raw, unfiltered account of survival, crime, and eventual transformation OG came up during the wild 80s and 90s, where robbery was second nature, violence was currency, and the streets raised kids faster than families ever could. He details: -Seeing dead bodies as a child in Miami -Carjackings and robberies in broad daylight -The structure of Miami's Black drug economy before it was ever “professionalized” elsewhere -Stabbings, race wars, and near-fatal ambushes inside state and federal prison -How Islam and time forced him to confront who he had become This isn't glorification — it's documentation. A firsthand account of a world most people only know through movies like Scarface or Cocaine Cowboys, told by someone who actually lived it. Go Support OG! YouTube:  @WhatTheyDoPodcast305  Book: https://a.co/d/2iiDBlo IG: https://www.instagram.com/og_gigaveli TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gigaveli Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 OG Gigavelli's Violent Origins & Miami Streets 05:36 Life in the Miami Hood & Early Hustle 12:00 Structure of Miami Drug Trade 19:03 Island Influence & Culture in Miami Crime 26:27 Transition to Robbery & Early Trouble 33:03 Juvenile Prison: Survival & Violence 40:28 Rising in Street Hierarchy & Prison Politics 45:06 State Prison: Robbing from Inside 53:34 Confrontations, Transfers, & Release 01:01:01 Struggles with Release & Cycle of Incarceration 01:06:34 Running a Trap and Chasing Fast Money 01:13:53 CM: The Harshest Lockdown in Florida Prisons 01:19:21 Post-Prison Hustling & Out-of-Town Moves 01:27:32 The Ecstasy Era & Big Hustles in Tennessee 01:34:08 Getting Caught: Counterfeit Money & Fed Indictment 01:41:58 21 Years in the Feds & Road to Redemption 01:46:11 OG Gigavelli's Books, Podcast & New Message 01:52:39 Miami Legacy, Final Reflections & Sign-Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our annual session includes readings from Hold Nothing, emphasizing practice, respect, and structures of encouragement. Join me to sit briefly, address potent prompts intended to create intentionality and spaces of grace for you and yours as you proceed into this year.  (0:00) – Annual Planning Session Introduction (1:54) – Practice and Respect in Conscious Evolution (4:45) – Zen Meditation and the Practice of Zazen (7:20) – Aging and Letting Go of Caring About Others' Opinions (10:16) – Note of Gratitude from the Body (35:42) – Sitting Practice and Reflection on Encouragement (39:29) – Engaging in Relationships with Encouragement (47:58) – Final Reflections and Q&A Resources Planning Guidebook Feelings and Needs List Substacks Elena Brower – Hold Nothing Sierra Campbell – Choose Nurture | choosenurture.com Laurel Hayne-Miller – The Flowering Path Books Bookshop Everyday Zen — Charlotte Joko Beck Returning to Silence — Kōshō Uchiyama Silent Illumination — Guo Gu The Truth of This Life — Katherine Thanas Mountains and Rivers Sutra — Norman Fischer Better Apart — Gabrielle Hartley and Elena Brower What We Say Matters — Judith Lasater

In this episode, we discuss public distrust of politicians and the realities behind presidential approval polling before turning to the math of lotteries and why people continue to play despite the odds. We examine Maryland's proposed reparations commission, including questions of eligibility, funding, legal responsibility, and the practical challenges of tying modern policy to historical injustice. We're joined by Phil Magness to explore the economic history of slavery, the claim that capitalism was built on slave labor, and why slavery is fundamentally incompatible with free markets. We cover Adam Smith's opposition to slavery, misconceptions about profit incentives, the global history of forced labor, and the moral and economic failures surrounding emancipation, closing with a broader discussion of capitalism, socialism, and historical accountability. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:44 Presidential Approval Ratings and Polling Reality 02:38 Why Americans Have Always Hated Politicians 03:35 Powerball, Probability, and the Math of Dreaming 06:51 Maryland's Reparations Commission Explained 08:12 Who Pays and Who Gets Reparations? 10:03 Mitigation, Law, and the Reparations Problem 14:24 Introducing Phil Magness 15:02 Was Capitalism Built on Slavery? 17:59 Slavery as an Ancient Institution 19:50 Adam Smith's Case Against Slavery 23:05 Why Slavery Is Anti-Capitalist 24:50 Pro-Slavery Economics and Feudalism 26:16 Founding Fathers, Hypocrisy, and Moral Failure 30:21 Slavery's Global History and Misconceptions 32:06 Incentives, Profit, and Economic Naivety 34:53 Would Slavery Have Ended Without the Civil War? 37:59 Gradual Emancipation and Historical Alternatives 40:47 Socialism, Capitalism, and the Plantation Model 44:01 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Chayale Kaufman, founder of the Jewish Content Network and Consult Write Media. Chayale shares her remarkable journey from her early days in print media to becoming a trailblazer in digital marketing and nonprofit strategy. Discover how she built two thriving companies, the sacrifices and grit required for true success, and the unique challenges and triumphs of women in leadership. 01:30 – Chayale's Early Career and Founding Her Companies 06:00 – What Makes Consult Right Media Unique 10:00 – The Power of Personal Branding 14:00 – Marketing Strategies for Businesses and Nonprofits 20:00 – Lessons from 15 Years in Print and Digital Media 25:00 – The Role of Grit and Sacrifice in Success 30:00 – Women, Leadership, and the Value of Mentorship 36:00 – Navigating Partnerships and Financial Confidence 42:00 – The Impact of AI on Marketing 48:00 – Balancing Family, Business, and Personal Growth 54:00 – Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Support 1:00:00 – Chayale's Superpower: Tenacity and Moving Forward 1:05:00 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 1:10:00 – Final Reflections and Takeaways   Guest Description: Chayale Kaufman is the founder and CEO of the Jewish Content Network and Consult Write Media, two innovative agencies specializing in digital and print marketing, PR, and strategic communications for businesses and nonprofits. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Chayale is recognized for her expertise in campaign strategy, branding, and her deep commitment to helping organizations amplify their impact. She is a passionate leader, mentor, and advocate for women in business, known for her authenticity, creativity, and relentless drive to make a difference in the Jewish community and beyond.

In this special flip series episode, I sit down with my dear friend Lindsey Schwartz for an honest, expansive conversation about leadership, identity, and what it really takes to build meaningful success without abandoning yourself along the way. We talk about how seasons of growth often require shedding old expectations, redefining ambition, and trusting the inner knowing that calls you toward more alignment—not more pressure. Lindsey shares her journey of evolving as a leader, embracing uncertainty, and choosing purpose over perfection. Together, we explore boundaries, self-trust, and why slowing down, listening deeply, and honoring your values can actually create more impact, not less. This episode is for the woman who feels herself changing, who's ready to lead with clarity and conviction, and who wants her life and business to reflect who she truly is becoming. Liked this episode? Make sure to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review with your takeaways, this helps us create the exact content you want!  KEY POINTS:  00:00 Exciting Announcement: First In-Person Retreat 01:30 Welcome to Woman of Influence 02:19 Masterclass on Messaging 02:52 Journey and Insights 03:52 The Importance of Divine Timing 04:22 Navigating Personal and Professional Transitions 06:13 Embracing Change and Authenticity 09:10 Overcoming Financial Challenges 10:18 Post-COVID Reflections and Business Evolution 13:09 Aligning with True Identity and Purpose 17:10 Supporting Yourself Through Transitions 22:35 Refining Messaging and Identity 27:53 Identifying Misalignment with Clients 28:34 Clearing Clutter and Strategy 29:02 The Importance of Energetic Match 29:30 Signaling Depth in Messaging 30:07 Focusing on Premium Clients 31:34 The Cringe Test for Alignment 33:01 Leading with Presence 35:01 Refining Offers for Different Buyer Phases 38:04 Balancing Multiple Passions and Offers 39:59 Steps to Effective Messaging 44:09 Momentum Messaging Movement 46:17 Working with Me 48:31 Final Reflections and Powerhouse Moments QUOTABLES: “ Everything is going good. Why do I feel this uneasiness? My ambitions are changing.” - Julie Solomon  “The thing I've always given myself permission to do is evolve. And I've trusted that the people who are gonna come with me. Are meant to.” - Lindsey Schwartz GUEST RESOURCES: Listen to Lindsey's Podcast “Powerhouse Women” RESOURCES: ✨ Unscripted: My First In-Person Retreat in 2+ Years — Now Accepting Applications If you've felt your voice no longer matches the woman you've become, this intimate 2-day retreat in Nashville (Feb 5–6, 2026) is for you. Unscripted is where your message, identity, and leadership come back into alignment—without pressure, performance, or shrinking. Spots are limited and application-only. Apply now at juliesolomon.net/unscripted. [ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence. Follow Julie on Instagram! MUST HAVES THIS MONTH: [STOP DREAMING, START DOING] Shopify makes it simple to bring your ideas to life. Build your store today for only $1/month. [ENHANCE YOUR SELECTION] Upgrade your everyday essentials with the Fits Everybody collection, available now! [BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE] Practical advice and emotional boosts come standard. Start MasterClass now!

In this Best Of episode of the Be Wealthy Podcast, Brett Tanner brings together the most impactful lessons, insights, and mindset shifts from recent episodes — all focused on what actually creates real wealth.This compilation covers defining wealth beyond money, long-term investing principles, pricing risk, creating freedom through intentional decisions, and building a life centered around experiences, ownership, and clarity. Brett shares powerful frameworks around investing, income growth, leverage, time, and personal responsibility — without hype or shortcuts.If you're serious about building wealth the right way, this episode delivers the core ideas that matter most — fast, practical, and timeless.

2025 Lessons That Changed Our Health | The Forever Fit Podcast by Mavy Wellness Ep. #421Interested in working with our world class team, Book your application call here: http://book.fitvegancoaching.com/podcastJoin our Free Fit Vegan weekly newsletter: https://fitvegancoaching.com/newsletterTry out the Superfood Adaptogenic Protein Blend from Nutrigazm. Use the code FitVegan15 to save 15% off any one time order and use code FitVegan20 to save 20% off all subscription orders over at www.nutrigazm.comIn this episode of the Forever Fit Podcast by Mavy Wellness, Ivy and I sit down to reflect on the lessons that shaped our 2025—and the principles guiding us into 2026. We talk openly about embracing change, choosing discipline over motivation, setting stronger boundaries, and taking imperfect action even when things feel uncertain. We also share personal reflections on injuries, leadership, relationships, and the power of community and team. This is an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and building a life—and mission—that's aligned for the long term.[00:00–01:06] Welcome to the Forever Fit Podcast, Team Gratitude, Setting the Tone[01:07–04:05] Lessons from 2025, Embracing Change and Adaptability[04:06–06:03] Digital Detoxes and Creating Mental Space[06:04–12:12] Boundaries, Saying No, and Avoiding Comparison[12:13–22:56] Personal Goals, Community, Discipline Over Motivation[22:57–31:20] Building a Strong Team, Leadership and Support Systems[31:21–36:19] Vulnerability, Injuries, and Staying Resilient[36:20–45:20] Relationships, Sacrifice, and Long-Term Thinking[45:21–52:06] Imperfect Action, Consistency Over Perfection[52:07–01:13:00] Looking Ahead to 2026, Final Reflections and GratitudeKey Quotes“Discipline beats motivation every day.” -Ivy.“The only reason I can do a lot is because I have such an incredible team,”-Maxime.My name is Maxime Sigouin. I am the founder of Fit Vegan Coaching and Empire Builders Agency. I have a passion for serving and helping people live to their fullest potential.Book Your FREE Consultation Call Here: http://book.fitvegancoaching.com/podcast- Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximesigouinofficial/- Join our FREE Fit Vegan Community: www.freefitvegancommunity.com- Youtube Channel : https://linktw.in/AyNrSW

Celebrating Christen Press: Retirement SpecialJoin us for a heartfelt episode as we celebrate the incredible career of CP23, Christen Press, Angel City FC's first signing. Get your emotional support Capri-sun & some tissues ready as we celebrate her career and lasting impact to WoSo! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL@casualfcpod INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | THREADS@casualfc.com BLUESKY SUPPORT THE PODLeave a review where ever you listen!Buy fun merch at shop.casualfc.comBuy us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/casualfcpodFind other great WoSo pods at **https://casualfc.com/support-woso-pod**#AngelCityFC #NWSL #FootyTherapy #ChristenPress #CP2300:00 Introduction and Host Introduction01:03 Retirement Special: Christen Press03:29 Christen Press' Career Highlights06:01 International Career and Achievements10:52 Off the Pitch: Advocacy and Challenges19:15 Dogs for Christen: A Fan Movement24:21 Final Reflections and Legacy27:27 Outro and Additional Episodes ★ Support this podcast ★

You made it through another year, a remarkable journey characterized by endurance, spiritual resilience, divine support, and grace. In this episode of 'Keys to Soul Progress,' Dr. Judith invites you to go beyond resolutions and reflections, delving into the concept of a spiritual reset. She guides you through releasing emotional and spiritual baggage, finding rest, and receiving divine input to realign yourself for the new year. This episode encourages profound internal realignment rooted in divine wisdom, ancient teachings, and the law of love and compassion. Dr. Judith uses compelling stories and practical exercises, like the 'empty chair' activity, to help you let go of what no longer serves you and embrace a renewed spiritual rhythm. As you prepare for 2026, this spiritual reset will allow you to step into the new year with wisdom, clarity, and a deep sense of divine partnership.00:00 Reflecting on the Past Year01:00 Introduction to Spiritual Reset02:29 Clearing Emotional and Spiritual Clutter03:25 The Law of Release and Renewal03:43 A Story of Overpacking05:23 Reflecting on Emotional Burdens09:11 The Cycle of Renewal13:37 The Empty Chair Exercise21:41 Framework for a Full Spiritual Reset24:39 Remembering Your Divine Identity26:28 Stepping into the New Year28:26 Final Reflections and Closing

Send us a textMy Karl Barth Presentation and Debate Notes, (1st July 2025)1. Historical Context & Reaction to Liberal Theology2. Early Life and Theological Development3. His Epistle to the Romans Commentary.4. Theological Method & Key Themes.5. Church Dogmatics.6. Political Resistance & the Barmen Declaration.7. Relationship with Charlotte von Kirschbaum.8. Later Years & Legacy.9. Influence & Theological Contributions.10. Final Reflections.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

In this episode of The Wealthy Practitioner Podcast, Steph is joined by her close friend and collaborator Callan Faulkner (@callanfaulkner) for a raw, expansive conversation about quantum friendships, environment, and why the people you surround yourself with determine everything — your income, growth speed, confidence, and identity. Steph opens with a passionate reminder that your environment dictates your results. She explains why tolerating relationships that don't want to see you win blocks higher-level friendships, opportunities, and timelines — and why proximity to obsessed, growth-minded people can collapse years of effort into months. Callan shares the story of how their friendship began, tracing it back to a single mastermind room in early 2023 and the seemingly small decisions that led to rapid, compounding growth. Together, they break down how consistent idea-sharing, feedback loops, and mutual risk-taking accelerated both of their businesses — from early-stage offers to seven-figure launches in under two years. Throughout the episode, they explore the concept of collaboration over competition, dismantling scarcity thinking around shared markets, teams, and resources. Steph and Callan highlight how generosity, trust, and radical giving create ecosystems where everyone wins — and why holding back due to past burns or fear only blocks future alignment and abundance. The conversation expands into powerful real-world examples of how cold DMs sparked life-changing relationships, partnerships, speaking opportunities, clients, and even romantic connection. Steph reframes outreach as "invoicing the creator" — giving without attachment to outcome — and explains why the ripple effects are often far bigger than the original ask. This episode is a permission slip to raise your standards, put yourself in uncomfortable rooms, reach out boldly, and stop underestimating how good life and business can actually get. 00:00 Introduction & Why Environment Dictates Everything 03:10 Quantum Friendships vs. Comfortable Relationships 07:45 How Steph and Callan Met (And Why Rooms Matter) 12:40 Early Businesses, Zero Infrastructure, and Fast Feedback Loops 18:30 Collapsing Time Through Shared Testing and Execution 24:55 From First Big Launches to Multi-Million Dollar Seasons 30:40 Collaboration Over Competition (Why Scarcity Isn't Real) 36:20 Radical Giving, Trust, and Invoicing the Creator 42:15 Cold DMs That Changed Everything (Business, Stages, Life) 49:30 When Fear, Burnout, and Old Stories Block Alignment 55:10 Why You Have to Give Everything to Create Real Impact 1:01:20 Finding (or Creating) Your Quantum Room 1:07:45 Final Reflections on Standards, Environment, and Expansion This conversation is really about being intentional — with your environment, your standards, and the rooms you choose to be in. Because the direction you set determines everything that follows. If you want to carry that same clarity into next year, this will help. Build your full 12-month 2026 marketing plan in under 90 minutes https://thewealthypractitioner.com/2026-marketing-calendar

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by a special guest and former footballer Dennis Tueart. In this first episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), Dennis, known for his iconic moments with Sunderland and Manchester City, shares his remarkable journey from English football to the booming NASL in the 1970s. Discover his experiences with the New York Cosmos, playing alongside legends like Franz Beckenbauer, replacing Pele, navigating cultural shifts, and understanding the challenges and triumphs that shaped the future of soccer in America. Don't miss this deep dive into football history, glamour, and the evolution of the beautiful game in the United States.00:57 Dennis Tueart's Transfer to the Cosmos02:05 Challenges and Decisions04:19 Arrival and Initial Impressions07:15 Experiences and Reflections11:38 Life in the NASL17:18 Training and Facilities18:58 Pre-season and Early Challenges25:14 The NASL's Unique Rules29:55 Challenges and Triumphs in the NASL30:25 Play-off Performances and Nicknames30:59 Intense Matches and Injuries31:36 The Semi-final Comeback36:27 Winning the Conference Final37:40 Facing Rodney Marsh and Tampa Bay42:51 Touring and Transitioning46:53 Final Reflections and Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 338 - Clark and Hyung reflect on the hobby in 2025 as well as give some final shout-outs for their podcast guests before closing out the 5th season of Cards To The Moon!Catch all the podcast guest interviews here! https://fivecardguys.com/podcast--------------------------CONNECT WITH US!Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cardstothemoon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fivecardguys⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Clark) | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yntegritysportscards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Hyung) | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tradeyouatrecess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (John)Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fivecardguys.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Daily Auctions (w/ affiliate links): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fivecardguys.com/dailyauctions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have any questions about the hobby that you would like addressed, email us at hello@fivecardguys.com or DM us on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cardstothemoon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fivecardguys⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Constance Messmer Podcast I explore the quest for human destiny—what it means, why it matters, and how individual choice shapes our collective future. Rather than destiny being something fixed or imposed, we can explore it as an unfolding relationship between awareness, responsibility, and consciousness. This episode invites you to consider how your thoughts, actions, and inner alignment contribute to humanity's larger story. Through calm reflection and grounded insight, I discuss purpose, free will, and why this moment in human history carries such significance. This is an expansive conversation for anyone questioning meaning, direction, and our shared role in what comes next.

The Institute of Internal Auditors Presents: All Things Internal Audit In this episode, Mike Levy talks with Dan Fornelius about the skills internal auditors need in 2026 and how to deliver real advice, insight, and foresight that leaders value. They discuss earning a seat at the table, balancing advisory work with independence, aligning audit work to strategy, and how AI and analytics are transforming internal audit. The conversation highlights the shift toward strategic, insight-driven auditing and what auditors must do to stay relevant. HOST:Mike Levy, CIA, CRMA, CISSP CEO, Cherry Hill Advisory GUEST: Dan Fornelius, CIA Director & Integrated Risk Leader, CrossCountry Consulting IIA North Jersey Chapter Board Member    KEY POINTS:   Introduction and the Evolution of Internal Auditing [00:00:02–00:00:39] Defining Advice, Insight, and Foresight in Internal Audit [00:00:39–00:01:16] Earning a Seat at the Table Through Early Engagement [00:01:16–00:02:00] Aligning Audit Work With Organizational Strategy [00:02:42–00:03:33] Using Business Language to Drive Impact and Value [00:03:37–00:04:20] Balancing Advisory Services and Independence [00:04:32–00:06:40] Independence vs. Objectivity: Reframing the Debate [00:07:02–00:08:35] Providing Real-Time Guidance on Emerging Risks [00:09:12–00:10:27] Why Internal Audit's Holistic View Drives Insight [00:10:31–00:11:24] Defining and Delivering Actionable Insights [00:11:26–00:16:01] Using Data, Analytics, and Early Warning Indicators [00:12:21–00:15:27] Technology and AI as Enablers of Better Storytelling [00:16:12–00:18:33] How AI Frees Auditors to Focus on the "So What" [00:18:45–00:21:06] Skills and Attributes of the Future Auditor [00:21:22–00:23:25] Why Communication and Questioning Matter More Than Ever [00:23:25–00:25:01] Final Reflections on Value-Driven Internal Auditing [00:25:01–00:26:16] IIA RELATED CONTENT:  Interested in this topic? Visit the links below for more resources: 2026 Fraud Unmasked Virtual Conference Global Internal Audit Standards Vision 2035 Advice and Resources Knowledge Centers Artificial Intelligence All Things Internal Audit: Advisory Work: How to Consult Learning Solutions: The Advisory Engagement Visit The IIA's website or YouTube channel for related topics and more. Follow All Things Internal Audit: Apple Podcasts Spotify Libsyn Deezer

Matt Runge shares his honest & cautionary life story — from joining the U.S. Army because he didn't know what else to do with his life, to being kicked out of the military and sent to military prison for selling drugs. After his release, Matt explains how he continued down the same destructive path, dealing drugs on the outside and repeatedly landing in both federal and state prison. In this episode, he breaks down the mindset that kept pulling him back into crime, what life was really like inside different prison systems, and how those experiences forced him to confront his choices. This honest conversation dives into military life, prison, addiction, accountability, and the long road to breaking cycles, making it a powerful watch for anyone interested in true crime, prison stories, and real-life redemption. _____________________________________________ #TrueCrime #PrisonStory #VeteranStory #LifeAfterPrison #CrimeAndPunishment #RedemptionStory #FederalPrison #reallifestory _____________________________________________ Thank you to FRONTLINE HEALING FOUNDATION for sponsoring this episode: Visit https://frontlinehealingfoundation.org/ to donate or share their mission. _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Guest Background 02:30 Growing Up in North Jersey 06:00 ADHD, School Struggles & Early Trouble 09:00 DJing, Nightclubs & the Party Lifestyle 12:00 High School Expulsion & Losing Direction 15:30 Joining the Army & Being Stationed in Korea 18:30 Club Life Overseas, Drugs & Selling While Enlisted 22:00 First Military Arrest & Getting Busted 26:00 Inside Military Prison: What It's Really Like 30:00 Release, Returning Home & Going Back to Hustling 33:30 New Jersey Arrests & State Prison Experience 39:00 Hustle Mentality & Surviving Prison Life 42:30 Repeat Offenses & Catching a Federal Case 50:30 Federal Prison Life: Hustling, Cards & Food 55:00 Release, Club Work & Finding New Hustles 01:00:00 South Carolina Arrest & Another Prison Stretch 01:10:00 Parole, Final Sentence & Looking Back 01:15:00 Life After Prison & Lessons Learned 01:18:30 Final Reflections, Regret & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transparent, juicy, and zero gatekeeping—today I'm breaking down exactly how I made $270,000 NZD in 2025 across my digital products, brand sponsorships, client work, and more. But here's the twist: I made the same amount as last year… working way less and loving my business more than ever.This isn't just a numbers episode—it's the real story behind the pivots, risks, burnout, boundaries, and breakthroughs that shaped my most aligned (and surprising!) business year yet.If you're a freelancer, service provider, or digital creator wanting to build a freedom-first business without sacrificing income—this episode is your permission slip AND your game plan. Let's get into the data, the decisions, and the energetic shifts that changed everything.⏰ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to the 2025 Income Report1:28 — Total Income Breakdown (What I Made & From Where)2:55 — Digital Product Revenue Breakdown4:30 — Quarter 1: Burnout, Reset & Big Decisions10:20 — Quarter 2: Buying Out YouTube, New Coach & Engagement Bubble13:12 — Sponsor: How I Use Rella to Run My Business14:15 — Quarter 3: Brand Collabs, Mastermind Creation & Summit Results18:10 — Quarter 4: Momentum, Compounding Revenue & Consistency23:20 — Mackenzie Studios: Second Business25:45 — Final Reflections, CEO Lessons & 2026 Energy

Join us beginning this January as we explore how to keep your faith simple in just 5 minutes a day. Not over complicated, simple faith is a great way to start each day. And don't forget to bring a friend!Emmanuel: God with Us in Every MomentOn this Christmas Eve, the traditional hustle slows, offering a moment of quiet reflection. Pastor Rusty takes us on an evocative journey through the scriptures, illustrating God's unwavering presence from Genesis to the birth of Christ in a humble manger. It highlights that God's promise to be 'with us' is alive, not just in historical events but right now, amidst our darkness, ordinariness, and uncertainties. This touching narrative reminds us that Emmanuel, 'God with us,' is a continual promise, even in our everyday struggles and triumphs. As we celebrate the light brought by hope, peace, joy, and love, we're reassured that we are never truly alone. Merry Christmas.00:00 A Quiet Christmas Eve00:26 The Promise of God's Presence01:08 God's Pursuit Through History03:04 The Birth of Jesus05:20 Jesus' Life and Empathy06:20 Emmanuel in Our Lives Today08:24 The Light of Christmas09:52 Final Reflections and Blessings

How Amy Healed Her Relationship With Food & Built Lasting Strength | The Forever Fit Podcast by Mavy Wellness Ep. #420Interested in working with our world class team, Book your application call here: http://book.fitvegancoaching.com/podcastJoin our Free Fit Vegan weekly newsletter: https://fitvegancoaching.com/newsletterTry out the Superfood Adaptogenic Protein Blend from Nutrigazm. Use the code FitVegan15 to save 15% off any one time order and use code FitVegan20 to save 20% off all subscription orders over at www.nutrigazm.comIn this episode of the Forever Fit Podcast, I sit down with Amy Rosen, a 66-year-old member of MAVY Wellness, to unpack her powerful transformation. Amy opens up about her past struggles with eating disorders, the pressure of a demanding executive career, and what finally helped her build strength, confidence, and consistency. We talk whole food, plant-based nutrition, overcoming food addiction, and how community, accountability, and self-commitment changed everything for her. This is an honest, inspiring conversation about redefining what's possible at any age.In This Episode, We Cover: [00:00–03:17] Amy's Story Begins: Career, Identity & Early Struggles[03:18–05:38] Healing From Eating Disorders & Rebuilding Trust With Food[05:39–13:17] Transitioning to Plant-Based Living & Fitness[13:18–18:18] Joining the Community & Early Wins[18:19–25:15] Consistency, Strength Gains & Confidence[25:16–31:39] Athletic Performance, Pickleball & Staying Active[31:40–36:02] Recovery, Sleep & Sustainable Progress[36:03–40:18] Food Addiction, Temptation & Mental Tools[40:19–48:04] Accountability, Self-Talk & Personal Ownership[48:05–55:54] Joy in Training, Nutrition & Community Support[55:55–01:07:25] Identity Shift, Final Reflections & Advice for Anyone StartingKey Quotes“ It takes effort to become effortless at any point.” -Amy.“We're never gonna scream at you for going off track.”-Maxime.My name is Maxime Sigouin. I am the founder of Fit Vegan Coaching and Empire Builders Agency. I have a passion for serving and helping people live to their fullest potential.Book Your FREE Consultation Call Here: http://book.fitvegancoaching.com/podcast- Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximesigouinofficial/- Join our FREE Fit Vegan Community: www.freefitvegancommunity.com- Youtube Channel : https://linktw.in/AyNrSW

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREWanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HEREIn this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with the one... the only.... Eric the Car Guy! His YouTube Channel has impacted millions of technicians over the years and one of those was the host of this podcast...Jeff. Today, they talk about Eric's story from dealership technician to YouTuber, highlighting the setbacks that shaped his career and his drive to empower others. They also discuss the challenges facing today's automotive industry, including the need for mentorship and apprenticeship programs, common misconceptions about flat rate pay, and the importance of valuing technicians as professionals. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – Eric's Early Shop Life & Pay Structures02:05 Flat Rate, Shop Culture, and Getting Fired07:36 The Legend Coupe Story & Being Let Go Over $90013:00 Teaching Himself Video and Moving into YouTube19:37 Giving Away the “Secrets” & Empowering Customers24:13 Burnout, Losing the Shop, and Starting Over33:35 Dealing with Haters & The Power of the Audience39:18 Building a Community & Inspiring the Next Generation46:05 Apprenticeships, Mentorship, and Industry Change54:10 The Problem with Flat Rate Pay & Technician Expectations1:02:30 Self-Taught vs. Formal Mentorship in Automotive1:10:03 What's Next for Eric The Car Guy? Future Content & Inspiration1:15:54 Final Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Techs Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

KeywordsLeadership · Book Recommendations · Kindness · Compassion · Organizational Culture · Education · Creativity · Personal Development · Podcast · Holiday SpiritSummaryIn this special holiday episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols slow things down, lean into the season, and turn the podcast into a kind of leadership book club.Rather than chasing trends or quick fixes, Jason and Garth share the books that have actually shaped how they think about leadership — books about kindness, compassion, culture, courage, and the creative work of leading people well. Each brings their top five recommendations to the table, highlighting authors whose ideas continue to influence their thinking and, frankly, whose voices they'd love to sit down with on the podcast in the year ahead.The conversation moves easily between education, organizational culture, and personal growth, with a reminder that leadership isn't just about strategy — it's about how we treat people, how we tell stories, and how we keep learning. It's a reflective, generous episode meant to leave listeners with a short reading list and a longer pause for thought.Take AwaysLeadership is at its best when it's rooted in kindness and compassion.The right books don't just inform us — they shape how we show up.Culture is not an add-on; it's the work.Creativity isn't optional in leadership — it's how growth happens.Learning deepens when we hear directly from authors and thinkers.Radical Candor reminds us that clarity and care can coexist.Technology is changing leadership — whether we're ready or not.Learning doesn't stop at graduation or live only in classrooms.Strong leadership is built on strong relationships.The holiday season is an ideal time to reflect, read, and reconnect with what matters.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Beard's Book Club06:32 – Jason's Top Book Picks09:36 – Garth's Top Book Picks12:47 – Narrowing It Down: The Top Two15:41 – Final Reflections and Holiday Wrap-Up24:07 – Recording Wrap / Session End

Ep 221 - One World in a New World with Steven PuriWhat does it mean to live—and work—in flow?In this thought-provoking episode of One World in a New World, Zen Benefiel sits down with Steven Puri—former studio executive at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, and now founder & CEO of Sukha, a company dedicated to helping people focus, finish faster, and feel healthier.Steven shares his journey from leaving high school early to attend USC, navigating the fear-driven realities of the film industry, and eventually turning inward toward purpose, presence, and meaningful contribution. Together, Zen and Steven explore flow states, consciousness, creativity, leadership, AI, media influence, scarcity vs. abundance, and what it means to create work that truly matters—especially as a parent, a leader, and a planetary citizen.This is a grounded, honest conversation about navigating complexity without losing your humanity—and learning how to align your energy with what you're here to contribute.If you've ever wondered how inner awareness, focus, and flow translate into real-world impact, this episode will resonate deeply.⏱️ YOUTUBE CHAPTER MARKERS00:00 – Introduction & Steven's Journey04:12 – Leaving the Hollywood Machine08:45 – Fear vs Flow in Creative Work14:30 – What Flow Actually Is (and Isn't)20:10 – Focus, Attention & the Modern Mind26:40 – Scarcity vs Abundance Conditioning32:15 – Parenting, Presence & Purpose38:20 – AI, Media & Human Agency45:10 – Building Sukha: Design for Flow52:00 – Leadership, Consciousness & the Future58:40 – Final Reflections on Meaningful WorkConnect with Steven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/Explore Sukha's Free Trial: https://www.thesukha.co/ #StevenPuri #FlowState #OneWorldInANewWorld #ZenBenefiel #Sukha #ConsciousLeadership #HumanPotential #Mindfulness #creativelife Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/join__________Visit: https://PlanetaryCitizens.netConnect with Zen: https://linkedin.com/zenbenefielZen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendorZen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.comThe Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org

We're joined by Alex and Amanda Ramsey from Night of the Batmen for Part 1 of a crossover discussion on the 1999 World's Finest series! We dig into Superman and Batman at the turn of the millennium, the tone of late-'90s DC, and why this era of team-ups still sparks debate. Part 2 continues on Night of the Batmen—so make sure to catch both sides of the conversation! Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia Men of Steel Full Episode Originally aired: December 19, 2025 Edited by Sophia Ricciardi Scored by Geoff Moonen Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4 PODCAST SHOWS: ▶ Men Of Steel - https://www.certainpov.com/men-of-steel​  FOLLOW US: ▶ Twitter: @certainpovmedia @menofsteelpod ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia Outline Introduction and Overview of 1999 World's Finest Series (00:00 - 10:30) Introduction of guests Alex and Amanda Ramsey from 'Night of the Batman' podcast. Overview of the 1999 World's Finest series by Karl Kesel with multiple pencillers. Detailed Story and Timeline Context (10:30 - 20:57) Discussion on the timeline placement post-Crisis on Infinite Earths. Comments on character design consistency, particularly Lex Luthor's unusual white hair color. Character Dynamics in Early Story Arc (20:57 - 31:44) Breakdown of the opening issue where twin criminals, each matched with one hero. Exploration of 1990s Batman's mystique as an urban legend. ️ Political Themes and Writing Style (31:44 - 41:58) The politically nuanced yet awkward portrayal of villains such as Eric Stang. Discussion of Bruce Wayne's wealth and its narrative challenge. Arkham Asylum Story and Supporting Cast Developments (41:58 - 52:29) Examination of the second issue where Superman infiltrates Arkham Asylum. Introduction of supporting characters such as Batgirl and a vigilante called Thorn. Inner Gang Story and Cadmus Mention (52:29 - 01:02:43) Discussion of Intergang's involvement and its footing in Superman's rogues gallery. The unveiling of Cadmus as a covert organization investigated by Batman. ‍‍ Depth in Supporting Cast and Justice League Context (01:02:43 - 01:13:20) Acknowledge that Dick Grayson as Robin is established. Commentary on the limited but effective use of Alfred as Bruce Wayne's humanizing influence. Reception and Art Appreciation (01:13:20 - 01:23:39) Positive response towards art style, particularly Dave Taylor's pencils. Reflections on corporate influences on DC comics continuity and storytelling quality. Final Reflections on First Five Issues (01:23:39 - 01:34:06) Amanda's reception: lower enthusiasm for first two issues, appreciation for character development. J. Mike's reception: Enjoys dynamic between Batman and Superman. Wrap-Up and Show Promotion (01:34:06 - 01:53:35) Encouragement to listen to the back five issues discussion on 'Night of the Batman' podcast. Promotion of social media, Discord server, and Patreon.

Send us a text“ God didn't put me on the floor, God lifted me off the floor.” ~ Bruce BramlettEpisode Overview:In this episode of The Remarkable People Podcast, David Pasqualone interviews Bruce Bramlett, whose story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of miracles. Bruce shares his incredible journey from a retired educator and businessman to a man whose life was turned upside down after a devastating fall that left him with a broken neck. Despite the bleak medical outlook, Bruce's story unfolds with numerous instances of divine intervention and miracles that defy explanation. His recovery journey demonstrates remarkable courage and unwavering faith in God's plan. Bruce discusses how he used his faith to navigate through his darkest times and encourages listeners to seek strength and guidance in their relationship with God through any storm in life.Topics & Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Bruce Bramlett's Remarkable Story02:13 Bruce's Life Before the Accident05:00 The Life-Changing Accident07:44 Miracles and Recovery08:18 Bruce's Background and Early Life12:55 The Road to Recovery17:58 Challenges and Miracles During Recovery21:11 Returning Home and Continued Miracles33:45 Reflections and Future Plans38:57 Finding Faith in Trials39:57 Balancing Human Effort and Trust in God42:36 The Power of Prayer and Community Support52:39 Discovering Purpose After Tragedy55:54 Living a Life of Faith and Service01:03:05 Final Reflections and Encouragement01:10:56 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Keywords & Keyphrases:Miracles, God, courage, rehab, inspiration, motivation, light, source of the light, tragedy, dealing with the loss of loved ones, faith, Texas A&M alumni, YMCA board member, Battleship Texas Foundation, retired, broken neck, physical therapy, Heart Rate flatlined, GoFundMe, Job, trusting God, retirement, balance, trial, tragedy, test, torment, discipline, trust, faith, strength, fear, worry, anxiety, life distractions, Charlie Kirk assassination, in the middle of a storm, storms of life, bitter, angerREMARKABLE SPECIAL OFFER(S):REMARKABLE OFFER 1: Save 30% to 80% on EVERYTHING you order at MyPillow.com with Free Promo Code, “REMARKABLE“. Yes, that's right! Use the best My Pillow promo code out there to save a TON of money on all 200+ quality, comfortable, cozy home goods at MyPillow.com/Remarkable, or by calling 1-800-644-6612. From sheets, to blankets, to pillows, to mattress toppers, be ready to sleep better and live more comfortably than you ever have before! REMARKABLE OFFER 2: Your Exclusive Offer: Save Big on Your Console Vault In-Vehicle Safe. With our exclusive promo code, “REMARKABLE“, you will Save 10% or more on all Console Vault anti-theft vehicle safes you order. And sometimes, you'll receive Free Shipping too!  Just make sure to use the free Console Vault discount code, “REMARKABLE” at checkout.Guest Contact Info:Email: bruce@battleshiptexas.orgSupport the showTHE NOT-SO-FINE-PRINT DISCLAIMER: While we are very thankful for all of our guests, please understand that we do not necessarily share or endorse the same beliefs, worldviews, or positions that they may hold. We respectfully agree to disagree in some areas, and thank God for the blessing and privilege of free will. For more Remarkable Episodes, Inspiration, and Motivation, please visit https://davidpasqualone.com/remarkable-people-podcast/ now!

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy Thompson is joined by pastor and longtime ministry leader Tuck Knupp for a thoughtful conversation on kindness. Drawing from a men's Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit, they explore how kindness is often misunderstood as niceness or weakness, when in reality it is rooted in strength, humility, and generosity of spirit. Together, they discuss kindness in relationships, leadership, work, self-reflection, and even cultural and political discourse. The conversation challenges listeners, especially men, to grow in kindness by embracing humility, receiving God's kindness personally, and allowing that transformation to shape how they live, lead, and relate to others, particularly during the Christmas season. Key Takeaways- Kindness is not the same as niceness, it is rooted in strength and truth- True kindness requires humility and an honest view of our own brokenness- Kindness reflects a generosity of spirit that believes the best about others- Protecting someone's reputation is a powerful expression of kindness- Kindness should extend to work, home, relationships, and public discourse- Receiving God's kindness fuels compassion toward others- Self-kindness is essential for growth and freedom from performance- Kindness may lose short-term battles but can win long-term warsTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Kindness05:09 Reframing Kindness Beyond Niceness11:22 The Strength and Truth Within Kindness18:23 Growing in Kindness Through Humility25:36 Kindness in Relationships and Self-Compassion32:09 Reflecting on Kindness During Christmas36:20 Kindness in Society, Culture, and Politics45:42 A Challenge to Men47:11 Final Reflections and ClosingLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

Mohini Bhavsar of Grand Challenges Canada went from being a young innovator herself to becoming a champion for them, including several whose solutions are projected to impact 750 million people by 2035. We explore how courage grows with support, why proximity matters in problem-solving, and how small, locally-led ideas can scale to transform lives.Chapters0:00 – Intro & Welcome3:57 – Introducing Grand Challenges Canada7:09 – Mr. Oxygen Man: A Life-Saving Innovation17:41 – Courage, Risk, and the Heart of Innovation26:06 – Mohini's Personal Journey of Courage and Opportunity33:11 – Understanding the UN Sustainable Development Goals41:24 – Break44:05 – Unexpected Innovators Changing the World57:01 – Lessons From Failure and the Power of Pivoting1:02:01 – Books, Podcasts, and Tools for Positive Thinking1:26:30 – Final Reflections on Small Acts and Global Change

In this episode, we speak with Rebecca Heimsoth, a young mother and survivor of myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent a bone marrow transplant in April 2022. Diagnosed shortly after turning 33, Rebecca shares her deeply personal journey of navigating transplant recovery, chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and parenting two small children. Her story is one of resilience, support, and a constant fight to reclaim her life after cancer.We begin by learning how Rebecca's transplant process unfolded with the support of her family. Her mother stepped in as her full-time caregiver while she temporarily relocated over an hour away from home for five months, separated from her children. Her youngest sister was a full match donor, which initially reduced concern for GVHD—until lung GVHD symptoms appeared five months post-transplant. This diagnosis triggered new fears, especially around survival, and marked the beginning of her chronic GVHD journey, which later expanded to include fascia involvement. Rebecca explains the physical and emotional toll—early menopause, chronic fatigue, cognitive effects, and mobility challenges.We discuss how she manages flare-ups with physical therapy, walking, stretching, and even cupping. Despite the physical setbacks, Rebecca remains actively involved with her family, thanks to a flexible job, long-term disability support, and a strong support system. Her husband takes on parenting duties when her health dips, and her kids have learned small routines to help protect her from illness, such as wearing masks and showering after school. These steps, while difficult, have helped them all cope as a unit.Rebecca also opens up about the mental health side of survivorship—dealing with PTSD, depression, and a sense of loss over her former self. She credits her psychologist, psychiatrist, and peer support groups as vital tools for managing the psychological weight. Online and in-person GVHD groups have connected her to other young adults navigating similar terrain, helping her feel less alone.Despite not returning to her full-time career, Rebecca is finding meaning in her part-time work and family life. Her goals have shifted—from professional advancement to simply watching her kids grow up. Whether it's family vacations or bedtime snuggles, she cherishes these moments. Her ultimate aim is to be present for her daughter's high school graduation in 2037. Every step forward, no matter how small, is part of the victory.Want to connect with a Young Adult Survivor Group? Find Kim on Instagram at @YourCancerBestie - http://instagram.com/yourcancerbestieThanks to our Season 19 sponsors, Incyte and Sanofi.https://incyte.com/https://www.sanofi.com/en00:40 – Introduction to Rebecca Heimsoth01:00 – Diagnosis at Age 33 and Initial Symptoms02:07 – Preparing for Transplant and Family Separation04:20 – Emotional Toll and Health Concerns06:20 – Importance of Physical Therapy and Walking06:53 – Balancing Flare-Ups, Appointments, and Parenthood08:20 – Role of Caregivers: Mom and Husband's Support09:43 – Kids' Resilience and Coping with Germ Concerns11:13 – Creative Ways to Explain Cancer to Children13:57 – Impact on Friendships and Social Life16:25 – Finding Online Support Networks and Groups17:43 – Meeting a Fellow Survivor in Person21:35 – Advice for Managing GVHD Symptoms23:16 – Navigating Nutrition with a Busy Family24:40 – Cognitive Health and Chemo Brain Hacks27:52 – Life After Transplant: Gratitude, Travel, and Parenting30:56 – Career Impact and Redefining Success32:23 – Living for the Milestones and Creating New Goals32:51 – Final Reflections and Words of Thanks National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After years of powerful conversations, raw honesty, and unwavering purpose, it's time to close this chapter of the Unbreakable Business podcast. In this bittersweet final episode, I'm taking a moment to celebrate everything we've built together—from the incredible guests who shared their truths to you, the listeners, who kept this show alive with your love, messages, and shares.Today, I'm highlighting the most transformative moments from across the show and highlighting snippets of conversations that moved us, challenged us, and changed how we think about success, entrepreneurship, and the lives we're building. Listen in to hear reflections from some of our most inspiring guests and a few personal thoughts from me along the way.The Unbreakable Business podcast is powered by HoneyBook, the AI-powered CRM platform for anyone with clients. Scale yourself and your business with all your leads, clients, projects, and payments in one place. Use the code PODCAST to get 20% off your first year as a new member.Mentioned in this EpisodeHere's the Tea with Akua KonaduReclaiming Hayley Paige: The power of perseveranceHow to embrace change and reset your business with Justin ShielsMaking money doesn't have to be hard with Denise Duffield-ThomasEarning predictable profits through memberships with Stu McLarenHow to become a podcaster with Les AlfredThe secret to working less so you can make more with Shay CochraneNavigating friendships as a business owner with Danielle Bayard JacksonThe power of sharing your story with Terry RiceThe freelancer's guide to a sustainable and scalable businessConnect with the hostWebsite: podcast.honeybook.comIG: instagram.com/honeybookIG: instagram.com/akuakonadu_Podcast: Here's the Tea with Akua Konadu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could reduce chronic pain, stress, and tension in just 15 minutes a day—without pills, surgeries, or endless appointments?In this conversation, I sit down with Jason van Blerk, former professional soccer player and co-founder of the Human Garage fascia method. Jason shares why he and his team closed their successful Los Angeles clinic after nearly a decade and shifted to one mission: democratizing self-healing so people can learn to heal their own bodies. He also opens up about his own breaking point—doing everything “right” in life and still ending up miserable—and how that moment pushed him to completely redesign his health, career, and purpose.In this episode you'll learn:- Why Jason believes the traditional “fix the patient” model is broken- How habits become locked in at the subconscious level after 28–40 days- Why so many young people now have health issues that used to show up at 60-70Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominatorTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction & What Are “Facial/Fascia Maneuvers”05:00 – Why the “Fix the Patient” Health Model Is Broken10:00 – Jason's Personal Breaking Point as a Professional Athlete15:00 – How Chronic Stress and Emotions Get Stored in the Body20:00 – Why We're Seeing Burnout and Chronic Illness at Younger Ages25:00 – What Truly Healthy People Have in Common30:00 – From Fighting the Medical System to Collaboration35:00 – Gratitude, Community, and Living a Life That's Truly Yours40:00 – Final Reflections & Closing ThoughtsFollow  @jason.vanblerk : https://www.instagram.com/jasonvanblerk/?hl=enLearn more about Human Garage: https://www.instagram.com/humangarage/?hl=enhttps://linktr.ee/HumanGarage

In this powerful episode, Casey Baugh sits down with long-time friend and All-American wrestler Ben Kjar for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, adversity, and becoming the kind of person who stands out—on purpose. From surviving childhood bullying to becoming Utah Valley University's first All-American, Ben shares what it takes to turn pain into fuel, pressure into performance, and setbacks into legacy.Ben opens up about living with Crouzon Syndrome, calling his shot as a teen, building elite discipline, and the upcoming release of his inspiring feature film Stand Out. This isn't just a story of success—it's a blueprint for how to live bold, focused, and fully committed to your calling.00:00 | Missionary Beginnings & Lifelong Friendship03:58 | Wrestling Origins & Crouzon Syndrome06:39 | Calling the Shot: Becoming a 3X State Champion08:55 | Childhood Trauma That Sparked Transformation12:39 | Choosing Power Over Victimhood18:10 | Lessons from Jesus: Grace vs. Retaliation24:31 | UVU Wrestling & Sacrificing for the Dream26:45 | Be Disobedient to Average29:42 | The Power of Shot-Calling & Deadlines32:57 | Translating Athletic Principles to Life35:07 | Expanding Worldviews Through Experience41:56 | Letting Go to Go All In44:43 | Becoming UVU's First All-American48:01 | Grit, Redemption & Spitting in Fear's Face54:15 | Impact of Focused Commitment57:25 | From Real Estate to Life Purpose01:02:00 | Family, Adoption & Unwavering Support01:06:09 | Speaking with Purpose & Creating Legacy01:09:03 | Trust, Belief & Living with Intention01:15:08 | Behind the Film “Stand Out”01:21:00 | Final Reflections & Lasting Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch on YouTube → What does it cost to keep singing about hope when your heart is shattered, success feels hollow, and grief follows you onto the biggest stages in the world? Steven Curtis Chapman, the most awarded artist in Christian music history, five time Grammy winner, and the first contemporary Christian artist inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, joins Tim and Troy Green for a rare and unguarded conversation. This is not a highlight reel. It is the story of self doubt behind success, of nearly walking away from music, of adoption born from grace, and of worship sung in the shadow of unimaginable loss. Steven reflects on the fleeting highs of acclaim, the quiet weight of family and marriage, and how songs like “Cinderella” emerged from pain rather than polish. Together, they explore faith under pressure, hope forged through suffering, and why the most enduring music often comes from the darkest valleys. If you have ever questioned whether faith can survive profound loss, or whether calling and family can coexist under unbearable strain, this episode speaks directly to that place. RESOURCES & LINKS Show Hope – Steven and Mary Beth's adoption ministry caring for orphans worldwide Visit: https://showhope.org Steven Curtis Chapman – Music, tour dates, and more Visit: https://stevencurtischapman.com Colony House – Music from Steven's sons Caleb and Will Chapman Visit: https://colonyhousemusic.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Trailer 00:59 Intro 01:35 Introducing Steven Curtis Chapman 03:13 The Journey to Success 05:25 Struggles and Triumphs 09:09 The Calling and Craft of Songwriting 13:46 Breakthrough Moments and Personal Reflections 20:27 The Great Adventure and Unexpected Challenges 42:11 Reflecting on Self Doubt and Support 46:52 Grief, Faith, and God's Faithfulness 52:06 Writing Songs Through Pain and Healing 01:01:56 The Impact of Adoption on Faith and Family 01:25:23 The Evolution of Music and Personal Growth 01:27:45 The One Song That Sums It All Up 01:29:40 Staying Humble Amidst Success 01:32:18 A Full Circle Moment at the Grand Ole Opry 01:33:47 Unreleased Songs and Mental Health 01:37:47 Beauty from Ashes: Show Hope and Maria's Big House of Hope 01:41:14 The Grand Ole Opry Induction and Family Legacy 01:46:40 The Steve Saint Story: A Tale of Forgiveness 01:51:56 Faith Through Adversity 01:58:18 Family and Legacy 02:03:55 Final Reflections and Gratitude SPONSORS ElevenLabs: Thanks to ElevenLabs for supporting this episode and powering Tim's voice.https://elevenlabs.io SOCIAL Website: https://nlupod.com X: https://x.com/nlutimgreen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NLUpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nlupod LISTEN ON OTHER PLATFORMS Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nothing-left-unsaid/id1734094890 Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Nothing-Left-Unsaid/B0CWTCRKGZ Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6405921?country=us Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1734094890 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-nothing-left-unsaid-155769998/ PERSONAL Tackle ALS: https://www.tackleals.com Tim Green Books: https://authortimgreen.com Tim's New Book, Rocket Arm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062796895/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leadership demands grit, clarity and conviction. SUMMARY On Long Blue Leadership, Congressman August Pfluger '00 reflects on these qualities through his experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, in the cockpit and as part of the U.S. House of Representatives. His story challenges every leader to ask where courage is calling them to go next. SHARE THIS PODCAST LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK    CONGRESSMAN PFLUGER'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Courageous career leaps require conviction, timing and faith. Pfluger left active duty at 19 years and four months — a highly unconventional choice — demonstrating that major pivots sometimes require stepping into uncertainty. Work ethic is a lifelong differentiator. He emphasizes that he has never been “the best,” but has always been willing to outwork anyone. Hard work + grit consistently opened doors. Failure and setbacks shape long-term success. Missed opportunities at USAFA and earlier career disappointments taught him timing, resilience and long-term perspective. Leadership is transferable across domains. His fighter pilot and command experience directly enabled his political success — planning, debrief culture and thick skin all mapped over perfectly. Credibility requires deep study and prioritization. You cannot master everything; leaders must choose focus areas and know them cold so others trust their expertise. Humility, credibility and approachability are foundational leadership traits. These principles translate powerfully to Congress and team leadership. Family and faith must anchor leadership. His family's summer crisis reframed his priorities: “None of this matters if you don't take care of your family.” The nation needs more military and Academy graduates in public leadership. He stresses that only four USAFA grads have ever served in Congress — and more are needed to restore civility and mission-focused service. The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force are under-resourced relative to global threats. Pfluger advocates vigorously for rebalancing defense spending to meet modern challenges. Self-reflection is critical to growth. Leaders must ask: How do I see myself? How do others see me? If those don't align, adjust the work ethic, mindset or behaviors accordingly.   CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction & Biography 01:44 — Opening Remarks 01:47 — Leaving Active Duty at 19 Years and 4 Months 04:06 — Why Run for Office? 05:40 — Family, Faith & Influences 07:14 — Representing His Hometown District 08:29 — Learning to Represent a District 11:07 — Work Ethic and USAFA Foundations 12:22 — Failure, Setbacks & Long-Term Rewards 15:10 — Unexpected Assignments Becoming Career High Points 17:24 — Pentagon, Fellowship & NSC 19:49 — USAFA Grads in Congress 21:03 — Role of the Board of Visitors 23:24 — Key Focus Areas for the Board of Visitors 25:11 — Top National Security Challenges 27:13 — Balancing Congress, Leadership, and Family 29:01 — Leadership Style & Decision-Making 30:40 — Humble, Credible, Approachable 33:38 — Building Credibility as a Younger Leader 34:43 — What's Next: A More United Country 37:29 — Daily Habits for Growth 39:37 — Advice for Emerging Leaders 41:24 — Final Reflections & Call to Action 43:45 — Closing Thoughts & Outro   ABOUT CONGRESSMAN PFLUGER BIO U.S. Rep. August Pfluger '00 is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents 20 counties in Texas' 11th Congressional District. After graduating from the U.S Air Force Academy, he served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve for 25 years as an F-22 and F-15 pilot with over 300 combat hours. In Congress, he is chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus on Capitol Hill. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. CONNECT WITH THE CONGRESSMAN LINKEDIN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org   Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS Guest, Rep. August Pfluger '00  |  Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz 0:00 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, we're honored to welcome a distinguished leader whose career spans military service, national security and public office, Congressman August Pfluger is a proud graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2000, and currently represents the 11th Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before entering Congress, Congressman Pfluger served for nearly two decades in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of colonel. He is currently a member of the Air Force Reserve as an F-15 and F-22 fighter pilot. He logged over 300 combat hours in defense of our nation. He has also served as a member of the National Security Council, bringing strategic insight to some of the most complex global threats we face today. Since taking office in 2021 Congressman Pfluger has remained deeply committed to strengthening our national defense. He currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee to critical platforms from which he continues to represent and lead. He is the chairman of the Republican Study Committee and serves as the chairman of the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors, appointed to the BOV by the speaker of the house in 2023 and elected by his colleagues to serve as chair. Whether in the halls of Congress or in the cockpit, Congressman Pfluger's career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to courageous service and leadership. Congressman Pfluger, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Rep. August Pfluger 1:44 Thank you, Naviere. It's honor to be here with you.   Naviere Walkewicz 1:47 Well, we are so glad to have you. And there's something that I want to jump right into, because it really occurred to me how odd this is, but you served for nearly two decades, and when I say nearly two decades in the Air Force, 19 years and four months, and then you pulled the plug, you didn't go to retirement right then. Can we talk about that a little bit? Rep. August Pfluger 2:09 Well, this is not something that most financial advisers would advise you of doing. And I'll tell you, this was a journey in faith, because at almost 20 years. September of 2019, we made a decision, my wife and I made a decision to run for Congress, which meant that we got out of the active duty, joined the Reserve, and started a campaign, something that just a month prior, we had absolutely no intention of doing, and had not even talked about doing. Running for office was something that was always of interest, but certainly not at 19 years and four months. So the opportunity came up, had a couple of phone calls from friends and family to say that the representative who represented my hometown and where I grew up was retiring after 16 years, and a lot of factors. And I'll really take you down this faith journey, a lot of factors happened that we couldn't ignore. And we literally moved back to my hometown of San Angelo that I had not lived in for over 20 years, and started a campaign, which, as you can imagine, was, I mean, it took a lot of courage for my wife, from my family, three little girls, who we uprooted and went through this. But I'm so glad that we did it. But it wasn't without, you know, I can say anxiety and just, you know, the fear, the unknown maybe, and not knowing exactly what would happen. So when you say and use the words, we burned the ships. That was the moment in time that we literally burned the ships and ran a campaign with every piece of our heart and soul. Naviere Walkewicz 3:48 Wow. Well, let's talk about that a little bit, because, you know, we have listeners that make these pivotal moments in their careers. They make these decisions that really shaped them. What was it about that time, other than the incumbent was going to retire. Like, why you? Why then, you know? Let's talk about that a little bit more. Rep. August Pfluger 4:06 Well, this is pre-Covid. And the thought of running for office always sounds good. You know, if you have that interest, you're like, “OK, that'd be great.” Well, then when you kind of get down to the brass tax that you're going to have to put in 14- to 16-hour days and learn how to talk to people about what's important in this district that then it kind of changes things. But honestly, there were signs and things that pointed me and my wife in this direction that we couldn't ignore. And when you look at this type of district, I mean, it's really, in the past 100 years, there's only been about six representatives. So it's not one of those things you say, “Well, maybe we'll wait for next time.” The opportunity was there, there was a window of time. It was about 30 days where we had to make a decision to literally move from northern Virginia back to Texas and start a whole new career. And ended doing so forego the pension for what would now be five or six years, because I've had to work as a reservist to, you know, kind of get back to that point. So there was a financial piece to it. There was a career that was, was going very well that, you know, maybe, are we giving that up? And what happens if we don't win? And then, you know, all these unknowns. So I will say it was, it was definitely the biggest professional decision that I've ever made in my career. Naviere Walkewicz 5:40 So you talked about some of your family members — you had phone calls. It sounds like, your faith and your family are a big part of your decision making. And, when you go forward with things, I think you've talked about your grandfather having been someone that inspired you to go into the Air Force. You know, who are those key players in your family that have really inspired you in your big leadership decisions. Rep. August Pfluger 6:02 Yes, you're right. I had two grandfathers that served in World War II. One was a pilot, and that that led me to make the first decision to go to the Air Force Academy. And that stayed with me. We had nobody in my family who was in politics. I mean, not a single person. In fact, a lot of my family, I had several great uncles and different family members that I'm close to, and they said, “What?” Like, ”What are — you sure you want to do this? And why? Don't you have a really good Air Force career and you've been able to, you know, rise in the ranks and all the things that you've tried to do?” But I honestly — it was kind of a word of wisdom to say, “If you're going to do this, have some good reasons.” Like, “Why do you want to do this?” And the district that I get to represent in my hometown, we have military bases, agriculture and energy, and I love all three of those things. And I think of those as national security-level entities that really dovetail very nicely with my first part of my professional career. Naviere Walkewicz 7:14 That makes sense. So it really was an extension — this new path in your journey was really an extension of what you had done in uniform and active duty and now being able to give it back to your hometown district and the patrons in there as well. Rep. August Pfluger 7:30 Absolutely. And in the campaign I talked about how important it was to be able to provide our own food. We have a lot of cattle ranchers there that are in my district, that you don't want to be dependent on some other country, especially an adversarial country, for your food needs. And the same thing for energy production: that you can't be dependent for energy needs on your adversaries. So those were things that I was able to really talk about, and I mean, oh my gosh, after I actually was elected and got into office, I mean, they became front and center and still are of that discussion. And I think that was the really interesting piece about having been deployed. We were stationed all over the world, almost seven years outside of the United States, on three different continents, and to be able to tie it together and kind of bring that back home and communicate why this place where I grew up and now where I live and where I represent is so important to our national security? Naviere Walkewicz 8:29 Well, you talked a little bit about earlier, about you weren't sure if you were going to get elected, and then when you did, you had to go out and talk to people and really understand the challenges. What is that journey like when it's completely new, right? It's not the same. It's you're not getting into a cockpit. You're not an instructor pilot now. Now you are — you're representing all of them. How do you how do you approach that new path? Because I think that's something when our leaders take this leap of faith and they're looking at, well, how do I approach it? It's completely different from anything I've done. I think they'd like to know how you did it so well. Rep. August Pfluger 8:59 Well, thanks for the question. It was a huge challenge in being a squadron commander, having been an instructor pilot or a mission commander, and having led in actual combat, that that was everything. I mean, I didn't know anything about politics, but what I did know was how to map out a plan and how to put the pieces and parts together. And I knew that nobody was going to outwork me. I mean, come on, you know, when you have a SAMI on Saturday morning, you got to wake up and make your bed and do all the things to get that weekend pass. I mean, you're going to work hard. And so I knew that I had a competitive advantage on the work ethic and the ability to plan and so really, the thing that I realize now, now six years later, is that I think people — what they really appreciated was that I wasn't a career politician, that the things that I was saying and campaigning on were like true passions, and they weren't empty promises. I told them this is what I'm going to do, and I'm proud to report I've done every single one of those things that I told them that I would do, and it's because we were instructed so well, both at school and then as members of the active-duty Air Force about how to follow through and be persistent and just carry through with what you said you're going to do. I mean, integrity is a big piece of this, but I will tell you also that now staying in touch after being elected, elected, I travel throughout these 20 counties all the time, and you have to have some thick skin, because you're going to get some feedback from people that is not always flattering, and they're going to ask you, “Well, why did you vote this way, or what happened here, and why are you not doing this? And this is expensive.” And, I mean, so you have to be willing to take that feedback, which, by the way, sitting in a fighter pilot debrief — I mean, that was the perfect training for having thick skin, to understand that what people are trying to tell you: Is it critical? Without substance? That you really need to listen to them and try to solve these problems? Naviere Walkewicz 11:07 So earlier, you had talked about, I think there are these things that you did at the Academy. No one is going to outwork you have. You always been that type of person, someone that, you know, just kind of works really hard. Or is that something that you kind of developed at the Academy. Rep. August Pfluger 11:21 I developed it at the Academy. But I would say I came in with a with a good work ethic and then was challenged by our classmates, who are amazing, you know? It's like, “Oh my gosh, I'm really not that smart and not that fast and not that… you know, whatever,” because you see all these amazing people. But yes, work ethic was, I mean, I look at it now, having administered how many nominations to service academies? I mean, dozens and dozens of kids that I've gotten a chance to work with over the past five years who are absolutely incredible. I'm like, I don't know if I could get in at this point in time, because they're just incredible. And I had to work very hard at everything I ever did, everything I ever achieved, was because of hard work. It wasn't because I was the best. It was because I just, at the end of the day, worked very hard to get it. I think that's something that's a lesson that we learned during four years at the Academy, but it served me very well in this profession. Naviere Walkewicz 12:22 Was there a particular time at the Academy where you worked really hard and it didn't go your way? And, you know, how did you overcome that? Because I think sometimes the outcome is, “If I if I give it all and I work really hard, I'm going to get to where I want to go.” And if that wasn't the case, how did that actually change the trajectory or shape you? Rep. August Pfluger 12:42 There were multiple times at the Academy that you work hard for something. I mean, I came in as a recruited athlete, had some injuries, and so didn't get a chance to finish all four years that that was hard to go through that process, and it just didn't work out. And or you're just not good enough. And then that was the case too for me, on the football team. But they're just better people, which is awesome and that, but that shaped who I am now, because it is not just about how hard you work. That's a huge piece of it. But you also have to have good timing. You have to have some luck. You have to be in the right place and have been brought up by the right people. And when the when the opportunity strikes you, you've got to be able to take advantage of that timing to do that. And that those lessons — I absolutely remember that there was one instance where I really, really wanted to go to do this exchange program in Egypt, and they were going to bring some of the political science department over there. Well, apparently my grades were not in the right area to be selected for this program. I think I was an alternate or something, unless that's good, that's — it's not nothing. But I was very disappointed, because I thought I worked hard, you know, maybe not hard enough on the grades, but had worked hard to be a part of the conversation, to go. Well, didn't get a chance to do it. So always had that in the back of my mind. Well, I went to Egypt, but it was as a congressman. I led a congressional delegation of six or seven members. We met with the president of Egypt and had very serious conversations about the negotiation for what Gaza has now with the peace deal that we have gotten to and had a, you know, went to the president's palace, got to sit down right next to him and talk to him for over an hour. So I always kept that in the back of my mind that I was going to Egypt one day. Naviere Walkewicz 14:37 That's right. And honestly, you worked really, really hard. You didn't get there, but it kept you — kept that fire going, because you knew at some point you're going to, so it did end up working out, in that case, for sure. You know, one of the things that I find really interesting and fascinating about you is, as you talk about these different experiences you've had, you said they've shaped you. And when you're in the military, can you share a time when you maybe we're in a position that it wasn't what you'd hoped for. You thought it was going to be, but you found it to be incredibly rewarding. Was there anything in that kind of space that happened to you? Rep. August Pfluger 15:10 Yes, several times. You know you want things, you think you want things, and then it doesn't work out. You don't get selected. And always in the back of my mind, every young lieutenant wants to be a weapons officer wants to then be a squadron commander of a fighter squadron, and that's just the competitive side of this. And I was no different when it came time to select who the next squadron commanders were going to be. I'll never forget: My operations group commander came to be and he said, “Well, we got a problem. We have six really talented lieutenant colonels. You're all promoted below the zone, and we have four squadrons, so we're going to have to figure out a Plan B for a couple of you, and I've got something in mind for you.” He said, “I think that you should go be a deployed squadron, commander of an OSS, an operational support squadron.” He said, “We've got a war going on, a conflict with ISIS, and you'd be great.” Well, that's not exactly an easy conversation to go home and to tell your spouse: “Oh, I just got told that I was going to deploy. I'm not going to be a fighter squadron commander here. I'm going to go somewhere else, and I'll be gone a year.” So that was hard, but oh my goodness, what an experience professionally. Obviously, I missed my family, but this was the height of the conflict against ISIS. I had hundreds of people that I got a chance to work with, command, flying combat missions, doing something that mattered, working with our international partners. You know, we were on an Emirati base, and so I worked with the Emiratis on a daily basis, because we had almost 20 different weapon systems, 20 different aircraft there and it was the highlight of my professional career. So God had a plan. It worked out much better than I could have ever engineered, and it turned out — minus the fact that I had to be gone for a year; obviously, nobody likes that — but it turned out to be the best professional year of my Air Force career. Naviere Walkewicz 17:13 I find that really interesting because that — so would that have been the last kind of position you held before going into the move for Congress? Is that correct? Rep. August Pfluger 17:24 You know, actually, I came back — was PCSed to the Pentagon, worked for the chief of staff of the Air Force, General Goldfein, OK, went to a year of War College equivalent in D.C., a fellowship program, and then was assigned to the White House, to the National Security Council, for just about two and a half months before we made — three months before we made the decision to run for Congress. Naviere Walkewicz 17:49 So just a couple things happened after that. [Laughs]. What an amazing run, and the amazing leaders that you got to work with. So was that experience that when you were deployed as a squadron commander and then coming back, did that help shape your thoughts specifically to the Congress role, because you talked about the very three important things, right? Energy, you know, national security and there was one more… and agriculture. Thank you. And so, you know, did that all kind of get settled in when you were in that transition piece from, you know, squadron commander, to your time at the Pentagon in the White House area. Rep. August Pfluger 18:26 Absolutely, I had a year as a deployed squadron commander, came back and worked a year at the Pentagon, which I didn't know how lucky that was. Most people get there two or three years, but work directly for the chief of staff. Heard all of the conversations between Gen. Goldfein and Secretary Heather Wilson and then had a year where I studied at a think tank on Middle East policy. It could not have been a better education with a little bit of time in the White House to prepare me to run for Congress. You look back on that, you go, “Oh, so that's why.” “Oh, these steps were to prepare for this job now,” which I mean, just the fact that, as a member of Congress, I've probably met with 10 or 15 heads of states, one on one, presidents from different countries around the world, and to have that education, to be able to speak intelligently, at least somewhat intelligently, on these issues. Took that the steps that I just went through right there. Naviere Walkewicz 19:31 And you know, something that I think is really interesting to what you just said, working with Gen. Goldfein and with Secretary Wilson, you know, there are so few Academy graduates that have had the opportunities to serve in Congress and to be in the role that you are. How many Academy, Air Force Academy grads we have now have that have done this? Rep. August Pfluger 19:49 There's two currently serving, myself and Don Davis, opposite sides of the aisle, but great friends, and there were only two prior, so there's only been four. And the first two were Heather Wilson was the first Martha McSally, I'll never forget when I got elected. Heather Wilson called me and she said, “Congratulations, you're finally keeping up with us ladies.” And I thought it was great. But you know, we need more graduates, honestly. And I don't care who's listening to this, what side of the aisle you're on, we need more air force academy graduates. There are nine West Pointers currently serving, and seven from Annapolis currently serving, and we've only had four total. Naviere Walkewicz 20:30 All right, it's out there now. We've got our, you know, got our calling. So here we go. You know, I want to ask you a question about, you know, being in Congress, you are on several committees, and you're in leading roles in them. Let's talk a little bit. First about, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk about the Board of Visitors, because I think it's a great opportunity for our graduates to understand actually what the Board of Visitors actually does. So if you don't mind, kind of sharing in your words, you know what your priorities are with the Board of Visitors and what that looks like. I think it'd be really helpful in educating our listeners. Rep. August Pfluger 21:03 Well. Thank you. It's an honor to be on the Board of Visitors. It's statutorily set up by Congress decades ago, and it basically provides an avenue of oversight, something that is appointed both legislatively, by the speaker of the house and by the Senate majority leader and also the president. And, you know, we've got a number of several grads, but a number of senators and congressmen. And, you know, again, one of these timing things that I didn't necessarily intend to run for the chairmanship, but we needed, I think, a graduate to do that, and am proud to be the chairman of this group. You know, Charlie Kirk was on this board, and what a tragic situation that was. We've got a number of really passionate leaders, and our job really is to interact with the institution, to ask questions and to report back directly to the Secretary of War and into the Secretary of the Air Force on the health and welfare of the institution, on any other issues that we think are important. And for me, kind of the driving principle is that I love this institution, the leadership lessons that I learned there and those that I hear from so many graduates are important well beyond military service. They're important for the rest of a graduate's life. And I want to make sure that everything that is going on there, the resources that are needed there, the schedule and the curriculum and the ability to train the next generation of young warriors, both for the space and the Air Force, are the best in the country, and that we are prepared no matter what, that those graduates can go do their job. So it really is an honor to be on the board, but then to be the chairman of it. Naviere Walkewicz 23:03 I can imagine that, and I think it really speaks volumes, the fact that, you know, you're so passionate about it, you've taken what you've had from the Academy, you've applied it in this role. What are the first things that I think you're looking at? You said you talked about the resources and kind of the schedule and things that are happening at the academy. What are the key things that you're looking at right now as a Board of Visitors? Rep. August Pfluger 23:24 Well, I think to start with, I mean, we all know you wake up early, you go bed late, and you're trying to cram, you know, 28 hours into 24 and so the No. 1 thing that I want to see and work through is, how are we continuing to innovate with the best training possible, so that, you know, you can't teach the solution to every problem, but you want to teach a framework of how to think, and that, you know, there's going to be cadets that are challenged through their academic studies, there's going to be cadets that are challenged through their military studies. There's going to be cadets that are challenged athletically, and some that get all three of those, obviously, we all get got all three. But no matter which piece of the puzzle fills, you know, their time, they should get the training that teaches them how to respond in stressful situations, that teaches them how to function as a team, and that that offers them the opportunity to honestly, to experience a little bit of failure, while also knowing that success is right down the road, and that with a little grit, a little determination and a little persistence, that they're going to get there, and that is a challenge, I mean, In a resource-confined environment that we have right now that that's a big challenge, but that's why we have legislators, Senators and House members, They can go fight for those resources to make sure that they're getting that training that they need. Naviere Walkewicz 24:56 Thank you for sharing that you know, I think when you talk about having that framework to critically work through whatever is coming at you, and, you know, fighting for resources. Can you share what is the greatest challenge that you're faced with right now and how you're working through it? Rep. August Pfluger 25:11 Yeah, absolutely. I mean, just, you know, from a military standpoint, I'm obviously very biased on what air power and space power does I mean the army will deploy to certain locations. In the Navy will deploy to certain locations. But the Air Force and the Space Force are everywhere. We're in every theater. We've been in every conflict. We are the constant and I don't think resource wise, that that our Department of the Air Force is receiving the resources that it needs proportionately speaking to the threat that we face. We're the smallest and the oldest that we've ever been, and we need to change that immediately. As chairman — you mentioned I was chairman of the Republican Study Committee. What is that? Well, it's a 189-member caucus, committee, policy committee...   Naviere Walkewicz 26:01 It's the largest one, right?   Rep. August Pfluger 26:02 It's huge. It's the largest committee in Congress, and we meet weekly with Cabinet members and other leaders to discuss policy. But this has been something that I've been passionate about, which we have to take advantage of an environment where some more resources are being put towards our military, and I want to make sure that a larger portion of those go to the Department of the Air Force to meet the threat. And that's just a neat opportunity that it's a competitive election. I had to get elected by my peers. You know, 188 other congressmen and women from across the country. I had to run an election to get elected to it, and now trying to communicate to them why the business of Air and Space power is so important, but, but I'm we're slowly but surely getting there. Naviere Walkewicz 26:53 Well, I'm not sure where you have time when you're you know, you're doing so many things, you're on the road, meeting with your constituents. You're leading. You know these major committees, the Board of Visitors, as chair. Can you talk about how you're balancing? You know, you always talked about being your family is really important to you. How are you balancing that? What does that look like for someone in a leadership role? Rep. August Pfluger 27:13 Well, it's obviously the biggest challenge that any of us face, which is making sure that you take care of the most fundamental and important piece of your life, which is your family and being gone. I mean, I go to Washington, D.C., on Monday, and generally come home Thursday or Friday, and that's about three weeks out of every four. So my wife, is the most important piece of this, because she allows me to do this, and I couldn't do it without her, honestly. And then secondly, you know, we had a scare this summer because two of my girls were at Camp Mystic. And you know, that was that really brought things back to such a fundamental level that, you know, my No. 1 job on this earth is to be a husband and a father, a person of faith. And I'll tell you that that was, that was a transformational moment in it, just in my in my life, because when you have two daughters that were that thankfully came home and in then you see 27 others that didn't, that they knew that we knew the families and we were close to that. This has put everything back into perspective, that the service that I'm doing should be focused on a foundation of family and faith, and that none of it matters if you don't take care of that. Naviere Walkewicz 28:41 So what does that look like in how you lead? How does that shape the decisions you make in your role in Congress, as a reservist? And then for our listeners, you know, how do they put those important things first in the midst of having to make other decisions professionally? Rep. August Pfluger 29:01 I think a lot of it is, maybe not so much, the “what” in the decision, but it's the “how,” you know, you carry yourself, and you know on the other side of the aisle. I mean, I'm going to fight policies that I don't agree with all day long. But I think the how I do that, what I want my daughters to know is that they had a dad that was very firm in his beliefs. So I think that's, you know, when I look at it kind of like from the, “OK, what's important?” OK, being a good dad, not just saying the right things, but actually going and carrying those out. I think the how you carry them out is really important. And then, you know the specifics of legislation. There are things that, if I believe in in taking care of the American family, then there are things that I'm going to advocate for, not, not to make this to political of a discussion, but I think you can see through my track record that that I have focused on those things that would help strengthen the family, Naviere Walkewicz 30:08 The “how” is really, it's part of your legacy, right? And I think that's what your children are seeing as well, in the way that you, you, you do what you do. And I think as leaders, that's something really important to be thinking about. So I'm really thankful that you shared that example. Shared that example. Have you found that your leadership style has evolved, or has it already always been kind of rooted in you know, who you've been and you've just kind of tweaked it a little bit? Or have you seen yourself evolve more than you would have expected? Rep. August Pfluger 30:40 Yes, it has evolved, but, and I hope for the better, we'd have to ask others what they think of that, but, but, you know, look, growing up in a professionally in a fighter squadron, there were three tenants that they even though I didn't go to weapon school, they teach you this to be humble, credible and approachable. I mean, think about that. Those are the core tenants of who our lead warriors are, and that is not what you see. When you think of politicians. You think, Well, they're braggadocious and annoying. And you know, OK, and I hope I don't fall into that category. I need to do some self-reflection every once while, but, but I've got a staff of almost 40 people, and I have 434 other colleagues that you have to work with. So you better believe that you've got to be humble because there are people who are better than you in every category. You better believe that being approachable in this job is really important, because people are going to come to you and they're going to need something, or you're going to need something from them, and if you don't have the credibility of what you're talking about or what you're leading, then you're not going to get anything done. And so I've really had to work on all three of those things since I was elected to make sure that tying that to a servant leadership model. We started out in 2021, and I told my team, I said, we are going to do everything we possibly can to make other people that I am working with, other congressmen and women better. And they said, Wait, what? I said, Yeah, this isn't about me getting the limelight. We will get plenty of limelight, but let's work on giving other people the credit, giving other people the opportunities, calling on their expertise, pushing them up. And it will all work out, and we will achieve everything we wanted to achieve for the district that I represent, and it was just like this lightning bolt of it was so antithetical to the way that many people in Congress think. And I am not saying that we have changed the world, but when you're elected to basically a conference-wide position like I am, then you really have hard conversations with people, and those conversations people said, You know what, you've helped me out. I'm going to vote for you. And that meant everything, Naviere Walkewicz 33:08 Humble, approachable, credible, what great lessons for our leaders. And I think that translates across anything you're doing. Of the three, it seems that credible would probably be the hardest to achieve, right? It's a time-based thing. How would you recommend that our leaders, especially those that are growing in their leadership roles, achieve that when they don't necessarily have the time right in? Rep. August Pfluger 33:38 It's so hard, but that grit, that determination, I mean, the study, the thing, all the things we learned, you know, it's like they give you. The academic instructors are like a torture chamber, because they know you can't study everything, so you have to prioritize, which is a lesson I think I still draw on today. But I think that credibility comes from if you're going to be an expert in something, you've got to study it. You've got to know it, and people have to trust you. So when you tell them something, it has to be the truth, and they have to know well, I don't know that particular policy issue, but I know Pfluger does, because, you know he did that in his career. He studied that. So I think that grit and that determination and the prioritization of your time is so important, you can't do it all. I mean, we just can't. You have to. You have to make a choice, and those choices have to then go towards the goals that you're setting for yourself. Naviere Walkewicz 34:32 Excellent, excellent lessons. So you've accomplished so much since 2021, you know? What's next? What are you trying to work towards next? Rep. August Pfluger 34:43 I mean, there's so many different like policy issues I'm not going to bore you with. Let's just talk about the big picture, the elephant in the room, which is how divided our country is, and it's heartbreaking to see. You know, I think back to like, the aftermath of 911 I literally 911 happened two weeks prior to my pilot training graduation. You as a Class of '99 were right in the same boat. I mean, we were our professional careers were turned upside down, but our country came together, and that that was kind of the I think that that was the best thing to see how many people that were divided on whatever lines kind of came together. We're very divided, and it is hard to see and from I want to see an end of the radical sides of our parties and a normal conversation. We should be able to have a normal debate in Congress about whatever issues of spending and things like that. And we should be able to then slap each other on the back and say, Yeah, good job you won that one. Or, you know, good job I won this one. That should be kind of the norm. And I've got so many good friends who are Democrats that it's there, but the pull to radicalization is it's alive and well. And to be honest, this is why we need more Academy graduates who are doing this type of work, whether it's running for local office or running for Congress or Senate or whatever, because we get it. We get it from being a part of something that was greater than ourselves and being a part of a mission that it wasn't about, I it was literally about the team of success. And I think it's, it's veterans that are in these leadership positions that are going to help be a part of this, so that that really, I really do want to see that that doesn't mean that I'm not going to fight tooth and nail for policy that I believe in, which is partisan at times. And I'm OK with that, but what I'm not OK with is demonizing somebody for having a different belief. Let's go fight the merits of it, but not, not the character of the other person. Naviere Walkewicz 37:03 Thank you for sharing that. I think, you know, just putting the elephant on the table, I think, is really important. That's what it is about conversation. It's about dialog and so thank you for sharing that. For sure, this has been an incredible conversation. We've kind of navigated different parts of your career, you know, your leadership journey, maybe, if I could ask you this, what is something you're doing every day, Congressman Pfluger, to be better? Rep. August Pfluger 37:29 I think, in faith life, really trying to tie in spiritually, and to not be the one in control, trying to be more present in in my family's life, I'm going to give you three or four. So, you know, just being more intentional, putting the phone down, like if I'm going to sit down with my kids and be there, because I could be on the phone 24 hours a day. So put the phone down, talk to my wife be engaged, and that that's really that, that, I think that's a challenge for anybody who is in any adult right now, quite frankly, but especially those that are in leadership positions, which all of our graduates are, and so just put the phone down and being engaged, and it's hard. It's like, “Oh, I got to take care of this, you know, I got to call that person back. We've got to do this.” But you know that is, I think that that is probably the No. 1 thing that then allows a stronger faith life, a stronger relationship with my family. Physically, still taking the Air Force PT test, got a 99 last year. Was very proud of that and so trying to stay physically fit.   Naviere Walkewicz 38:48 That's outstanding!   Rep. August Pfluger 38:49 There are some other graduates who have challenged me with that. You may know Joel Neeb? A classmate of yours.   Naviere Walkewicz 38:58 Oh yeah! I know Thor.   Rep. August Pfluger 39:00 Thor is awesome. And he's been such an inspiration. I could name 100 people, but he said he's a really good inspiration to so many people. And on all the things that you just the things that I answered for your question, he's been a good inspiration on. Naviere Walkewicz 39:15 I would agree with that wholeheartedly. Yes. Well, thank you for that. Can you also share, you know, knowing what you know now through the years that you've experienced, you know your hardships, the triumphs — what would you share with our growing leaders that they can do today to help them be stronger down the road? Rep. August Pfluger 39:37 You know, I think some self-reflection, like, how do you see yourself, and how does the world see you? And is this — does it match up? Because if it's different, if your opinion of yourself is higher than that of what other people are thinking and your work ethic and what you're bringing to the to the table, then then you need to do some self-reflection. And I again, I got back to my career as a fighter pilot, which was perfect for politics. You know, you got to learn to work as a team. You have people debriefing you, and there's critical thoughts on your actions, of how you perform. But I think any leader, it needs to first have the grit to be able to stick with it. It's not always the best person that gets the job, but I can promise you, the person who keeps seeking that job and has that drive, they're going to get there. That has been the story of my life and self-reflection, to go What's stopping me from getting there is probably the key, as long as you have that grit, that self-reflection, to have some clarity for whatever goal you want to achieve. That's my humble opinion of what I would tell myself 15 years ago. Naviere Walkewicz 41:00 Wow. And I think that does kind of give us a moment to just sit in it and think about that as we are, you know, trying to be our best selves and to continue to evolve as leaders. What a great way to do that, right? Just reflect some self-reflection. I want to make sure we have an opportunity. If there's anything that I didn't ask you, that you feel is really important to share with our listeners. What would that be? Rep. August Pfluger 41:24 Well, there were a couple of things. No. 1, I was trying to think back — because your Class of '99 and I'm Class of 2000 — on whether or not I had to get in the front-leaning rest and recite John Stuart Mill's poem, or not. I can't remember that, so maybe I snuck by.   Naviere Walkewicz 41:45 Definitely a front-leaning rest kind of gal. I have pretty strong abs. I can handle that.   Rep. August Pfluger 41:51 You know, I just, I want to go back to what how important our institution is, because we're in that other dimension. We're in the air, in the space domain. We're solving problems in our professional career that I mean, think about where we've come since the Wright Brothers demonstrated we could fly and now, you know all the things that we're doing in air and space, and that's because of our graduates. And you know, I just, I really want to have a call out to our graduates that your leadership in a variety of ways is needed. It's needed in the business community, in Fortune 500 companies. It's needed in your local communities. It's needed at the national level of politics; there are several candidates for Congress right now who are graduates. I'm helping them, and I will help anybody. I don't care what party you are, of course, I have my favorite, but I will help any person who is looking to run for something like this. This is what I know now. But we really do need your leadership in order to bring the temperature down, to unite our country, to make sure that we're going to be successful. It's not if it's a matter of when we're going to face that next big, truly existential threat and challenge to our country. And guess what? I trust the people that were right there next to be in the front, winning rest, reciting all of those quotes and having to do a little bit harder of a standard in our four years of education than other institutions. And so I trust our graduates, but we need you, and we really need you to take that opportunity and serve in any possible way that you can. Naviere Walkewicz 43:45 Wow. Thank you for sharing that. I think that that is a perfect way a call to action, so to speak, for all of us you know the service after the service, so this has been incredible. Congressman Pfluger, thank you for your time today. Rep. August Pfluger 43:57 Well, Naviere, thank you for reaching so many graduates and looking forward to a Bitton Army and Navy again next year. Naviere Walkewicz 44:04 That's right next year. Well, you know, as I reflect on this conversation, you know, one theme really rises above others, courage, the grit, you know, not just the courage we often associate with the battlefield or moments of crises, but the quiet, steady courage that it takes to lead with conviction every day, Congressman Pfluger reminded us that true leadership means standing firm in your values even when the path may be uncertain or the stakes may be high, it's the kind of courage that doesn't seek comfort, but instead answers to responsibility. So as you think about your own leadership journey, ask yourself, Where is courage calling you? Where is that grit gonna take you? Whether it's in the workplace, in your community or your personal life, lean into those moments, because courage, real, principled, humble, courage is what transforms good leaders into great ones. Thank you for listening to this edition of Long Blue Leadership. If you know someone who needs encouraging words in their leadership journey, please share this podcast with them as well. I'm Naviere Walkewicz. Until next time.   KEYWORDS August Pfluger, Long Blue Leadership Podcast, U.S. Air Force Academy, leadership lessons, congressional service, fighter pilot, national security, grit and resilience, service after service, Air Force Board of Visitors, faith and family leadership, career transition, public service, humble credible approachable, air and space power.       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

Learn more about Novo: https://novo.org/Learn more about the community of people hearing God: https://receiveacademy.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:28 Discovering Spiritual Authority02:57 Launching Training Programs05:39 Biblical Foundations of Hearing God12:17 Daily Practices and Rhythms14:22 Incorporating Listening in Meetings17:57 Future Directions and Mentorship31:21 Final Reflections and Encouragement

SummaryMentorship · Youth Development · Leadership · Education · High Expectations · Psychological Safety · Identity Formation · Communication · Respect · AgencyIn this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols reflect on their recent conversation with psychologist and author David Yeager, and what it means for anyone leading, teaching, parenting, or mentoring young people today.At the centre of the conversation is what Yeager calls the mentor mindset — the idea that young people don't need less structure or fewer expectations, but better leadership. Leadership that combines high standards with deep respect, clarity with care, and authority with credibility.Jason and Garth explore why mattering is such a powerful driver of motivation, how adolescence now stretches well beyond age 18, and why many of our leadership instincts — especially in schools — haven't kept pace with that reality. The episode also tackles the often-tricky work of communicating change with parents and invites leaders to ask an uncomfortable but essential question: What if the work starts with us?This episode is about raising the quality of leadership, not lowering the bar — and about creating environments where young people can grow into who they're becoming, not just perform for today.Key Take AwaysThis may be the closest thing we've seen to an instruction manual for raising and leading teenagers.Mentorship isn't a title or a long-term relationship — it's a mindset.Young people thrive when high expectations are paired with high support.Status, stability, and respect matter more than we often realize.Mattering and purpose are deeply intertwined — one fuels the other.Adolescence doesn't end at 18, and our leadership models need to catch up.The next generation doesn't need softer leadership — it needs better leadership.Change in schools lives or dies on how well we communicate with parents.Students can be powerful advocates for growth — even at home.If we want different outcomes, we have to raise the quality of our leadership and teaching.The Mentor Mindset: Leading Young People WellHigh Expectations, High Support: Rethinking Leadership for YouthSoundbites:“What if we're the problem?”“This isn't about lowering the bar — it's about raising the quality of leadership.”“Coaching over commanding.”“Mattering changes everything.”“This is a virtuous cycle — when respect goes up, effort follows.”Time Stamps00:00 – Introduction & Recent Experiences05:31 – The Mentor Mindset: What Yeager Gets Right08:26 – Why High Expectations and High Support Matter12:14 – Mattering, Respect, and Motivation15:28 – Adolescence, Identity, and Who Young People Are Becoming18:21 – Why Leadership Hasn't Kept Up21:08 – Communicating Change with Parents23:47 – Final Reflections & Next Episode Teaser

If year-end fundraising feels like an all-gas-no-brakes sprint, this Working Session is your moment to regroup, refocus, and rally your strongest allies. We brought in fundraising expert and author Rhea Wong for a rapid-fire strategy session on two mission-critical moves: activating your board before December 31 and turning year-end gifts, signals, and conversations into a predictable 2026 pipeline — in under 30 minutes.Rhea walks us through her signature approach to board engagement and donor outreach: one rooted in clarity, specificity, and creating micro-yes moments that move relationships forward. You'll learn how to give board members turnkey actions they'll actually complete, how to structure two-call closes for warm prospects, and how to use January to set up a smarter, stronger pipeline for the entire year.Top 3 Takeaways:Your Board Is Your Force Multiplier: Stop sending blanket emails. Start giving individuals clear, specific, low-friction tasks — from making their own gift to nudging warm contacts to posting on LinkedIn. Activated intentionally, your board becomes your most powerful surface-area expander.December Is for Decisions: Rhea breaks down her two-step outreach process — the R for R.O. (Reason for Reaching Out), the alignment call, the opportunity call, and the art of making a clear ask and then staying quiet. January Is Your Pipeline Launchpad: Retention workflows, short donor surveys, micro-engagement signals, and a simple “schedule time with me” link in your email signature can dramatically increase donor conversations. Plus her favorite January homework: donor interviews that build your 2026 avatar and deepen relationships with zero solicitation pressure.This episode is packed with low-lift, high-impact tactics to help you close strong this year — and build a donor pipeline that carries you confidently into the next.Welcome back to Working Sessions: hands-on, clarity-filled conversations designed to help you move real work forward inside your organization.Let's get to work.Episode Highlights: Four Quick Board Actions for Year-End Fundraising (00:58)Getting Your Nonprofit and Board Members on LinkedIn (03:39)Making Board Engagement Fun & Effective (04:01)Removing Friction: Scripts, Emails & Turnkey Tasks (05:08)How to Move Unengaged Board Members to Action (05:39)December is for Decisions: Triage Your Donor List (08:08) The Two-Call Strategy for Major Gift Closes (09:10)0:12:06 – Handling Objections & Building Consent at Every StepWhat to Do in January: Retention & Stewardship (14:25)Using Surveys & Engagement Data to Build Your Pipeline (15:16) Hot Prospect Lists & Calendar Link Pro Tips (17:43)Donor Interviews: Building Avatars & Deepening Relationships (18:15)Final Reflections, Resources, and Closing (19:27) Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/665//Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com Say hi

What does luxury truly mean when your business is built on trust, precision, and human connection?In this episode of The Nick Fong Podcast, Nick Fong sits down with Karla Casillas, founder of Karla Casillas & Co., a leading force in the luxury wedding and events industry in Los Cabos. With more than three decades of experience, Karla shares the real story behind building one of Mexico's most respected luxury service brands.This conversation goes beyond destination weddings.Karla talks openly about entrepreneurship, burnout, leadership, mistakes that shaped her career, and why communication—not trends—is the foundation of true luxury. She explains how luxury clients think, why personalization matters more than aesthetics, and what it takes to scale a high-touch business without losing its soul.The episode also explores the emotional parallels between luxury weddings, real estate, and life decisions, as well as Karla's motivation for launching her own podcast, “The Choice,” a platform focused on stories of success, struggle, and personal growth.This episode is ideal for listeners interested in:Luxury weddings in Los Cabos and destination eventsEntrepreneurship and leadership in premium service industriesBuilding legacy brands based on trust and excellenceThe human side of success, burnout, and resilienceIf you're an entrepreneur, creative professional, or business owner operating in a luxury market, this episode offers grounded insight from real-world experience.00:00 – Introduction02:10 – Finding Her Path in Weddings05:30 – Building a Brand in Los Cabos08:40 – The Evolution of Luxury Weddings12:00 – Burnout and the Cost of Excellence16:20 – Scaling, Teams, and Letting Go19:40 – What Luxury Really Means23:10 – Emotional vs Financial Investment26:30 – Trends, Personalization, and Timelessness30:00 – Common Mistakes Clients Make33:20 – Launching “The Choice” Podcast36:30 – The Loneliness of Entrepreneurship39:40 – Communication as a Life Skill43:20 – Failure, Trust, and Leadership Lessons47:30 – Mentorship and Industry Reality51:00 – Why Weddings Matter to Cabo53:00 – Final Reflections

Shauhin Davari Recaps Survivor 49 Ep 12 Survivor 49 is reaching its breaking point, and Rob Cesternino teams up with Survivor 48's Shauhin Davari for a recap of the penultimate episode. With the finale days away, Rob and Shauhin spotlight the rapidly-shifting alliances, dramatic advantage plays, and emotional reward moments that have shaped the hurricane of strategy at camp. Every move matters as players like Sophi, Savannah, and Rizzo jockey for position on their way to Tribal Council. Rob and Shauhin dissect Sophi's high-tension Knowledge Is Power play, debating whether her shot at flipping the game came just a bit too late. Rizzo's idol theatrics spark major debate, with Shauhin providing insight into the bluffing and social reads that let him slip through more than one dangerous vote. The duo weighs Savannah's clutch challenge wins, and how being a physical force keeps her in the spotlight (and on everyone's target list). Plus, the impact of the loved ones letter reward leads to an honest take on how family support shifts players' motivations and endgame plans. Key topics include: – Sophi's Knowledge Is Power moment: was it bold enough to change her fate? – Rizzo's inventive idol strategy and what it reveals about social perception – Savannah's immunity run and why it drives the final five's vote calculus – The evolving bonds between Sophi, Savannah, and Rizzo – Real parallels between Shauhin's Survivor journey and this season's emotional crossroads This episode leaves one big question: Can Savannah and Rizzo stay one step ahead, or will a last-minute flip topple the power balance right before day 26? Chapters: 0:00 Intros 6:31 Sophi’s Crucial Idol Decision 13:36 Emotional Impact of Family Reward 20:49 Social Bonds Shape Jury Perceptions 27:41 Comparing Savannah and Joe’s Paths 34:01 Savannah's Direct Communication Examined 43:40 Powerful Family Stories Emerge 50:30 Savannah and Rizzo's Unbreakable Alliance 53:13 Sophi's Knowledge Is Power Downfall 59:14 Clutch Immunities Shift Endgame Odds 1:07:31 Sage's Authentic Moves Analyzed 1:14:10 Seasons for New Survivor Fans 1:18:44 Survivor Deepens Family Connections 1:29:16 Reading Nonverbal Cues on Survivor 1:32:29 Survivor 49's Unique Win Conditions 1:39:00 Who Shauhin Would Work With 1:57:52 Final Reflections on Survivor 49 To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our friends at Manta Sleep. Summertime is officially here! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and while all that extra daylight can feel energizing, it can quietly sabotage your sleep. Later sunsets disrupt your body's natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. Manta Sleep is here to help. Whether you're blocking out daylight or tuning out the sounds of summer nights, taking control of your sleep environment helps you get deep, restorative rest, no matter how long the sun stays up. To take advantage of 10% off your first order, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nsptcy3 or go to www.mantasleep.com and use promo code RHAP49 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!

Shauhin Davari Recaps Survivor 49 Ep 12 Survivor 49 is reaching its breaking point, and Rob Cesternino teams up with Survivor 48's Shauhin Davari for a recap of the penultimate episode. With the finale days away, Rob and Shauhin spotlight the rapidly-shifting alliances, dramatic advantage plays, and emotional reward moments that have shaped the hurricane of strategy at camp. Every move matters as players like Sophi, Savannah, and Rizzo jockey for position on their way to Tribal Council. Rob and Shauhin dissect Sophi's high-tension Knowledge Is Power play, debating whether her shot at flipping the game came just a bit too late. Rizzo's idol theatrics spark major debate, with Shauhin providing insight into the bluffing and social reads that let him slip through more than one dangerous vote. The duo weighs Savannah's clutch challenge wins, and how being a physical force keeps her in the spotlight (and on everyone's target list). Plus, the impact of the loved ones letter reward leads to an honest take on how family support shifts players' motivations and endgame plans. Key topics include: – Sophi's Knowledge Is Power moment: was it bold enough to change her fate? – Rizzo's inventive idol strategy and what it reveals about social perception – Savannah's immunity run and why it drives the final five's vote calculus – The evolving bonds between Sophi, Savannah, and Rizzo – Real parallels between Shauhin's Survivor journey and this season's emotional crossroads This episode leaves one big question: Can Savannah and Rizzo stay one step ahead, or will a last-minute flip topple the power balance right before day 26? Chapters: 0:00 Intros 6:31 Sophi’s Crucial Idol Decision 13:36 Emotional Impact of Family Reward 20:49 Social Bonds Shape Jury Perceptions 27:41 Comparing Savannah and Joe’s Paths 34:01 Savannah's Direct Communication Examined 43:40 Powerful Family Stories Emerge 50:30 Savannah and Rizzo's Unbreakable Alliance 53:13 Sophi's Knowledge Is Power Downfall 59:14 Clutch Immunities Shift Endgame Odds 1:07:31 Sage's Authentic Moves Analyzed 1:14:10 Seasons for New Survivor Fans 1:18:44 Survivor Deepens Family Connections 1:29:16 Reading Nonverbal Cues on Survivor 1:32:29 Survivor 49's Unique Win Conditions 1:39:00 Who Shauhin Would Work With 1:57:52 Final Reflections on Survivor 49 To pre-order Rob’s book, The Tribe and I Have Spoken, visit www.robhasabook.com This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our friends at Manta Sleep. Summertime is officially here! The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and while all that extra daylight can feel energizing, it can quietly sabotage your sleep. Later sunsets disrupt your body's natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. Manta Sleep is here to help. Whether you're blocking out daylight or tuning out the sounds of summer nights, taking control of your sleep environment helps you get deep, restorative rest, no matter how long the sun stays up. To take advantage of 10% off your first order, visit https://tinyurl.com/2nsptcy3 or go to www.mantasleep.com and use promo code RHAP49 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!

From musician to movement healer, Amanda Bauman shows us what it looks like to build a career led not by strategy, but by soul, intuition, and a deep commitment to helping people reconnect with themselves.Amanda is a multi-passionate entrepreneur whose work beautifully weaves together music, fitness, and wellness. As the co-owner and founder of Core Connection, she brings more than 15 years of experience in personal training, Pilates, and dance-based fitness, along with her creative world as a DJ and singer/songwriter. She's also the creator of Groove Alchemy, a signature class that blends meditation, somatic movement, and live DJ performance into an experience that feels both grounding and electric.In our conversation, Amanda opens up about the pivotal turning points that shaped her path, from moving to LA after college to chase acting and music, and navigating an autoimmune diagnosis that changed how she related to her body and her work. What started as spontaneous opportunities evolved into a meaningful shift toward fitness when her health required a new kind of presence. Years later, that winding, intuitive journey positioned her to step into entrepreneurship, purchasing the studio that would become Core Connection alongside her co-founder, Akiko Morrison.Amanda offers profound insight into partnership, purpose, and resilience. She talks about how her diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis informed her compassionate teaching style, why choosing the right co-founder is critical, and how Groove Alchemy emerged as a healing blend of her passions. She also shares her current creative projects, like DJing at LA venues, remixing her original music with AI tools like Kuno, and envisioning a full live set built entirely from her own tracks.This episode is a reminder that leadership doesn't always begin with a business plan. Sometimes it begins with listening inward, trusting the next step, and allowing creativity to guide the way. Amanda's story celebrates what's possible when women build community-centered spaces rooted in authenticity, connection, and joy.Tune in to hear Amanda's full journey and the wisdom she brings to anyone navigating purpose, healing, and reinvention.Chapters

In this inspiring episode of Talking Wit Kevin & Son, we bring you “The People You Should Know.”Kevin sits down with Mr. Lamar Webster — a talented bass player, professional photographer, and former bandleader of the R&B group Record Player (1976–1983).From the streets of Dayton, Ohio to the vibrant R&B scene that influenced Solar Records, Lamar takes us behind the music — sharing how Ohio musicians shaped a sound that still moves generations. This conversation connects history, creativity, and the powerful legacy of artists who paved the way.

Dating, relationships, self-love, accountability, manipulation, phone checking, friends with benefits, healing, masculinity, femininity, marriage, unconditional love, spiritual dreams, toxic love, protection.Tonight the crew debates whether we're raised to be great partners or forced to learn on the job. From “self-love won't keep a man” to “checking phones is healthy,” the conversation gets raw: masculinity vs. peace, toxic attraction to “protection,” spiritual dreams catching cheaters, FWB rules, and whether women/men actually want accountability.

SummaryIn this recording of the second parish mission talk, Nathan Crankfield explores the themes of hope, faith, and personal growth through his own experiences and reflections. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the definition of hope, and how it can be a choice, especially in family life. Through personal stories and biblical references, he illustrates the challenges of life, the role of suffering in building endurance, and the necessity of trusting God during difficult times. The discussion culminates in a call to action for parents and individuals to share their faith and hope with others, particularly the younger generation.Chapters00:00 The Gift of Hope05:00 Trusting Jesus in Family Life10:00 Navigating Suffering and Loss15:00 Building Endurance Through Trials20:00 Choosing Hope Daily25:00 Overcoming Discouragement30:00 Hope in Action35:00 Final Reflections & ClosingJoin Pray25 on Hallow ⁠here!⁠If you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter:https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

"I find so much incredible joy in serving the temple. And in this position, it has been mind blowing to me just the amount of testimony I've gained. And seeing people in their hard situations and now understanding that everybody's situation's hard. We don't see it 'cause they all hide it. Right? And we just need to let God in. We need to let Him approach us. And we all need to be that for somebody else. We need to be the means of letting them see God's love, and acting on it." 00:00 The Devil Wants Me08:31 Struggles with Pornography and Early Challenges13:08 School Controversy and Social Isolation17:12 Rebellious Teenage Years26:17 Turning Point: Seeking Repentance32:31 Life-Changing Spiritual Experiences36:12 Overcoming Temptations and Challenges40:35 Final Reflections and GratitudeCozy Earth code COMEBACK for 40% off https://cozyearth.com/Memor Jewelry code COMEBACK for 10% offhttps://memorjewelry.com/Serve Clothing code COMEBACK for 15% offhttps://serveclothing.com/If you have a story to share please contact ashly.comebackpodcast@gmail.comFor inquiries contact info.comebackpodcast@gmail.comCome Back Team:Director, Founder, & Host: Ashly StoneEditor: Cara ReedOutreach Manager: Jenna CarlsonAssistant Editor: Michelle BergerAssistant Editor: Britt SmallzeArt Director: Jeremy GarciaProduction Director: Trent Wardwell

The rise of Andrew Carnegie from a poor Scottish weaver's boy to becoming an American millionaire.00:00 Introduction 03:00 Carnegie's Early Life and Inspirations 07:50 Coming to America 12:00 The Power of Self-Education 28:15 Becoming a Capitalist: The Adams Express Investment 36:30 Rapid Rise in the Railroad Industry 42:15 Carnegie's Role in the Civil War 50:30 Carnegie's Business Philosophy and Networking 56:15 Final Reflections and Takeaways----Sponsors:David Senra PodcastZashi WalletSpeechify----Sources:Autobiography of Andrew CarnegieAndrew Carnegie by David Nasaw

What does it mean to raise a family while also serving your country?In this episode of The Unaparent, Katia sits down with Senator Ruben Gallego and his wife, Sydney Gallego, for a conversation that goes far beyond politics. They talk candidly about the realities of parenting three young children while navigating the demands of public life.From breaking cycles of fatherhood to confronting the maternal health crisis, Senator Gallego shares how personal experiences have informed his legislative priorities—including the Dads Matter Act and postpartum Medicaid expansion. Sydney brings her own insights as a maternal health advocate and mother navigating the emotional terrain of postpartum identity and civic engagement.In a country where gun violence is rampant, childcare is out of reach for many, and parental support remains a luxury instead of a given, this episode serves as a welcome reminder that some elected officials are fighting to change that. It's a reflection of how public service, at its best, begins at home. Because sometimes, being a good parent is one of the most radical and impactful forms of leadership.