Podcasts about First Day

Send a text“Our school system went from 3rd in the nation to 30-something, yet we spend 29% more. It's a giant Ponzi scheme, and I have the plan to end it." ~ Mike LindellThe Business of Leadership: Mike Lindell's 2026 Vision for MinnesotaIn this high-stakes episode, Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow and 2026 candidate for Governor of Minnesota, joins David Pasqualone to discuss the radical transparency needed to save a state in crisis. From exposing a $20 billion welfare fraud “smoking gun” to his plan for dismantling the property tax “Ponzi scheme” in schools, Mike applies his reverse-engineering business mind to government. Problem-Solution Leadership: From MyPillow to the State HouseMike breaks down how his experience building a massive American-owned company prepared him to tackle Minnesota's most complex issues. He reveals his “First Day” plan, including banning Sharia law, removing satanic statues from the capital, and enforcing stringent protest laws to bring safety back to the streets of Minneapolis. Breaking News: MyPillow Factory Move & New Health InnovationBeyond politics, Mike shares exclusive updates on the “sleep game-changer” that is MyPillow.Factory Relocation: Why MyPillow is moving into a brand-new facility and clearing out overstock.Rev 7 Innovation: The launch of the Rev 7 “anti-tired” health bar and energy shots using patented BHB ketones.Exclusive Promo Code: How listeners can use code REMARKABLE for up to 80% off and verified free shipping.KEY TIMESTAMPS & MOMENTS OF GOLD00:00:36 – The Top 3 changes Minnesotans want right now.00:01:16 – The $20 Billion Smoking Gun: Welfare fraud exposed.00:03:19 – Analyzing the race: Mike Lindell vs. Amy Klobuchar.00:10:04 – The School Bond “Ponzi Scheme”: Why property taxes are soaring.00:11:57 – Day One Plan: Banning Sharia law and satanic statues.00:15:30 – Restoring Law: Enforcing protest laws in Minneapolis.00:32:02 – BREAKING: MyPillow Factory move and clothing line closeout.00:34:06 – World Premiere: Introducing Rev 7 “Anti-Tired” health bars.00:38:08 – The Art of Reverse Engineering: How Mike develops world-class products.Support 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!

Connect with Arlene right here: www.arlene-laskey.comYour host is Bradley Chermside, author of international bestselling Camino de Santiago memoir, ⁠⁠⁠The Only Way Is West⁠⁠⁠. Bradley has walked the Camino Frances, the Camino Portuguese the Camino Inglés and the way to Finisterre.Bradley's Camino de Santiago book, ⁠⁠⁠The Only Way Is West⁠⁠⁠, is a three time international bestseller in Humorous Essays, Action and Adventure Biographies and Travel Writing in the UK, Canada and Australia. To get your eyes on an ebook, your hands on a paperback, or, your ears around the audiobook version, ⁠⁠⁠click here :)⁠⁠⁠ You can also buy Brad a coffee at the link below - he LOVES coffee! :) ⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pilgrimspodcast⁠For products and recommendations mentioned in this episode, please visit our Facebook Page: ⁠Camino de Santiago Pilgrims Podcast

In this data-packed episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back philanthropic powerhouses Genevieve Shaker, Ph.D., and Dan Heist, Ph.D., to unpack the brand-new Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative report. And folks, the headline is clear: DAFs are not just “a thing,” they are a major thing. With $90 billion flowing into donor advised funds in 2024 and a record-setting $65 billion flowing back out in grants. Contributions rebounded sharply after a 2023 dip, mirroring stock market recovery, and now represent roughly 15% of all charitable giving in the U.S. That's not pocket change, that's a seismic shift in how philanthropy moves. One of the biggest evolutions? The rise of “donation processors.” Think workplace giving platforms and online tools quietly powering charitable accounts behind the scenes. These platforms have helped push the total number of DAF accounts to 3.6 million, doubling in just five years. Some of these accounts are smaller and transactional, but together they're transforming access to philanthropy. The barrier to entry has dropped so low that opening a DAF can require little to no initial investment. Translation: this isn't just for the ultra-wealthy anymore. The “millionaire next door” may now be the “DAF holder next door.” The episode also tackles the payout debate, and yes, there's math, but the good kind. The reported payout rate of 25% (compared to private foundations' typical 5–6%) reflects grants made relative to assets held at the start of the year. Meanwhile, the “flow rate,” dollars out compared to dollars in, shows even more velocity. While most DAFs are actively granting, about 8–10% remain relatively inactive over time, sparking ongoing policy discussions. But the data tell a powerful story: when contributions rise, grantmaking rises too. DAF donors aren't just storing wealth, they're moving it. For fundraisers, the takeaway is crystal clear: get in the game. Ask donors if they have a DAF. Add it to your event forms. Include it in major gift conversations. Use the publicly available data to identify sponsors in your region and benchmark your results. DAFs are increasingly central to philanthropic strategy across income levels, and fundraisers who understand payout rates, flow dynamics, and donor motivations will be better equipped to engage today's strategic givers. Bottom line? The money is moving, and the fundraisers who are informed, curious, and proactive will be right there to help direct it toward mission.

Author Annie Guest joins Maria to explore small changes and decisions you can make in your home that will make a big difference on your mood and perspectives! Enter, "The Maria Liberati Show," based on her travels, as well as her Gourmand World Award-winning book series, "The Basic Art of Italian Cooking," and "The Basic Art of..." Find out more on https://www.marialiberati.com-----music: "First Day of Spring" by David Hilowitz - available via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommns.org/licenses/by-sa/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Order for Morning Prayer according to the usage of the Book of Common Prayer, 1928, for Ash Wednesday, the First Day in Lent.

The Order for Evening Prayer according to the usage of the Book of Common Prayer, 1928, for Ash Wednesday, the First Day in Lent.

Send a textGovernor Walz purposes a $10 million handout right on the heals of MASSIVE state fraud...Check out more of the American Experiment PodcastWelcome back! This week on the American Experiment Podcast…  Grace and Kathryn dig into Governor Walz's $10 million “relief package” proposal to bail out businesses negatively impacted by the ICE surge. How can we trust this administration to hand out more money without losing it to fraud? Speaking of which, the Department of Human Services (a.k.a. fraud central) put out a fraud fact-checking website that strangely lacks any facts of its own...and be sure to check out www.MNFraudFiles.com!Later, Bill Walsh gives a preview of Minnesota's 2026 legislative session, which starts TODAY. Will the DFL pass an “assault weapons” ban? Why are Republicans pushing for “conformity” with the feds? And should the state try to avoid a bonding bill?  Lastly, Grace and Kathryn get Rachel Paulose's thoughts on the ICE force reduction, turmoil in the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's office, protecting fraud whistleblowers, and even the release of the Epstein files.Remember to LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE and never miss an episode of the American Experiment Podcast! See you next Tuesday afternoon!Find the full audio show on Apple or  SpotifyCheck out our NEW legal podcast @RationallyBasedPodcast  Follow The American Experiment on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok00:00 - Coming up on today's episode...00:36 - Welcome Back!01:25 - Walz's $10 MILLION Anti-ICE relief package05:02 - DHS's Fact-less "fact check" of MN Fraud07:45 - Check out MNFraudFiles.com08:20 - First Day of Legislation Preview with Bill Walsh11:16 - MN's debts and spending15:45 - New security at the Capitol17:16 - Gun control on the table in 2026?!19:00 - DFL's Anti-ICE priorities in St. Paul22:13 - Office of Inspector General chances to pass in 26?22:40 - Will MN Opt-IN to School Choice?!26:19 - Rachel Paulose joins the show!1:03:16 - Hearing from you!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#ice #minneapolis #governorwalz #walz #minnesota #epsteinfiles #legislature #capitol #mn #republicans #democrats #politics

Henry kicks off the show talking about a Chicago teacher being fired because of his post supporting ICE, and why that's wrong, he doesn't want lip service from Twins Ownership about "being in" on players, and we're all hoping got good news with Pablo Lopez's elbow issue.

Two Turtle Doves, or Dildos?Based on a post by SandyMarl, in 4 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.Dana returned to the kitchen as Orlando was finishing drying the stemware. She leaned back against the counter, crossing her arms in front of her tits as she tried to give a confident look, though a drunken squirrel was racing around inside her chest.Orlando folded the dish towel, set it down as he stepped to her side. He reached around her waist and pulled her close, brushing her hair back, he whispered into her ear, “Strange as it is, there are some people who have a difficult time accepting good things that are given to them. You have been given a set of good and close girlfriends Dana.” Orlando placed his fingertips at the base of her jaw, “Your pulse is beating hard, I sense that you are understandably nervous to find yourself in a position to accept or reject a special, intimate gift that has been tenderly offered to you.” Continuing to whisper into her ear in a mesmerizing, deep masculine voice. “It is my hope that you will be accepting of all the pleasures and dreams which are before you.”Dana gulped, wanting some words to come out of her throat, but nothing happened. She wasn’t sure if those stuck words ever made it onto her tongue what they would say to Orlando’s proposition. She liked the idea that they could be a ‘yes’, but something held her back from giving an answer. She let her emotions bubble hot inside of her, waiting until they were ready to come out in their own time; she wished and hoped they’d be an accepting 'yes’, but she wasn’t sure.The roaming fingers of her cooing partridge traced down the side of her neck, parting her collar from her prickly, heated skin. His fingers found her bra strap and followed it lower along the pathway that brought his touch to the slope of her tit. With one hand, the tips of his fingers ran along the upper rim of her black lacy cup while the other hand undid the top button of her blouse. Orlando breathed his warm, moist breath into her ear. “You’ve changed into something lacy since I’ve arrived,” was Orlando’s observation. “You have not given me a spoken answer as to whether you’ll accept an intimate gift, but I have gotten your subtle answer by my discovery of your hidden charms. You are a charming woman,” Orlando breathed into her ear in a husky voice, and then gave her a small kiss on the cheek.Dana let out a small moan as she unconsciously tipped her head back, exposing her throat and lifting her tits as Orlando teased her flesh as he continued with his light touch running along the contours of her bra. Her gift lover recognized the moan, the short breaths, the exposed throat and the visible flush of her chest as the tell-tale signs of a woman drifting into seduction. Dana didn’t have to speak; she had already extended an invitation in the wordless language of lovers for Orlando to take her wherever he wanted to go.Orlando worked deliberately, unfastening each button as he pressed his warm lips to her throat followed by tiny, wet touches with the tip of his tongue. Dana let his attention wash over her skin, floating on warm waves that rippled through her insides. With the bottom button undone, he rolled his fingers around her cups, petting her ribs before setting his fingers between her fingers, lifting their entwined hands and guiding Dana out of the kitchen, floating toward the back of the house.Lifting her unfastened shirt off her shoulders, Orlando tossed it over a chair in the corner and then pressed her with his palm, forcing Dana to fall back onto the bed. Dana landed on her back with a giggle, loving the feeling of being desired and taken. She placed her hands behind her head, accentuating her tits covered in the gossamer black fabric of her cups. She relished watching Orlando, waiting to see his next move.Orlando reached into the side pocket of his jacket, tossing a small bottle onto the bed. “What’s that?” asked Dana from her reclining pin-up girl pose.“Consider it 'partridge oil,’ my little chickpea. Some of us more experienced partridges find that a dab or two on a partridge’s pecker makes for smoother night’s nesting in our chosen pear tree.”Dana broke into a broad grin, “I never knew partridges were such considerate birds,” she said.“Not all partridges are, some will leave droppings on your car. But when a partridge finds an attractive limb or two, we partridges are known to be considerate nesters.” Orlando tossed his jacket over the back of the corner chair and then stripped off his shirt, shoes and socks.“Now, I believe this old, experienced partridge has found a pair of attractive limbs that interest me a great deal.” Orlando crawled onto the bed, unsnapped Dana’s pants and pulled them off as she lifted her lower limbs skyward. Orlando admired her matching lacy black panties for a moment before he swooped in and removed the pair just as he’d done with her pants. “Ah, there is a pretty little partridge nest at the top of a pair of attractive limbs,” announced Orlando, more to himself than to Dana.Dana felt shy, but at the same time pleased to be the object of a man’s intimate attention for the first time in a long time. She lay on the bed, her cunny and pubic hair exposed to Orlando’s admiring eyes while still trussed up in her bra. She squirmed over to retrieve the bottle of lubricant that Orlando had tossed onto the quilt. She shook it in front of the shirtless man lying next to her, teasing him she asked, “Don’t you have to molt or something before this 'partridge oil’ can be applied to your pecker?” She was pleased to see the fabric at his crotch stretched over a nice, rigid form.“I’m getting the urge to roost, but I’d enjoy a little more playtime.” Orlando tucked his targeted pear tree under the heavy quilt, slipping under to join her. He pulled her over to cuddle next to him. He slipped her straps off her shoulders, massaging and nibbling at her back as he unhooked the last of her garments, discarding it over the side of the bed. He rolled her onto her back, cupping and squeezing her tits as he kissed her arms, working his lips to the top of her tit, bunching her tit in his firm grip as he pushed her erect nipple into his mouth. He inhaled her exquisitely sensitive titty tip with a vigorous suction that filled his hot, wet mouth. His tongue darted and circled around her puffed up bits, sending sparks shooting into her clit. He worked her fleshy mounds over with his mouth, drooling over her melons and adding to the juicy wet sensation she was getting between her thighs.As he lapped at her nipples, caressing, licking, squeezing and mashing her mammaries with his right hand, his left hand traveled across her belly, inching its way lower on her body. Dana opened herself, thrilled to once again feel the pleasure of a man intimately handling all of her excited girl parts. Her cunny was more than moist, her breathing shallow and her brain swimming in a warm fog. Dana arched her hips as Orlando’s hand petted her bush; her little princess ached to once again be embraced by a dancing partner. It has been so long. Her warm, buttery inner parts were feeling more wonderful than she ever remembered.Orlando’s fingers passed over her dewy vulva with a firm pressure. His hand made a tight circular grinding motion before he spread her puffy lips open, probing along her slick walls, climbing up her canyon. Dana held her breath, she wanted to squeal before he got to her clit, but she held her silence with closed eyes, letting the anticipation of first contact build in her lungs and in her loins.Orlando’s fingertip crept up the underside of her rigid clit, painting her in her own sex juices. He circled her aroused bud, triggering a flash of blue electricity that shot under her skin to her toes. Dana’s hips bucked; her ass arched as she pushed her sex trigger into her lover’s fingers. He ran a couple of his fingers into her slippery cunny, drawing them up to her clit, bathing her in her own nectar. Dana burst into a series of brusque chirps, half-screaming, half-moaning as she was seized by convulsing and shaking legs. She choked out in shallow breaths, “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Oh god, oh fuck. Oh, fucking fuck.”Orlando let her convulsions subside. Dana covered her eyes with her hands, gasping for breath as his fingers rested, half filling her pulsing cunny. “I could be wrong – but I’m not; you have a lot more in the tank my little chickpea.” Orlando stuffed his fingers further up inside her cunt as if he was taking the measure of her tank. He pulled out slowly, making sure he tickled her g-spot as he withdrew from her throbbing void.“I might have forgotten about the next element in your Secret Santa swap tonight, except it is so fucking uncomfortable right now. I’m afraid you’ll have to perform the final plucking of your evening’s gift partridge. I will need the skilled digits of my beautiful assistant; would you please remove my remaining apparel. I have been instructed by the one who sent me, to inform you that there is a special package waiting for you underneath.”With the glee of a young girl selecting her wrapped package from under the Christmas tree, Dana rolled on her side, unzipping Orlando’s white trousers and pulling them off. His erection was obvious under his holiday themed underwear, yet it looked as if his underwear was packing more than expected. Curious about his cock and whatever extras accompanied his package, she tugged his last bit of wrapping away to reveal the full package. Dana whooped in surprise, and laughed a hearty laugh, admiring the red bow adding a festive cheer to his stiff prick. “Oh my! Is this all for me?” she giggled.Orlando shrugged, “I suggest you read the label. If it’s not addressed to you, I’ve made a terrible mistake.”Dana picked up the card hanging from the red bow, dangling below Orlando’s Christmas balls: “On the First Day of Christmas, My True Friend gave to me, A Partridge in a Pear Tree. Dear Dana, I hope you enjoy the Christmas package I’ve selected for you. I’ve decided to exchange more than cookies after our usual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Dana, Merry Fucking Christmas! – McNally.”Dana let a little squeak escape, “This is all so very naughty.”Orlando thrust his hips toward Dana, “Yes it is. Would you do me a favor and unknot me?” he said, shaking his boner in front of her to get her to remove the bow and gift card from his masculine package.Dana’s eyes flashed with a mischievous grin, she wiggled her fingers in excitement before blushing as she reached to the base of the proud cock, lifting the elastic band at the base to un-decorate Orlando’s extended organ.“Thank you,” was his response as his partridge cock was now as free as a bird. He searched the folds of the bed cover, looking to find the bottle of partridge pecker oil he’d tossed onto the bed earlier. Dana found it under her bottom, showing her find to Orlando.“May I?” was her question as she managed a sheepish look up into Orlando’s eyes.“The pleasure would be all mine,” he replied.Dana reached out to grab his manhandle, coaxing him into bed. She crawled over him, letting her tits hang down, dangling in his face. She dropped her shoulders, let one nipple land on his lips, he gave her a lick, and then she plopped her other nipple to his lips, receiving a second exhilarating lick. She scooted down, grasping the base of his cock, about to apply a dab of lube, when she thought better of her idea.She wrapped her fingers around his shaft, marveling at the inflexible piece of anatomy, trying to recall the fun of having a man’s stiff cock penetrating her. It had been a while since she had even imagined enjoying the pleasure of a good fucking. She admired his towering erection, abandoned her last bit of hesitation holding her back and opened her lips and took him in deep. She moved her hands to his nuts, caressed them as she swabbed the hot pink shaft with her tongue. She sucked and stroked him, bringing him to maximum stiffness without a hint of gagging, feeling proud of her accomplishment.Orlando held her head tight between his hands as she bobbed up and down in slow, long strokes with her lips. Orlando’s hands reached under her, grabbing a handful of titties in each hand, massaging her boobs and making sure she had her plush nips squeezed between his fingers just the right amount of rough, stimulating pleasure.Dana was getting lathered up again, her lady parts were plump and wet with the thrill of sucking a thick cock and the powerful handling of her tits, making her want that cock to leave her lips and tongue and find its way down to her labia and clit. Dana let Orlando’s erection pull out of her mouth with a satisfying plop. She closed her eyes and made the deep humming sound of an aroused woman wanting and waiting to be taken.Orlando positioned his hand under her hanging udders, holding them in his solid grasp; he tilted her onto her back. Picking up the bottle of lube, he poured a small stream over her steaming cunt, rubbing his shaft with a second slathering. Dana’s humming picked up in pitch as the cold lube oil fell on her labia, but Orlando’s warm hands worked it into her soft girly flesh and made her feel happy and aroused to be pampered with floral scented oil on her feminine folds.Orlando had a well-oiled tool after a couple of strokes. He was eager to climb into his pear tree after great stimulating oral sex and the delight of handling Dana’s attractive and suitably large and pendulous tits. He spread Dana’s legs, pushing her knees wide after oiling her inner thighs. With a little bounce he crow-hopped between Dana’s outstretched legs, landing on the gaping fruit of his pear tree. His partridge flew into her, surprising her with his sudden furious first fuck. He was thick and forced her apart, she felt stuffed; startled at the filling sensation, surprised at the penetration and swoopy with the undulating, gripping response of her unpracticed sex muscles to Orlando’s perching inside her cunt.Orlando gripped her hips, Dana’s legs pointed up as he pounded her with scooping, hungry thrusts of his hips, poking, prodding, pushing his pecker deeper into her ravenous nether regions. Her screams began with his first humping thrust; each blow between her legs brought a corresponding scream, he was the hammer, she was the anvil. The hammer hit her with shuddering force, the anvil of her sex rang out with each blow in an echoing scream of unbridled pleasure. She was being pounded into a form of malleable feminine flesh as her lover worked her over.Dana had been fucked many times before, she and Sander had made love, mad love, lazy love, hungry love and yet this was new for her. She let each throbbing thrust push her higher. She let Orlando’s prick hammer her hard, pushing her to that orgasmic edge, an edge that was always a mystery. Dana never knew what was over the edge, at least not until she had been pushed over it and was falling into its abyss, filled with swirling clouds and tumbling waves of passion. She gave herself away, letting Orlando push her to the edge.She was hanging at the edge of her orgasm, she felt her lover’s muscles tighten along his lean body, his breathing was labored, her desire was to feel him cum inside her. She wanted to give herself to him. In giving herself up to his explosive ejaculation, she would be blasted into deep space. The lovers would be swept away together in a perfect climax.Dana tensed in response to the man fucking her as he strained to gather his energy like a coiled spring planted deep inside her sex chamber. With a throaty groan, Orlando let his seed burst from his loins, flooding Dana with white hot fluid. She felt his release. His energy tripped her delicately balanced desire. Orlando’s hot splash burst against the back of her vibrating inner hollow, exploding out through her lungs, rattling her pelvis as she shook and collapsed at its seductive power. The heat of her explosion radiated through all her muscles, warping the dimensions of her bedroom.Orlando rolled off her, pulling the heavy quilt over the two of them. He pulled Dana close to him, spooning with her as he buried his nose in her hair, letting his hand rest on her tit as dreams of sugar plums danced in their heads as they snuggled into a relaxed sleep like a contented partridge in a sweet pear tree.December’s late sunrise was filtering through the blinds when Dana opened her eyes at Orlando’s touch on her bare back. He ran his hand over her skin, rubbing the small of her back as she rolled over on her stomach. Waking up to a man’s roaming hands was a forgotten pleasure for Dana. Her night’s partner massaged her rump as she purred. Orlando gave her a light smack across her ass, whispering, “You have a beautiful pear-shaped ass, fresh and firm.” He bent over and took a tiny nip at her flank, Dana flinched, then he kissed it all better.“I regret that I have an appointment for later this morning. Please excuse me, but I will take my leave after a wonderful experience.” Dana watched him dress from under a wad of sheets and blankets.“Mr. Partridge?” she called as he moved toward the bedroom door, Orlando smiled and turned toward the nude woman lying in bed.“Yes?” he asked in a jaunty tone.“Tell McNally, 'Have yourself a Merry Fucking Christmas to one and to all’, would you?”Orlando chuckled, “That sounds like an inside joke among The Chix. I’ll leave that one up to you to deliver that message, my little chickpea.” Orlando let himself out of the house. Two Turtle DovesDana was reluctant to rise out of bed; she wished she could linger under the covers with a lover all day. But she was resigned to the fact that the day had to move forward. She locked the door, put on a pot of coffee and made her bed. Her phone pinged. She went to find it and red the incoming text.It was from Annie, 'Clear your calendar this afternoon girl. I’ll be delivering a holiday surprise package to your house. You will need to be at home to receive it!’ Dana’s first thought was, how sweet of Annie.She was expecting a visit from Annie when the doorbell rang mid-afternoon. Dana was surprised to see Nelson on her doorstep. “Is Annie with you?” Dana asked with a quizzical look and a realization that she was experiencing a flash of deja vu all over again.Nelson stepped into the house carrying a small gift bag and handed Dana a scroll tied with a white ribbon. “What’s this?” Dana asked as she cocked her head, taking the scroll from Nelson. “This is all so mysterious - again,” she said with her eyes and smile flashing in obvious enjoyment of the unfolding mystery in her entry hall. Dana ran her eyes up and down the broad, well-toned frame of the dark-haired man whom she had known as a friend for many years.Dana unfurled the scroll, feeling a hot flush ignite her face as she red Annie’s words while her complexion blushed to contrast with the scroll&rsquo

Two Turtle Doves, or Dildos?Based on a post by SandyMarl, in 4 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.Dana returned to the kitchen as Orlando was finishing drying the stemware. She leaned back against the counter, crossing her arms in front of her tits as she tried to give a confident look, though a drunken squirrel was racing around inside her chest.Orlando folded the dish towel, set it down as he stepped to her side. He reached around her waist and pulled her close, brushing her hair back, he whispered into her ear, “Strange as it is, there are some people who have a difficult time accepting good things that are given to them. You have been given a set of good and close girlfriends Dana.” Orlando placed his fingertips at the base of her jaw, “Your pulse is beating hard, I sense that you are understandably nervous to find yourself in a position to accept or reject a special, intimate gift that has been tenderly offered to you.” Continuing to whisper into her ear in a mesmerizing, deep masculine voice. “It is my hope that you will be accepting of all the pleasures and dreams which are before you.”Dana gulped, wanting some words to come out of her throat, but nothing happened. She wasn’t sure if those stuck words ever made it onto her tongue what they would say to Orlando’s proposition. She liked the idea that they could be a ‘yes’, but something held her back from giving an answer. She let her emotions bubble hot inside of her, waiting until they were ready to come out in their own time; she wished and hoped they’d be an accepting 'yes’, but she wasn’t sure.The roaming fingers of her cooing partridge traced down the side of her neck, parting her collar from her prickly, heated skin. His fingers found her bra strap and followed it lower along the pathway that brought his touch to the slope of her tit. With one hand, the tips of his fingers ran along the upper rim of her black lacy cup while the other hand undid the top button of her blouse. Orlando breathed his warm, moist breath into her ear. “You’ve changed into something lacy since I’ve arrived,” was Orlando’s observation. “You have not given me a spoken answer as to whether you’ll accept an intimate gift, but I have gotten your subtle answer by my discovery of your hidden charms. You are a charming woman,” Orlando breathed into her ear in a husky voice, and then gave her a small kiss on the cheek.Dana let out a small moan as she unconsciously tipped her head back, exposing her throat and lifting her tits as Orlando teased her flesh as he continued with his light touch running along the contours of her bra. Her gift lover recognized the moan, the short breaths, the exposed throat and the visible flush of her chest as the tell-tale signs of a woman drifting into seduction. Dana didn’t have to speak; she had already extended an invitation in the wordless language of lovers for Orlando to take her wherever he wanted to go.Orlando worked deliberately, unfastening each button as he pressed his warm lips to her throat followed by tiny, wet touches with the tip of his tongue. Dana let his attention wash over her skin, floating on warm waves that rippled through her insides. With the bottom button undone, he rolled his fingers around her cups, petting her ribs before setting his fingers between her fingers, lifting their entwined hands and guiding Dana out of the kitchen, floating toward the back of the house.Lifting her unfastened shirt off her shoulders, Orlando tossed it over a chair in the corner and then pressed her with his palm, forcing Dana to fall back onto the bed. Dana landed on her back with a giggle, loving the feeling of being desired and taken. She placed her hands behind her head, accentuating her tits covered in the gossamer black fabric of her cups. She relished watching Orlando, waiting to see his next move.Orlando reached into the side pocket of his jacket, tossing a small bottle onto the bed. “What’s that?” asked Dana from her reclining pin-up girl pose.“Consider it 'partridge oil,’ my little chickpea. Some of us more experienced partridges find that a dab or two on a partridge’s pecker makes for smoother night’s nesting in our chosen pear tree.”Dana broke into a broad grin, “I never knew partridges were such considerate birds,” she said.“Not all partridges are, some will leave droppings on your car. But when a partridge finds an attractive limb or two, we partridges are known to be considerate nesters.” Orlando tossed his jacket over the back of the corner chair and then stripped off his shirt, shoes and socks.“Now, I believe this old, experienced partridge has found a pair of attractive limbs that interest me a great deal.” Orlando crawled onto the bed, unsnapped Dana’s pants and pulled them off as she lifted her lower limbs skyward. Orlando admired her matching lacy black panties for a moment before he swooped in and removed the pair just as he’d done with her pants. “Ah, there is a pretty little partridge nest at the top of a pair of attractive limbs,” announced Orlando, more to himself than to Dana.Dana felt shy, but at the same time pleased to be the object of a man’s intimate attention for the first time in a long time. She lay on the bed, her cunny and pubic hair exposed to Orlando’s admiring eyes while still trussed up in her bra. She squirmed over to retrieve the bottle of lubricant that Orlando had tossed onto the quilt. She shook it in front of the shirtless man lying next to her, teasing him she asked, “Don’t you have to molt or something before this 'partridge oil’ can be applied to your pecker?” She was pleased to see the fabric at his crotch stretched over a nice, rigid form.“I’m getting the urge to roost, but I’d enjoy a little more playtime.” Orlando tucked his targeted pear tree under the heavy quilt, slipping under to join her. He pulled her over to cuddle next to him. He slipped her straps off her shoulders, massaging and nibbling at her back as he unhooked the last of her garments, discarding it over the side of the bed. He rolled her onto her back, cupping and squeezing her tits as he kissed her arms, working his lips to the top of her tit, bunching her tit in his firm grip as he pushed her erect nipple into his mouth. He inhaled her exquisitely sensitive titty tip with a vigorous suction that filled his hot, wet mouth. His tongue darted and circled around her puffed up bits, sending sparks shooting into her clit. He worked her fleshy mounds over with his mouth, drooling over her melons and adding to the juicy wet sensation she was getting between her thighs.As he lapped at her nipples, caressing, licking, squeezing and mashing her mammaries with his right hand, his left hand traveled across her belly, inching its way lower on her body. Dana opened herself, thrilled to once again feel the pleasure of a man intimately handling all of her excited girl parts. Her cunny was more than moist, her breathing shallow and her brain swimming in a warm fog. Dana arched her hips as Orlando’s hand petted her bush; her little princess ached to once again be embraced by a dancing partner. It has been so long. Her warm, buttery inner parts were feeling more wonderful than she ever remembered.Orlando’s fingers passed over her dewy vulva with a firm pressure. His hand made a tight circular grinding motion before he spread her puffy lips open, probing along her slick walls, climbing up her canyon. Dana held her breath, she wanted to squeal before he got to her clit, but she held her silence with closed eyes, letting the anticipation of first contact build in her lungs and in her loins.Orlando’s fingertip crept up the underside of her rigid clit, painting her in her own sex juices. He circled her aroused bud, triggering a flash of blue electricity that shot under her skin to her toes. Dana’s hips bucked; her ass arched as she pushed her sex trigger into her lover’s fingers. He ran a couple of his fingers into her slippery cunny, drawing them up to her clit, bathing her in her own nectar. Dana burst into a series of brusque chirps, half-screaming, half-moaning as she was seized by convulsing and shaking legs. She choked out in shallow breaths, “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Oh god, oh fuck. Oh, fucking fuck.”Orlando let her convulsions subside. Dana covered her eyes with her hands, gasping for breath as his fingers rested, half filling her pulsing cunny. “I could be wrong – but I’m not; you have a lot more in the tank my little chickpea.” Orlando stuffed his fingers further up inside her cunt as if he was taking the measure of her tank. He pulled out slowly, making sure he tickled her g-spot as he withdrew from her throbbing void.“I might have forgotten about the next element in your Secret Santa swap tonight, except it is so fucking uncomfortable right now. I’m afraid you’ll have to perform the final plucking of your evening’s gift partridge. I will need the skilled digits of my beautiful assistant; would you please remove my remaining apparel. I have been instructed by the one who sent me, to inform you that there is a special package waiting for you underneath.”With the glee of a young girl selecting her wrapped package from under the Christmas tree, Dana rolled on her side, unzipping Orlando’s white trousers and pulling them off. His erection was obvious under his holiday themed underwear, yet it looked as if his underwear was packing more than expected. Curious about his cock and whatever extras accompanied his package, she tugged his last bit of wrapping away to reveal the full package. Dana whooped in surprise, and laughed a hearty laugh, admiring the red bow adding a festive cheer to his stiff prick. “Oh my! Is this all for me?” she giggled.Orlando shrugged, “I suggest you read the label. If it’s not addressed to you, I’ve made a terrible mistake.”Dana picked up the card hanging from the red bow, dangling below Orlando’s Christmas balls: “On the First Day of Christmas, My True Friend gave to me, A Partridge in a Pear Tree. Dear Dana, I hope you enjoy the Christmas package I’ve selected for you. I’ve decided to exchange more than cookies after our usual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Dana, Merry Fucking Christmas! – McNally.”Dana let a little squeak escape, “This is all so very naughty.”Orlando thrust his hips toward Dana, “Yes it is. Would you do me a favor and unknot me?” he said, shaking his boner in front of her to get her to remove the bow and gift card from his masculine package.Dana’s eyes flashed with a mischievous grin, she wiggled her fingers in excitement before blushing as she reached to the base of the proud cock, lifting the elastic band at the base to un-decorate Orlando’s extended organ.“Thank you,” was his response as his partridge cock was now as free as a bird. He searched the folds of the bed cover, looking to find the bottle of partridge pecker oil he’d tossed onto the bed earlier. Dana found it under her bottom, showing her find to Orlando.“May I?” was her question as she managed a sheepish look up into Orlando’s eyes.“The pleasure would be all mine,” he replied.Dana reached out to grab his manhandle, coaxing him into bed. She crawled over him, letting her tits hang down, dangling in his face. She dropped her shoulders, let one nipple land on his lips, he gave her a lick, and then she plopped her other nipple to his lips, receiving a second exhilarating lick. She scooted down, grasping the base of his cock, about to apply a dab of lube, when she thought better of her idea.She wrapped her fingers around his shaft, marveling at the inflexible piece of anatomy, trying to recall the fun of having a man’s stiff cock penetrating her. It had been a while since she had even imagined enjoying the pleasure of a good fucking. She admired his towering erection, abandoned her last bit of hesitation holding her back and opened her lips and took him in deep. She moved her hands to his nuts, caressed them as she swabbed the hot pink shaft with her tongue. She sucked and stroked him, bringing him to maximum stiffness without a hint of gagging, feeling proud of her accomplishment.Orlando held her head tight between his hands as she bobbed up and down in slow, long strokes with her lips. Orlando’s hands reached under her, grabbing a handful of titties in each hand, massaging her boobs and making sure she had her plush nips squeezed between his fingers just the right amount of rough, stimulating pleasure.Dana was getting lathered up again, her lady parts were plump and wet with the thrill of sucking a thick cock and the powerful handling of her tits, making her want that cock to leave her lips and tongue and find its way down to her labia and clit. Dana let Orlando’s erection pull out of her mouth with a satisfying plop. She closed her eyes and made the deep humming sound of an aroused woman wanting and waiting to be taken.Orlando positioned his hand under her hanging udders, holding them in his solid grasp; he tilted her onto her back. Picking up the bottle of lube, he poured a small stream over her steaming cunt, rubbing his shaft with a second slathering. Dana’s humming picked up in pitch as the cold lube oil fell on her labia, but Orlando’s warm hands worked it into her soft girly flesh and made her feel happy and aroused to be pampered with floral scented oil on her feminine folds.Orlando had a well-oiled tool after a couple of strokes. He was eager to climb into his pear tree after great stimulating oral sex and the delight of handling Dana’s attractive and suitably large and pendulous tits. He spread Dana’s legs, pushing her knees wide after oiling her inner thighs. With a little bounce he crow-hopped between Dana’s outstretched legs, landing on the gaping fruit of his pear tree. His partridge flew into her, surprising her with his sudden furious first fuck. He was thick and forced her apart, she felt stuffed; startled at the filling sensation, surprised at the penetration and swoopy with the undulating, gripping response of her unpracticed sex muscles to Orlando’s perching inside her cunt.Orlando gripped her hips, Dana’s legs pointed up as he pounded her with scooping, hungry thrusts of his hips, poking, prodding, pushing his pecker deeper into her ravenous nether regions. Her screams began with his first humping thrust; each blow between her legs brought a corresponding scream, he was the hammer, she was the anvil. The hammer hit her with shuddering force, the anvil of her sex rang out with each blow in an echoing scream of unbridled pleasure. She was being pounded into a form of malleable feminine flesh as her lover worked her over.Dana had been fucked many times before, she and Sander had made love, mad love, lazy love, hungry love and yet this was new for her. She let each throbbing thrust push her higher. She let Orlando’s prick hammer her hard, pushing her to that orgasmic edge, an edge that was always a mystery. Dana never knew what was over the edge, at least not until she had been pushed over it and was falling into its abyss, filled with swirling clouds and tumbling waves of passion. She gave herself away, letting Orlando push her to the edge.She was hanging at the edge of her orgasm, she felt her lover’s muscles tighten along his lean body, his breathing was labored, her desire was to feel him cum inside her. She wanted to give herself to him. In giving herself up to his explosive ejaculation, she would be blasted into deep space. The lovers would be swept away together in a perfect climax.Dana tensed in response to the man fucking her as he strained to gather his energy like a coiled spring planted deep inside her sex chamber. With a throaty groan, Orlando let his seed burst from his loins, flooding Dana with white hot fluid. She felt his release. His energy tripped her delicately balanced desire. Orlando’s hot splash burst against the back of her vibrating inner hollow, exploding out through her lungs, rattling her pelvis as she shook and collapsed at its seductive power. The heat of her explosion radiated through all her muscles, warping the dimensions of her bedroom.Orlando rolled off her, pulling the heavy quilt over the two of them. He pulled Dana close to him, spooning with her as he buried his nose in her hair, letting his hand rest on her tit as dreams of sugar plums danced in their heads as they snuggled into a relaxed sleep like a contented partridge in a sweet pear tree.December’s late sunrise was filtering through the blinds when Dana opened her eyes at Orlando’s touch on her bare back. He ran his hand over her skin, rubbing the small of her back as she rolled over on her stomach. Waking up to a man’s roaming hands was a forgotten pleasure for Dana. Her night’s partner massaged her rump as she purred. Orlando gave her a light smack across her ass, whispering, “You have a beautiful pear-shaped ass, fresh and firm.” He bent over and took a tiny nip at her flank, Dana flinched, then he kissed it all better.“I regret that I have an appointment for later this morning. Please excuse me, but I will take my leave after a wonderful experience.” Dana watched him dress from under a wad of sheets and blankets.“Mr. Partridge?” she called as he moved toward the bedroom door, Orlando smiled and turned toward the nude woman lying in bed.“Yes?” he asked in a jaunty tone.“Tell McNally, 'Have yourself a Merry Fucking Christmas to one and to all’, would you?”Orlando chuckled, “That sounds like an inside joke among The Chix. I’ll leave that one up to you to deliver that message, my little chickpea.” Orlando let himself out of the house. Two Turtle DovesDana was reluctant to rise out of bed; she wished she could linger under the covers with a lover all day. But she was resigned to the fact that the day had to move forward. She locked the door, put on a pot of coffee and made her bed. Her phone pinged. She went to find it and red the incoming text.It was from Annie, 'Clear your calendar this afternoon girl. I’ll be delivering a holiday surprise package to your house. You will need to be at home to receive it!’ Dana’s first thought was, how sweet of Annie.She was expecting a visit from Annie when the doorbell rang mid-afternoon. Dana was surprised to see Nelson on her doorstep. “Is Annie with you?” Dana asked with a quizzical look and a realization that she was experiencing a flash of deja vu all over again.Nelson stepped into the house carrying a small gift bag and handed Dana a scroll tied with a white ribbon. “What’s this?” Dana asked as she cocked her head, taking the scroll from Nelson. “This is all so mysterious - again,” she said with her eyes and smile flashing in obvious enjoyment of the unfolding mystery in her entry hall. Dana ran her eyes up and down the broad, well-toned frame of the dark-haired man whom she had known as a friend for many years.Dana unfurled the scroll, feeling a hot flush ignite her face as she red Annie’s words while her complexion blushed to contrast with the scroll&rsquo

Two Turtle Doves, or Dildos?Based on a post by SandyMarl, in 4 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.Dana returned to the kitchen as Orlando was finishing drying the stemware. She leaned back against the counter, crossing her arms in front of her tits as she tried to give a confident look, though a drunken squirrel was racing around inside her chest.Orlando folded the dish towel, set it down as he stepped to her side. He reached around her waist and pulled her close, brushing her hair back, he whispered into her ear, “Strange as it is, there are some people who have a difficult time accepting good things that are given to them. You have been given a set of good and close girlfriends Dana.” Orlando placed his fingertips at the base of her jaw, “Your pulse is beating hard, I sense that you are understandably nervous to find yourself in a position to accept or reject a special, intimate gift that has been tenderly offered to you.” Continuing to whisper into her ear in a mesmerizing, deep masculine voice. “It is my hope that you will be accepting of all the pleasures and dreams which are before you.”Dana gulped, wanting some words to come out of her throat, but nothing happened. She wasn’t sure if those stuck words ever made it onto her tongue what they would say to Orlando’s proposition. She liked the idea that they could be a ‘yes’, but something held her back from giving an answer. She let her emotions bubble hot inside of her, waiting until they were ready to come out in their own time; she wished and hoped they’d be an accepting 'yes’, but she wasn’t sure.The roaming fingers of her cooing partridge traced down the side of her neck, parting her collar from her prickly, heated skin. His fingers found her bra strap and followed it lower along the pathway that brought his touch to the slope of her tit. With one hand, the tips of his fingers ran along the upper rim of her black lacy cup while the other hand undid the top button of her blouse. Orlando breathed his warm, moist breath into her ear. “You’ve changed into something lacy since I’ve arrived,” was Orlando’s observation. “You have not given me a spoken answer as to whether you’ll accept an intimate gift, but I have gotten your subtle answer by my discovery of your hidden charms. You are a charming woman,” Orlando breathed into her ear in a husky voice, and then gave her a small kiss on the cheek.Dana let out a small moan as she unconsciously tipped her head back, exposing her throat and lifting her tits as Orlando teased her flesh as he continued with his light touch running along the contours of her bra. Her gift lover recognized the moan, the short breaths, the exposed throat and the visible flush of her chest as the tell-tale signs of a woman drifting into seduction. Dana didn’t have to speak; she had already extended an invitation in the wordless language of lovers for Orlando to take her wherever he wanted to go.Orlando worked deliberately, unfastening each button as he pressed his warm lips to her throat followed by tiny, wet touches with the tip of his tongue. Dana let his attention wash over her skin, floating on warm waves that rippled through her insides. With the bottom button undone, he rolled his fingers around her cups, petting her ribs before setting his fingers between her fingers, lifting their entwined hands and guiding Dana out of the kitchen, floating toward the back of the house.Lifting her unfastened shirt off her shoulders, Orlando tossed it over a chair in the corner and then pressed her with his palm, forcing Dana to fall back onto the bed. Dana landed on her back with a giggle, loving the feeling of being desired and taken. She placed her hands behind her head, accentuating her tits covered in the gossamer black fabric of her cups. She relished watching Orlando, waiting to see his next move.Orlando reached into the side pocket of his jacket, tossing a small bottle onto the bed. “What’s that?” asked Dana from her reclining pin-up girl pose.“Consider it 'partridge oil,’ my little chickpea. Some of us more experienced partridges find that a dab or two on a partridge’s pecker makes for smoother night’s nesting in our chosen pear tree.”Dana broke into a broad grin, “I never knew partridges were such considerate birds,” she said.“Not all partridges are, some will leave droppings on your car. But when a partridge finds an attractive limb or two, we partridges are known to be considerate nesters.” Orlando tossed his jacket over the back of the corner chair and then stripped off his shirt, shoes and socks.“Now, I believe this old, experienced partridge has found a pair of attractive limbs that interest me a great deal.” Orlando crawled onto the bed, unsnapped Dana’s pants and pulled them off as she lifted her lower limbs skyward. Orlando admired her matching lacy black panties for a moment before he swooped in and removed the pair just as he’d done with her pants. “Ah, there is a pretty little partridge nest at the top of a pair of attractive limbs,” announced Orlando, more to himself than to Dana.Dana felt shy, but at the same time pleased to be the object of a man’s intimate attention for the first time in a long time. She lay on the bed, her cunny and pubic hair exposed to Orlando’s admiring eyes while still trussed up in her bra. She squirmed over to retrieve the bottle of lubricant that Orlando had tossed onto the quilt. She shook it in front of the shirtless man lying next to her, teasing him she asked, “Don’t you have to molt or something before this 'partridge oil’ can be applied to your pecker?” She was pleased to see the fabric at his crotch stretched over a nice, rigid form.“I’m getting the urge to roost, but I’d enjoy a little more playtime.” Orlando tucked his targeted pear tree under the heavy quilt, slipping under to join her. He pulled her over to cuddle next to him. He slipped her straps off her shoulders, massaging and nibbling at her back as he unhooked the last of her garments, discarding it over the side of the bed. He rolled her onto her back, cupping and squeezing her tits as he kissed her arms, working his lips to the top of her tit, bunching her tit in his firm grip as he pushed her erect nipple into his mouth. He inhaled her exquisitely sensitive titty tip with a vigorous suction that filled his hot, wet mouth. His tongue darted and circled around her puffed up bits, sending sparks shooting into her clit. He worked her fleshy mounds over with his mouth, drooling over her melons and adding to the juicy wet sensation she was getting between her thighs.As he lapped at her nipples, caressing, licking, squeezing and mashing her mammaries with his right hand, his left hand traveled across her belly, inching its way lower on her body. Dana opened herself, thrilled to once again feel the pleasure of a man intimately handling all of her excited girl parts. Her cunny was more than moist, her breathing shallow and her brain swimming in a warm fog. Dana arched her hips as Orlando’s hand petted her bush; her little princess ached to once again be embraced by a dancing partner. It has been so long. Her warm, buttery inner parts were feeling more wonderful than she ever remembered.Orlando’s fingers passed over her dewy vulva with a firm pressure. His hand made a tight circular grinding motion before he spread her puffy lips open, probing along her slick walls, climbing up her canyon. Dana held her breath, she wanted to squeal before he got to her clit, but she held her silence with closed eyes, letting the anticipation of first contact build in her lungs and in her loins.Orlando’s fingertip crept up the underside of her rigid clit, painting her in her own sex juices. He circled her aroused bud, triggering a flash of blue electricity that shot under her skin to her toes. Dana’s hips bucked; her ass arched as she pushed her sex trigger into her lover’s fingers. He ran a couple of his fingers into her slippery cunny, drawing them up to her clit, bathing her in her own nectar. Dana burst into a series of brusque chirps, half-screaming, half-moaning as she was seized by convulsing and shaking legs. She choked out in shallow breaths, “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Oh god, oh fuck. Oh, fucking fuck.”Orlando let her convulsions subside. Dana covered her eyes with her hands, gasping for breath as his fingers rested, half filling her pulsing cunny. “I could be wrong – but I’m not; you have a lot more in the tank my little chickpea.” Orlando stuffed his fingers further up inside her cunt as if he was taking the measure of her tank. He pulled out slowly, making sure he tickled her g-spot as he withdrew from her throbbing void.“I might have forgotten about the next element in your Secret Santa swap tonight, except it is so fucking uncomfortable right now. I’m afraid you’ll have to perform the final plucking of your evening’s gift partridge. I will need the skilled digits of my beautiful assistant; would you please remove my remaining apparel. I have been instructed by the one who sent me, to inform you that there is a special package waiting for you underneath.”With the glee of a young girl selecting her wrapped package from under the Christmas tree, Dana rolled on her side, unzipping Orlando’s white trousers and pulling them off. His erection was obvious under his holiday themed underwear, yet it looked as if his underwear was packing more than expected. Curious about his cock and whatever extras accompanied his package, she tugged his last bit of wrapping away to reveal the full package. Dana whooped in surprise, and laughed a hearty laugh, admiring the red bow adding a festive cheer to his stiff prick. “Oh my! Is this all for me?” she giggled.Orlando shrugged, “I suggest you read the label. If it’s not addressed to you, I’ve made a terrible mistake.”Dana picked up the card hanging from the red bow, dangling below Orlando’s Christmas balls: “On the First Day of Christmas, My True Friend gave to me, A Partridge in a Pear Tree. Dear Dana, I hope you enjoy the Christmas package I’ve selected for you. I’ve decided to exchange more than cookies after our usual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Dana, Merry Fucking Christmas! – McNally.”Dana let a little squeak escape, “This is all so very naughty.”Orlando thrust his hips toward Dana, “Yes it is. Would you do me a favor and unknot me?” he said, shaking his boner in front of her to get her to remove the bow and gift card from his masculine package.Dana’s eyes flashed with a mischievous grin, she wiggled her fingers in excitement before blushing as she reached to the base of the proud cock, lifting the elastic band at the base to un-decorate Orlando’s extended organ.“Thank you,” was his response as his partridge cock was now as free as a bird. He searched the folds of the bed cover, looking to find the bottle of partridge pecker oil he’d tossed onto the bed earlier. Dana found it under her bottom, showing her find to Orlando.“May I?” was her question as she managed a sheepish look up into Orlando’s eyes.“The pleasure would be all mine,” he replied.Dana reached out to grab his manhandle, coaxing him into bed. She crawled over him, letting her tits hang down, dangling in his face. She dropped her shoulders, let one nipple land on his lips, he gave her a lick, and then she plopped her other nipple to his lips, receiving a second exhilarating lick. She scooted down, grasping the base of his cock, about to apply a dab of lube, when she thought better of her idea.She wrapped her fingers around his shaft, marveling at the inflexible piece of anatomy, trying to recall the fun of having a man’s stiff cock penetrating her. It had been a while since she had even imagined enjoying the pleasure of a good fucking. She admired his towering erection, abandoned her last bit of hesitation holding her back and opened her lips and took him in deep. She moved her hands to his nuts, caressed them as she swabbed the hot pink shaft with her tongue. She sucked and stroked him, bringing him to maximum stiffness without a hint of gagging, feeling proud of her accomplishment.Orlando held her head tight between his hands as she bobbed up and down in slow, long strokes with her lips. Orlando’s hands reached under her, grabbing a handful of titties in each hand, massaging her boobs and making sure she had her plush nips squeezed between his fingers just the right amount of rough, stimulating pleasure.Dana was getting lathered up again, her lady parts were plump and wet with the thrill of sucking a thick cock and the powerful handling of her tits, making her want that cock to leave her lips and tongue and find its way down to her labia and clit. Dana let Orlando’s erection pull out of her mouth with a satisfying plop. She closed her eyes and made the deep humming sound of an aroused woman wanting and waiting to be taken.Orlando positioned his hand under her hanging udders, holding them in his solid grasp; he tilted her onto her back. Picking up the bottle of lube, he poured a small stream over her steaming cunt, rubbing his shaft with a second slathering. Dana’s humming picked up in pitch as the cold lube oil fell on her labia, but Orlando’s warm hands worked it into her soft girly flesh and made her feel happy and aroused to be pampered with floral scented oil on her feminine folds.Orlando had a well-oiled tool after a couple of strokes. He was eager to climb into his pear tree after great stimulating oral sex and the delight of handling Dana’s attractive and suitably large and pendulous tits. He spread Dana’s legs, pushing her knees wide after oiling her inner thighs. With a little bounce he crow-hopped between Dana’s outstretched legs, landing on the gaping fruit of his pear tree. His partridge flew into her, surprising her with his sudden furious first fuck. He was thick and forced her apart, she felt stuffed; startled at the filling sensation, surprised at the penetration and swoopy with the undulating, gripping response of her unpracticed sex muscles to Orlando’s perching inside her cunt.Orlando gripped her hips, Dana’s legs pointed up as he pounded her with scooping, hungry thrusts of his hips, poking, prodding, pushing his pecker deeper into her ravenous nether regions. Her screams began with his first humping thrust; each blow between her legs brought a corresponding scream, he was the hammer, she was the anvil. The hammer hit her with shuddering force, the anvil of her sex rang out with each blow in an echoing scream of unbridled pleasure. She was being pounded into a form of malleable feminine flesh as her lover worked her over.Dana had been fucked many times before, she and Sander had made love, mad love, lazy love, hungry love and yet this was new for her. She let each throbbing thrust push her higher. She let Orlando’s prick hammer her hard, pushing her to that orgasmic edge, an edge that was always a mystery. Dana never knew what was over the edge, at least not until she had been pushed over it and was falling into its abyss, filled with swirling clouds and tumbling waves of passion. She gave herself away, letting Orlando push her to the edge.She was hanging at the edge of her orgasm, she felt her lover’s muscles tighten along his lean body, his breathing was labored, her desire was to feel him cum inside her. She wanted to give herself to him. In giving herself up to his explosive ejaculation, she would be blasted into deep space. The lovers would be swept away together in a perfect climax.Dana tensed in response to the man fucking her as he strained to gather his energy like a coiled spring planted deep inside her sex chamber. With a throaty groan, Orlando let his seed burst from his loins, flooding Dana with white hot fluid. She felt his release. His energy tripped her delicately balanced desire. Orlando’s hot splash burst against the back of her vibrating inner hollow, exploding out through her lungs, rattling her pelvis as she shook and collapsed at its seductive power. The heat of her explosion radiated through all her muscles, warping the dimensions of her bedroom.Orlando rolled off her, pulling the heavy quilt over the two of them. He pulled Dana close to him, spooning with her as he buried his nose in her hair, letting his hand rest on her tit as dreams of sugar plums danced in their heads as they snuggled into a relaxed sleep like a contented partridge in a sweet pear tree.December’s late sunrise was filtering through the blinds when Dana opened her eyes at Orlando’s touch on her bare back. He ran his hand over her skin, rubbing the small of her back as she rolled over on her stomach. Waking up to a man’s roaming hands was a forgotten pleasure for Dana. Her night’s partner massaged her rump as she purred. Orlando gave her a light smack across her ass, whispering, “You have a beautiful pear-shaped ass, fresh and firm.” He bent over and took a tiny nip at her flank, Dana flinched, then he kissed it all better.“I regret that I have an appointment for later this morning. Please excuse me, but I will take my leave after a wonderful experience.” Dana watched him dress from under a wad of sheets and blankets.“Mr. Partridge?” she called as he moved toward the bedroom door, Orlando smiled and turned toward the nude woman lying in bed.“Yes?” he asked in a jaunty tone.“Tell McNally, 'Have yourself a Merry Fucking Christmas to one and to all’, would you?”Orlando chuckled, “That sounds like an inside joke among The Chix. I’ll leave that one up to you to deliver that message, my little chickpea.” Orlando let himself out of the house. Two Turtle DovesDana was reluctant to rise out of bed; she wished she could linger under the covers with a lover all day. But she was resigned to the fact that the day had to move forward. She locked the door, put on a pot of coffee and made her bed. Her phone pinged. She went to find it and red the incoming text.It was from Annie, 'Clear your calendar this afternoon girl. I’ll be delivering a holiday surprise package to your house. You will need to be at home to receive it!’ Dana’s first thought was, how sweet of Annie.She was expecting a visit from Annie when the doorbell rang mid-afternoon. Dana was surprised to see Nelson on her doorstep. “Is Annie with you?” Dana asked with a quizzical look and a realization that she was experiencing a flash of deja vu all over again.Nelson stepped into the house carrying a small gift bag and handed Dana a scroll tied with a white ribbon. “What’s this?” Dana asked as she cocked her head, taking the scroll from Nelson. “This is all so mysterious - again,” she said with her eyes and smile flashing in obvious enjoyment of the unfolding mystery in her entry hall. Dana ran her eyes up and down the broad, well-toned frame of the dark-haired man whom she had known as a friend for many years.Dana unfurled the scroll, feeling a hot flush ignite her face as she red Annie’s words while her complexion blushed to contrast with the scroll&rsquo

Two Turtle Doves, or Dildos?Based on a post by SandyMarl, in 4 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.Dana returned to the kitchen as Orlando was finishing drying the stemware. She leaned back against the counter, crossing her arms in front of her tits as she tried to give a confident look, though a drunken squirrel was racing around inside her chest.Orlando folded the dish towel, set it down as he stepped to her side. He reached around her waist and pulled her close, brushing her hair back, he whispered into her ear, “Strange as it is, there are some people who have a difficult time accepting good things that are given to them. You have been given a set of good and close girlfriends Dana.” Orlando placed his fingertips at the base of her jaw, “Your pulse is beating hard, I sense that you are understandably nervous to find yourself in a position to accept or reject a special, intimate gift that has been tenderly offered to you.” Continuing to whisper into her ear in a mesmerizing, deep masculine voice. “It is my hope that you will be accepting of all the pleasures and dreams which are before you.”Dana gulped, wanting some words to come out of her throat, but nothing happened. She wasn’t sure if those stuck words ever made it onto her tongue what they would say to Orlando’s proposition. She liked the idea that they could be a ‘yes’, but something held her back from giving an answer. She let her emotions bubble hot inside of her, waiting until they were ready to come out in their own time; she wished and hoped they’d be an accepting 'yes’, but she wasn’t sure.The roaming fingers of her cooing partridge traced down the side of her neck, parting her collar from her prickly, heated skin. His fingers found her bra strap and followed it lower along the pathway that brought his touch to the slope of her tit. With one hand, the tips of his fingers ran along the upper rim of her black lacy cup while the other hand undid the top button of her blouse. Orlando breathed his warm, moist breath into her ear. “You’ve changed into something lacy since I’ve arrived,” was Orlando’s observation. “You have not given me a spoken answer as to whether you’ll accept an intimate gift, but I have gotten your subtle answer by my discovery of your hidden charms. You are a charming woman,” Orlando breathed into her ear in a husky voice, and then gave her a small kiss on the cheek.Dana let out a small moan as she unconsciously tipped her head back, exposing her throat and lifting her tits as Orlando teased her flesh as he continued with his light touch running along the contours of her bra. Her gift lover recognized the moan, the short breaths, the exposed throat and the visible flush of her chest as the tell-tale signs of a woman drifting into seduction. Dana didn’t have to speak; she had already extended an invitation in the wordless language of lovers for Orlando to take her wherever he wanted to go.Orlando worked deliberately, unfastening each button as he pressed his warm lips to her throat followed by tiny, wet touches with the tip of his tongue. Dana let his attention wash over her skin, floating on warm waves that rippled through her insides. With the bottom button undone, he rolled his fingers around her cups, petting her ribs before setting his fingers between her fingers, lifting their entwined hands and guiding Dana out of the kitchen, floating toward the back of the house.Lifting her unfastened shirt off her shoulders, Orlando tossed it over a chair in the corner and then pressed her with his palm, forcing Dana to fall back onto the bed. Dana landed on her back with a giggle, loving the feeling of being desired and taken. She placed her hands behind her head, accentuating her tits covered in the gossamer black fabric of her cups. She relished watching Orlando, waiting to see his next move.Orlando reached into the side pocket of his jacket, tossing a small bottle onto the bed. “What’s that?” asked Dana from her reclining pin-up girl pose.“Consider it 'partridge oil,’ my little chickpea. Some of us more experienced partridges find that a dab or two on a partridge’s pecker makes for smoother night’s nesting in our chosen pear tree.”Dana broke into a broad grin, “I never knew partridges were such considerate birds,” she said.“Not all partridges are, some will leave droppings on your car. But when a partridge finds an attractive limb or two, we partridges are known to be considerate nesters.” Orlando tossed his jacket over the back of the corner chair and then stripped off his shirt, shoes and socks.“Now, I believe this old, experienced partridge has found a pair of attractive limbs that interest me a great deal.” Orlando crawled onto the bed, unsnapped Dana’s pants and pulled them off as she lifted her lower limbs skyward. Orlando admired her matching lacy black panties for a moment before he swooped in and removed the pair just as he’d done with her pants. “Ah, there is a pretty little partridge nest at the top of a pair of attractive limbs,” announced Orlando, more to himself than to Dana.Dana felt shy, but at the same time pleased to be the object of a man’s intimate attention for the first time in a long time. She lay on the bed, her cunny and pubic hair exposed to Orlando’s admiring eyes while still trussed up in her bra. She squirmed over to retrieve the bottle of lubricant that Orlando had tossed onto the quilt. She shook it in front of the shirtless man lying next to her, teasing him she asked, “Don’t you have to molt or something before this 'partridge oil’ can be applied to your pecker?” She was pleased to see the fabric at his crotch stretched over a nice, rigid form.“I’m getting the urge to roost, but I’d enjoy a little more playtime.” Orlando tucked his targeted pear tree under the heavy quilt, slipping under to join her. He pulled her over to cuddle next to him. He slipped her straps off her shoulders, massaging and nibbling at her back as he unhooked the last of her garments, discarding it over the side of the bed. He rolled her onto her back, cupping and squeezing her tits as he kissed her arms, working his lips to the top of her tit, bunching her tit in his firm grip as he pushed her erect nipple into his mouth. He inhaled her exquisitely sensitive titty tip with a vigorous suction that filled his hot, wet mouth. His tongue darted and circled around her puffed up bits, sending sparks shooting into her clit. He worked her fleshy mounds over with his mouth, drooling over her melons and adding to the juicy wet sensation she was getting between her thighs.As he lapped at her nipples, caressing, licking, squeezing and mashing her mammaries with his right hand, his left hand traveled across her belly, inching its way lower on her body. Dana opened herself, thrilled to once again feel the pleasure of a man intimately handling all of her excited girl parts. Her cunny was more than moist, her breathing shallow and her brain swimming in a warm fog. Dana arched her hips as Orlando’s hand petted her bush; her little princess ached to once again be embraced by a dancing partner. It has been so long. Her warm, buttery inner parts were feeling more wonderful than she ever remembered.Orlando’s fingers passed over her dewy vulva with a firm pressure. His hand made a tight circular grinding motion before he spread her puffy lips open, probing along her slick walls, climbing up her canyon. Dana held her breath, she wanted to squeal before he got to her clit, but she held her silence with closed eyes, letting the anticipation of first contact build in her lungs and in her loins.Orlando’s fingertip crept up the underside of her rigid clit, painting her in her own sex juices. He circled her aroused bud, triggering a flash of blue electricity that shot under her skin to her toes. Dana’s hips bucked; her ass arched as she pushed her sex trigger into her lover’s fingers. He ran a couple of his fingers into her slippery cunny, drawing them up to her clit, bathing her in her own nectar. Dana burst into a series of brusque chirps, half-screaming, half-moaning as she was seized by convulsing and shaking legs. She choked out in shallow breaths, “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Oh god, oh fuck. Oh, fucking fuck.”Orlando let her convulsions subside. Dana covered her eyes with her hands, gasping for breath as his fingers rested, half filling her pulsing cunny. “I could be wrong – but I’m not; you have a lot more in the tank my little chickpea.” Orlando stuffed his fingers further up inside her cunt as if he was taking the measure of her tank. He pulled out slowly, making sure he tickled her g-spot as he withdrew from her throbbing void.“I might have forgotten about the next element in your Secret Santa swap tonight, except it is so fucking uncomfortable right now. I’m afraid you’ll have to perform the final plucking of your evening’s gift partridge. I will need the skilled digits of my beautiful assistant; would you please remove my remaining apparel. I have been instructed by the one who sent me, to inform you that there is a special package waiting for you underneath.”With the glee of a young girl selecting her wrapped package from under the Christmas tree, Dana rolled on her side, unzipping Orlando’s white trousers and pulling them off. His erection was obvious under his holiday themed underwear, yet it looked as if his underwear was packing more than expected. Curious about his cock and whatever extras accompanied his package, she tugged his last bit of wrapping away to reveal the full package. Dana whooped in surprise, and laughed a hearty laugh, admiring the red bow adding a festive cheer to his stiff prick. “Oh my! Is this all for me?” she giggled.Orlando shrugged, “I suggest you read the label. If it’s not addressed to you, I’ve made a terrible mistake.”Dana picked up the card hanging from the red bow, dangling below Orlando’s Christmas balls: “On the First Day of Christmas, My True Friend gave to me, A Partridge in a Pear Tree. Dear Dana, I hope you enjoy the Christmas package I’ve selected for you. I’ve decided to exchange more than cookies after our usual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Dana, Merry Fucking Christmas! – McNally.”Dana let a little squeak escape, “This is all so very naughty.”Orlando thrust his hips toward Dana, “Yes it is. Would you do me a favor and unknot me?” he said, shaking his boner in front of her to get her to remove the bow and gift card from his masculine package.Dana’s eyes flashed with a mischievous grin, she wiggled her fingers in excitement before blushing as she reached to the base of the proud cock, lifting the elastic band at the base to un-decorate Orlando’s extended organ.“Thank you,” was his response as his partridge cock was now as free as a bird. He searched the folds of the bed cover, looking to find the bottle of partridge pecker oil he’d tossed onto the bed earlier. Dana found it under her bottom, showing her find to Orlando.“May I?” was her question as she managed a sheepish look up into Orlando’s eyes.“The pleasure would be all mine,” he replied.Dana reached out to grab his manhandle, coaxing him into bed. She crawled over him, letting her tits hang down, dangling in his face. She dropped her shoulders, let one nipple land on his lips, he gave her a lick, and then she plopped her other nipple to his lips, receiving a second exhilarating lick. She scooted down, grasping the base of his cock, about to apply a dab of lube, when she thought better of her idea.She wrapped her fingers around his shaft, marveling at the inflexible piece of anatomy, trying to recall the fun of having a man’s stiff cock penetrating her. It had been a while since she had even imagined enjoying the pleasure of a good fucking. She admired his towering erection, abandoned her last bit of hesitation holding her back and opened her lips and took him in deep. She moved her hands to his nuts, caressed them as she swabbed the hot pink shaft with her tongue. She sucked and stroked him, bringing him to maximum stiffness without a hint of gagging, feeling proud of her accomplishment.Orlando held her head tight between his hands as she bobbed up and down in slow, long strokes with her lips. Orlando’s hands reached under her, grabbing a handful of titties in each hand, massaging her boobs and making sure she had her plush nips squeezed between his fingers just the right amount of rough, stimulating pleasure.Dana was getting lathered up again, her lady parts were plump and wet with the thrill of sucking a thick cock and the powerful handling of her tits, making her want that cock to leave her lips and tongue and find its way down to her labia and clit. Dana let Orlando’s erection pull out of her mouth with a satisfying plop. She closed her eyes and made the deep humming sound of an aroused woman wanting and waiting to be taken.Orlando positioned his hand under her hanging udders, holding them in his solid grasp; he tilted her onto her back. Picking up the bottle of lube, he poured a small stream over her steaming cunt, rubbing his shaft with a second slathering. Dana’s humming picked up in pitch as the cold lube oil fell on her labia, but Orlando’s warm hands worked it into her soft girly flesh and made her feel happy and aroused to be pampered with floral scented oil on her feminine folds.Orlando had a well-oiled tool after a couple of strokes. He was eager to climb into his pear tree after great stimulating oral sex and the delight of handling Dana’s attractive and suitably large and pendulous tits. He spread Dana’s legs, pushing her knees wide after oiling her inner thighs. With a little bounce he crow-hopped between Dana’s outstretched legs, landing on the gaping fruit of his pear tree. His partridge flew into her, surprising her with his sudden furious first fuck. He was thick and forced her apart, she felt stuffed; startled at the filling sensation, surprised at the penetration and swoopy with the undulating, gripping response of her unpracticed sex muscles to Orlando’s perching inside her cunt.Orlando gripped her hips, Dana’s legs pointed up as he pounded her with scooping, hungry thrusts of his hips, poking, prodding, pushing his pecker deeper into her ravenous nether regions. Her screams began with his first humping thrust; each blow between her legs brought a corresponding scream, he was the hammer, she was the anvil. The hammer hit her with shuddering force, the anvil of her sex rang out with each blow in an echoing scream of unbridled pleasure. She was being pounded into a form of malleable feminine flesh as her lover worked her over.Dana had been fucked many times before, she and Sander had made love, mad love, lazy love, hungry love and yet this was new for her. She let each throbbing thrust push her higher. She let Orlando’s prick hammer her hard, pushing her to that orgasmic edge, an edge that was always a mystery. Dana never knew what was over the edge, at least not until she had been pushed over it and was falling into its abyss, filled with swirling clouds and tumbling waves of passion. She gave herself away, letting Orlando push her to the edge.She was hanging at the edge of her orgasm, she felt her lover’s muscles tighten along his lean body, his breathing was labored, her desire was to feel him cum inside her. She wanted to give herself to him. In giving herself up to his explosive ejaculation, she would be blasted into deep space. The lovers would be swept away together in a perfect climax.Dana tensed in response to the man fucking her as he strained to gather his energy like a coiled spring planted deep inside her sex chamber. With a throaty groan, Orlando let his seed burst from his loins, flooding Dana with white hot fluid. She felt his release. His energy tripped her delicately balanced desire. Orlando’s hot splash burst against the back of her vibrating inner hollow, exploding out through her lungs, rattling her pelvis as she shook and collapsed at its seductive power. The heat of her explosion radiated through all her muscles, warping the dimensions of her bedroom.Orlando rolled off her, pulling the heavy quilt over the two of them. He pulled Dana close to him, spooning with her as he buried his nose in her hair, letting his hand rest on her tit as dreams of sugar plums danced in their heads as they snuggled into a relaxed sleep like a contented partridge in a sweet pear tree.December’s late sunrise was filtering through the blinds when Dana opened her eyes at Orlando’s touch on her bare back. He ran his hand over her skin, rubbing the small of her back as she rolled over on her stomach. Waking up to a man’s roaming hands was a forgotten pleasure for Dana. Her night’s partner massaged her rump as she purred. Orlando gave her a light smack across her ass, whispering, “You have a beautiful pear-shaped ass, fresh and firm.” He bent over and took a tiny nip at her flank, Dana flinched, then he kissed it all better.“I regret that I have an appointment for later this morning. Please excuse me, but I will take my leave after a wonderful experience.” Dana watched him dress from under a wad of sheets and blankets.“Mr. Partridge?” she called as he moved toward the bedroom door, Orlando smiled and turned toward the nude woman lying in bed.“Yes?” he asked in a jaunty tone.“Tell McNally, 'Have yourself a Merry Fucking Christmas to one and to all’, would you?”Orlando chuckled, “That sounds like an inside joke among The Chix. I’ll leave that one up to you to deliver that message, my little chickpea.” Orlando let himself out of the house. Two Turtle DovesDana was reluctant to rise out of bed; she wished she could linger under the covers with a lover all day. But she was resigned to the fact that the day had to move forward. She locked the door, put on a pot of coffee and made her bed. Her phone pinged. She went to find it and red the incoming text.It was from Annie, 'Clear your calendar this afternoon girl. I’ll be delivering a holiday surprise package to your house. You will need to be at home to receive it!’ Dana’s first thought was, how sweet of Annie.She was expecting a visit from Annie when the doorbell rang mid-afternoon. Dana was surprised to see Nelson on her doorstep. “Is Annie with you?” Dana asked with a quizzical look and a realization that she was experiencing a flash of deja vu all over again.Nelson stepped into the house carrying a small gift bag and handed Dana a scroll tied with a white ribbon. “What’s this?” Dana asked as she cocked her head, taking the scroll from Nelson. “This is all so mysterious - again,” she said with her eyes and smile flashing in obvious enjoyment of the unfolding mystery in her entry hall. Dana ran her eyes up and down the broad, well-toned frame of the dark-haired man whom she had known as a friend for many years.Dana unfurled the scroll, feeling a hot flush ignite her face as she red Annie’s words while her complexion blushed to contrast with the scroll&rsquo

24 hours before the first full squad workout, Bryce Harper had A LOT to say about A LOT of topics. Spencer McKercher is joined by John Clark down in Clearwater to discuss it all. 

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes fundraising veteran Rick Shadyac, JD, former longtime leader of ALSAC, the fundraising powerhouse behind St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Major donors love bold vision. But how do leaders decide which big ideas are brilliant… and which are just bonkers? Rick's advice is refreshingly practical: start with the problem you're trying to solve and the audience you're trying to reach. High-wealth strategy? Mass marketing? Different tools for different tribes. Big ideas aren't about flash, they're about fit, feasibility, and fearless execution. Rick shares the jaw-dropping case study of partnering with billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman on a space mission tied to a $100 million (eventually $125 million) challenge gift. The catch? ALSAC had to match it. The risk? Enormous. The reward? Potentially transformational. Instead of auctioning off a seat, they democratized giving, raffle tickets for a dollar, opening the door to entirely new donors, especially younger, space-loving supporters who'd never given to a children's hospital before. The result? A $250 million fundraising triumph, a successful mission featuring St. Jude patient ambassador Hayley Arceneaux, and global exposure, including a Netflix documentary. Not exactly your standard bake sale. But here's the leadership lesson behind the rocket fuel: courageous ideas require courageous cultures. Rick describes intentionally hiring people who would challenge him, not nod politely while doodling in meetings. Drawing from his background as a lawyer, he encouraged constructive disagreement, diverse perspectives, and even role-playing in interviews to test whether candidates would push back. Debate in the room? Absolutely. Lock arms when you leave? Non-negotiable. The formula: hire smart, mission-driven people who think differently than you do, and then actually listen to them. That diversity of thought, age, background, and expertise becomes the engine that powers bold, informed decisions. Finally, the episode lands squarely on the CEO-board dynamic. Boards are often risk-averse, but Rick urges leaders to be transparent, inclusive, and above all, communicative. Educate your board. Prepare them. Build trust before you need it. And when it's time to fundraise, confidence follows preparation. Donors can sense when an idea has been stress-tested and mission-aligned. As Rick reminds us, fundraising happens at the speed of trust, and the donor is the hero of every story. Big ideas may capture attention, but disciplined leadership, shared ownership, and relentless focus on mission are what ultimately turn bold vision into transformational gifts.

It's Day 8 of Women's hockey at The Winter Olympics! Tessa and Julia react live to the first round of Quarterfinals. Courtney Kennedy breaks down USA/Italy while Florence Schelling takes on Sweden/Czechia. Buckles joins to chat about the much anticipated, rescheduled Canada vs Finland preliminary game. Tessa and Julia head to Italy tomorrow! Stay tuned to find out what they get up to at The Winter Olympics! Jocks in Jills Merch is HERE!!!CAN is live here: https://ca.shop.thepwhl.com/collections/jocks-in-jillsUS is live here: https://shop.thepwhl.com/collections/jocks-in-jills00:00:00 - Italian Livestream Intro 00:01:24 - USA vs ITALY Quarterfinal Action00:04:32 - Courtney's Cornah - USA vs ITALY00:16:24 - Discussion on Pre-Game Pasta00:21:31 - SWEDEN vs CZECHIA00:24:19 - Florence Schelling joins00:41:58 - BUCKLES IN for CANADA vs FINLAND01:00:00 - End of show - lets go to Italy!

Chef and Author Julian Lopez joins Maria to discuss the unique culinary landscape of coastal North California. Maria also explores the enchanting history of Carnevale and Mardi Gras in this new episode! Enter, "The Maria Liberati Show," based on her travels, as well as her Gourmand World Award-winning book series, "The Basic Art of Italian Cooking," and "The Basic Art of..." Find out more on https://www.marialiberati.com-----music: "First Day of Spring" by David Hilowitz - available via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommns.org/licenses/by-sa/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Mark Zuckerman from The Nats Journal joins G&D to discuss day 1 of pitchers and catchers.

Ready to board your first cruise? In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie guide you through Cruising 102—everything you need to know from booking to embarkation and beyond. Whether you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, or another major cruise line, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the entire pre-cruise and onboard experience with confidence.Pre-Cruise Planning Essentials: Learn the critical timeline for cruise preparation, including when to book pre-cruise hotels, secure shore excursions in destinations like Skagway and Juneau, and confirm dining reservations. Discover why arriving a day early at ports like Port Canaveral is essential and how to manage final payments, travel protection, and online check-in procedures three months before sailing.Embarkation Day Mastery: Get insider tips on what embarkation really means and how to board your ship smoothly. From printing luggage tags to tipping porters, avoiding crowded buffets, and touring the kids club, you'll learn strategies to start your cruise vacation stress-free. Find out when your stateroom will be ready and what to do while waiting for luggage to arrive.Onboard Experience Tips: Maximize your cruise vacation by exploring signature dining options beyond the main dining room, experiencing popular activities during off-peak times, and finding the perfect balance between FOMO (fear of missing out) and JOMO (joy of missing out). Learn about formal nights, dress codes, and when to disembark early at private islands for the best beach chairs and quieter pools.Important Reminders: Verify your passport expiration dates (must be valid six months beyond return), notify your bank about international travel, understand prohibited items lists, and pack cruise-specific essentials like magnetic hooks and lanyards. Don't forget to download your cruise line app for schedules, favorites, and alerts.Whether you're planning an Alaskan cruise, Caribbean getaway, or European voyage, this episode covers Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and general cruising advice. Perfect for first-time cruisers and families looking to optimize their cruise vacation experience.Tune in next week for Cruising 103, where Ryan and Julie cover disembarkation procedures and final cruise tips!Support the showLove the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation" Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page! Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show! Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Think you can just wing it in Hawaii and figure things out as you go?

What is something you don't want to be someone's 'first day' on? Joe ran into a situation at the doctor's office that made him a little nervous.

It's easy to notice when your marriage feels disconnected, but it's much harder to know what to actually do about it. And it's even harder to look at your own part in the dynamic instead of just wishing your partner would change. This Valentine's Week, I'm bringing back one of my favorite conversations with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, a relationship and sexuality coach whose work has profoundly impacted my own marriage. In this encore episode, she shares three concrete, actionable things we can do right now to become better partners and strengthen our marriages. In this episode, you'll learn:

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Mladenka Majerić, CEO of the Yellow Dot Foundation in Croatia and a respected voice in philanthropy across Central and Eastern Europe. Right out of the gate, the duo tackles a deceptively simple but often neglected truth: fundraising doesn't start with an appeal, a gala, or a clever email subject line, it starts with a strategic plan. Or, as this episode gently but firmly argues, with the process of building one. Mladenka makes the case that while organizations can raise money without a strategic plan, doing so is like driving cross-country with passion but no map. Strategic planning aligns mission, vision, goals, and activities, giving teams structure, clarity, and confidence. More than that, she frames it as a leadership and team-building tool. When boards, staff, and leadership are meaningfully involved, through workshops, surveys, and candid conversations, the process becomes a kind of organizational group therapy (the healthy kind). People communicate more honestly, understand their roles better, and walk away owning the plan instead of shelving it to collect dust. The conversation then zeroes in on how strategic plans fuel effective fundraising. A good plan is a living document that feeds directly into operational, communications, and fundraising plans. Mladenka highlights the importance of tools like a theory of change, showing how programs lead to outcomes and real-world impact. That clarity makes it far easier for fundraisers to answer donors' favorite question: “So… how exactly are you changing the world?” Donors, foundations, and funders increasingly expect to see a clear, public-facing strategic plan, and yes, they really do check your website. Finally, the episode lands on inspiration, the secret sauce. Beyond structure and accountability, strategic planning helps organizations articulate why they exist, how they're unique, and what values guide their work. Vision, mission, and values, when expressed in clear, human language, shift mindsets from “we deliver services” to “we create change.” Bill and Mladenka remind listeners that in a world of millions of nonprofits, distinctiveness matters. The idea is already in your head and the passion is already in your heart. The strategic plan simply brings them together, turning clarity into confidence, and confidence into inspiration for donors, staff, boards, and communities alike.

Kincaid's Wegovy weight loss journey starts today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Eric Oliver invites Maria Liberati to learn more about our histories, nature, and ourselves! Enter, "The Maria Liberati Show," based on her travels, as well as her Gourmand World Award-winning book series, "The Basic Art of Italian Cooking," and "The Basic Art of..." Find out more on https://www.marialiberati.com-----music: "First Day of Spring" by David Hilowitz - available via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommns.org/licenses/by-sa/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ukrainian representatives at the talks with Russia on a possible end of the war have described the first day of negotiations as "substantive and productive". Newshour hears from injured Ukrainian soldiers and gauges public opinion inside the country.Also in the programme: the New START nuclear treaty expires; and iguanas on the menu in Miami.(Picture: An elderly woman pulls a sled with her belongings during the distribution of humanitarian aid brought by volunteers to a church amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, near the town of Popasna (Popasnaya) in the Luhansk region, a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine, February 4, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

Karen's still lying but are Aidan and Noah buying it? They discuss Part II to the Season 10 finale of 'The Real Housewives of Potomac' and make predictions for the reunion and future cast dynamics. Follow the On a Real Note Podcast on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onarealnotepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onarealnotepod Twitter: https://twitter.com/onarealnotepod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnARealNotePod Visit our website: https://www.onarealnote.com/

EMERGENCY EPISODE WITH “BRAVO! WE'RE BLACK” & “BITCH IS BETTER!”   Kaya, Aaron, Raven, and I got together IMMEDIATELY after the Karen Huger sit down with Andy Cohen (marketed as the season finale of this season of the Real Housewives of Potomac), and we all had VERY DIFFERENT thoughts on it! It was a battle of the Blacks on the FIRST DAY of Black History Month! TRAGIC! Download and listen today! ***THIS IS PART TWO OF THE CONVERSATION! FOR PART ONE, HEAD OVER TO THE "BRAVO! WE'RE BLACK" PODCAST FEED! FOR VIDEO VERSION, HEAD TO THE "BITCH IS BETTER" PATREON!***   Listen to Bravo! We're Black on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Bravo! We're Black on Spotify! Listen to Bitch Is Better on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Bitch Is Better on Spotify!   *** HEY! Some of you have asked how you can show your appreciation for all the content provided by your mama's favorite Black geek. How about you buy me a beer/coffee? CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT! ***   New episodes of “I Ken Not with Kendrick Tucker” are released weekly!   DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW! I LOVE 5 STARS! EMAIL ME AT IKENNOTPODCAST@GMAIL.COM! FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM! FOLLOW ME ON THREADS! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thabang just started a new job at a bank and has already walked into workplace politics. The whole team seems to dislike one admin lady, Eliane, and there’s an unspoken expectation that he shouldn’t like her either. The twist? She’s actually been kind and welcoming to him. Now he’s stuck in that awkward new-guy position: fit in with the group or judge someone based on his own experience. It’s a classic case of inherited office drama, where new employees feel pressured to pick sides in issues they don’t fully understand. Hang out with Anele and The Club on 947 every weekday morning. Popular radio hosts Anele Mdoda, Frankie du Toit, Thembekile Mrototo, and Cindy Poluta take fun to the next level with the biggest guests, hottest conversations, feel-good vibes, and the best music to get you going! Kick-start your day with the most enjoyable way to wake up in Joburg. Connect with Anele and The Club on 947 via WhatsApp at 084 000 0947 or call the studio on 011 88 38 947Thank you for listening to the Anele and the Club podcast..Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 to 09:00 to Anele and the Club broadcast on 947 https://buff.ly/y34dh8Y For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/gyWKIkl or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/K59GRzu Subscribe to the 947s Weekly Newsletter https://buff.ly/hf9IuR9 Follow us on social media:947 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/947Joburg/ 947 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@947joburg947 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/947joburg947 on X: www.x.com/947 947 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@947JoburgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with Carly Berna, Vice President of Marketing (and the impressively titled “Fundraiser in Residence”) at Virtuous. Carly shares findings from the latest Virtuous Benchmark Report, a treasure trove of data gleaned from over 570 nonprofits using the platform for at least three years. The result? A layered look at donor trends across sectors and revenue sizes, from faith-based orgs to human services, all the way from scrappy sub-million-dollar shops to the $10M+ fundraising heavyweights. “Flat doesn't mean bad,” Carly notes, sometimes staying steady means you've weathered the storm. Bill and Carly dig into the meaty data highlights, starting with online giving. The average online gift increased by $5 in the last year and is up a whopping $22 since 2020, showing just how powerful digital channels are becoming, no surprise given Boomers are now a driving force online (61% of them give that way!). Meanwhile, Carly waves the mid-level donor flag with pride, celebrating growth in this oft-ignored group. Nonprofits are learning not to put all their donor eggs in one major gift basket. The conversation turns to recurring giving, a favorite of sustainability-minded fundraisers everywhere. While the average nonprofit sees 13% of their revenue coming from recurring donors, Virtuous' top quartile of performers boasts a hefty 33%. Donor retention is also slowly rebounding post-pandemic, reaching a six-year high of 50%. But Carly urges listeners not to settle, “Top performers hit 67%, so shoot for the stars!” Finally, the duo dives into donor acquisition and lifetime value. New donor acquisition is slipping, now around 30%, but those who do give are investing more over time, with average donor lifetime value rising to $784. Carly's message is clear: nonprofits need to be smart, not just generous: track your data, find your gaps, and don't just pat yourself on the back for being average. With the right balance of stewardship, segmentation, and sustainability, nonprofits can build donor relationships that last longer than most gym memberships.

It's a Football Friday filled with fun and frivolity! On this episode, Beau and Z give you the highlights from HC Todd Monken's first day back in the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus (51:21). You'll also hear snippets from this week's “Best Podcast Available” where Todd's cousin and Army HC Jeff Monken break down Todd's leadership and upbringing (36:55). Plus, get a special Friday edition of the Mailbag (1:13:42)!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Buck Reising Show Hr 1 - Saleh's first Day, NFL Headlines & Cleveland's Co-Head CoachesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo Part 1 Welcome back to the  Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I had my second solo  90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Amara, who wants to travel more. She asked: How can I plan a trip like you do, Dr. Travelbest? Would I love to take some of the trips you have been on? I'm not sure where to start. I hear a lot from YOU, but how do I do it? Answer: Getting started is like this. Take small trips until you build up your travel muscles. I met a woman yesterday named Teresa who said she needs to read my books and here's why.. She's a single woman in her 70s and relies on her grown children for travel assistance. But they don't always want to go on the same trips as mom. So Teresa needs to manage her travel. I also think she needs to organize her phone apps so she can find the ones she needs quickly. If this is you, stick around. Some of this will flow into your DNA. I know it.   60-second confidence challenge Your challenge today is to plan a Step One Trip. That means you spend the night in a new city, by yourself. You book your room, meals, and itinerary yourself. You come home the next day, refreshed and confident that you can do anything! One night of travel can reset your travel confidence.   If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into Step 1 travel. Never heard of it? You will. It's been tried, tested, and trusted since 2020. You can find the series at the link in the description.    See Book A for addressing this concern..  Find it on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It's a several-part series. Today's special destination is Oslo, Norway, Part 1, the intro of Oslo. Today we're heading north — to Oslo, Norway, a city surrounded by fjords and forests. Oslo is one of Europe's most accessible and progressive capitals, offering a calm, safe, and modern environment — perfect for solo women travelers over 50, including those using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Norway is a stunning country with a vibrant population of around 5 million, comparable to Montana's population and area, stretching over 142,000 square miles. The current exchange rate is favorable at $10 USD for 10.1 NOK, making it an exciting time to explore this beautiful land! The renowned Hurtigruten line makes it easy to connect with major cities and highlights throughout the region. There are so many incredible places to visit, including these: - Hammerfest - The breathtaking Svalbard and the Lofoten Islands - Crossing the Arctic Circle and visiting Trondheim—particularly special for Karin - The scenic Flåm Railroad - The unique Vigeland Sculpture Park - The fascinating Fram Museum - Tasty cloudberries - The architectural marvel of the Oslo Opera House - The Well spa, a relaxing retreat at just $65 per day, open from 10 AM to 10 PM, and includes food - Convenient Bus 81 for easy travel Italian traveler Julius highly recommends the Paradox optical illusions exhibit in Oslo—what a fun experience! Additional must-see spots include: https://www.paradoxmuseumoslo.com/en/ - An impressive castle - The immersive Vikings exhibit that captivated Debbie and Erik from Toronto, Canada, whom I had the pleasure of meeting on the train and spending the better part of the day with. https://www.science.org/content/article/thousand-year-old-viking-fortress-reveals-technologically-advanced-society   - The Bergen Hurtigruten line - Stunning views of the Skagerrak Strait - Enchanting Troll Forest - The magical Aurora Domes - An informative visit to Oslo City Hall and the Nobel Peace Center - The enchanting Munch Museum featuring "The Scream." - The lovely Bygdøy neighborhood You pronounce Bygdøy (a peninsula in Oslo) roughly as "BIG-day" (or "BIG-oy"), with the 'y' sounding like the 'i' in 'big' or 'ee' in 'see', and the 'ø' sounding like the 'i' in 'bird' or the 'u' in 'fur', making it close to 'BIG-doy' or 'BÜGD-oy' in Norwegian, but 'Big-Day' is a common English approximation.    For an unforgettable adventure, the "Norway in a Nutshell" tour can be completed in just 2 to 3 days.    Don't miss the dazzling Lofoten Islands, the majestic western fjords, and the charming Longyearbyen in Svalbard, along with Trondheim! Get ready for a fantastic journey through Norway! . - Library - Ibsens Gate - Tysnes Festival: A nearby island with many summer music events. People in Norway typically take two months of vacation. Education and healthcare are publicly funded through high taxes, which support strong economic conditions.  Activities and locations: - Cable car to Mt. Ulriken - Royal Gamlehaugen Castle and Park - Kayaking On my First Day in Oslo, I arrived at the Train station and found my hostel on Karl Lagerfeldsgate Street - Oslo K7 Hostel:  There were minor issues, such as being under construction, but it wasn't a bad experience. My initial Activities included: - Swimming in the sea with Nina from South Korea - Visiting the Opera House, the Munch Museum, and the library - Tasting hot dogs and even shopping for underwear. https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/eastern-norway/oslo/oslo-opera-house/   Art, Architecture, and the Waterfront Start your day at the Oslo Opera House, an architectural masterpiece that rises from the fjord like a glacier. The sloping white roof is fully wheelchair-accessible, with gentle ramps leading to panoramic views of the harbor and the city skyline—a truly unique experience. https://www.visitoslo.com/en/articles/the-harbour-promenade/   From there, take a leisurely roll or stroll along the Harbor Promenade, a flat, scenic walkway that connects many of Oslo's major attractions. Stop by the MUNCH Museum, dedicated to artist Edvard Munch, whose "The Scream" is on display here. The museum is fully accessible with wide galleries, elevators, and a riverside café for a light lunch. https://www.munch.no/en/   In the afternoon, visit Akershus Fortress. While some cobblestone areas can be uneven, the main paths and museum sections are accessible, and the views of the Oslofjord are worth the effort. End your first day at Aker Brygge (BRU-geh), a lively waterfront district filled with accessible restaurants and outdoor seating for watching the sunset. Brygge, spelled, B R Y …..(Norwegian/Danish for "jetty" or "quay") is pronounced roughly like "BRÜ-geh" (German ü sound, short 'e' at the end) in Norwegian or "BRŒK-eh" (like 'brok' with a soft 'eh' sound) in Danish, involving a rolled 'r' and a rounded vowel, similar to the start of "burger" but with a distinct "oo" or "uh" vowel sound before the 'g' and 'e'.  https://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/boroughs/aker-brygge-tjuvholmen/ My missteps: High prices were not expected I was not fully prepared for the high costs of dining and transportation in one of Europe's priciest cities. Many travelers like me mistakenly expect prices to match other European capitals. To make the most of my time, I purchased a 24-hour Oslo Pass for convenient access to public transport and popular attractions. Plus, I used a refillable water bottle and enjoyed picnic meals from local grocery stores and bakeries.        Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube In the news  

Powered by BTA Sports https://download.btasports.io/atoz Promo Codes: • ATOZ14 – Extends the weekly trial from 3 days to 14 days • ATOZSPORTS – Extends the yearly trial from 7 days to 14 days For More Titans coverage follow us here: https://www.atozsports.com/nashville Podcasts: https://www.atozsports.com/podcasts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atozsportsnashville Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atozsports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AtoZSports TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atozsportsnashville #AtoZSports #TennesseeTitans #NFLFootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Azdean Elmoustaquim, an expert on Morocco joins Maria to discuss the incredible scenery, landscapes, and culture of this incredible country! Enter, "The Maria Liberati Show," based on her travels, as well as her Gourmand World Award-winning book series, "The Basic Art of Italian Cooking," and "The Basic Art of..." Find out more on https://www.marialiberati.com-----music: "First Day of Spring" by David Hilowitz - available via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommns.org/licenses/by-sa/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Getting hired is only the beginning. In this episode, Nole and Kevin pull back the curtain on the "paramilitary" traditions and unwritten rules that define a successful probationary year. This isn't about what's in the manual—it's about the grit, etiquette, and mindset required to earn your place in the firehouse. From the "ninja entry" at 0600 to the humility of being the first to volunteer for a drill, we discuss how to build a reputation that lasts a career. Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecordsThe Fire You Carry on YouTube.Sign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!https://www.fireupprogram.com/programsThe Fire Up Progam video.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgramThe Fire You Carry Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/Donate to The Fire Up Program.https://www.fireupprogram.com/donateThe Fire Up Program Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/Kevin's Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=enMyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back the ever-insightful Michele Dole, MS, CFP, Senior Vice President at Key Private Bank and cherished faculty member. Michele brings her unique perspective as both a former fundraiser and a current financial advisor, helping to demystify the world of wealth and financial advising for those in the nonprofit sector. From her origins in hospital foundations to earning her Certified Financial Planner certification, Michele shares how her deep understanding of financial strategy intersects beautifully with charitable giving. “It's not just about tax efficiency,” she emphasizes, “but about helping clients make meaningful, effective gifts.” The conversation shines a light on how fundraisers and financial advisors can, and should, collaborate. Advisors, Michele explains, aren't gatekeepers; they're partners. With full visibility into a client's financial picture, they can help determine not just if a gift should be made, but how, when, and with what assets. Whether it's a cash donation, a stock transfer, or a required minimum distribution from a retirement account, financial advisors are instrumental in making philanthropic dreams a financially sound reality. And yes, Michele confirms, she and her colleagues often raise the topic of philanthropy with clients, driven by their role in supporting holistic financial and personal goals. For fundraisers wondering whether to engage with a donor's advisor, Michele has one golden rule: ask for the donor's permission first. Once that's secured, sharing a comprehensive gift proposal with the advisor can be immensely beneficial. Advisors often know what else is on a donor's financial horizon: other commitments, business sales, or major expenses, that could impact the timing or structure of a gift. And if you're hosting breakfast events for local planners? Keep it up! While they may not be gatekeepers, financial professionals are key connectors in the community and valuable allies in understanding and championing your mission. This episode also introduces an exciting new offering: Philanthropy for Advisors, a course designed to equip financial professionals with a deeper understanding of charitable giving and the nonprofit sector. Michele is stepping in as lead faculty, bringing her full-circle experience to bear in educating a new generation of philanthropic partners. As always, Bill closes the episode with a hearty reminder; when fundraisers team up with informed financial advisors, donors win, missions grow, and generosity thrives.

Sangli -Maharashtra, January 24, 2026: First Day of Maharashtra Sant Samagam -Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj

Sangli -Maharashtra, January 24, 2026: First Day of Maharashtra Sant Samagam -Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj

Maine ICE operation is off to a good start nabbing 50 illegals in their first day, then Grace is joined by DHS' Tricia McLaughlin to discuss the arrest of the protestors who stormed into a church in Minnesota.  Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.

This week, author Judith McLoughlin, author of a cookbook on traditional Irish recipes! Enter, "The Maria Liberati Show," based on her travels, as well as her Gourmand World Award-winning book series, "The Basic Art of Italian Cooking," and "The Basic Art of..." Find out more on https://www.marialiberati.com-----music: "First Day of Spring" by David Hilowitz - available via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommns.org/licenses/by-sa/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jeff Hafley had his first press conference as the Miami Dolphins head coach, and they might have found the right guy for the job! A Tampa Politician said some pretty interesting things on one of our sister stations down in Tampa regarding the Rays moving to Orlando. The Head Coach of the Orlando Storm Anthony Becht joins Game On and gets us hyped for this UFL season and the debut of the Orlando Storm!

Greg and Holly share their top takeaways from today's kickoff of the Utah's 2026 Legislative Session.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., digs into the booming world of artificial intelligence and what its rapid rise might mean for your fundraising future. Bill highlights the many ways AI is already helping fundraisers: writing donor letters, prepping for meetings, and identifying potential major donors; all with greater efficiency and effectiveness. He shares real-life examples from colleagues like Travis Tester and Andy Price, who are saving hours of prep time each week, allowing them to meet with significantly more donors and deepen relationships. But while the AI-powered present looks promising, Bill turns our gaze toward a looming challenge: the potential financial instability behind AI's rapid expansion. Drawing on historical parallels like the railroad boom, the 1929 crash, the dot-com bubble, and the housing crisis, Bill warns that the current pattern of over-investment in AI, particularly in data centers and tech infrastructure, could lead to another economic downturn. High debt, investor expectations, and revenue shortfalls are forming a familiar and risky cocktail. And if AI financing collapses, the ripple effect could reach nonprofits everywhere. What does this mean for fundraisers? Bill reminds us that recessions tend to dampen charitable giving, not dramatically on average, but enough to warrant strategic planning. Different sectors feel the impact differently: human services often hold steady or rise, while the arts may see sharp declines. He encourages organizations to review their operating reserves and endowments, consult with financial advisors, and engage their boards in proactive scenario planning. Whether the market soars, stalls, or stumbles, it pays to be ready. As always, Bill centers the core truth: giving is driven by donor values and passion. But the “wealth effect,” how much and when people give, is shaped by the broader economy. So yes, keep watching those economic indicators, but don't lose sight of your mission.

This week, author and retired professor Anthony Fredericks arrives to talk about the power of the forest! Enter, "The Maria Liberati Show," based on her travels, as well as her Gourmand World Award-winning book series, "The Basic Art of Italian Cooking," and "The Basic Art of..." Find out more on https://www.marialiberati.com-----music: "First Day of Spring" by David Hilowitz - available via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommns.org/licenses/by-sa/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Are you booking enough days in Hawaii, or are you setting yourself up for regret?Most travelers either cut their trip too short or waste half their vacation in airports trying to see too many islands.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3871: Bradley Charbonneau uses a surreal visit to the "National Center for Life Change" to cleverly illustrate the internal debate we face when considering personal transformation. With wit and vulnerability, he shows that while we often wait for permission or direction, the real power to change lies within us all along. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://passthesourcream.com/today-is-the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "I smile to myself at little age joke as I know I'm not THAT old and I have time to make changes in my life so I can become that person I'm supposed to be." "I can make these changes whenever I want." "Nothing is going to come from nothing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife appeared in a Manhattan courtroom Monday. Eric Tucker of the Associated Press breaks down the charges and how the case compares with that of another deposed Latin American leader. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani immediately turned to signing executive orders to kick off his term. The City’s Katie Honan joins to discuss how he’s managing his first days in office. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says he will not seek a third term. The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Nathaniel Minor explains how criticism over Waltz’s handling of fraud scandals led to the decision. Plus, how federal health authorities are significantly changing the childhood-vaccine schedule, a plaque honoring police who defended the Capitol on January 6 is nowhere to be seen, and the U.S. has a new lightning capital. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Kronkite. Rather. Now, Dokoupil. The new anchor of the CBS Evening News is off to a rough start. First day jitters are to be expected. (Still, we didn't expect them to be so evident.) But it wasn't just style, but the substance that has caught a lot of people's attention ... including Amy and T. J.’s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kronkite. Rather. Now, Dokoupil. The new anchor of the CBS Evening News is off to a rough start. First day jitters are to be expected. (Still, we didn't expect them to be so evident.) But it wasn't just style, but the substance that has caught a lot of people's attention ... including Amy and T. J.’s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kronkite. Rather. Now, Dokoupil. The new anchor of the CBS Evening News is off to a rough start. First day jitters are to be expected. (Still, we didn't expect them to be so evident.) But it wasn't just style, but the substance that has caught a lot of people's attention ... including Amy and T. J.’s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.