Podcasts about fostering

Why this weekend proves social puts the scissors back in your hands?Hosts: Corey Gray with Co Host Geno Chapman @genochapmanGuests: @andrewsmithhairstylist @shelleylane_inspires @gianlucagrechi @milkshakehairproBackstage energyElectric prep… tribal goddess hair to the floor… avant garde build tactics… securing heavy pieces without drama.Social as your voiceAnd brands used to dictate the look. But hairdressers now set the trend. Therefore you can grow from any town with work that travels.Shelley's home salonChildhood house turned calm studio. Why feel and environment matter. How education reignited a 20 year career.Gianluca's pathLondon training… people watching for real world inspiration… AI as a sketchbook… then proving it by hand.Andrew's lensLight and reflection as the brief. Fostering kids while touring. The heart behind the craft and what family can look like.BeautyNova x milk_shake x IbizaPoolside activations, DEPOT man cave vibes, Guinness record memories, and the Hard Rock closing as we walked out.Season 8 episode 41… milk_shake Global AmbassadorsShow notes

In a recent candid conversation, Stassi Cramm, the first female prophet of the Community of Christ, discussed the Kirtland Temple sale & highly publicized sale of historic sites. She offered insights into the church's current financial & addressed the complexities of continuing to lead a worldwide, diverse body on issues of inclusion and mission. President Cramm, who was ordained in June 2025 and previously served nine years in the First Presidency, emphasized that her approach centers on faithful agility and discerning God's ongoing call for the church. https://youtu.be/blYLTxtHqVk Don't miss our other conversations with Stassi: https://gospeltangents.com/people/stassi-cramm/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved   Navigating Finances and Faith: An Update from Community of Christ President Stassi Cramm In a recent candid conversation, Stassi Cramm, the first female prophet of the Community of Christ, offered insights into the church's current financial reality following the highly publicized sale of historic sites, including the Kirtland Temple, and addressed the complexities of continuing to lead a worldwide, diverse body on issues of inclusion and mission. President Cramm, who was ordained in June 2025 and previously served nine years in the First Presidency, emphasized that her approach centers on faithful agility and discerning God's ongoing call for the church. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The $200 Million Kirtland Temple Sale Question: Financial Stewardship The sale of the Kirtland Temple and associated properties to the LDS Church generated almost $200 million. This revenue was immediately invested into the church's endowments, which are intended to provide some foundational income for the annual budget. However, Cramm confirmed a widespread projection that this sale alone did not generate enough to fully endow the operations of the church into perpetuity. The current financial model still relies significantly on Worldwide Mission Tithes (tithing) as an essential element of discipleship. Based on current trends, if the number of financial supporters continues to slowly decline, the Community of Christ will face additional financial questions around the year 2030. Cramm noted that the church's leaders, including the Council of 12 and the Presiding Bishopric, are focused on defining what the church "needs to be" in the future. The goal is not merely to keep the lights on, but to do so while faithfully being who God needs them to be in the world. This strategy involves: Fostering new communities of disciples committed to the church's mission. Engaging in social ministries and justice activities. Empowering new forms of leadership from younger generations. Innovating stewardship, including looking at different investment strategies and business ventures aligned with the church's mission. President Cramm concluded that success must be measured in faithfulness terms, rather than "worldly terms" like turning a profit or hitting a specific number of members in the pews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inclusion, Ordination, and the Gay Apostle Question The conversation also turned to the church's approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion, a topic that remains widely discussed both in the U.S. and within the global church. Community of Christ policy allows the World Conference to establish broad principles, while national or field conferences can weigh in on particulars based on local needs and discernment. This approach acknowledges that in some parts of the world, discussing inclusion topics can be life-threatening or illegal. When asked whether an openly gay apostle might be called under her administration, President Cramm emphasized a key distinction regarding ordination policy: Sexual Orientation is Not the Barrier: Cramm clarified that sexual ...

What happens when the communications function stops being about messaging and starts being about business transformation? When your stakeholders include 10,000 employees, 94,000 students, 350,000 alumni, plus investors, policymakers, and healthcare partners? In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle reconnects with Megan Noel, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Adtalem Global Education, to explore why the CCAO role is a fundamental reimagining of what communications does. Megan leads government relations, investor relations, public affairs, impact and sustainability, and alumni relations under one reputation-focused banner. From managing the fallout of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" over July 4th weekend to navigating AI search optimization and Wikipedia's importance in reputation management, Megan and Dan dig into the practical realities of corporate affairs at scale. They explore how business acumen has become a hard skill, why curiosity beats credentials, and how communicators can avoid becoming "negative Nancy" while still providing strategic counsel. Listen in and hear about... Why corporate affairs unifies storytelling across all stakeholder groups under a reputation banner How business acumen requires being "dangerous enough" in finance, law, and HR without becoming an expert The surprising importance of Wikipedia and specific media outlets in AI search and GEO optimization Why saying "yes, how" beats saying "no, but" when working with business leaders How curiosity and innovation mindset separate entry-level candidates who get jobs from those who don't The challenge of maintaining unbiased reputation when AI search platforms pull from potentially compromised sources Notable Quotes On Corporate Affairs Evolution: "The corporate affairs model is just the next step in that evolution. We used to just communicate what the business wanted. Now we're more than just a channel strategy to push things to different audiences." - Megan Noel [07:30] On Business Acumen: "I certainly don't need to be as sophisticated in our numbers as our CFO. But I need to be dangerous enough in all of them to be able to sit down at a very senior level and have a thoughtful conversation." - Megan Noel [20:29] On Strategic Counsel: "Instead of saying no, but—offer alternatives or other options so that we could potentially get to yes. When you do have to say the no, it feels like you're using that really thoughtfully and people will take you seriously." - Megan Noel [23:39] On AI Search Reality: "There is a perception that whatever question you ask AI is unbiased, when in fact it's pulling information through just a different algorithm. It could be just as biased with other bad data." - Megan Noel [46:56] On Innovation Mindset: "The hiring manager said it was because she showed an appetite to push and to learn and to innovate. That skill, even at the very entry level, matters." - Megan Noel [59:35] Resources and Links Dan Nestle Inquisitive Communications | Website The Trending Communicator | Website Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack Dan Nestle | LinkedIn Megan Noel Adtalem Global Education | Website Megan Noel | LinkedIn Timestamps 0:00 Intro: Change in PR and marketing 5:47 Evolution of Chief Corporate Affairs Officer role 13:06 Reputation as unifying banner for corporate affairs 19:40 Importance of business acumen for leaders 24:39 Communications as a critical business skill 27:46 Relationship between corporate affairs and marketing 31:28 Fostering disagreement and diverse perspectives 35:41 Impact of AI on search and reputation management 41:24 Proactively managing reputation in AI era 49:28 Balancing content creation and stakeholder engagement 53:43 Innovation as key leadership trait 57:41 Cultivating curiosity and innovation across teams 1:03:31 Closing remarks and contact information (Notes co-created by Human Dan, Claude, and  Flowsend.ai ) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachael chats with birth-to-five mental health specialist Michelle Charriere about what it really takes to build (and repair) a secure attachment with your child. They cover the four attachment styles, why repair matters more than perfection, and how to choose childcare that supports connection...plus real talk on daycare and sleep training without the internet drama. And because they couldn't resist, they end with a little Bravo TV fun, including Michelle's pick for the best Housewives franchise to start with and a round of “F**k, Marry, Kill” (Bravo edition). Inside this episode: The four attachment styles (and why secure is the goal) How repair builds trust after ruptures Choosing childcare that supports emotional connection Thoughts on daycare and sleep training What to look for in a caregiver Bravo TV picks and guilty pleasures Mentioned in this episode: @babiesandbrains Parenting Through Attachment Course Childcare & Preschool Guide New Sibling Guide If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️ ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram!

Civility isn't just about being polite—it's about trust, belonging, and creating workplaces where people feel safe to speak up. In this roundtable, hosts Lisa Fine and Ellen Hunt welcome: Jelahn Stewart, SVP, Deputy GC & CCO at Leidos Katharine Manning, President of Blackbird DC and author of The Empathetic Workplace They share stories and strategies on: How civility impacts performance, creativity, and resilience Why incivility silences women more than men Practical steps leaders and teams can take to build civil, ethical cultures Healthy ways to respond when civility breaks down The Great Women in Compliance Podcast, with hosts Hemma Lomax and Lisa Fine, shares the stories of women in the field of ethics and compliance and is proudly sponsored by Corporate Compliance Insights. Connect with us: Great Women in Compliance on LinkedIn Corporate Compliance Insights Great Women in Compliance, hosted by Hemma Lomax and Lisa Fine, is sponsored by @Corporate Compliance Insights.

What does it really take to build great leaders? In this episode of the Inspire Podcast, Bart Egnal sits down with Rob Buckingham, Executive VP at Quest Window Systems Inc and retired Canadian Forces Captain, to unpack how leadership is intentionally developed in both the military and business. Rob shares powerful lessons from his time in uniform when he was first exposed to foundational leadership and how the Canadian Forces empowers junior leaders to step up from day one. He explains how that experience taught him the value of feedback, the importance of resilience under pressure, and why empowering people early creates lasting strength in any organization. He then reveals how those same principles shaped his corporate career and what he learned as a management consultant and, more recently, in his current role as Executive VP of a global manufacturing company. He closes by sharing perspectives from his work with Treble Victor, an organization that matches veterans with civilian organizations, and shows why companies that tap into military leadership talent gain a powerful edge. If you've ever wondered what foundational leadership looks like in practice and how you can cultivate it in your own organization, this conversation is for you.   Show Notes 00:15 Show intro 00:52 Introducing Robert Buckingham 03:12 What is foundational leadership and why is it important? 03:18 Fostering a leadership culture  03:42 Empower junior leaders 04:07 What orgs get right and wrong about leadership development 04:53 Military officers have responsibility right away 06:12 Give junior leaders tools to lead early on  07:00 Why did you enlist in the army 09:42 What is Mission-command 10:28 Military gets planning and execution of tasks 12:57 Forecast Plan Control Review 13:29 Resilience 13:33 Key values: loyalty, integrity, mission first 13:49 Can you teach these leadership traits or are they innate? 15:09 High fallout rate in the military 18:35 Continuous training 19:41 Instantaneous coaching feedback 20:06 Growing a culture of feedback 20:18 What's the toughest feedback you got in your career? 21:19 Like sports team culture 21:35 The worst thing is complacency 24:04 One of my proudest achievements in the military 24:43 Transitioning from military to the corporate world, was it a shock? 25:59 Translating to civilian speak 28:01 What maps and what doesn't? 29:11 Put things in place, succeeded! 30:47 Span of control 32:35 Corporate environment never plan 33:29 50 50 leadership vs tasks 34:00 Joined Quest 35:01 Set your team up with a structure where information flows up and down 36:15 How to know how an org is doing with leadership? 36:49 Does the front line mission line up with the org's mission? 38:18 The Back Brief  39:55 Treble Victor 45:38 Thank yous 46:00 Outro  

For nursing students, a gratitude jar promotes mindfulness and gratitude by encouraging reflection on the positive aspects of their lives. Dr. Catherine Stubin introduced this method at the start of the semester in a Capstone course with undergraduate senior nursing students, aiming to cultivate a more mindful and appreciative attitude. Students maintained a daily gratitude jar as an at-home exercise, reflecting on the positives in their lives. At the semester's end, they were encouraged to read through their collected notes and reflect on what they were grateful for. Dr Stubin describes this strategy for promoting students' mental health wellness in the podcast and article and how it can be used in any undergraduate or graduate nursing course.

In this #coachbetter episode, Diana is going to share 8 Red Flags to Avoid When Building a Coaching Culture - and What TO DO Instead. As coaches and leaders we are doing our best to build a positive and inclusive coaching culture, but sometimes we can be making some big mistakes without even realizing it. When you look back on your own coaching experience - as a coach or as an educator or leader, you can probably remember a time when something didn't quite go as planned, or wasn't received the way we expected. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions we end up making a crucial mistake. So what are these red flags when building a coaching culture - and what do you do instead? Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Case Study: Building a Coaching Culture BEFORE Starting a Coaching Program with Melissa Carr [272]  3 Steps to Growing a Thriving Coaching Culture Building a Coaching Culture with Kristine Mizzone and Jenny Derby [Ep 186] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)  

With the Wind with Dr. Paul – Show 185 Pediatric Perspectives: Tips for Raising Happy Healthy Children, with Larry Palevsky, M.D. Presenters Dr. Paul Thomas, Larry Palevsky, M.D. Length Approximately 33 minutes Summary In this empowering episode, Dr. Paul Thomas welcomes renowned pediatrician Dr. Larry Palevsky for a deep dive into holistic, practical strategies for raising happy, healthy children in today's world. Dr. Palevsky shares decades of clinical experience, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, emotional connection, and natural approaches to child health from preconception through adolescence. The conversation covers everything from prenatal care and breastfeeding to screen time, emotional development, and parenting through the teen years. Key Points with Timestamps • 00:00:40 – Dr. Paul introduces the episode and highlights the release of the VAX FACTS book. • 00:02:02 – Dr. Palevsky discusses the foundations of healthy conception and pregnancy, including whole-food diets, minimizing EMF exposure, and reducing stress. • 00:05:36 – The importance of breastfeeding, delayed cord clamping, and avoiding unnecessary interventions at birth. • 00:07:24 – Why to avoid routine newborn interventions like the hepatitis B vaccine and vitamin K injection, and how to advocate for your newborn in the hospital setting. • 00:09:41 – Early parenting: the significance of bonding, object permanence, and keeping the home environment calm and supportive for new babies. • 00:13:10 – Sleep regression explained as a developmental milestone, not a setback, and why “cry it out” sleep training is discouraged. • 00:15:12 – Nutrition and breastfeeding duration: balancing natural weaning with the child's developmental readiness. • 00:17:21 – Dangers of screen time and digital devices for children, and the impact of technology on emotional and social development. • 00:21:57 – Fostering independence and critical thinking in school-age kids and teens: why parents shouldn't always solve, answer, or correct. • 00:25:22 – Parenting teens: setting boundaries, enforcing consequences, and the importance of modeling spiritual and emotional health. • 00:30:04 – The value of letting children experience challenges and “feeling bad” as part of healthy development. • 00:31:02 – Spirituality and modeling: how children learn by example rather than instruction. Web Resources Discussed • Kids First 4Ever • Doctors and Science • VAX FACTS Book (paperback only unless otherwise stated)

Welcome to Troll Hole episode 83! Thanks for slipping into the tranquil waters of the spit pit and letting our hilarious conversation with Tido Maldonado wash away your impurities. In this episode we talk: Ben's Appearance On the “Into The Breach” Podcast, The color of our holes, Chemical Induced Paranoia, Mike's Stalker Tracking His Weight, Tido Meeting the Devil, Small Soldiers, The Audience We're Fostering, Neil's Dab Timer, Weird Food Court Encounters, Mall Comedy Groupies, Tido's Favorite Movies, Meme Gooning, and so much more. Reach in. Pull it out. Subscribe to the pod. Then give us a rating and leave a review while you're here. We're trying to feed our son, Producer Neil.#movies #memes #Comedy #intothebreach #Trolling TrollholeWant bonus episodes and content? Check out the Troll Hole Patreon!:https://www.patreon.com/c/TrollHolePodcastFollow Troll Hole on Instagram!: https://www.instagram.com/trollholepodcastFollow Tido on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiddyvanillyFollow Ben Katzner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaqkatznerCheck Ben out live!: https://shaqkatzner.komi.io/Follow Mike Lester on Instagram!: https://www.instagram.com/justmikelesterFollow Producer Neil! https://www.instagram.com/n3ilfaceListen to Neil's music here: https://songwhip.com/sevenswordsHas anyone said anything weird to you lately? Tell us about it and we might talk about it  on the pod! Send us screenshots or tell us your trolling story by dm'ing us or send it to us at Trollholepod@gmail.com

00:02:00 – Michigan Church ShootingDetails emerge about a Marine veteran who rammed a truck into a Mormon church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze, leaving multiple dead and wounded. The event sparks debate on armed defense in churches. 00:10:00 – France Pressures TelegramTelegram founder Pavel Durov alleges French intelligence blackmailed him to censor Moldovan election content, exposing how Western governments weaponize censorship under the guise of democracy. 00:20:00 – Epstein Files Blocked by GOP Fear of TrumpCongress fell one vote short of releasing Epstein files, with most Republicans refusing to challenge Trump's threats. A Democrat's special election win could change the outcome. 00:24:00 – Lala Harris' “MAGA Hat Debacle”Harris' new book ridiculed for immaturity, recounting Biden accidentally putting on a MAGA hat. Critics liken it to a teenage diary and highlight her failure to handle Joe Rogan. 00:26:00 – College Socialism & Violence PollNearly half of students polled support socialism, with 40% endorsing violence against opposing opinions—even after Kirk's assassination. Knight calls for ending government-run education to stop indoctrination. 00:51:00 – Epstein, Trump & Pedophile Cover-UpStatue of Trump and Epstein removed from the National Mall; Thomas Massie pushes to release Epstein files despite GOP leadership threats, with fears of intimidation and retaliation. 001:08:16 – Melania's AI Child ProgramMelania Trump promotes “Fostering the Future Together” at the UN, framed as child protection but criticized as a cover for AI-driven surveillance and state overreach. 001:34:07 – Trump's Personal Vendetta Against ComeyAnalysis of Trump's push to indict James Comey, with critics arguing it mirrors Comey's own past abuses and shows Trump using the justice system as a tool of revenge. 001:43:57 – Trump's Lawsuits & January 6 EntrapmentDiscussion of Trump's unwinnable lawsuits against major media outlets and his strategy of using fights for spectacle. The segment shifts into analysis of FBI involvement and entrapment narratives around January 6. 001:54:56 – Trump Labels Antifa TerroristsTrump designates Antifa a terrorist organization, raising concerns that such vague labels allow presidents to target dissent and expand authoritarian powers under the guise of national security. 002:12:11 – Sarkozy's Corruption & Trump ParallelsFrench President Sarkozy's foreign cash scandal is compared to Trump's ties with Israel, showing how globalist politicians enrich themselves while betraying national sovereignty. 002:39:01 – Kimmel Ratings Collapse & Trump EffectJimmy Kimmel's ratings surge after Trump attacks him, only to collapse by 70%. Critics argue Trump unintentionally elevated Kimmel's status as a free speech martyr. 002:55:44 – Trump's Gaza Plan with Tony BlairReports detail Trump promoting Tony Blair to lead Gaza's “transition authority,” aligning with UN and globalist technocrats. Critics argue MAGA supporters are being “Gaza-lighted.” Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHTFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

00:02:00 – Michigan Church ShootingDetails emerge about a Marine veteran who rammed a truck into a Mormon church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze, leaving multiple dead and wounded. The event sparks debate on armed defense in churches. 00:10:00 – France Pressures TelegramTelegram founder Pavel Durov alleges French intelligence blackmailed him to censor Moldovan election content, exposing how Western governments weaponize censorship under the guise of democracy. 00:20:00 – Epstein Files Blocked by GOP Fear of TrumpCongress fell one vote short of releasing Epstein files, with most Republicans refusing to challenge Trump's threats. A Democrat's special election win could change the outcome. 00:24:00 – Lala Harris' “MAGA Hat Debacle”Harris' new book ridiculed for immaturity, recounting Biden accidentally putting on a MAGA hat. Critics liken it to a teenage diary and highlight her failure to handle Joe Rogan. 00:26:00 – College Socialism & Violence PollNearly half of students polled support socialism, with 40% endorsing violence against opposing opinions—even after Kirk's assassination. Knight calls for ending government-run education to stop indoctrination. 00:51:00 – Epstein, Trump & Pedophile Cover-UpStatue of Trump and Epstein removed from the National Mall; Thomas Massie pushes to release Epstein files despite GOP leadership threats, with fears of intimidation and retaliation. 001:08:16 – Melania's AI Child ProgramMelania Trump promotes “Fostering the Future Together” at the UN, framed as child protection but criticized as a cover for AI-driven surveillance and state overreach. 001:34:07 – Trump's Personal Vendetta Against ComeyAnalysis of Trump's push to indict James Comey, with critics arguing it mirrors Comey's own past abuses and shows Trump using the justice system as a tool of revenge. 001:43:57 – Trump's Lawsuits & January 6 EntrapmentDiscussion of Trump's unwinnable lawsuits against major media outlets and his strategy of using fights for spectacle. The segment shifts into analysis of FBI involvement and entrapment narratives around January 6. 001:54:56 – Trump Labels Antifa TerroristsTrump designates Antifa a terrorist organization, raising concerns that such vague labels allow presidents to target dissent and expand authoritarian powers under the guise of national security. 002:12:11 – Sarkozy's Corruption & Trump ParallelsFrench President Sarkozy's foreign cash scandal is compared to Trump's ties with Israel, showing how globalist politicians enrich themselves while betraying national sovereignty. 002:39:01 – Kimmel Ratings Collapse & Trump EffectJimmy Kimmel's ratings surge after Trump attacks him, only to collapse by 70%. Critics argue Trump unintentionally elevated Kimmel's status as a free speech martyr. 002:55:44 – Trump's Gaza Plan with Tony BlairReports detail Trump promoting Tony Blair to lead Gaza's “transition authority,” aligning with UN and globalist technocrats. Critics argue MAGA supporters are being “Gaza-lighted.” Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHTFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

We are all imbued with the Divine, but far too often we look outside of ourselves for it. Fostering and raising awareness of this super power within, connects us to the vastness of eternal Spirit.   with Michael Finn

In this episode of “Read by Example,” I sat down with educators and authors Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney to discuss their influential book, Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities (Corwin, 2022). They explore the urgent need for structured, empathetic dialogue in K-12 classrooms, especially in today's politically charged environment. Drawing from their extensive backgrounds in social studies education and leadership, Joe and Nichelle provide practical frameworks and strategies for teachers to foster productive conversations, empower student voices, and build stronger, more understanding classroom communities.Key topics discussed include:* The four foundational building blocks of civil discourse: Courage, Understanding, Belonging, and Empathy.* The crucial difference between “contentious” and “controversial” topics.* Strategies for moving classroom activities from debate to more inclusive discussions and dialogues.* The importance of grounding student opinions in evidence-based sources and curated text sets.* Practical advice for teachers on how to prepare for difficult conversations and build a support system within their school.* How administrators can create a supportive “sandbox” for teachers and the importance of transparent communication with parents and the community.After listening to this episode, you will walk away with a greater appreciation for supporting student conversations in every classroom.Take care,MattP.S. Next week Thursday, 5:30pm CST, I speak with Jen Schwanke, author of Trusted (ASCD, 2025). Full subscribers can join us for this professional conversation!Official TranscriptMatt Renwick: Welcome to Read by Example, where teachers are leaders, and leaders know literacy. I am joined by two colleagues and educators who I have looked forward to speaking with ever since I read their book, Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities. Welcome, Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney.Joe Schmidt: Thanks for having us, Matt.Matt Renwick: You were both formerly high school classroom teachers and are now in leadership roles. Nichelle and Joe, would you share a little bit about your backgrounds?Nichelle Pinkney: Hi, I'm Nichelle Pinkney. I'm entering my 21st year of education. It's hard to say out loud. I started teaching elementary for a year or two, then decided I wasn't ready for that season and went to high school. I went from first graders to 12th graders and started teaching government and economics, then moved into AP Government and Econ. I've pretty much taught everything at the high school level.A few years ago, I wanted to help other teachers learn what I had, so I became an instructional coach at the middle school level. Now, I'm a curriculum director in my district, overseeing social studies and world languages, curriculum, professional learning, and teacher development. I'm involved in my state organizations, and I love social studies and students learning about the world we live in.Matt Renwick: And you were just elected president of that organization?Nichelle Pinkney: Yes, I'm president-elect of the Texas Social Studies Leadership Association, starting in February. I'm super excited because my dream has always been to fight for social studies, and I'll get to do that through work with legislation.Matt Renwick: Well, congratulations. Joe?Joe Schmidt: I started as a high school teacher in rural Wisconsin. My first year was 9th grade, my second was 10th, and my third was 11th. I had one student seven times across our block schedule in those three courses. I left the classroom after nine years to become Madison, Wisconsin's first Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator. I was also the state specialist for Maine, and since then, I've worked for a couple of national non-profits.I'm currently the president-elect of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and will become president on July 1st, 2026, three days before America turns 250. I will be the lead host for the Chicago conference in 2026. This December, NCSS will also have a conference in Washington, D.C. (link to conference here). NCSS is the largest professional organization for social studies educators, with more than 8,000 members.I went from being a classroom teacher where people said, “You have good ideas,” and I felt like I was just making it up, to a district coordinator, to the state level, always feeling that same way. That's why I say teachers are humble heroes; it's very rare for them to toot their own horn. I do more than 100 trainings with over 2,000 teachers a year, and almost without fail, someone will share something brilliant they “just made up.” Anytime I can help teachers celebrate and recognize their own expertise is a good day. That's what has driven me: finding different venues to not only support teachers but celebrate them.Matt Renwick: We have two knowledgeable individuals in the social studies realm here, and I'm honored. As a former principal, I learned that there's so much knowledge in every classroom. It's not about improvement but about surfacing that expertise so everyone can benefit. It's great you're in positions to connect colleagues.I had your book for a couple of years after we did a statewide book study on it. I'll be honest, I didn't read it until I went to the Sphere Summit through the Cato Institute. I brought the book, and it connected perfectly with the sessions. I was back in my hotel room reading it while everyone else was out. It just really clicked for me. It feels like your book is so needed right now, especially as I see teachers self-censoring and avoiding certain books because they don't want to deal with the politics or conflict.I'll start with how you frame your book around four building blocks of civil discourse: Courage, Understanding, Belonging, and Empathy. Can you say a little more about how you came to those four guiding principles?Nichelle Pinkney: I'm an acronym junkie. Joe is very intelligent, and he'll explain things, and I'll say, “Okay, it's got to be simplified.” We were on a call with our author mentor, Julie Stern, and I was just writing down words, trying to make it simpler. We knew all these components had to be there, but it had to click.It was broken down this way because a lot was going on when we were writing this during COVID. We were at home—I think we were just stir-crazy. But seriously, the ideas of courage and understanding were huge. I think understanding and belongingness are huge because you can't have the necessary conversations in our world today without them. And the courage part—as you said, you were at the conference, you had the book, and you felt a need for it. That was courageous. Then, instead of going out, you dug deeper into the book. You took the courage to build understanding, and now you're applying the other pieces—belongingness and empathy—so these things can happen in a bigger venue.Matt Renwick: So it's like a simple first step. You don't have to start by talking about immigration on day one. Maybe the first step is just to get your book or another resource to become more knowledgeable.Joe Schmidt: Part of the impetus for the book was that as COVID hit, I was doing a lot of virtual sessions. People kept asking for sessions on what is now civil discourse. We were heading into the 2020 election, and people would say, “I told my department not to talk about the election; it's too contentious.” I thought, “They're not going to get this in math class.” We can't just abdicate our responsibility.But we had to acknowledge that this isn't easy. It's important, but it's not easy. We always start there. We know this is hard, but it is worth it. We don't want people to think there's a judgment if you're not doing it. The point is, let's just do it. It's hard, and we're not going to be perfect at it. We made mistakes. But don't just jump in on day one with the most controversial topics. That's how you end up on the news.That takes you through the progression: Is there understanding? Is everyone on the same page? Does everyone feel like they belong? Otherwise, you can't have the conversation. My favorite, which is often overlooked, is what we put under empathy: students need to know that we can disagree and still be friends. This is not a zero-sum game. If I could get every kid to understand that their classmates, people online, and people in their communities are all human beings trying to do their best, that would be the greatest gift we could give society.Matt Renwick: I'm thinking about schools that have banned cell phones. What are you going to do in the classroom in the meantime? How are you changing instruction? The kids want to talk about these topics, but they need structure and support. You mentioned “controversial,” and I liked how you differentiated it from “contentious.” What's the difference?Joe Schmidt: I was doing a presentation and realized the words felt different. A woman told me to look at the Latin sub-roots. The root of “controversial” is “quarrelsome,” which to me is fighting. But the root of “contentious” means “to strive,” which I believe is a striving for understanding. We can either be quarrelsome or strive for understanding.Even if the definitions don't feel different, I've never met someone who wants a controversy in their classroom. We strive to have contentious conversations. I've had to get on a soapbox recently to say that social studies is not controversial. Teaching history is not controversial. Is it contentious? Do people disagree? Yes, absolutely. That goes back to courage—this isn't easy. But teaching this is not controversial, and I don't ever want a teacher to have to apologize for teaching.Nichelle Pinkney: I agree. The minute you say, “We're going to talk about something controversial,” everybody's bodies shift. Adults do it. Their mannerisms shift. What happens with students? History is contentious across the world; that doesn't make it bad. We try to correct things throughout the process—not by erasing history, but through our actions. Throughout history, we've always strived to do better. We made a decision, realized it wasn't the best, so we amended it. A Supreme Court decision was wrong, so we changed it. We are always striving to do better, not by erasing the past, but by learning from it.Matt Renwick: That language was helpful for me, as was differentiating between “versus” and “or.” Those little shifts in language reminded me of the book Choice Words by Peter Johnston.Joe Schmidt: I remember in the early days, if you had told me I was about to write 600 words on the difference between “versus” and “or,” I would have never believed you. But language does matter, and we need to be reminded of that.Matt Renwick: It seemed to support a move away from a winner-take-all debate to a non-judgmental discussion of alternatives. Did you notice kids claiming more autonomy in their opinions when you shifted your language?Joe Schmidt: The big thing is the difference between dialogue, discussion, and debate. I know I defaulted to debate as a teacher, but that's rarely how the world works. A key part of debate is rebutting the other side. But a discussion is an acknowledgment of different views. If we're deciding where to go for dinner and Nichelle wants Italian, I don't lose anything as a human being if we go with her choice. Maybe tomorrow, I'll get my choice of pizza.That is freeing for students. It's okay to have a different opinion—with the disclaimer that we're still not being racist, sexist, or homophobic. If you like red and I like blue, that's fine. If you want Italian and I want tacos, that's also fine. Just because I didn't get my way doesn't mean I lost anything. I think that helps them be more authentic.Nichelle Pinkney: I moved away from debates in my class around the 2012 election. It was getting so heated. If I were honest with myself, I wasn't preparing students for what a debate should look like. What they see as a debate is completely different from what you would see in The Great Debaters or an actual Lincoln-Douglas debate. This generation sees a lot, but they don't see what a debate should be.Matt Renwick: Exactly. From what I remember, debates in the 1800s weren't about calling each other out. It was more like a discussion where people would concede points. It seems things have changed.Joe Schmidt: Kids have a perception of what a debate is. If you say you're having one, they think they know what it looks like. They want the zinger, the viral moment, the mic drop. That's why we try to move them toward discussion. There is a place for debates, but not for highly contentious, emotional topics where students expect you to pick a winner. I'm not going to debate someone's identity. I don't want to put a student in a position where they feel like a part of them “lost.”If you're going to ask a question for discussion in class, you need to ask one where you want a split opinion—50-50 or even 30-40-30. Don't ask a question that puts a kid in the position of defending something you're uncomfortable with. If the question puts fundamental values at risk, ask a different question.Matt Renwick: So, how do you help kids separate their identities from their beliefs? The goal isn't to change minds but to broaden perspectives.Nichelle Pinkney: In the book, we talk about preparing students. I always start by saying that everyone has a bias, whether we want to agree with it or not. Our biases are preconceived based on where we grew up, the food we eat, the music we listen to, and so on. I used to tell my students to “check those biases at the door,” which means we're not going to judge people or put them in a box.From there, everything was rooted in research and sources. When students responded, it was always grounded in resources. Before sites existed that show where news sources fall on the political spectrum, I had to make sure I provided materials showing different sides. I grew up in a small town in Texas and had a very limited view until I went to college in North Carolina, where my roommate was from Connecticut. She had seen a world I had never seen. So, in my classroom, I made sure students could see other sides, because in some environments, you won't get that. We used a thinking routine: “At first, I think this because I don't know any better. But now that I see all these different sides, I may still think the same thing, but at least I'm informed.”Matt Renwick: That sounds like you created awareness for the kids in a natural way about how our environment and culture shape our beliefs.Joe Schmidt: I would work very hard to curate a text set with multiple perspectives using primary sources or different news articles. The shorthand with students was, “If you can't point at it, it's probably not evidence.” I curated the set for you; don't ignore the ten pages of reading and then tell me what your uncle said on Facebook. You build that habit, and kids will start to reinforce it with each other. In a Socratic seminar, you start by saying, “I'm on page 3, line 17,” and give everyone a second to get there.Using structures like sentence stems can keep conversations from boiling over. If you want students to speak in a certain way, give them the stems and hold them accountable. Kids are the best body-language readers. If they see you're not consistent with the rules for everyone, the structure falls apart. If you're consistent, it may feel rigid, but it provides the structure kids need to be successful.Matt Renwick: You wrote in the book that a classroom's strength lies in its ability to handle disagreements without breaking bonds. That speaks to a shared sense of humanity. You also challenge the reader: when you are fearful of teaching a topic, who are you thinking about? For me, it was a former school board where a few people were out to get teachers. How can leaders help teachers reclaim their agency to handle criticism when they bring in contentious topics?Joe Schmidt: That question is from Dan Krutka. Often, when we say “my kids aren't ready for that,” it's really “I don't want to deal with the outside factors.” I remind teachers they have to stay in the sandbox—the legal rulings are consistent that you can't indoctrinate students. But then I tell administrators, you build the sandbox. If you want teachers doing this work, you need to support them.I was working with a district where people wanted a middle school teacher fired for teaching current events. I told the administration they needed to release a statement supporting the teacher. That's the job. But I know some administrators don't want to deal with the pressure. So if your principal won't support you, find someone who will—an assistant principal, a department chair, a guidance counselor. Don't give up your agency. Think about this ahead of time. Don't wait until all hell breaks loose to figure out your support system. Practice it like a fire drill, so when a situation arises, you are responding, not reacting.Matt Renwick: The book is very thorough. You call that prep “Day Zero Planning.”Nichelle Pinkney: As an administrator, I support my 250 teachers 100%, and they know that from day one. That's our role; it's what we signed up for. I can be that voice. I can say, “It's in the standards,” or “It's what happened.” Here in Texas, our standards are specific, and I can point directly to them.Another big thing is that out of fear, we've closed our classroom doors. We need to change the narrative. The narrative is that teachers are doing something wrong. I say be transparent. I over-communicated with parents to the point where they'd say, “Oh my god, another email from Ms. Pinkney.” I would tell them, “In this unit, we're going to talk about the principles of government. Here's what they are. Please ask your child about them when they get home.” Very few parents visited, but they all knew what was happening. We have a loud group saying one thing, and we get quiet. I say we need to be loud. We need to put it out there and say, “This is what we're doing. I would love for you to come see it.” Get your administrator involved. Invite everyone. Create an open-door policy so everyone knows what's happening in your room.Matt Renwick: So, communicate, use the standards, and find leaders who will back you up. That's all great advice. I think we're out of time, but I will just say that this is a social studies book, yes, but it's also a literacy book. It's a book for any K-12 classroom. It connects so well to the speaking and listening standards that everyone should be teaching.Again, the book is Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities. I'm here with Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney. Thank you so much for joining me. Good luck with your school years.Joe Schmidt: Thank you, Matt.Nichelle Pinkney: Thank you, Matt. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

Thanks for tuning back in to By Their Side, dear listeners! For this episode, I interview Gaile Osborne, the executive director of the Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina. Listen in as Gaile shares her personal experience as a foster and adoptive parent, having opened her home to over 28 children living in foster care. Gaile highlights the critical role of having a "village" of support for foster parents, whether through paid help like nannies and nurses, or a network of family and friends. She also discusses the challenges of secondary trauma and burnout that can come with advocating for foster children and families, explaining how she had to set boundaries to take care of her own mental health, even taking a two-month break at one point. Gaile also touches on the trauma that foster parents themselves experience and the importance of respite care in helping them recharge. As an advocate, Gaile shares her perspectives on the need for policy changes, emphasizing the delicate balance foster parents must strike between advocating for the child's best interests and supporting family reunification. She highlights the invaluable role that CASA volunteers can play in supporting foster families and stresses the importance of volunteers who take the time to truly understand the family dynamic. Throughout our insightful conversation, Gaile's passion for supporting foster families and advocating for systemic change is obvious, and her personal experiences and professional insights offer a powerful perspective on the foster care system! Enjoy my conversation with Gaile Osborne! Highlights: [1:38] - Fostering requires a strong support network, blending trusted caregivers, paid help, and community support. [4:16] - Respite has been the foundation that kept Gaile's family functioning through difficult times. [6:56] - Gaile reflects on having embraced leadership but learning to set boundaries after secondary trauma overwhelmed her. [10:29] - Foster parents endure both secondary trauma and firsthand traumatic experiences. [11:24] - Gaile realized how neglecting her own family while overworking forced her to step back and heal. [13:55] - During trauma triggers, Gaile slows life down, returning to basics. [16:35] - By listening more and tracking patterns, Gaile encourages honesty and prevents predictable behaviors. [19:44] - Gaile valued GALs who quietly observed, respected the family, and offered genuine support. [21:57] - A dedicated GAL's consistent presence and advocacy significantly influenced Gaile's family's adoption outcome. [23:53] - Gaile asserts that without enough GAL volunteers, children risk lacking representation in court proceedings. [25:12] - Gaile stresses how churches and communities can ease foster burdens via small, practical acts of kindness. [28:21] - Hear how even small gestures of compassion eased Gaile's deep sense of isolation. [29:02] - Gaile often hears comments mistaking her for a grandmother, leaving her searching for witty comebacks. [31:12] - Gaile wrestles with balancing foster parents' rights while supporting reunification and maintaining vital family bonds. [33:09] - Fostering requires deep emotional investment, yet ombudsman advocacy and permanency remain critical needs. [35:39] - Getting kids into permanent homes faster takes new laws because long waits really hurt families. [37:19] - Gaile credits her eldest daughter's resilience and spirit for shaping her child welfare advocacy. Links & Resources: Gaile's LinkedIn PageFoster Family Alliance of North Carolina's Website   Disclaimer: The conversations you hear on this podcast reflect the personal views and experiences of our hosts and guests. They don't necessarily represent the perspectives of Voices for CASA Children.  

SummaryIn the latest episode of Service Evolution, host Jim Robinson and his guests, Neil McQuiston and Skyler Coffey, explore one of the most crucial facets of facility maintenance sales: building genuine, lasting partnerships through trust. The conversation unveils actionable strategies that elevate relationships beyond transactions, exploring how authentic rapport ultimately leads to long-term business success.The episode kicks off with a discussion on the significance of honesty in every interaction. Jim, Neil, and Skyler share personal experiences where transparent communication was the difference maker, not just for closing deals, but for setting the stage for enduring collaboration. They stress that honesty, especially about limitations or challenges, actually strengthens credibility in the eyes of clients.Another highlight centers around understanding client needs by actively listening. The team emphasizes moving away from script-driven sales conversations and taking the time to learn what clients truly value. By investing in relationship-building rather than quick wins, facility maintenance sales professionals can position themselves as trusted advisors, rather than mere service providers.The trio also delves into overcoming setbacks. They share how handling mistakes with promptness and integrity can transform potential deal-breakers into opportunities to showcase reliability and commitment. This episode serves as a go-to guide for anyone looking to build deeper connections in facility maintenance sales. By prioritizing honesty, active listening, and a solutions-focused mindset, listeners are equipped to foster not just clients but genuine partners for the long haul!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:20) Service Beyond the Work Order(08:52) Sustaining Buyer Trust Through Discovery(14:43) Unique Facility Maintenance Sales Approach(19:18) Creating Impact Through Problem Solving(21:01) Closing ThoughtsLinksJim Robinson CGP Maintenance and Construction ServicesNeil McQuistonSkyler Coffey

Send us a textIn this episode of The Cultural Curriculum Chat, host Jebeh Edmunds explores how Virtual Reality (VR) can be a powerful tool to build empathy and cultural competence in classrooms and workplaces.Imagine walking through a bustling marketplace in another country—where even greetings and eye contact feel unfamiliar. VR offers this kind of immersive perspective-taking, helping learners recognize assumptions and practice inclusive responses. But, as Jebeh emphasizes, VR is not a cure-all—it's most effective when paired with skilled facilitation, reflection, and real-world action.You'll also learn how to use VR safely and ethically, with practical tips for opt-in alternatives, accessibility supports, and ensuring psychological safety for all participants.

SummaryIn this podcast episode, Mandy Wilson shares her transformative journey from Canada to Guatemala, detailing her family's decision to embark on a mission trip instead of a vacation. The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of fostering children, the emotional struggles of leaving a child behind, and the eventual transition to working with the James Project. Mandy reflects on her faith journey, the support from her community, and the lessons learned through trials and obedience to God's calling. In this conversation, Mandy shares her profound journey of faith, adoption, and the challenges faced while living in Guatemala. She discusses the importance of relying on God during trials, the growth that comes from perseverance, and the significance of looking back with gratitude. The conversation also delves into the complexities of the adoption process, the emotional struggles of transitioning back to Canada, and the ongoing mission work with the James Project. Mandy emphasizes the importance of community, support, and the transformative power of serving others.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:16 The Call to Guatemala06:25 First Mission Trip Experience10:25 The Second Yes: Returning to Guatemala15:18 Moving to Guatemala: A New Chapter20:31 Challenges of Missionary Life25:25 Fostering and Caring for Children30:35 The Heartbreak of Letting Go35:23 Reflections and Future Plans37:39 The Journey to the James Project40:41 Navigating Loss and New Beginnings43:06 Transitioning to the James Project44:24 Comparing Care: The James Project vs. Previous Homes47:52 The Process of Moving Lily55:19 Faith Tested in Dark Times01:02:05 Looking Back: Gratitude and Growth01:04:24 The Adoption Journey Begins01:10:17 Fighting for Lily's Future01:16:14 Lily: A Gift to the Family01:18:09 Faith and Adoption: A Journey of Hope01:20:12 Transitioning Back: Challenges of Returning Home01:21:33 Identity Crisis: Finding Purpose After Mission Work01:25:20 God's Presence in the Mundane: Seeking Him in Daily Life01:27:52 The James Project: Continuing the Mission01:31:42 Who Before Do: Solidifying Identity in Christ01:34:13 Reflections on Trials: Embracing the Journey01:39:42 Inviting Others: The Impact of Short-Term Missions01:46:30 pod out.mp4KeywordsGuatemala, missions, family, faith, adoption, challenges, community, service, James Project, fostering, faith, adoption, perseverance, reliance on God, mission work, Guatemala, family, trials, growth, gratitude

This #coachbetter episode is another in our series of coaching case studies, with one of Kim's amazing clients, Nikki Hume, an elementary art specialist, and her coaching partner Amber Shortridge, a kindergarten teacher, both at the International School of Manila in the Philippines. While Nikki was in The Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program she coached Amber as one of the steps in Phase 3: Grow Community. These case study episodes are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting.  In this conversation they talk about  How Nikki started her journey to instructional coaching What made Amber interested in being coached as a classroom teacher What their work together looked like and why it was impactful for Amber The coaching skills that Nikki developed throughout this process The outcome of their work together What Nikki and Amber think teachers and leaders need to know about coaching How Nikki grew so much in her coaching practice during The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program Coaching and structured professional growth are very different, and this episode deeply unpacks the power and outcome of a true coaching experience. If you want to better understand the impact of coaching and see and feel what that looks like in person, this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

We meet an Venice high school student who turned her attention to feral cats at the local level — and kittens in particular — and the need to both reduce their reproduction rate and to help as many homeless kittens become socialized so they can hopefully be adopted. Venice High School Junior, Maddie Canty, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. Earlier this year she earned the Girl Scout Gold Award with her project called A Hope for Kittens. The Gold Award is the top award a Girl Scout Can earn. Her project focused on reducing kitten euthanasia by combining public education, direct care, and local policy change.

Got sick kids? Click here to learn all our favorite natural remedies for children from newborn through to big kids!What if sibling rivalry isn't something to fix, but something kids actually need?In this episode, we sit down with Ralphie Jacobs, founder of Simply On Purpose. She's a mom of four, holds a degree in early childhood education, and has spent years turning her curiosity about child development into practical parenting wisdom.We get into the messy reality of siblings fighting and why it's not only unavoidable but also essential for growth. Ralphie shares how to know when to step in, when to step back, and how to shift the way we see conflict so it doesn't push our kids apart but helps them build stronger bonds.You'll Learn:The reason sibling rivalry shows up in every multi-child homeWhat happens when parents label normal behavior as a fixed character traitThe link between sibling conflict and stronger skills in communication, negotiation, and resilienceThe damage of comparing kids and creating competition inside the familyWhy it often backfires when parents insert adult meaning into childhood strugglesWhy most kids' misbehavior is inconsequential and how shifting perspective changes everythingThe simple shift from making things “fair” to meeting each child's individual needsHow one-on-one time with older kids lowers rivalry and strengthens bondsThe stop–redirect–reinforce approach for handling physical conflict safelyWhy focusing on the good reduces 80% of junk behavior without constant correctionTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[04:25] Why sibling rivalry can be healthy and how parents can respond wisely[09:51] How labeling children shapes their identity and how parents can guide with compassion[17:32] Fostering sibling connection by avoiding comparisons and focusing on individual needs[25:36] Why one-on-one time with older children reduces sibling rivalry and builds security[32:12] When to step into sibling arguments and when to let kids work it out[42:10] Why parents should avoid negative labels and focus on guiding developmental behavior[44:00] Creating a calm home by focusing on what really matters in parentingJoin Ralphie for a LIVE webinar and learn scientifically proven strategies to decrease fighting in your home, Sibling Rivalry: What Helps and What Doesn'tLearn more from Ralphie on the Simply On Purpose website. You can also follow her on Instagram.Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

In this heartfelt episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, host Ned Schaut sits down with Jake Stemo, Leader at NewSpring Church and Founder of Presence Worship, to explore what it truly means to embrace fatherhood. From raising four kids—including a 15-year-old entrepreneur launching her own thrift shop—to navigating loss, adoption challenges, and faith-driven parenting, Jake shares how presence, hard work, and an “all in” mindset shape his role as a dad. Together, Ned and Jake tackle cultural expectations and the pressures of the modern American dream, challenging fathers to rediscover what success truly means for their families. They discuss multi-generational living, marriage that requires dying to self, and the beauty of raising resilient kids who say yes to risk and creativity. This episode is about rejecting passivity, leading with integrity, and resurrecting a vision of the American dream that is rooted in faith, family, and legacy.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to Fatherhood Field Notes00:01:23 - Jake's "Dad Moment": Launching his daughter's shop00:03:44 - The story behind their large age gap00:05:55 - Jake's Vocation: Running a worship nonprofit00:08:26 - Fostering his daughter's entrepreneurial dream00:11:35 - Defining the role of a father00:12:48 - When Jake embraced fatherhood00:15:28 - A father's perspective on young marriage00:17:44 - The "adventurously expected" mindset from Romans 8:1500:21:49 - Guiding a daughter's ambitions and dreams00:24:05 - The tension between God's plan and taking action00:29:19 - Navigating conversations about dating and early marriage00:32:04 - Redefining "hard" in marriage as dying to self00:35:37 - Lessons learned from his own father00:39:57 - Rebelling against the "American dream" status quo00:44:02 - Creating a new example for families on mission00:47:08 - Passing down faith through legacy songs00:52:40 - A final blessing for fathers and their unseen sacrificesGuest Link:Jake Stemo LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/jake-stemo-b8944a28Jake Stemo X (Twitter) – x.com/jakestemoNewSpring Church – newspring.org Presence Worship (Jake and wife's nonprofit equipping young worship leaders) – presenceworship.org Heaven Sent Vintage (Jake's daughter's curated thrift shop) – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavensentvintageks/Links and Resources:Transform Your Body with Ned & RUK Fitness: RUK FitnessThis episode is sponsored by The Adventure of FatherhoodOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the

In this conversation, Marsha Enright discusses her journey from Montessori education to founding Reliance College, emphasizing the importance of independent learning and the development of autonomous, self-directed individuals. She shares insights on how Montessori principles can be adapted for higher education, the significance of real-world applications, and the need for effective teacher training. The discussion also highlights the unique approach of Reliance College in preparing students for meaningful careers through experiential learning and research projects. Takeaways Montessori education fosters a love for learning in children. The Montessori method emphasizes developmentally appropriate materials. Creating an environment that maximizes learning is crucial. Self-discipline and autonomy are key outcomes of education. Teachers must be observant and responsive to student interactions. Real-world applications enhance the learning experience. Students should experience the college environment before enrolling. The college's unique approach focuses on practical experience and mentorship. Effective communication of the college's mission is essential for attracting students. Reading 'The Secret of Childhood' provides insight into Montessori principles. Resources and links: reliancecollege.org hello@reliancecollege.org FB: https://www.facebook.com/reliancecollege.org X: https://x.com/RelianceCollOrg, @MarshaEnright LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reliancecollege/?viewAsMember=true https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-familaro-enright-8a973b/ Article: Enright, "Teaching for Freedom" The Secret of Childhood by Maria Montessori

Impact of VC on the Entrepreneur Ecosystem Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Venture capital plays a key role in entrepreneur ecosystems. The VC sits at the nexus of startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship. While not all startups receive VC funding, most startups seek investment from the VC. Here is how the VC impacts the entrepreneurial ecosystem: Providing funding for startups with venture-level potential. Applying business skills to early-stage startups that may have inexperienced founders. Attracting capital to the ecosystem. This means drawing other investors into the ecosystem to provide funding.  Networking the key players in the community together. VCs foster needed interactions between startups, providers, and investors. Creating new jobs for the ecosystem. Funding creates new jobs that propel the startup forward and grow the ecosystem. Fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The VC catalyzes the development of new products and business models. Venture capitalists help spur the growth of entrepreneurship. Consider attracting key venture capitalists to your entrepreneur ecosystem.   Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _______________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at:   Check out our other podcasts here:   For Investors check out:   For Startups check out:   For eGuides check out:   For upcoming Events, check out    For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group    Please , share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of .

In this episode, Sandra and Kasey are joined by Masoena, a prolific creator and passionate cheerleader in the Supernatural fandom. Known on Tumblr and AO3, she first made her mark with a Supernatural fanfic back in 2018, but it wasn't until 2023 that her writing truly flourished. Since then, she's embraced the world of fanfiction, participating in various bangs as both a writer and artist, and taking on the role of challenge mod. Join us for a deep dive into her experiences, as we discuss the complexities of writing about the beloved Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, and the joy of J2 and multishipping. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about fan fiction and the vibrant SPN community!Find Masoena on tumblr and AO3.Find details on the SamWinJarPad Reverse Bang here.  Mas' Sam Winchester and the Grinch fic can be read here. Bang event summary from Midnight Silver can be found here.~~~We're taking you for a spin in Baby's backseat.Dean's House Rules - Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole, and the ones in the back enjoy the ride... idling in the Impala.~~~~~TL;DR - If you can't be bothered clicking on all the things in this description, just visit our website: idlingintheimpala.comWe'd love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email (idlingintheimpala@gmail.com)!All the Socials and AO3 and Fiction links: https://linktr.ee/idlingintheimpalapodcastOur Discord #backseat Channel.Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Give us some info about you here so we can connect.Feel inclined to leave us a tip for all this AWESOME content? Visit our Ko-fi page. Monthly supporters will get special behind-the-scenes perks!We've got podcast merch for our fellow idlers. Take a look!~~~~~Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)~~~~~For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take ActionSupport Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  ~~~~~LGBTQ+ CharitiesSwitchboard LGBT UKThe Trevor Project - USA and Global~~~~~Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.~~~Chapter Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:19 - Recording on Jared's Bday00:02:40 - When did Mas get into Supernatural?00:05:17 - Seeing the boys film on location00:09:18 - It's the moose for Mas00:14:50 - Why did Mas take a break from watching SPN?00:17:48 - Longevity of a show lessens quality00:19:52 - Finding fandom and fanfiction00:26:54 - IdlingCon is still in the infancy stage00:28:59 - But, also, whales - tangent00:30:25 - Fanfiction and writing journey00:38:25 - What does Mas muse about?00:39:55 - Mas, the multishipper00:42:33 - Think kink00:44:45 - The malleability of ships00:46:18 - J2 personas spark RPF for Mas00:52:16 - Take on tropes00:54:37 - Rare pair realizations01:00:01 - The writing sweet spot01:01:34 - Plot or improv?01:04:19 - Here for the happy endings01:05:14 - When to collab and when to hoard01:06:45 - The decision to mod a writing challenge01:12:35 - Fostering creative connection01:17:43 - Juggling responsibility and fandom01:20:04 - Kasey's questions01:23:32 - Final thoughts from Mas01:27:38 - Outro

Chris Neufeld from DPR Construction joins Seth Kalkman on Constructive to explore the world of prefabrication. Chris, who leads DPR's prefab strategy for the Northwest region, explains why prefabrication isn't just about big modular units, but a spectrum of solutions, from small-scale assemblies to entire volumetric buildings.Chris shares how DPR uses a tiered approach to prefabrication, starting with early-stage design to identify opportunities for adding value through cost, schedule, and predictability. He also offers an insightful analogy for a two-year-old, comparing building a treehouse one nail at a time versus assembling large parts on the ground first for safety and efficiency.The conversation dives into the challenges of prefabrication, including common industry pessimism and the importance of learning from mistakes. Chris discusses how technology like BIM, computational design, and AI is changing the game, allowing for better quality control and more reliable data. He also touches on the future of the industry, the role of vertical integration, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation.Learn how one of the industry's most innovative companies is navigating the shift from traditional construction to a more sophisticated, manufacturing-like approach.Key Topics:The spectrum of prefabrication DPR Construction's tiered approach The value of predictability, not just cost and schedule Combating industry pessimism The role of technology, AI, and robotics Fostering a culture of innovation Connect with Constructive:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConstructivePodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constructivepodcast#Construction #Prefabrication #Prefab #ModularConstruction #DPRConstruction #Innovation #AEC #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectManagement #DigitalConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #AI #Robotics #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #Constructive

In this episode, Stephen Woods from the WA Department of Justice explores why cyber resilience is essential for protecting sensitive public data and services. He breaks resilience into four stages—anticipate, withstand, recover, and adapt—emphasising that cyberattacks are inevitable, but preparation and testing make the difference. From regional connectivity challenges to incident simulations like the Corporate Compromise Game, Stephen shows how planning, collaboration, and transparency strengthen response. He also highlights diversity as a superpower—with varied perspectives, cultural insights, and neurodiverse talent improving detection, decision-making, and innovation. His core message: resilience isn't just about technology, it's about people, culture, and trust. Stephen Woods, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Justice WA   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co 

In this SEE YOU NOW Insight, nurse leaders Gaurdia Banister, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, and Hiyam Nadel, MBA, CCG RN, share how the Ether Dome Challenge at Massachusetts General Hospital is using open innovation to surface frontline solutions and strengthen care delivery. Against a backdrop of persistent nurse staffing shortages and a global talent emergency, they show how including every role group in innovation, and ensuring leadership engagement, communication, and follow-through, creates a culture where staff feel heard, valued, and supported. Innovation, they remind us, isn't just about solving problems; it's about caring for patients and caregivers, and building strong systems for the future.      To listen to this Insight clip's full episode visit SEE YOU NOW Podcast Episode 77: Fostering a Culture of Inquiry at APPLE, SPOTIFY, or YOUTUBE or at your favorite streaming platform. For more information on the podcast bundles visit ANA's Innovation Website at https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/innovation/education.  Have questions or feedback for the SEE YOU NOW team?  Future episode ideas? Contact us at hello@seeyounowpodcast.com.  

The Secrets to Buy-In: Fostering Belonging and Accountability with Young Athletes Summary  Do you think team buy-in just happens if you tell kids to "try harder"? Lots of coaches assume buy-in is automatic, but Coach Steve Collins and Bill Flitter—two seasoned pros—know that's just not true. In this episode, they dig into how real commitment starts with culture, connection, and a sense of belonging. Ask yourself: Are your athletes truly invested, or just showing up? You'll discover how to: Build genuine connections that fuel commitment Set roles that give every player a purpose Use accountability and fun to inspire buy-in And there's even more wisdom packed inside. Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

CDP vice president Dean Manzetti explains how he incorporated promo into his print business over the years, and remembers one case study that created customer engagement that yielded enormous growth for his customer.

Fully 11.2 per cent of the adults in Ireland are employed in brain business jobs, a term for highly knowledge-intensive jobs in tech, information and communications technology, advanced services, and creative professions. Ireland now outpaces Sweden (10.3 per cent) and is just narrowly behind Switzerland (11.24 per cent) in knowledge density. Ireland ranks second in all of Europe in terms of knowledge intensity, and if the development continues, it could soon even outpace Switzerland as number one. The larger European countries are now significantly behind Ireland when it comes to the share of adults in knowledge-intensive jobs. In comparison, in Germany, 8.3 per cent of adults are employed in brain business jobs, while the rates in France (6.4 per cent), Italy (5.5 per cent) and Spain (5.4 per cent) are even lower. There is a strong link between expert density and the share of adults that are employed in highly knowledge-intensive jobs. Ireland and Switzerland have the same expert density, since 11.9 per cent of adults are engineers and scientists in both countries. This is the third-highest rate in Europe, next to Sweden (13.4 per cent) and Norway (12.5 per cent). Despite not having quite as high an expert density as Sweden and Norway, Ireland still has more people employed in brain business jobs. Brain business jobs tend to grow in countries with high expert density and lower tax burdens; the favourable tax and business policy of Ireland and Switzerland can explain why these two countries are on top. On a national level, it is still Western European and Nordic countries that have a lead. Central European countries have lower expert density and are still behind at the national level. However, the capital regions of Central Europe have enough experts to compete, and combine this with lower costs and lower tax burden. In the Dublin region, fully 17.8 per cent of the adults are employed in brain business jobs. This is the 10th-highest rate in Europe. In comparison, in Bratislava, Prague, Budapest and Bucharest, some 22 to nearly 25 per cent of adults are employed in highly knowledge-intensive jobs. "Ireland is one of the most expert dense countries in Europe, and might soon even surpass Switzerland as having the highest share of adults in brain business jobs, illustrating the benefits of a competitive business climate", says Nima Sanandaji, CEO of ECEPR. The share of adults employed in brain business jobs in Ireland has grown from 10.6 per cent last year. Ireland has experienced a strong growth of knowledge-intensive jobs. Trade with the USA is important for knowledge-intensive jobs in Irish companies. Future development of trade relations with the USA is therefore important for the future growth of brain business jobs. Klas Tikkanen, COO of Nordic Capital Advisors, emphasised the importance of combining high-quality education with favourable tax and regulatory environments, stating, "Having many engineers and scientists in the population is closely linked to the share of advanced jobs. We also continue to see a trend in Europe where countries with the fastest growth in brain business jobs tend to have lower tax levels relative to GDP. Nations need to combine talent supply with competitive tax burdens in order to grow with knowledge-intensive jobs." Fostering high-value-creating jobs remains important for the regional labour markets of Europe. Each percentage point higher share of the population of European regions employed in brain business jobs is linked to 0.24 percentage points lower regional unemployment. This means that in a region where 10 percentage points more of the population is employed in brain business jobs, the average unemployment is 2.4 per cent lower, compared to the typical European region. Ireland has particular relative strengths in pharmaceuticals, where 26,700 are employed. The country also has a relatively strong media sector, with 11 800 employees. The geography of Europe's brain business jobs index ...

"A cat that is well socialized is highly adoptable. A cat that is not well socialized sits in the shelter. It's an important part of your fostering responsibility to get them ready to live outside. Before it was just saving their lives. But now we know better.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes back Marnie Russ, founder of National Kitten College, for an update on her innovative approach to neonatal kitten care. Since her first appearance on the podcast in 2016-2017, Marnei has grown her innovative "Kitten College" program from a small local initiative into a national movement that has fundamentally changed how shelters approach kitten fostering and care. What started as a business plan that would have "gotten an F in college" has evolved into a sophisticated system that increased kitten saves from 92 to nearly 1,600 annually while achieving an extraordinary 94-96% live release rate for neonates. Marnie explains how her grade-based foster system (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) allows fosters to specialize in the age groups they prefer while ensuring kittens receive optimal socialization through multiple placements. This model challenges traditional fostering wisdom that discouraged moving kittens between homes, instead proving that strategic movement enhances socialization and health outcomes. She details how the program evolved organically, with fosters creating their own "conveyor belt" systems and team approaches that maximize both volunteer satisfaction and kitten success rates. The conversation explores the critical intersection between TNR work and kitten programs, addressing how Kitten College supports community cat efforts by providing reliable placement options for trapped litters. Marnie discusses her partnership with UC Davis and University of Florida to ensure all recommendations align with current shelter medicine best practices, her work developing the first national neonatal kitten training center, and her commitment to making these resources free or low-cost for rural and under-resourced communities. This episode demonstrates how innovative thinking about traditional shelter practices can create scalable solutions that benefit both animals and the people who care for them. Press play now for: How Marnie's original collaboration with National Kitten Coalition led to studying major nurseries nationwide The evolution from 92 kittens annually to nearly 1,600 with 94-96% live release rates for neonates The grade-based foster system (freshman through senior) that allows specialization and prevents foster burnout Why moving kittens between foster homes improves socialization rather than harming it How the "conveyor belt" system emerged organically with foster teams working together The critical connection between TNR efforts and kitten placement programs during summer months Partnership strategies between Kitten College programs and community cat trappers Working with UC Davis and University of Florida to align practices with current shelter medicine Development of the first national neonatal kitten training center in partnership with Humane Rescue Alliance The transition from Animal Welfare League of Arlington to becoming an independent national nonprofit Funding challenges and commitment to providing free or low-cost services to rural communities Success of "Taking the Fear out of Bottle Feeding" course as Maddie's University's top-performing class Why traditional "every two hours" feeding schedules are outdated and discourage potential fosters Creating community connections where kitten programs can support each other nationally The importance of employer partnerships to enable workplace bottle feeding for dedicated fosters Resources mentioned: National Kitten College website (https://www.kittencollege.org/) Email: info@kittencollege.org National Kitten College Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/p/National-Kitten-College-61558629895690/) Maddie's University online courses (https://university.maddiesfund.org/) Animal Welfare League of Arlington - original program location (https://www.awla.org/) Animal Welfare League of Arlington Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AWLArlington/) Humane Rescue Alliance - DC partnership (https://www.humanerescuealliance.org/) Humane Rescue Alliance Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/humanerescuealliance/) UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program (https://www.shelterlearniverse.com/) University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program (https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/) National Kitten Coalition (https://kittencoalition.org/) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies623) The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga) Follow & Review We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

On this episode of KeyLIME+, Adam speaks with Maria Mylopoulos to explore the concept of adaptive expertise in medical education. They discuss theories of expertise development, the importance of fostering adaptive expertise, and the need for a shift in educational practices to better prepare physicians for the complexities and uncertainties of modern healthcare. They review the differences between routine and adaptive expertise, as well as strategies for promoting productive struggle and variation in learning environments. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of embracing uncertainty as a fundamental aspect of expert practice and the importance of integrating innovative ideas from physicians on the ground into educational theory.   Length of episode : 33:11  Resources to check out   Mylopoulos M, Kulasegaram K, Woods NN. Developing the experts we need: Fostering adaptive expertise through education. J Eval Clin Pract. 2018 Jun;24(3):674-677.   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29516651/   Contact   Contact us: keylime@royalcollege.ca     Follow: Dr. Adam Szulewski https://x.com/Adam_Szulewski    

On this week's episode, Saige speaks with Rachael Nestor, who fosters dogs in Texas. Rachael talks about how she fosters through Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue, she shares that the rescue covers all costs and talks about how she ended up working with this rescue. Rachael also shares the exciting news that at the time of the recording, she was planning on starting her own rescue, which she has since started. Rachael's rescue is called Big Floof Foundation. This is episode 3 of 6 with Rachael.    Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue: Website: tgpr.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txpyrs/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TexasGreatPyrRescue/    If you are interested in hearing more from Saige via email: https://forms.gle/HfTeCv72Xgr1Ac4EA      Find us on socials:   https://www.instagram.com/saigejones/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/saigejonespodcast/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/c/SaigeJones    Season 8 is focused on animal rescue, animal adoption, animal advocacy, stories of coming together with our pets and related topics about cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, wildlife and more. Saige's insight is from her experience; this is not professional advice nor professional insight. Adopt don't shop!

Rene van Camp is Chief Hospitality Officer at ISS North America, the global facility management company, and Principal of Guckenheimer, its culinary brand where he is a senior leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality and workplace experience management. Mike Petrusky asks Rene about the role of hospitality in the workplace today and why he believes that developing a culture of service where everyone focuses on the customer first is essential for organizations. They explore the ISS way of hospitality which involves setting clear expectations, providing the necessary tools, continuous training, and strong quality assurance programs. Rene says that community building is a top priority as workplace leaders seek to magnetize the office, and this can be achieved through a thoughtful and orchestrated approach to customer service. Mike and Rene agree that the FM industry is evolving, and professionals can maximize their value by fostering a culture of service and enhancing the employee experience, so they share the inspiration and the practical advice you need to be a Workplace Innovator! Connect with Rene on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renevancamp/ Learn more about ISS N/A: https://www.issworld.com/en-us Learn more about Guckenheimer: https://www.guckenheimer.com/en-us Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Send us a textThe Brain-Based Parenting team explores how technology can positively impact families when used with intention and appropriate boundaries. Technology, when used wisely, can be a powerful tool for families. Instant access to information fuels children's curiosity and learning, while calls, texts, and video chats help family members stay connected across distances. Safety features like location tracking give parents peace of mind, and educational apps, YouTube tutorials, and even Bible apps or faith-based podcasts provide unique opportunities for growth. Games and creative tools can build skills and encourage parent–child bonding. At the same time, practicing good “technology hygiene” is essential, being intentional about both the quantity and quality of tech use. Setting clear expectations from the start, modeling healthy habits as parents, and keeping devices in shared family spaces rather than bedrooms all help prevent conflict and strengthen family connection. Contact:podcasts@calfarley.org To Donate: https://secure.calfarley.org/site/Donation2?3358.donation=form1&df_id=3358&mfc_pref=TTo Apply:https://apply.workable.com/cal-farleys-boys-ranch/j/25E1226091/For More Information about Cal Farley's Boys Ranch:https://www.calfarley.org/Music:"Shine" -NewsboysCCS License No. 9402

In this episode we're looking at three tips to make coaching successful. This is a highlight from one of our favorite episodes from a previous season, featuring Diane Sweeney. What we appreciate about this clip is that Diane highlights all three elements of the Thrive Model within her three tips. She touches on Clarity, Consistency and Community in this short clip. As you're watching or listening, we invite you to identify which of Diane's tips fits in which phase of the Thrive Model: Clarity, Consistency or Community. If you want to learn more about the Thrive Model after this episode, head over to our website at edurolearning.com/thrive to get all the details.  Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: 3 Steps to Growing a Thriving Coaching Culture Understanding the Thrive Model with The Coach Mentors [Ep 211]  Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

269. Questions for More Connection and Laughter in Marriage with Casey and Meygan Caston   *Disclaimer* This episode contains some mature themes and listener discretion is advised.   2 Corinthians 1:4 NIRV "He comforts us in all our troubles. Now we can comfort others when they are in trouble. We ourselves receive comfort from God."   *Transcript Below*   Questions and Topics We Cover: Will you share three of the questions from your most recent book, specifically the ones people have told you unlocked the best conversations in their own marriage? You say you're an unlikely couple to help support marriages. Will you share a glimpse of your own backstory? What are a handful of ideas for ways couples can strengthen their connection with one another?   Casey and Meygan Caston are the Co-Founders of Marriage365. Casey and Meygan were perfect examples of what not to do in marriage. Three years into marriage, they found themselves having racked up more than $250,000 in debt, fighting constantly, and were ready to call it quits. Despite the 12 failed marriages between their parents, they knew this wasn't the legacy they wanted for themselves or their children. They began reading and educating themselves on how to do marriage the right way. The result of their journey is Marriage365, where they millions of people worldwide through their books, social media, retreats, and their online streaming service, Marriage365.   Marriage 365 Website Marriage 365 App Marriage 365 Books Marriage 365 Coaching   Thank You to Our Sponsor: WinShape Marriage   Sample of Previous Episodes on Sexual Intimacy on The Savvy Sauce: 4 Fostering a Fun, Healthy Sex Life With Your Spouse With Certified Sex Therapist and Author, Dr. Jennifer Konzen 5 Ways to Deepen Your Intimacy in Marriage with Dr. Douglas Rosenau  6 Ten Common Questions About Sex, Shared Through a Biblical Worldview with Dr. Michael Sytsma 89 Passion Pursuit with Dr. Juli Slattery 108 Anatomy of an Affair with Dave Carder 135 Healthy Ways for Females to Increase Sexual Enjoyment with Tracey LeGrand 155 Sex in Marriage and Its Positive Effects with Francie Winslow, Part 1 156 Science and Art of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Part 2 158 Making Love in Marriage with Debra Fileta 165 Mutually Pleasing Sex in Marriage with Gary Thomas 186 Sex Series: Enhancing Female Pleasure and Enjoyment of Sex: An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Degler 218 Secrets of Sex and Marriage: An Interview with Dr. Michael Sytsma Special Patreon Release: Protecting Your Marriage Against Unfaithfulness with Dave Carder 252 Maximizing Sexual Connection as Newlyweds to Long Term Marriages and Recovering from a Sexless Marriage with Dr. Clifford & Joyce Penner   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcript*   Music: (0:00 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 1:15)  Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.    Today's message is not intended for little ears. We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message.    I'm thrilled to introduce you to our sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Their weekend marriage retreats will strengthen your marriage while you enjoy the gorgeous setting, delicious food, and quality time with your spouse.   To find out more, visit them online at winshapemarriage.org.    Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Casey and Meygan.   Casey Caston:  Thanks for having us. Excited to be here.   Laura Dugger: So, thrilled to have both of you, and let's just dive right into one of your sweet spots. How can open-ended questions change a marriage?   Casey Caston: (1:16 - 2:33)  Yeah, well, if you think about when we first met somebody that we fell in love with, fell attracted to that first date, as you're sitting across the table, you are looking at that person with so much curiosity. Like, who is this person? What are their hopes and their dreams and their life experiences?   What are they afraid of? Where are they going in life? And that curiosity drove us to ask really good open-ended questions.   Like, tell me more about yourself. It's funny because we were just reading in Proverbs this morning that in a man's heart, he has a purpose, but a man of understanding draws from the deep wells to pull that out. And I just, I always think about how a great question plums the deep wells of a man's heart or woman's heart.   And that attraction, that energy we feel, helps us with asking great questions. But then what happens is when we get married and we move into the wash, rinse, repeat of childcare and chores and, you know, the mundaneness of going to work, coming home, dinner, like, it can really sap all of the romance out of a relationship. And so, what happens is we fall into asking really boring questions.   Meygan Caston: (2:33 - 2:34)  Like, how was your day?   Casey Caston: (2:34 - 2:36)  What's picking up the kids?   Meygan Caston: (2:36 - 2:37)  What's for dinner? Yeah.   Casey Caston: (2:38 - 3:18)  So, we realize that when the well is dry, so to speak, you're not asking those great questions. We need prompts. We need an outside prompt because I don't think naturally we would ask great questions to spark this, you know, connecting conversation.   And I will tell you too, that if you just dropped in and, you know, just ask your spouse, like, “Hey, so, tell me some boundaries we need to set up with your parents.” People are going to be like, “Excuse me, where did that question come from? And what's the question behind the question?   What's your motivation here?” But those are conversations we need to have. We just need prompts.   So, yeah.   Laura Dugger: (3:19 - 3:32)  Well, I love that response. And I'm also curious after working with so many married couples, what have you seen as that connection between these amazing prompts for open-ended questions and emotional intimacy?   Meygan Caston: (3:34 - 4:20)  Yeah. Well, kind of like what Casey was mentioning about, um, just that curiosity of getting to know each other. I think the other part of asking those open-ended questions and having these deeper conversations is really about intentionality.   Like you still care about me. You still want to know about my heart. Well, for us, 25 years later, I still care about you.   I still love you. And I think that of course, as women, we long for that emotional connection. And I don't think that men realize it, but they actually long for that too.   And it's creating a safe place for spouses to share, to cry, to even, um, dream together about their future. And I think, again, if we don't give ourselves those opportunities and we're not intentional with that, we get stuck in the mundaneness of marriage.   Casey Caston: (4:20 - 5:03)  But, uh, and I would add to that, that curiosity, Meygan, I've talked about how curiosity is the pursuit of something. Right. And we all long to be desired to be pursued.   I mean, that is, that underlying communication is so powerful in relationships, because if you think about it, if you're not being pursued and your spouse isn't curious, I mean, that's like the, the heart of apathy. It's like, I don't care. And I know that people aren't intentionally trying to communicate that, but when you feel that, like my spouse doesn't really care about what I dream about or what I'm hoping to achieve this year, they just come home and they just watch TV or they're on their phone.   Meygan Caston: (5:04 - 5:18)  Right. That communicates a lot non-verbally. And so, that's why these open-ended questions are something that we should never stop being a learner of each other and of ourselves.   And that will provide that emotional intimacy.   Laura Dugger: (5:19 - 5:45)  That's so good. And obviously your resources are amazing. I would love, because you have these 365 Connecting Questions for Couples.   And so, I want to just hear maybe three of these questions that come to mind for you guys, especially as you've heard, these are the ones that tend to unlock something deeper in the conversation.   Meygan Caston: (5:46 - 6:07)  Absolutely. So, August 3rd is, are you someone who spends a lot of time in deep thought, processing things before making a decision, or do you tend to make quick decisions? Why or why not?   That question has genuinely sparked so much conversation between us and even like with our kids and other couples. Maybe you can explain why.   Casey Caston: (6:07 - 6:11)  Yeah. Well, I'm Mr. Impulsivity, so.   Meygan Caston: (6:11 - 6:29)  Yeah, you are. Where I, I don't, I wouldn't consider myself a deep thinker, but I definitely like to make pros and cons lists and think through things. But if you think about a dynamic between a husband and a wife, you know, there are so many decisions that you make together, small and large, your whole life, every day.   Casey Caston: (6:29 - 6:30)  Decision-making is huge in relationships.   Meygan Caston: (6:31 - 6:57)  And it's an everyday thing that couples are tackling. And it's important to know that no one is better than the other. It's not that a deep thinker is better than a more impulsive person. It's kind of more just naturally how you are. Have you always been this way? Do you like that about yourself?   Wow. You know, well, when it comes to these bigger decisions, I do spend, make more time, you know, thinking through and pros and cons. Oh, well, with small decisions, I'm more impulsive. I mean, you could just talk about that for hours and hours.   Casey Caston: (6:57 - 7:01) Yeah. But what's interesting is I tend to think more futuristic and big picture.   Meygan Caston: (7:01 - 7:01)  Yes.   Casey Caston: (7:01 - 7:03)  Even though I'm impulsive in the moment.   Meygan Caston: (7:03 - 7:05)  And I cannot, I can't do that.   Casey Caston: (7:05 - 7:06)  You are Ms. Realist.   Meygan Caston: (7:06 - 7:08)  Just tell me today, tell me this week.   Casey Caston: (7:09 - 7:10)  I can't think about this fun sponge.   Meygan Caston: (7:11 - 7:11)  Yes. Yeah.   Casey Caston: (7:12 - 7:15)  Because I'm like, let's dream big. And she's like, yeah, but what's happening today?   Meygan Caston: (7:16 - 7:49)  Yeah. Yeah. Another great question is January 18th.   How can we romance each other during the day in anticipation of sex? Because as we all know, us ladies, we need the foreplay. But again, I think that husbands also enjoy the foreplay.   But I don't think that couples are having these conversations. I think they think a foreplay is, well, once we enter into the bedroom, you know, and what we like to say is it's anything positive is foreplay. So, a thoughtful text, you know, a flirty I'm going to grab your hand to empty out the dishwasher.   Casey Caston: (7:49 - 7:50)  Amen.   Meygan Caston: (7:50 - 7:55)  Yeah. You know, it's those kinds of conversations. But like, I would never think of asking you that.   Casey Caston: (7:56 - 7:56)  Right.   Meygan Caston: (7:56 - 7:58)  Right. Thankfully for those.   Casey Caston: (7:58 - 8:10)  But as you know, Laura, like couples that need to talk about their sex life. And if you don't talk about your sex life, most oftentimes there's a lot of assumptions. And that leads to, you know, dysfunction.   Meygan Caston: (8:11 - 9:14)  Well, and missed expectations. Totally. Yeah. And then I have another question. April 25th is how do our differences help complement each other?   Oh, so, kind of another one of those things, like with making decisions. Every single couple has differences. And we always tell people Casey, and I are more different than alike.   I think people see us online and whatnot. And they hear, oh, we're both extroverts. We are. So, we have some similarities. We're both stubborn, very competitive, both competitive. But in the day-to-day operations of who Casey and Meygan are, we make decisions, we run our lives, run our business, run our business.   We are completely opposite. And what I think it's good to do for couples is to actually own your differences rather than shy away from them or make yourselves feel bad, like, oh, I wish we were the same. I get it.   You know, we actually are attracted to those things when we're dating. That's why opposites attract. But then when we get married, it's like, why doesn't he do everything the same way? I do it because I do it the right way. That's what we think. Right.   Casey Caston: (9:15 - 9:21)  Well, you heard the joke that marriage is about becoming one. And in the earlier years, it's about which one.   Meygan Caston: (9:21 - 10:14)  Yeah. Which one? Which figure out?   Yeah. And so, that question really allows you to identify your differences, but then go, how do they balance each other out? And I think for me, as someone who is organized, type A Casey's very spontaneous.   If we were both type A and structured, we wouldn't have a lot of fun. We really wouldn't. His spontaneity really brings out that side of me.   But if we were both spontaneous, our bills would never be paid, and we'd be broke. So, you know, I'm a I'm a saver. He's a spender.   You can see the balance in that. It's good that we're both those things. Right.   I'm on time. He's late. We could continue going on and on and on and on.   But I think that he's a risk taker. I'm a complete play it safer. And so, those really draw out a beautiful balance in our marriage versus trying to change one another.   So, I hope that question sparks listeners to really ask your spouse that and have fun with the conversation.   Laura Dugger: (10:15 - 11:03)  Well, you chose three great ones. I love it. And they draw out such different parts of our personality.   You highlighted where Casey's more futuristic. Meygan, you're more present. Some people will connect with questions that direct them more past oriented.   And so, our orientation to time comes out and the meta conversations, the talking like having the conversation about your conversation. Just so much goodness. And yes, especially with sexual intimacy.   So, many couples report that it is much harder to engage in conversation about sex rather than just have sex. And like you said, missed expectations can be one of the blow ups there, among many other things. So, you have questions that don't shy away from all forms of intimacy.   Meygan Caston: (11:04 - 11:10)  Yeah. And to also say we have a lot of fun questions, too. Like, tell me about what your bedroom looked like when you were a teenager.   Casey Caston: (11:11 - 11:12)  That's a great one. I love that one.   Meygan Caston: (11:12 - 11:47)  Let's talk couples. If you had a really hard day with the kids or at work, pick a fun question. You don't have to go by the date.   If you don't like the question, it's triggering, then flip to the next one. But going back to that emotional intimacy and connection that you were talking about, Laura, is you have to have those deep questions and those conversations. And you did when you were dating, because if you went on a date with your husband and you were like, hey, tell me, you know, what do you want to do when you retire?   And he was like, I don't know. Yeah, you'd be like snooze fest. This guy's boring, right?   Or if he was on his phone the whole time, there was something intriguing about your spouse.   Casey Caston: (11:47 - 11:48)  I don't know. I don't know.   Meygan Caston: (11:48 - 12:01)  Yeah, there was something intriguing about your spouse when you were dating and you were asking those questions that should never stop. Just like we hear that quote, never stop dating your spouse. Well, never stop learning about your spouse.   It's the same thing. Absolutely.   Laura Dugger: (12:02 - 12:16)  And I love how you two have such a humble approach because you say that you're a very unlikely couple to help support marriages. So, will you let us in on your own backstory?   Meygan Caston: (12:17 - 12:46)  Yeah, well, can I just start off by saying this? We live in a county that has one of the highest divorce rates in the nation. So, it's 72 percent divorce rate where we live.   We also come from there's 12 marriages between our parents. So, we come from so much divorce and trauma. And then we also got married very, very, very young.   So, all those statistics were against us on top of that. I'm just going to start off by saying that. Casey Caston: (12:46 - 13:18)  Yeah, my mom's been married six times. So, when by the time I hit junior high, I had probably like nine different iterations of home life and different dads and step siblings and half brothers. And all of that between both of our parents.   There's just there's some mental illness. There's affairs. There's all this trauma that was really unprocessed.   But then when Meygan and I saw each other, it was like we knew the wounds that we shared. It was like almost like a trauma bond.   Meygan Caston: (13:19 - 13:19)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (13:19 - 14:08)  Like, oh, I've got abandonment. So, do you. And, you know, let's do it's like, wow.   So, let's make each other happy. And dating was just all the fun stuff, right? It was long walks along the beach.   It was going to street fairs or, you know, going out and having fun. And then we're like, if this is what life could be like, then we should do this forever and ever and ever. And just, you know, we were so doe eyed of like and optimistic about how marriage life would look like.   So, then once we did get married, done, done, done, we had to like work through stuff. Now, I was so conflict avoidant because I was afraid if there was conflict, then that means that there's going to be distance between Meygan and I and she might leave me.   Meygan Caston: (14:08 - 14:24)  Oh, there's another there's another difference. I'm a fighter. He's a fighter.   So, anytime we would have conflict triggers, you know, emotional regulation, I was like, we're going to go for it. Now, of course, my fighting tactics were not healthy. I yelled. I blamed. I was very aggressive, assertive.   Casey Caston: (14:24 - 14:37)  Conflict was very scary for me. Now. Now, Meygan, she's like wanting to deal with issues. And here I am, like trying to run for the hills. And she's like, he doesn't care about me. And I'm like, I'm trying to protect the marriage by not dealing with it.   Meygan Caston: (14:37 - 14:49)  So, you never really resolved anything. We would fight really bad. We broke all the fighting rules.   And then there was no true resolve, no apologies, no remorse. And you just kind of move forward.   Casey Caston: (14:49 - 15:06)  And so, then we piled ourselves like we had over two hundred fifty thousand dollars of debt when we started to try to work on getting pregnant. We we dealt with infertility. We I have ADHD, so that creates a lot of that's fun.   A lot of fun for the marriage.   Meygan Caston: (15:06 - 15:08)  The divorce rate is very high with ADHD.   Casey Caston: (15:08 - 15:10)  My life gets to teach you patience.   Meygan Caston: (15:11 - 15:11)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (15:12 - 16:44)  But and then we have a child with special needs as well. So, we we had like if there's something that could go wrong, it it went wrong. We had you know, once we got married, there was toxic in-laws that boundaries that were crossed.   So, it just nothing for us came easy. And so, that's why we were the least likely to succeed in marriage. I mean, if we there was a couple doomed from the get go, it was Meygan and I believe a hundred percent that God used those trials, those hardships to create marriage.   Three sixty five. He gave us the strength to, you know, have the courage to say we're not going to follow in our parents footsteps. We're going to change that.    You know, it ends with us literally like we are going to change and break this generational sin because it goes back many, many generations for both of us. Our whole family is littered with divorce. And now like when we approach marriage, it because of where we've come from, it wasn't all flowery.   It was really tough. We have to be practical and very tactical with our advice, because when you're sitting across from a couple that's angry and resentful. We have to sit there and go, we know what that's like.   And here's exactly what you need to do next. I'm not going to give you a platitude. I'm not going to give you some flowery statement or we're not going to just talk through it.    No, we're going to give you a tool and an action step that's going to help you. Laura Dugger: (16:46 - 18:56)  Let's take a quick break to hear a message from our sponsor. Friends, I'm excited to share with you today's sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Do you feel like you need a weekend away with your spouse and a chance to grow in your relationship together at the same time?    WinShape Marriage is a fantastic ministry that provides weekend marriage retreats to help couples grow closer together in every season and stage of life from premarital to parenting to the emptiness phase. There is an opportunity for you. WinShape Marriage is grounded on the belief that the strongest marriages are the ones that are nurtured, even when it seems things are going smoothly so that they're stronger if they do hit a bump along their marital journey.   These weekend retreats are hosted within the beautiful refuge of WinShape Retreat, perched in the mountains of Rome, Georgia, which is a short drive from Atlanta, Birmingham and Chattanooga. While you're there, you will be well fed, well nurtured and well cared for. During your time away in this beautiful place, you and your spouse will learn from expert speakers and explore topics related to intimacy, overcoming challenges, improving communication and more.   I've stayed on site at WinShape before, and I can attest to their generosity, food and content. You will be so grateful you went to find an experience that's right for you and your spouse. Head to their website, winshapemarriage.org/savvy. That's W-I-N-S-H-A-P-E marriage dot org slash S-A-V-V-Y. Thanks for your sponsorship.   I'd love to hear even more into the redemption part of it, because Marriage 365, you had shared before we had recorded that you launched that in 2013. So, just to get the timeline straight, had you already done some work and some counseling before you launched that?   Meygan Caston: (18:56 - 19:26)  Or what was that journey? Yeah, so, we always say we it took us two years to fall in love and get married. It took us three years to destroy our marriage, and it took about four or five years to repair our marriage.   It was, as you know, Laura, it is not a quick fix when your marriage is as bad as ours. And so, our story is unique in the sense where we were both not wanting to get help for our marriage. I love you, babe, but he was resistant.   He didn't want to go to therapy. His family didn't go to therapy. That wasn't normalized.   Casey Caston: (19:26 - 19:31)  Well, my faith background said that therapy is bad from the from the devil.   Meygan Caston: (19:31 - 19:38)  It was specifically your parents. But from the devil. Yeah, because I have a faith background, too. And my parents went to therapy. But that's what I was saying.   Casey Caston: (19:38 - 19:40)  My background was that you don't do that.   Meygan Caston: (19:40 - 21:16)  Yeah. So, I was wanting to get divorced and he wouldn't divorce me. He was like, no.   So, if you're going to do it, you got to do it. And so, I got help for myself. And I had the most amazing woman who a therapist who just walked me through basically how to save my marriage by myself.   And she goes, listen, you know, at the end of the day, if you want to make a better marriage, it starts by making a better you. You have zero control over Casey. You have 100 percent control over you.   He's not here. You are. I can show you how to communicate, how to forgive him even without getting an apology.   I can show you how to bring to his defenses down. I can show you how to create boundaries so he doesn't yell at you anymore. I mean, and that's literally for 13 months I worked on myself. And I believe that that is what genuinely changed everything. And that's really the message behind Marriage 365 is if you want to make a better marriage, it starts by making a better you. Stop waiting around for your husband or your wife to get on board.   They may never. Then you're only going to build resentment while you sit there and wait. At the end of the day, you're responsible for how you show up.   And so, in that 13 months, the hope was, of course, that I would positively influence Casey, which I did. And he saw the change in me. Everything changed.   I mean, like we both used to be yellers, right? We would both yell and scream. And I was like, I'm not going to yell anymore.   Like, I just I don't want to be a yeller of a mom. I don't want to be a yeller of a wife. Like, I don't like this part of me. My mom was a yeller. I mean, oh, yeah, I hate this. And I just remember like one day he came walking in and he was all heated and frustrated and he started yelling at me. And do you remember what I did, babe?   Casey Caston: (21:17 - 21:33)  Yeah. She looked at me and calmly said, you know, I can tell that you're very upset. I really want to have to listen to what you want to share with me.   Why don't you go outside, take a break, come back in? We're going to sit back on the couch. We can talk about it. I'm here for you. And I was like, what a change.   Meygan Caston: (21:33 - 22:07)  Who is this person? I changed the way that we did marriage. I did that.   And I tell people that I didn't do that once. I didn't do it twice. I did that for months because we had habits we had created.   But I was like, that was like a new boundary. I'm like, I'm not going to engage with him when he's angry. It's been triggered.   Nothing good is coming from this. So, it was all of that we started to really adopt and learn together because he's like, you're a different person. Like, it was obvious we were doing the tango.   And now I was doing the rumba and he was over there doing the tango. And I'm like, come join me in the healthy rumba over here because it's way better.   Casey Caston: (22:07 - 22:09)  And so, for toxic tango.   Meygan Caston: (22:09 - 23:20)  Yeah, we went to a marriage. Yeah, we went to a marriage intensive. And we did some therapy.   We did a lot of self-help. But through that journey, this is kind of where we started Marriage 365 is. First off, we couldn't afford therapy.   We needed to pay off all that debt that we had with a lot of student loan debt, a lot of stupid debt. What do you do if you can't afford therapy? What do you do if you don't have a good therapist?   What do you do if you have a bad experience with therapy? What do you do if the books aren't enough? And that was there was a really big hole and missing part in the marriage.   I don't say industry, but in the marriage space, where were all the online resources? Because this was back again in like 2010 when like podcasts weren't even around, social media was just becoming a thing. And it was really hard.   We were really disappointed with the lack of resources there were for marriage. And it felt like every church you go to, there was, you know, the missions ministry and the children's ministry and the youth groups. And all those are great.   Where in the world are all the marriage ministries? Then we found out only 3% of churches have actual paid marriage ministries. And I thought, that's messed up.   That's reverse. It's supposed to be the opposite, because then everything else will work itself out, as we know, with what research shows.   Casey Caston: (23:20 - 23:21)  Same with men's ministry, by the way.   Meygan Caston: (23:21 - 23:22)  Yes, same with men's ministry.   Casey Caston: (23:22 - 23:23)  Men's and marriage.   Meygan Caston: (23:23 - 23:26)  That's like the stepchild.   Casey Caston: (23:26 - 23:33)  Tech guy slash men's guy slash, you know. Children's persons can also do marriage.   Meygan Caston: (23:33 - 23:40)  So, we really just started helping our friends out. Obviously, people could see the change. Then people would come to us. We started helping couples at our church.   Casey Caston: (23:40 - 23:48)  And we had a ghoul pool. Like people were like, we give you guys another like ten months and then we're expecting you.   Meygan Caston: (23:48 - 23:51)  Yeah, everyone that knew us thought we'd get divorced.   Casey Caston: (23:51 - 23:52)  We were messy.   Meygan Caston: (23:52 - 23:58)  We were bad. Yeah. So, to see the complete transformation. And again, I go back to that work we did was on ourselves.   Casey Caston: (23:58 - 25:31)  And I just have to say that if you want to make a better marriage, it starts by making a better you. If you're hearing that. And you're kind of in a one sided marriage right now, I got to just say, I know that message sucks because it's a message that says you have to go first.   And that's not fair. In a marriage, you're supposed to be a team. But I do want to say there's so many couples that are stuck. Waiting for their spouse to join them on the let's get healthy train. So, their spouse doesn't join them. And then what they do is they kind of lean back, fold their arms and go, well, I guess we're stuck.   But I want to say that that's there is a message of empowerment to say you do have influence and the ability to steer your marriage in a healthy way. I have lots of regret that I did not join that train much sooner. But the story is that Meygan, you know, became the hero of our journey.   And that is something that I work actively so that I'm never in that place again, that I am the one that's always actively trying to improve myself, that I'm a better communicator, that I'm not a yeller, which we've ditched that a long time ago, that that I'm considered of Meygan's needs. And I'm even like attuned to like, what is she feeling? And how do I meet her where she's at?   Laura Dugger: (25:32 - 25:54)  Which is amazing that watching Meygan, it was compelling enough for you to join in. And it's admirable on both sides, the work that you've done. And are there any specific areas that you grew in that now you teach couples? I'm thinking specifically under conflict and repair or communication.   Casey Caston: (25:55 - 27:42)  Yeah. So, I remember those early years and every single week was chaos to chaos. Like coming home, it'd be like, what's for dinner?   I'm hungry and we need to make a decision now. Or, you know, it's Friday night or Saturday morning. What's going on this weekend?   Or where's all our money going? It was very, it was very reactionary. And I remember reading through Stephen Covey's, you know, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.   And the first habit is be proactive. You cannot be intentional with your life. You cannot create purpose and meaning unless you are proactive with your life.   So, Meygan and I, you know, I'm working in a company and every single week we get together and we go through what are everyone's goals? What do we need to accomplish this week? We find alignment and the week goes really well.   We've got KPIs. We've got all these like, hey, as a team, you know, work team, here's what we're trying to accomplish this week. And it just kind of dawned on us like, well, why don't we do that in marriage?   Why don't we do that for a family? You got a family of six. You got six people running around the house. All have agendas. And you are trying to find alignment so that, hey, this is what the family is all about this week, right? We've got tournaments.   We've got parties. We've got projects. We've got meals.   And I think for so many couples we talk to, they live. Life with purpose on like building their career or their business or purpose with other areas of their life. And then when it comes to family, they wing it.   Meygan Caston: (27:42 - 27:43)  They just wing it.   Casey Caston: (27:43 - 28:31)  Yeah. And it's like, well, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. It's the winging attitude creates chaos.   And so, Meygan and I love to teach this tool called the Weekly Marriage Business Meeting. And it is all of the logistics of our relationship schedules, meal plans, budgets, connection time, sexy time, alone time, self-care time. Yeah.   And and we kind of set with intention the week ahead for us. And we go through all the decisions of who's going, what, where, when. And all of that's done.   So, when you walk into the day, you're not like stressed about what's supposed to be happening. There is alignment and there's no missed expectations.   Meygan Caston: (28:31 - 29:27)  Yeah, there's no fights anymore about, well, you said you'd be home at six. No, I didn't. I said I'd be home at seven.   We sync our calendars. And I think, too, a big thing with this is we've noticed we fight when we don't do this now. It's one of those tools that it's prevented most of conflict.   I mean, we say it will on average for the most couples that use it. We have at least over 10,000 couples we know right now currently using it that are our members that they say it cuts conflict in half in half, because what you're doing is you're even scheduling that connection time or date night time where you're like, no matter how busy we are, when are Casey and Meygan going to get to be Casey and Meygan?   And that's so important, because again, if you're winging it and you're just trying to find time to connect, well, you've got four kids, we've got two teenagers. It's never going to happen. Right. And so, the weekly marriage business meeting is definitely one of the amazing and favorite worksheets and tools that we've taught and that we use ourselves because it works.   Casey Caston: (29:28 - 29:28)  Yeah.   Laura Dugger: (29:28 - 29:59)  What a game changer. That is awesome and so practical, so intentional, which we're all about. But then also we had talked about emotional intimacy earlier and emotional intimacy is interconnected with sexual intimacy and communication is the root issue.   And that's what you teach couples. So, what are some conversations that couples can begin so that they can grow in both of those types of intimacy and enjoyment?   Casey Caston: (30:01 - 31:34)  Yeah, so, I feel like I have to start off by saying I got this so wrong when we were first married. It's OK. I forgive you now.   Yeah, because, you know. Let's just let's be we'll be we'll be completely transparent. So, Meygan and I waited to have sex until we were married.   So, now I actually waited till I was married to have sex. And I thought that under that purity guideline, I was promised maybe by a youth group, maybe by a convention, that if you withhold sex and remain pure, God is going to bless you with the best sex life when you're married. And that just simply did not happen.   Like when we first got married, I really got went into the bedroom thinking. I don't know what foreplay is, but let's have intercourse until I come and then we're done. And that's sex. That's our sexual intimacy. And we missed out on so many intimate ways of knowing each other and sex being an obligation and something like I just was demanding of it from Meygan. And. What I've come to discover and what I love to teach other men is that sex is so much more broader than just having intercourse. I mean, there was this total understanding like, well, I feel good during intercourse. This feels very stimulating, which means that Meygan must feel the exact same way while we're having intercourse.   Meygan Caston: (31:35 - 31:35)  Nope.   Casey Caston: (31:36 - 32:35)  Because that's because listen, I never had sex before. But anytime I watched a rom com, you know, the guy threw up, you know, against the wall or they're having intercourse and she's going and he's going and they're having a great time. Like this must be what sex is all about.   And what I've discovered now and I get to teach other men is that emotional intimacy is kind of the birthplace of sexual expression of love, right? That we we create safe places for our wives to to open up. And because of that, they become more willing and wanting that that sexual expression rather than us just coming in and saying, OK, it's time for sex.   Let's go. And so, when we talk about just this book, this 365 Connecting Questions for Couples, I tell my guys, I'm like, hey, if you want to have great sex, start here because that is foreplay.   Meygan Caston: (32:35 - 33:48)  That's start here. It's good to know my heart, not just use me for my body, which can feel like that for a lot of people. And I think going back to the emotional intimacy, I think that, again, you had that when you were dating or you wouldn't have gotten married.   There was no way you were. If the person was boring, closed off, if, you know, your spouse was just completely on their phone every time, you wouldn't have had that second, third, fourth date. So, there was emotional intimacy at some point, which means you can't ever say we never had it.    You can always get it back, but you can have to be intentional. And I think a great way is we call it connection time. I think date night scares a lot of people.    I think it's the idea of. We have to go to a restaurant, we have to spend money, we have to find a babysitter, all these hurdles that you have to go through to make it happen, so then couples just don't even do it. So, we're like, listen, if you if that's overwhelming to you, then try connection time.    And really what that is, it's still undivided, you know, attention and time with you and your spouse. Maybe it's smaller, maybe it's 15 minutes, 30 minutes. And I know for when our kids were little, we played board games and card games and they'd go to bed, you know, at 7:30 or 8:00 PM.    And we would bring out Yahtzee.   Casey Caston: (33:48 - 33:51)  There'd be a lot of trash talking over chutes and ladders.   Meygan Caston: (33:52 - 34:29)  But we would play. We would play games. And it was our time to connect.    And when we didn't talk about the kids, you know, we just chatted about our day and again, going through some of these connecting questions that didn't even really exist yet, but they were in our heads. Taking a walk with the dog and, you know, going to a little local coffee shop, even if it's just 30 minutes and sharing and talking and exploring that emotional intimacy should never stop again. And that's going to give people opportunities to then go into the bedroom, like Casey mentioned, more willing and more excited to be intimate to each other because it's like, oh, that's right.    We like each other. We're still married. We're still friends.   Casey Caston: (34:29 - 35:15)  You bring up a great point. Like I said, I think sitting down over the table, staring at each other can be intimidating for a lot of guys, because especially if this is not a regular habit in your relationship and taking a walk for guys when we're doing something and maybe it's less intimidating because we're not even staring at each other. But that kind of like getting the, you know, oxytocin going, like getting moving, like that kind of adrenaline can actually stimulate guys for good conversations and processing things.    And so, what we hear from a lot of couples that take our book, maybe they'll take a picture of the question and they'll go, Hey, let's take a walk. And then they'll use the question on their walk.   Meygan Caston: (35:15 - 35:15)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (35:15 - 35:24)  And that gets conversations going. So, if that's like a on ramp onto this, that's a that's a great starting point for a lot of people.   Laura Dugger: (35:24 - 36:48)  Oh, that's so good. And I love how you say just an on ramp, because the goal is more intimacy overall together to know one another, be known. And I love that you're showing this is not a manipulation factor.    This isn't ask these questions so we can be more active in the bedroom, regardless of whichever spouse is the higher desire one. But this is to really enhance all levels of your relationship. And as you talk about oxytocin, it just makes me think such an interesting cycle that the Lord created where I will speak more stereotypically that where women require the emotional connection and then they open up and enjoy sex more.    But then men, once they've had sex and they just have this like 500 percent increase of oxytocin in this neurochemical bath that opens them up emotionally. And we could see it even as we view our differences. You could be upset because they're opposite or we can see it as a gift that they can fuel one another.    And then we get more of a holistic picture of overall intimacy. So, I'll also link to quite a few episodes because we do about one per month where we dive deeper into sexual intimacy. S   o, I can link all of those in the show notes.    But Casey, were you going to say something?   Meygan Caston: (36:49 - 36:50)  I want to say something to it.   Casey Caston: (36:51 - 37:16)  He loves. Well, so, we're talking chicken and egg, right? Like who gets the emotional intimacy, who gets the physical intimacy first?    And I just think that there's if we approach our relationship with selfishness, well, then neither people get satisfied. But if we are in an approach to serve one another and be selfless lovers. So, men would be like, you know what?    I want to meet my wife's emotional needs.   Meygan Caston: (37:16 - 37:16)  Yeah.   Casey Caston: (37:17 - 37:38)  Like and I do believe that men are the spark of initiation. If you're a husband out there listening to this, like that one of your greatest gifts to marriage is initiation. You were the one who asked for the first date.    You were the one who got down one the knee. You are the spark of initiation. And I believe that God's created women as nurturers of that initiation.   Meygan Caston: (37:39 - 37:41)  And to clarify, you're not talking just about initiating sex.   Casey Caston: (37:41 - 37:43)  Well, yes. Just everything.   Meygan Caston: (37:43 - 37:55)  Initiating, just initiating, initiating a weekly marriage business meeting. Women are so turned on by when a husband's like, hey, I don't necessarily know what we want to do for a date night, but I want to take you on a date. Can I get an amen, Laura?   Laura Dugger: (37:55 - 37:56)  Right, sister?   Meygan Caston: (37:57 - 38:14)  Hey, women are turned on. Listen, men, women are turned on. If you say, you know what?    I know that like this has been an issue with my parents and I don't even know how to handle it, but I really want to have that conversation. Oh, my gosh. Just initiating the conversation is all we're looking for.    It's OK that you don't have all the answers.   Casey Caston: (38:14 - 38:14)  Yeah.   Meygan Caston: (38:14 - 38:23)  But for men that avoid stonewall, escape, numb out, busy themselves, it is such a turnoff. It is so not what we want.   Laura Dugger: (38:23 - 39:55)  I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website. You can visit theSavvySauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Heinrichsen from episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities. And we are thrilled with the final product.    So, I hope you check it out there. You're going to find all of our podcasts now with show notes and transcriptions listed a scrapbook of various previous guests and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones so that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living. You will also be able to access our donation button or our mailing address for sending checks that are tax deductible so that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nation with the good news of Jesus Christ.    So, make sure you visit theSavvySauce.com.    Okay, so, then continue the conversation with just overall intimacy. What are some examples of de-escalation techniques that you recommend to couples who are in conflict, ones that can maybe help the strained relationships so that they can be repaired?  Yeah.   Meygan Caston: (39:55 - 42:19)  Yeah. So, a big thing that I've learned as someone who's very direct, I can tend to be on that, like I mentioned, fighter side. And I know a lot of women, studies have shown 75 percent of us ladies are the ones that typically bring up the issues.    So, just be aware that there is a gender difference there. And if you're a dude, there's nothing wrong with you if you're in, you know, that 75 percent or 25 percent. But I think the biggest thing I've recognized is to remind your spouse in the very beginning of the conversation, why you're having the conversation.    You know, I love you. I love us. I want to see us be the best people that we can be.    I want to see us enjoy marriage and enjoy life. I love you. Like bring the positivity and the reminder that you're better together than apart.    And really, that's part of what we call a soft startup, right? There's a lot of different soft startups you've heard of. You know, I feel when you I need those work to but I like to take it a little bit deeper to say, remind your spouse how much that you love being married to them.    Or again, whatever the issue is like we have the most. Let's say it's parenting. Casey and I are very different in our parenting styles.    Last night would have been a great difference of how that happened. But like reminder that like we both love our children. We both want the best for our kids.    No one doubts that. We both have made we made two beautiful, wonderful, quirky children. Right.    And so, even you can start the conversation with that. But I wish that more people did that because I think people are are, you know, I'm really upset about something. OK, well, the second you say that defenses, sorry, but defenses are going to go up.    We want to keep the conversations defenses low, guards low, right, de-escalation. And so, use soft startups, use kind, positive language. But I think another thing behind that would be come to the conversation processed.    Do not have these conversations 11 o'clock at night when you're tired or when you're hungry. Do not have these conversations when it just happened and you haven't had the time to just like stop. Think about what do I really need?    Why did that trigger me? What am I hoping to achieve? Why is my husband acting this way?    Oh, is he under a lot of stress? Yeah, we got to give ourselves time to sit and process before we even use those soft startups. So, that would be my advice for de-escalation.   Casey Caston: (42:20 - 43:04)  And mine actually would be an apology. I think that we all make mistakes. And when you think about a couple that's maybe living reactively, just winging it, I doubt that there's ever an apology that's given on either side because it takes a little it takes awareness to recognize, gosh, you know what?    My that little comment I just made that probably had a little zing to it. Or, you know, I really let my spouse down by not parenting the children the way she would want me to. Or, you know, I said I was going to do something and I didn't.    And I let my partner down. You want to de-escalate a tense situation. Apologize.   Meygan Caston: (43:04 - 43:04)  Yeah. Own it.   Casey Caston: (43:05 - 43:12)  When you apologize, you know, you're taking all of the heat out of the fire. They really are.   Meygan Caston: (43:12 - 43:16)  And you're validating your spouse's feelings. Who doesn't want to be validated and seen? Everybody does.   Casey Caston: (43:16 - 43:38)  And then you're taking responsibility and accountability for your actions, which is the trust builder for relationships. So, that's why when you talk about high conflict relationships, there aren't a lot of there's not a lot of trust there. It's not a safe place anymore.    So, to create that safety, we want to we want to build trust back into the relationship.   Laura Dugger: (43:39 - 43:50)  Those are fantastic. And do you guys just have maybe a handful of ideas for ways that couples can strengthen their marriage with one another?   Meygan Caston: (43:51 - 44:09)  Absolutely. I would say, obviously, the weekly marriage business meeting. I mean, I know we talked about it, but the important thing is to schedule it, put it in the calendar because you don't want to wing it.    And that way it's showing, oh, you're prioritizing us. Taking walks has been a big one for us. Playing games is a big one.   Casey Caston: (44:09 - 45:18)  The 60 second blessing is where we intentionally spend time. 60 seconds reminding our partner of how much we love them, using our words to say, like, I saw how hard you work for the family. I love how you take care of the kids and kind of reminding your partner, like I see the goodness in each other.    I think it's really important because. Day to day life, we can just be very transactional, and if we again, we have any sort of criticism or, you know, our words just are not flavored with life, well, proverb says, you know, our words have the power to give life or to give death. Right.    So, the words that we speak, if we evaluate. Are we producing what I call weed seeds? Or are we planting fruit trees?    Because weed seeds choke out the garden. Those sharp, critical words can leave your garden looking pretty shabby, whereas being intentional by speaking positive over each other. It's like planting fruit trees.    And who doesn't like a good, juicy orange? Right.   Meygan Caston: (45:18 - 47:15)  Well, and the 60 second blessing, you know, you start off by writing five to seven positive things you love about your spouse. And so, one spouse shares their list for 60 seconds and then the second spouse shares their list. And it's this habit that we actually started doing after our marriage intensive that we did as we were repairing our marriage because we had yeah, we had we had spoken such mean and harsh words or just a lot of roommate stuff.    And we needed that positivity. And it's a great foreplay tip, by the way, just to sit, sometimes sit down and go, I just need to tell you how wonderful you are. Like, who doesn't want to hear that about themselves?    I think another thing that Casey and I have recognized it is the only thing, by the way, Laura, in our marriage, the only thing that has ever stayed consistent. That's we have fun together. We laugh a lot, even in hard times.    Yeah, it wasn't as enjoyable, but we still had fun. And, you know, again, fun is different for everybody. We don't ever want to judge someone else's fun.    But we are constantly like we we are sarcastic. But that's for us because we have high trust levels. I usually tell couples if you're, you know, in a fair recovery or you have low trust levels, sarcasm is probably not great.    But we're very playful. We have again, we play a lot of fun games and we play ping pong and cornhole and we take our dogs on our dog on a walk. And we, you know, we're going to try to go ax throwing in April.    We've never done that before. Like there are fun that we've taken dance lessons. So, we like to think out of the box and do new things or things that we know that like how many games of Yahtzee have we played?    I don't even know. I mean, we've lost count. Or gin rummy, you know, I mean, we just play Sequence or Rummikub like we play them all.    And for that for us, that's really fun. We dance a lot. We love the 90's music.    Like get out your favorite playlist and just dance and sing and be goofy. Like I think if couples were to laugh and enjoy each other more and be able to laugh with themselves, I think that there would be more marriages that would stay together. Laura Dugger: (47:16 - 47:39)  That is something that I've even experienced in this time together. You guys are so fun to be around. And that's very life giving to others.    But I can see where it starts in that secret place between just the two of you, your best friend. And you share a lot of this goodness with Marriage 365. So, can you let us know all the different things that you have to offer?   Casey Caston: (47:40 - 48:48)  Yeah, I would probably say the number one way that people experience all of the resources that we've created over the years is through our mobile app. So, we have an app that has over a thousand pieces of videos, workshop, worksheet, excuse me, courses, challenges. We even have a checkup so you can actually rate kind of your marriage.    And that is a great way for people to be able to have access, you know, on the spot if they're dealing with an issue, they don't know how to get through and they're looking for a tool or a conversation to help them work through that. That our app provides such a valuable resource. I mean, beyond that, you know, some couples need a little bit more hands on approach.    So, we do coaching. We have a coaching staff actually to handle all the incoming couples that are saying, hey, can you can you help us out? And again, I just want to say coaching is really, really focused on giving action plans and homework and accountability to our clients.    And coaching is really, really helpful if you're like, I just need to know what to do next.   Meygan Caston: (48:48 - 49:17)  Yeah. We do intensives for couples that are in crisis, you know, there that are seriously considering separation or divorce or an affair recovery and that we have an over 90 percent success rate because we went through an intensive when we were struggling and it was something we knew we wanted to get trained on and do. And it's a full two days with Casey and I.    I mean, two days back-to-back. We know you. We get Christmas cards from all of our couples, you know, every year.    We love it. And it's they become almost I mean, yes, they're our clients, but they almost become like our friends.   Casey Caston: (49:17 - 49:45)  Yeah. And then probably personally, one of my favorite things that we do is we host our own couple's getaway. And this is a four-day experience.    It's not your it's not like a typical retreat where you're sitting in a conference room, you're just getting lectured all day. We're actually facilitating tools and then giving couples opportunities to work on them. Then some free time to really spend some time making great memories.    We have a dance party. It is a ton of fun.   Meygan Caston: (49:45 - 49:55)  We make sure. Yeah, we make sure it's fun. It's more it's definitely more for couples who are doing OK or want to do better, not they're not ideal for couples in crisis because it's going to be very uncomfortable.   Casey Caston: (49:55 - 49:56)  I love our retreats.   Meygan Caston: (49:56 - 49:57)  I know.   Casey Caston: (49:57 - 49:58)  I love interacting with her.   Meygan Caston: (49:58 - 50:05)  And of course, we have our social media. You can just search Marriage 365 and then we have our website, too. And we have our books, of course.   Casey Caston: (50:05 - 50:09)  Oh, and I have a men's group. I know I launched a five-week men's reset. . Meygan Caston: (50:09 - 50:34)  Needless to say, Laura, we're really busy. I do a lot. I think that's what's funny, right?    I think that people see us online and they think that we just have an Instagram, or we just have Facebook. And I'm like, we've been doing this for 12 years and we have a staff of 12 people. So, we reach a lot of people.    And we because marriage is never a one stop, you know, one size fits all. It's it's true. There are so many different dynamics, and we want to be able to help as many people as we can.   Laura Dugger: (50:35 - 50:59)  Wow. Thank you for sharing that. We will add all of those links.    I love all these different offerings that you have and that will meet people in whatever phase they're in. But you two already know we are called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for both of you, what is your Savvy Sauce?   Meygan Caston: (51:00 - 51:47)  Mine would be I would want every single person to think about becoming more confident. And that starts with becoming more self-aware. I think that that is completely changed who I am.   And I'm we're raising two kids, and I see the confidence that they have. And we're modeling that but also walking them through how to be self-aware. And really, that starts with having to be one with your thoughts, turning off the phone, sorry, turning off the podcast, sometimes turning off the music and just actually sitting and really going.    Do I really know my thoughts, my feelings, my values, my personality, my good, my bad, my ugly? And we don't do this enough. We are busy ourselves.    We're distracted constantly. And I think that it's really harming our mental health. And so, that would be my savvy sauce.   Casey Caston: (51:47 - 52:30)  Hmm. I love that, babe. It's kind of hard because we find so much alignment.    I mean, I would that's exactly what I would say, too. Um, I, you know, my focus in twenty, twenty-five has really been turned towards helping husbands. And there's a quote that Henry David Thoreau says that many men live lives of quiet desperation and they die with their songs still inside them.    And most guys are terrified of stopping and evaluating. And so, for me, creating space too. Listen, I do a 10, 10, 10 practice in the morning.   Meygan Caston: (52:30 - 52:32)  That's what I thought you were going to say.   Casey Caston: (52:32 - 52:32)  Yeah, yeah.   Meygan Caston: (52:32 - 52:36)  Well, I was like, I bet you he's going to talk about it because it's been life changing for you.   Casey Caston: (52:36 - 53:01)  Yeah. So, I spend 10 minutes of scripture reading. So, that's input.    Then I spend 10 minutes of quiet meditation where I'm sitting and I'm in a listening posture. And I mean, I think about everything from lasagna to the last wave I serve to. But there's intentionality about just opening myself like here I am.    I'm ready to be downloaded on like what you have for me today.   Meygan Caston: (53:01 - 53:02)  God be one with your thoughts.   Casey Caston: (53:03 - 53:18)  Yeah. And all sorts of things come up. And then I spent 10 minutes journaling.    And that process is just and that's like the output. Right. So, now I've got input.    I've been listening and now I get to write stuff out. And that's been a huge game changer for me.   Laura Dugger: (53:19 - 53:43)  Wow, I love both of those. You two are just refreshingly vulnerable and such an incredible mixture of intentional and lighthearted. And it has been so great just to sit under your teaching today.    So, thank you for sharing your story and for helping all of us. And thank you just for being my guests.   Meygan Caston: (53:43 - 53:45)  Oh, you're welcome. It was a pleasure to be here.   Casey Caston: (53:45 - 53:49)  Yes, you asked great questions that plumb the deep wells of Casey Meygan.   Laura Dugger: (53:52 - 57:35)  One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.

Erin Diehl's innovative approach to professional development leverages improvisational training to enhance team dynamics, leadership skills, and effective communication within organizations. By fostering a culture of collaboration and open communication, Diehl encourages participants to engage in activities that promote active listening and the principle of Yes, And…. This methodology not only helps break down silos but also cultivates an inclusive atmosphere where creativity can flourish, ultimately driving better outcomes for teams and organizations. Diehl emphasizes the importance of play in the workplace, demonstrating how integrating playful elements into training sessions can create a more engaging and enjoyable learning experience. By reframing failure as an opportunity for growth, she empowers professionals to adopt a resilient mindset, allowing them to take risks and explore new ideas without fear. This transformative approach leads to enhanced morale, increased productivity, and a more positive workplace culture, where employees feel connected and motivated to contribute meaningfully. To learn more about Erin Diehl's impactful work and explore the resources she offers, visit her website. Check out her book, I See You! A Leader's Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy, and enjoy valuable insights for leaders looking to foster empathy within their teams. For further inspiration and practical strategies, tune into her podcast, Workday Playdate with Improve It!, where she shares actionable tips and engaging discussions on enhancing workplace culture and performance. Try ZipRecruiter for FREE at ZipRecruiter.com/work For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We're happy you're here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Global Vice President of Commercial Excellence Yujing Liu is here to share her compelling journey, insights, and strategies that have led to a distinguished career at Solmax. We engage in a lively discussion about how geosynthetics are revolutionizing sustainable construction, reducing reliance on traditional materials like concrete. Yujing's story is one of resilience and growth, as she conquered language barriers and self-doubt to excel in her global role. Her experiences provide a roadmap for anyone eager to cultivate confidence and curiosity to achieve professional success. Our conversation takes us through the adventurous landscapes of early career transitions, highlighting the unexpected growth that comes from embracing challenges. From moving from Shanghai to France without knowing the language, Yujing exemplifies how viewing mistakes as opportunities can foster personal development. We underline the significance of building trust and human connections in unfamiliar environments, and how blending analytical skills with relationship-building can create a vibrant and cooperative team dynamic. These lessons are crucial for anyone navigating career changes and seeking effective ways to connect with new teams. Leadership and CRM systems take center stage as we explore the art of motivating sales teams and transforming perceptions of technology. Balancing ambition with realism, we discuss how empowering team members can unlock their full potential and achieve collective goals. We also address the evolution of CRM systems — once seen as a burden, now a valuable tool for uncovering opportunities and enhancing customer relationships. With insights into improving CRM's analytical capabilities, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the essential elements driving success in today's dynamic business environment. Connect with Solmax and tap into additional resources through their website or LinkedIn. Yujing Liu is the Global Vice President of Commercial Excellence at Solmax, where she leads strategy, processes, and tools to drive profitable growth across the company's worldwide operations. She partners with regional and functional leaders to strengthen sales effectiveness, optimize pricing, and enhance customer experience, ensuring commercial teams are equipped to win in competitive markets.   Quotes: "Curiosity is my secret weapon; by constantly asking 'why,' I've found better ways to do things and unlock new opportunities." "Embracing challenges and viewing mistakes as gifts have been pivotal in my career journey. It's through setbacks that we often learn the most." "Confidence can be nurtured over time. Even if you weren't born with it, you can cultivate it through practice and self-reflection." "Building trust in unfamiliar environments is crucial. It's not just about presenting data but about forming human connections."   Links: Yujing's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yujing-liu-66a32b10/ Solmax - https://www.solmax.com/us/en Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/ 

In this episode, Dr. Erin Masur joins us to share her unique perspective as a veterinarian, sheep farmer, and adoptive parent. We dive into the science and heart behind raising livestock, the challenges and joys of fostering and adopting children, and the realities of balancing farm life with family. Erin opens up about building strong relationships with vets, navigating the emotional landscape of both animal and human care, and finding community support. With plenty of humor and honesty, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in agriculture, parenting, or rural living.Catch Part 2 on our Patreon and skip the wait! This episode is brought to you by ChopLocal University About ChopLocal and ChopLocal UniversityMeat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Join host Meg Grier on "God and Our Dogs" as she welcomes Debi Watson, Communications Director for Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries. Debi shares heartfelt stories about her rescue dogs—Pixel, Remy, and Charlotte—and the lessons they teach about comfort, persistence, and unconditional love. Discover how these dog stories reflect God’s constant presence, guidance, and non-judgmental love in our lives. Debi also discusses the importance of community, serving others, and the impact of Hill Country Daily Bread’s programs, including opportunities for volunteering and mentorship. Tune in for inspiration, faith, and practical ways to rely on God, just as our dogs rely on us. Learn more at hillcountrydailybread.org and follow "God and Our Dogs" on Facebook! 00:00 - Introduction & Show Overview 00:42 - Meet Debi Watson, Guest Introduction 01:36 - Debi’s Rescue Dogs: Pixel, Remy, and Fostering 03:17 - The Surprise: Remy’s Puppies 04:02 - Keeping Charlotte: A Special Bond 05:27 - Lessons from Dogs: Comfort, Persistence, and God’s Love 07:28 - How God Guides and Comforts Us 09:14 - Staying on the Right Path: Faith and Community 10:55 - The Power of Life Groups and Accountability 12:04 - Serving Others at Hill Country Daily Bread 13:33 - Volunteer Opportunities & Summer Leadership Academy 15:22 - The Impact of Mentorship 16:43 - How to Support or Get Involved 18:11 - Closing Thoughts & Final Reflections 19:57 - Outro: Where to Listen and Connect Host: Meg Grier - Stories@GodAndOurDogs.com Website: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072683640098 God and Our Dogs airs every Saturday at 11:15am on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - www.boerneradio.com. Air Date: 9/13/25See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The Assemblies of God was founded as a cooperative fellowship that honors the calling and gifting of all Spirit-filled believers, not as a clerical hierarchy,” says a new Assemblies of God position paper. “As we seek to cultivate healthy spiritual leadership,” it continues, “we must resist any drift toward positional superiority and instead affirm diverse models of leadership found throughout the global church. To walk in step with the Spirit, we must honor the voices of those God has raised up from within, not just those with titles. The nature of spiritual leadership listens, learns, and leads in discernment within community.” In this episode of the Influence Podcast, I talk to Allen Tennison about “Misuse of Spiritual Leadership” (also in Spanish), a new position paper adopted by the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God during its August 2025 meeting. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Allen Tennison is theological counsel of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and chair of its Commission on Doctrines and Practices. ————— This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of Fostering an Environment for Connection. Fostering an Environment for Connection will equip you with proven techniques to handle disruptions, develop positive relationships, and build a culture of structure, respect, and growth in your Kidmin classrooms. This resource will empower you to lead with confidence as a mentor—following the model of Jesus—while fostering an environment for connection. For more information about Fostering an Environment for Connection, visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

In this episode, Dr. Erin Massur joins us to share her unique perspective as a veterinarian, sheep farmer, and adoptive parent. We dive into the science and heart behind raising livestock, the challenges and joys of fostering and adopting children, and the realities of balancing farm life with family. Erin opens up about building strong relationships with vets, navigating the emotional landscape of both animal and human care, and finding community support. With plenty of humor and honesty, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in agriculture, parenting, or rural living.Catch Part 2 on our Patreon and skip the wait! This episode is brought to you by ChopLocal University About ChopLocal and ChopLocal UniversityMeat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Alex Kutsishin is the co-founder and CEO of FUEL Inc., the world's first Performance-as-a-Service platform designed to deliver cutting-edge performance training for sales teams and leaders. FUEL is transforming traditional business education by combining science-backed learning, real-time coaching, and advanced analytics to create happier, healthier, and more productive professionals. A born entrepreneur, Alex has co-founded ten companies across diverse industries—from launching medical offices in Washington, D.C., to building the first American-based low-code/no-code platform for creating custom mobile websites. His ventures consistently push the boundaries of innovation, blending technology and strategic growth to meet evolving market demands. Alex's achievements have earned him widespread recognition, including EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Inc. 101, and Deloitte Fast 50 honors. He is also credited with building the fastest-growing mortgage technology company in the world, achieving a staggering 7,000% growth in just four years. With FUEL, Alex continues his mission to redefine how individuals and organizations unlock peak performance.   During the show we discussed: How Fuel differs from traditional LM “Performance-as-a-Service” explained The gap Fuel fills in training Boosting retention by 700% On-demand video library content Daily live coaching structure Science-backed learning methods Manager tools for tracking & analytics Fostering accountability & growth Personalized learning paths Client ROI & performance gains   Resources: https://www.myfuel.io/

This is NOT just another rags-to-riches story of a dishwasher building One Wealth Advisors to $1.2B AUM… This episode is a deep dive into:- Fostering loving, drama-free team cultures that thrived even during COVID-Why job loss fears are OVERBLOWN-Why retirement might NOT BE THE DREAM that we're sold to.

“Find those people who are your allies, have confidence in yourself, have confidence in your competence.”This episode features an in-depth conversation with FDNY Deputy Chief Michele Fitzsimmons, who shares her career journey and discusses the evolution of the department. Michele shares her journey from working with HIV/AIDS patients to becoming a firefighter and eventually rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief. Preston and Michele discuss the critical role of trust, teamwork, and communication in mission-critical situations, as well as the fundamental changes that followed the events of 9/11. Michele offers valuable insights into the significance of training and communal meals, as well as the evolving safety protocols for modern firefighters. This episode is an inspiring look into the life and career of a dedicated leader who has helped shape the future of fire service. If you find value in this discussion, the best way to support our work and stay up-to-date with future episodes is to subscribe and leave us a quick rating or review. It helps us reach more people who need to hear these conversations.

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: Are there travel restrictions when you are fostering? For example, my family lives out of state, but can I bring the child with me when I travel to visit family?Resources:Working as Part of a Foster Care TeamWorking with the Birth Parents for the Child's Best InterestBecoming a Foster ParentSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

In this  episode of "You Can Mentor," host Zach Garza engages with Dr. David Yeager, a leading expert in psychology and education and the author of "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, to uncover the profound impact of mentorship.They explore the mentor mindset, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining high standards and providing unwavering support. Dr. Yeager shares his expertise on cultivating a growth mindset, emphasizing how mentors can encourage resilience and adaptability in their mentees. The conversation delves into the art of delivering wise feedback, offering practical tips on how to communicate effectively to inspire and empower young individuals. Through compelling stories and research-backed insights, this episode provides valuable strategies for mentors seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they guide. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost voices in mentorship and education. --You can find the book "10 to 25" here.Learn more about You Can Mentor here.--[00:00] Introduction to Mentorship[02:00] David Yeager's Journey[08:00] The Mentor Mindset[15:00] Balancing High Standards and Support[22:00] Insights on Growth Mindset[28:00] The Role of Feedback in Mentorship[34:00] Stories of Impactful Mentorship[39:00] Conclusion and Key Takeaways--If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

One of my key messages for you today is that it is ok to take a break. You are not a bad mom, wife, boss, employee, sister, aunt, friend, or other community member if you drop off the grid for a while. Yes, I felt a bit of guilt, but then I realized that I am better in all areas of my life when I take breaks. If you need to hear this, I hope it helps you! As my guest today, Dr. Angela Jackson, says, “It's a win-win.” “Win-win” is a traditional corporate term, but Dr. Angela takes it to a whole new level. In her NY Times Bestselling book, The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom-Line Success, she shares 9 key principles that will drive the future of work. During the podcast, Dr. Angela and I chatted about: Why traditional top-down authority and decision making will not work moving forward.The key mistakes leaders and companies make when trying to enhance employee productivity.An overview of the 9 key strategies that emerged from Dr. Angela's research for her book.How can leaders empower employees to make powerful decisions?The impact of creating a psychologically safe work environment on employees. What advice Dr. Angela would have for any companies, teams or leaders that are resistant to change.And more!